Barely a week before Christmas, the art of selecting gifts becomes laden with pressure. After all, it’s already crunch time and finding the perfect gift for the woman in your life can feel like a stressful process if you don’t know where to begin. But fret not as we’ll be listing the best gifts for the season. Just remember, at the end of the day, it’s not just about giving gifts, it’s about crafting an experience that resonates with the sophistication and individuality of the women who enrich our lives.

The party dress of the season
Filipino designer Yoya is known for her play on contrasts. She’s able to make the most delicate pieces and add utility and function, form and structure. For the holidays, she has come up with the perfect party dress. Equal parts flattering and roomy, the Pearson Dress comes in emerald and navy. It also features elegant beadwork in signature starburst patterns. It’s absolutely perfect for dancing, helping oneself to the holiday feast, and of course for the new year countdown. If it gets a little nippy, there’s also the Beaumont cardigan, which is quite the stunner too. Find everything at shopyoya.com.

The gift of health
Give the gift of health, long-term strength, and better balance by helping them get into Pilates. I myself started going for Clinical Pilates regularly at Onelife a year ago and it’s been extremely helpful in improving my posture and overall wellbeing. 
The New-to-Onelife Starter Pack gives the woman in your life three full sessions running for 55 minutes each, a fitness assessment, and one physio-led stretch. We could all use a good stretch and having a professional guide you through the whole thing as well as use a TheraGun on you is a gift, especially after the stress brought by 2023. Purchase online at www.theonelifestudio.com.

The perfect, fuss-free feast
Nothing says love like providing the gift of comfort and ease. Instead of slaving away in the kitchen, allow the women in your life to put their feet up and enjoy the holidays like everyone else. Bizu makes a great Christmas feast that will be delivered to your home. Just set the table, re-heat, and plate everything and you’re good to go. I highly recommend the 10-hour Roast Beef and the Yule Log. Opt for the sets if you also can’t be bothered to create a menu but do make sure to also order the Smoked Salmon and Black Caviar Pie. The Christmas hampers also curate the loveliest sweets. Order everything at bizu.ph.

An elegant carry-all
Ever since I got the Valorie tote from Tumi’s Georgica line, I have not stopped using it even once. From Pilates class to work meetings and even to brunch, it has been my constant and favorite companion. Made of buttery smooth leather, it’s sophisticated yet hardworking. Beautiful yet sturdy. A practical yet very endearing gift. Get one at tumi.ph.

Beauty with a purpose
When it comes to beauty, few gifts transcend the conventional as well as MAC’s Viva Glam Lipsticks. Beyond the stunning shades and luxurious formulas, these lipsticks can change a life. Each purchase contributes to the fight against HIV and AIDS. By gifting Viva Glam Lipsticks, you’re not just gifting beauty but embodying the spirit of compassion during this season. Get either one of the three Viva Glam shades at www.maccosmetics.com.ph.

A personal pick
Perfume may be a very personal preference but picking the right one for the woman in your life makes it even more special. It shows how well you know her and what she likes. Luxasia and The Beauty Edit recently hosted an event to showcase their picks for holiday gifting including Bulgari’s Omnia in Crystalline (floral, aquatic) and Amethyste (floral, woody, musk). Dolce & Gabbana’s new scent called Devotion (amber, vanilla) is perfect for those who are looking for something bold and sweet.

The gift of self-care
Women often find little time for ourselves amid the demands of work and caring for others. The constant juggling of responsibilities often leaves minimal room for personal pursuits, and the idea of indulging in self-care can be accompanied by a tinge of guilt, especially when it involves spending on oneself. 
Ulthera Luxe Lift at Skin 101 has really given me the results I love. Get her a hair makeover just in time for ringing in 2024 at Culture Salon in BGC. Or maybe gift her a relaxing afternoon at Déesse Spa inside the Admiral Hotel so that she can get a massage and her nails done as well? I intend to do all three this season because I’ve decided that guilt over self-care is something I now refuse to relate to.

Top of the line haircare
Probably the most underrated product in the Dyson hair care arsenal is the Corrale. There are other hair straighteners in the market but nothing does the job like the Corrale. It straightens the hair efficiently without damaging it and gives it the most beautiful shine. The Corrale isn’t limited to straightening alone. It effortlessly transforms into a curling iron. Simply glide and twist through each hair section, for voluminous curls. While I do love the AirWrap, the Corrale has less of a learning curve for the women who are not much of hairstyling enthusiasts but would love to start trying. Great for beginners and those experienced in using hair irons but would love an upgrade. Get one at www.dyson.ph.