Your cheat sheet on what to give your family this Christmas

Playing Santa Claus this year? Surprise your loved ones with these gifts!

Christmas is usually the time when we splurge on gifts we give our loved ones. While it’s easy to buy what’s new in the store, it would be better to give something they would like and appreciate. Stumped for ideas? We’ve come up with a simple gift guide to help make your holiday shopping easier. From smart appliances to must-have collectibles, these will surely put a smile on your near and dear’s faces when it’s time for opening gifts. Don’t forget to get yourself a little something as well–you deserve it!

For your mom

Skincare has always been part of a good health regimen, and we wouldn’t be surprised if your mom has taken keen interest especially at this age in her life. There are plenty of affordable skincare and beauty products out there—why not gift her with a refill or a new stock of her go-to products? You can also sneakily survey her dresser if you’re clueless—just check the pots, tubes, bottles and choose which of those products you could purchase for her.

Not her cup of tea? Try fashion! Has she been eyeing a particular dress whenever you accompany her to the mall? You could also gift her with a piece she could wear either for work or special occasions. If she is the type who enjoys getting pampered and budget is not an issue, a trip to the spa will be a great way for her to unwind. Let her pick the type of massage she wants to try or any treatment that will soothe her muscles and relieve her stress. Another option is to accompany her to the salon where she can get a fresh trim or a new color for her locks.

For your dad

Thinking of what you can give Dad? How about a cool cap or a quirky shirt he could wear on casual days? You can also get him a simple leather strap keychain for his keys, which usually go around for  a hundred bucks on online shops like those found in Instagram. You could also gift him with a planner he could use to record his appointments—there are planners out there that go for as low as P200! Throw in a luxury pen so he’s ready to jot down all the things he has to remember—in style. But in case you want to splurge, why not gift him with a vintage watch? Make sure you pick one that’s versatile enough to be worn for formal events and casual get-togethers.

For your brother

Giving gifts to your siblings depends on two things: their interests and their age. Toddlers would appreciate toys, while those a little more grown-up may also find board games to be fun. Plus, you and the family can enjoy and bond over that, too! For bookworms, why not get him a copy of the latest comic book he’s been saving up for? But if your brother takes working out seriously, a fitness tracker could help him monitor his progress. If you find that on the pricier side of things, you could opt to get him activewear which he could use when he hits the gym. Best to time your purchase when there is a sale so you don’t have to spend a lot!

For your sister

Is she into baking, painting, or water sports? Some places offer short courses on basic culinary and basic baking, while arts and crafts stores usually play host to regular workshops on all sorts of creative endeavors such as calligraphy, painting, and pottery. If she’s the sporty type, your friendly neighborhood sports shop could carry something she needs in her outings. You also cannot go wrong with giving her books to expand her knowledge and imagination. Whether it’s novels or self-help books, leafing through the pages of a good book can inspire her to take charge of her life and imagine big things for her future. There are several bookstores in the Metro where you could score great deals for secondhand books if you do not want to break the bank. And the best thing about giving books as gifts? You could borrow her reads when she’s done, too!

Christmas is all about showing family and friends how much you care for them and gifting comes with the season. When shopping for gifts, it also pays to consider not only what they like, but also what they would need. Aside from the material gifts, why not make a worthy investment for their health? AXA’s newest health insurance Health Start is a viable option. With this plan, you don’t have to worry about life-threatening conditions such as cancer, stroke, and heart attack, as well as minor illnesses related to these conditions. Cover can last until age 100. What’s more, it comes with built-in child cover for the insured’s child for certain conditions Finally, there is a return of premium by the time he or she hits age 75 and it comes with a death benefit, too. And the best part of all? It won’t break the bank. The Health Start plan goes for as low as P1,500 per month for P1 million coverage. Another option worth looking into is Health Start Family. It has all the benefits outlined above and it can cover two lives with one single plan for as low as P1,950 a month.

While material things and lavish experiences can be a treat for your loved ones, looking after their future and helping them be secure is undeniably important, too. With these plans, you can rest easy knowing that with health insurance, you and your loved ones can live their best life.