12.12 Must-Haves: Gifts For the Hard-to-Shop-For Crew

With GLoan, you can get ahead of Christmas shopping, unlock great deals, stretch your budget, and pick gifts that truly count.

Shopping for someone who “already has everything” or lives that hardcore minimalist life can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded—frustrating, confusing, and slightly terrifying. But don’t panic: 12.12 is here, and it’s the perfect chance to get clever.

And with GLoan, kering-keri to manage your Christmas shopping budget early, spread out expenses, score the best deals, save more, and make sure every family member gets something special. This is your chance to surprise your loved ones with gifts that are thoughtful, practical, and just a little unexpected.

From the tech-savvy cousin to the friend who prefers experiences over things, we’ve rounded up smart, out-of-the-box ideas that will make you look like a gifting genius without breaking a sweat:

The Minimalist Tito

For the one who treats clutter like a mortal enemy, gifting isn’t about ‘more’—it’s about smart. Skip the gimmicks and go for sleek, functional winners: a wireless charger that doubles as a phone stand (because two-in-one is their love language) and a personal gadget like a smartwatch that handles fitness and payments, clean, useful, and zero regret—just how they like it.

The “I Already Have Everything” Friend

For that friend who swears they don’t need “more stuff,” the trick is to give something that feels personal, not predictable. Start with: an air humidifier and diffuser—a practical and cozy gift, especially if they’re living in apartments or small spaces. It doubles as a humidifier and diffuser, making it ideal for someone who appreciates a relaxing, homey vibe, and a name-engraved tumbler or leather pouch also hits the sweet spot: practical, customized, and impossible to misplace at the office pantry.

The Tech-Lover Cousin

Shopping for the tech fanatic who upgrades faster than you can say “latest model” is a true Olympic sport. Since you’ll never beat them to the newest gadget, go for the curveballs they won’t see coming: an innovative smart home accessory—like a smart bulb, that quietly levels up their space and open-ear earbuds in a unique colorway or design that stand out from their usual black-and-silver lineup. It’s still tech, still cool, but just different enough to impress even the upgrade-obsessed.

The Hobbyist/Collector Sibling

For the hobbyist who treats their collection like a museum and their hobby like a full-time job, ordinary gifts simply won’t cut it. They want something that speaks their language—and preferably comes with bragging rights: a limited-edition or rare find tied to their passion is an instant trophy piece, and a workshop or masterclass lets them level up their skills (and talk about it for weeks).

Thoughtful Giving Made Easy: How GLoan Helps You Plan, Gift, and Pay Smarter

With GLoan, being a thoughtful gifter doesn’t have to be stressful. You get instant access to funds of up to Php 150,000 straight to your GCash wallet and flexible payment terms that let you spread out costs without breaking the bank and interest for as low as 1.59% per month. It’s the perfect partner if you want to give thoughtfully, not impulsively, especially for those hard to gift for, and make the most of every deal.

To avail GLoan, just follow these steps:

1. In your GCash dashboard, tap the “Borrow” tab
2. Tap the GLoan icon
3. Tap “Get Started” to select your loan amount and purpose of the loan.
4. Tap "Get this Loan" and then "Continue" after reviewing the loan terms and your personal information.
5. Read the Disclosure Statement and the Terms and Conditions carefully. Tick the box to agree, then tap "Continue.”
6. Confirm the final loan amount you will receive. A 6-digit authentication code will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.
7. Enter the authentication code on the app and tap "Submit". You will see a confirmation message, and the loan amount will be credited to your GCash wallet within 24 hours.

At the end of the day, thoughtful gifts aren’t about buying the biggest box—they’re about picking something that feels right for that person. Whether you’re paying with your GCash Visa card or straight from your GCash wallet, kering-keri to cover all the gifts you’ve scored — quick, easy, and cashless, just how holiday shopping should be.

You can access GLoan through the GCash dashboard or click the “Borrow” button. GLoan subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery. Kaya mo, i-GCash mo!

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Gifts of Beauty at SM

Give yourself and your loved ones with a gift of beauty from SM. With things opening up as Christmas approaches, it’s a good time to look good and feel great with gift sets from SM Beauty.

Luxe brands like Laura Mercier and Estee Lauder lead the way with their spectacular selections; while iconic MAC has a new dazzling lipstick collection, Benefit delights us with a beauty box, and Nars’s fashion forward gift set that will enhance your holiday look.

You’ll double the drama with Bobbi Brown’s smokey eye mascara, and make heads turn with Make Up Forever’s holiday collection. Vice Cosmetics has sweet treats with names like Kookie Dough and Peppermint for the lips, while Pretty Secret unlocks the key to great brow-works for the blushing diva.

Give your skin some TLC with Clinique’s Merry Moisture Set and Olay’s serums and moisturizers for younger looking skin.

All these and other personal care products like fragrances, hair care, vitamins, supplements, and more are available at SM Beauty located at The SM Stores in most SM Supermalls nationwide. 

Just in time for Christmas, SM Beauty also has exclusive gifts for all SMAC members- a free bear or luggage for a minimum purchase of P10,000 single receipt, available in select SM stores. Keep shopping because you can get more points for selected items all season! 

You can also enjoy an exciting but worry-free shopping experience with our online shopping platforms; shop with SM Beauty Personal Shoppers and discover more products when you check out the SM Catalog https://thesmstorecatalog.com/collections/beauty-and-health. You can also buy your beauty gifts through Shop SM, our Viber community, Messenger, and the SM Store’s Call to Deliver service by calling #143SM or #14376.

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Cute Piggy plushies from Miniso this Chinese New Year

If you want a cute display as we usher in the Year of the Pig, Japanese fast fashion brand Miniso gives a wide collection of cheerful and huggable pig plush toys that will surely give you good luck and positivity this year.

For children born in the Year of the Pig are distinguished by a rare cheerfulness, optimism, and never lose heart. It is impossible to find a sad child of this sign, he or she finds happiness in small things: communication with close people and friends, favorite toys, delicious food. He believes that life is given for happiness, any problems are easily solved, the main things is health, a positive attitude. It's advisable to get close with this kind of children to bring you happiness in the new year.

Behind kindness lies a determined nature that always follows their goals, but acts gently and tactfully without offending the dignity of others. Pig girls are gentle, kind, and caring. Pig boys, on the other hand, are valiant knights with a good heart. He reads a lot, knows countless interesting stories, strongly achieves his goals with dignity. Surround yourself with pig-sign people to attract positive vibes and to stay focused.

Channeling the positive, joyful vibe of the Year of the Pig, Miniso has adorable and fluffy pig plush toys in dinosaur and bunny costumes as well as huggable pillows, creative eye masks and novelty neck pillows.

Check out these Year of the Pig inspired plush toys available this February at Miniso stores in most SM Supermalls nationwide. Also follow @MinisoPhilippines at Facebook for more stylistic and quality affordable products.

   

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