J-emine's reflexionando

With age (not that I’m really old hehe), I tend to skew away from those run of the mills presents or to buy for the sake of buying (or giving in this case). Christmas shopping to me is a detailed process of listing the names of those that I would like to give a little Christmas cheer to, think of what they would like/want/need, and scouting around for unique or handmade gifts that will exemplify my gratitude and love for their kinship or friendship.

This year I scouted and found two special gifts that I would like to share with all of you;

1. Handmade wristlet/clutch by Kawaii Sakura

For a group of my girlfriends, I decided to order handmade wristlets and clutches from Kawaii Sakura for them. Kawaii holds her shopfront on Etsy and makes adorable bags, corsages and other cute stuff mainly with Japanese fabric. She takes custom orders and is very flexible if you want to mix and match certain designs or choose your own fabric (pls drop by Kawaii’s Etsy shop to browse her handmade lovelies).

For my girlies, I took into consideration their personality, preferences for colors and fabrics and alongside the very accommodating Kawaii, we visualized and created wristlets/clutches that will suit each and every one of them. I wanted to toss in a dab of personalized touch, which Kawaii graciously obliged by sewing their names on the insides of the bags for me.

I know for sure a girl can never have enough wristlets or clutches – they’re just way too handy to use on different occasion, events or simply to separate monies/cards from their wallets. Most of my girlfriends travels extensively for work or leisure and this little something from me, can easily double up as a travel wallet as well. Which I know for a fact is what most of them will be using it for!

2. Divination Lots of Wisdom by Venerable Xing Yun

For three of my closest friends, I went out and about to order this unique gift from the prestigious Fo Guang Shan Temple. Unfortunately none of the temple’s affiliates in SEA holds this gift set, hence it was a mad but worthy scramble to have it delivered few days before Christmas.

Resembling a divination jar and sticks, every sticks holds words of wisdom and courage spoken/said by Venerable Xing Yun. The recipients of this gift are peeps that hold similar thoughts and values on Buddhist philosophy – they enrich me with their own spiritual and emotional growth and has influenced me tremendously. Without a doubt, this present was a big hit with all three.Two of them has claimed they’re going to charge 2 bucks for whoever walks by their office desk and wants to draw a stick :).

It’s not so much of receiving but the giving during this period that makes it awfully special, especially when it comes from deep within and hold thoughts of blessings, well-wishes, and gratitude for having these very special people in my heart and life.

I hope each and every one of you received something close to your heart this festive season, be it tangible or intangible.