Basically, Christmas is all about the presents. A good present satiates warm, lovey-dovey Christmas expectations. A bad one means there’s going to be some serious relationship re-evaluation going on during the festive season. Giving gifts to your loved one may seem like a complicated process, but it’s actually simple. About this time of year your partner will be subtly sending you signals and hints. Does she leave a magazine open to a certain page for an extended period of time? Does he get particularly excited about a certain topic? Keep your eyes and ears open and Christmas shopping will be a walk in the park. If you are impervious to such methods of communication, however, read on for some not-so-subtle hints.

 

Electronics are sure to impress, and on the top of everyone’s list is the iPod. Kudos to Apple who have made gift giving easy. Last year Apple moved 14 million of the little buggers and that number is sure to be surpassed this year with the release of the new “completely remastered” iPod nano. Kun Xing at the Cinlan store assures me that once again iPods are popular gifts this year. Girls will obviously prefer the cute, colorful nanos, so first of all decide how much you love your partner. Do you love her 2, 4 or 8 gigabytes? After that the only dilemma you face is what color to buy. For the boys, 80G is the way to go because, in the words of a friend, “boys have more info in their life to store.” Not because bigger is better as I had previously misunderstood.

 

They already have an iPod? Cinlan also stocks a wide variety of iPod accessories, including some nifty Chinese style pouches. Electric drills, vibrators and vacuum cleaners will not receive gasps of awe and admiration from the recipient or surrounding friends and family. They are, however, a perfect way to end a relationship.

 

Clothing is another gift that is fraught with danger, especially underwear. It’s getting cold but thermal underwear, although practical, does not say I love you. If you feel the urge to purchase some intimates for your honey bunny, keep away from the overly cute, or overly risqué. Selects stocks some very fab men’s clothing, including stripy Paul Smith boxers. Next door, Shabana stocks pretty, very wearable camisole and knicker sets.

 

If you’re completely out of ideas, a quick stop at the Park Classic Toy shop is a must. Just look for the yellow Mini minor parked in the window. Inside is a treasure trove of eccentric toy goodies. How about a complete set of NSYNC marionettes for the music lover, or an official ‘NWO' stress ball that yells out “authentic wrestling sounds and sayings” when bashed for the sports fanatic, or a 3D puzzle of Tiananmen for the thinker? Zuo Baina says that the tin model cars and wind up robots are popular with the boys.

 

Park Classic Toy Shop: East Third Ring Road Tel: 6506-8952 check: www.toysclub.org Cinlan: Shop 107 Lido Place Tel: 8457-4398 Shabana: Shop 215 Lido Place Tel: 6436-7591 Selects: Shop 217 Lido Place Tel: 6430-1005

 

(Cityweekend December 13, 2007)