Holiday Gift Guide 2012 | Gifts from Php99 to Php999.

With a quick trip to the mall over the weekend, I was finally able to cross off the last few items on my Christmas shopping list. If not for the little man's last confinement, I'd be done with buying gifts weeks ago. I try to avoid the Christmas rush as much as possible, as I really hate it when the malls get overcrowded and queues at the cashier and the gift-wrapping counter hold up for an eternity.

Now I'm sure there are still some of you who aren't done (perhaps haven't even started) with their shopping yet. To make this task a bit easier, I came up with my first-ever Holiday Gift Guide and rounded-up a few items that you can give as gifts for your family, your friends, and even yourself. And because money don't grow on trees and it's always the thought that counts, we're keeping the spending to a minimum of Php 99 all the way to Php 999 only.

1. Mini Twinkle Star Necklace, Php 100.

Bronze-plated star pendant on a soft leather necklace. Perfect for teens and tweens. 

Available at Eazy Fashion.

2. Etude House Milk Talk Body Wash 3-piece Miniature Set, Php 192.

Moisturizing body care line in sweet strawberry, banana, and choco milk scents.

Currently on sale at BHappyWithMe.

3. Slick and Yummy Watch. Php 249.

Silicone watches in an array of fun and funky colors. Best when bought by two's. :)

Available at Eazy Fashion.

4. Human Heart Nature Jolly Body Christmas Bundle, Php 259.

Set includes the all-new Cleansing Bar, Bamboo Body Scrub in Vanilla Paradise (50g), Healthy Lotion (50mL) in your choice variant. Comes in a Christmas paper bag with ribbon and gift tag.

Available at Human Heart Nature. 

5. InstaMUG, prices start at Php 280.

A must-have for all Instagram addicts! Your IG photos comes to life on coffee mugs... 

even on tablet covers and phone cases, too!

An original product of InstaMUG.

6. Spud 'n Squishy eSPUDrilles, Php 370.

Handmade and handcrafted by local craftsmen, these espadrilles for babies and toddlers are made with breathable canvas/cotton uppers, organic Abaca fiber foxing, and non-marking, non-slip rubber soles.

An exclusive product of Spud 'n Squishy. 

7. Wallet Case with Stand for Samsung Galaxy Note2, Php 430.

Protective case fit for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Made from PU leather, 

this flip case turns into a stand and contains pockets for your ATMs or credit cards. 

Available at Hokkoh.

8. Clarissa Clutch by Ichigo, Php 520.

From the Clarissa collection comes these oversized clutches accentuated with pyramid studs. 

Comes in five pastel colors. 

A product of Ichigo Shoes. 

9. Finn and Jake Plushies, Php 600 each.

It's Adventure Time! Upcycled, handcrafted, and made with love, 

these plushies are a surefire hit with kids and kids-at-heart! 

Made especially for you by PopJunkLove.

10. Amber Lights Reed Diffuser, Php 620.

Organic, eco-friendly, and guaranteed phthalate-free, these reed diffusers come in 

six aromatic scents that can last from six to eight months. 

Available in 100 mL bottles at Amber Lights Laguna.

11. Look Beauty UK Brow Perfect Kit, Php 900.

Fool-proof, picture perfect brows made easy with this handy kit! 

Contains eyebrow stencils, fixing gels, mini tweezers, 

double-ended precision applicators, and brow shades.

Available at Skye Avenue.

12. Stila Lip Glaze Trio, Php 990.

Pucker up with Stila's most popular lip gloss in three gorgeous hues. 

Guaranteed to give your lips a splash of color and a healthy, glossy shine.

Available at Stuff in Style.

And there you have it - my Holiday Gift Guide with something for everybody. Hope you all get your shopping done within the next few days. After all, Christmas is just two weeks away!

InstaMUG is instalove!

As a photo enthusiast and a self-confessed camwhore, it's no surprise that I'm also an Instagram user - and an avid one, at that. With the exclusion of Facebook and Twitter, this has got to be the most used app on my phone. Now almost one-year-old and with nearly 700 photos, my Instagram account has become an appendage to this blog, and posting photos has become some sort of daily habit.


Now if you think Instagram is pretty cool, here's something way cooler. Meet InstaMUG - the best thing that has ever happened to Instagram photos!

75 thumbnails + pink inner color.

Simply put, it's your Instagram profile come to life on a ceramic mug. InstaMUG gives a whole new meaning to coffee breaks and tea time as you get to enjoy memorable Instagram snapshots in between sips.

Mugged!

By default, InstaMUG captures the most recent 'look' of your Instagram profile.
That means 75 of your most recent photos as they appear on your Instagram. With the Thumbnails 75 option, you can choose the photos that will appear on your InstaMUG, at no extra cost. (75 photos on a white mug, Php 280. With inner color on mug, Php 300.)

Other print options are also available. The 4iG is a large print of four Instagram photos. (4 photos on a white mug, Php 250. With inner color on mug, Php 270.) The newest offering is the Mid, which is a mix of the first two layout options. With Mid, you get more photos at a bigger size. (27 photos on a white mug, Php 280. With inner color on mug, Php 300.)

Photo credit: InstaMUG

At present, InstaMUG ships within the Philippines only. The business is fairly new (they began operations last May only), and with the mugs now gaining attention and becoming popular, I'm pretty sure they'll be shipping internationally in no time.

Speaking of shipping, my first InstaMUG arrived in this state. I wasn't home when the delivery guy came, and a relative received it in my behalf. When she handed me the package, I heard a clinking sound and I had a feeling that something's wrong with my mug.

I guessed correctly, and the clinking sound came from the broken pieces of the handle. Luckily, the mug itself was unscathed. The little man was so happy to see his photos on the mug, but excitement turned to disappointment when he saw the broken handle. "Hindi ka pwede maglagay ng coffee jan, Mommy," he pointed out. (You can't put coffee in there, Mommy.)

I informed the InstaMUG team right away and Ms. Miracle was very apologetic, despite the fact that the courier should also be taking the blame. And with that, Ms. Miracle sent me another mug, this time with thrice the protective packaging. The tiny thank-you note is present, as always.

I like receiving sweet little notes such as this. To me, it's a sign of sincerity and being customer-friendly.

So now I have two InstaMUGs, much to the delight of the little man.

He took the broken mug, which now holds his pencils, crayons, and markers. As for the other InstaMUG, it's now sitting beside me as I write and filled to the brim with my favorite Korean coffee.

Want your own InstaMUG?
Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!
And of course, they're also on Instagram (@insta_mug).
You'll be surprise to seed celebrities who are proud owners of InstaMUGs, too!

Product/s was sent to me for review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.


Sharing with InstaFriday, Photostory Friday, Simple Things and Great Finds Sunday.