Why ‘Pinaka Gasgas’ Gifts every Christmas Still Matter
As the song goes, “Give love on Christmas Day, no greater gift is there than love.”
That’s why for many Filipinos, Christmas is a season of giving—a time to express love and appreciation through even the simplest gifts. And tucked among all those neatly wrapped boxes are the ‘pinaka gasgas na Christmas gifts’ we’ve all seen, received, or maybe even wrapped ourselves every year.
Once people open them, the reactions are almost predictable—a playful laugh, a knowing smile, or a hint of disappointment. But behind these so-called cliché gifts are stories and reasons why, year after year, they always find a way under our Christmas tree.
The Mug
It’s hard to go wrong with a mug. It’s simple, sturdy, and something you’ll probably use every day. Whether it’s for your morning coffee, a late-night cup of noodles, or pen storage on your desk, a mug always finds a purpose.
Maybe that’s why it’s a Christmas staple. It’s not flashy, but it’s thoughtful—something that says, “I thought of you in the small moments.”
The Towel
If there’s one gift that proves Filipinos value practicality, it’s the towel. Some might call it boring, but others see it as the definition of useful. It’s a small comfort we reach for every day—after a shower, after a long commute, during sweaty afternoons, or even after a session at the gym.
It’s also a subtle way of saying, “I care about your comfort.”
The Picture Frame
Before selfies and social media, there were picture frames—not just a decorative item; but a keeper of memories. A frame invites you to pause and remember a cherished moment, whether it’s a graduation photo, a family portrait, or a Polaroid from a barkada trip.
It’s a gift that says, “Don’t forget what makes you happy.”
The Calendar
Whenever you drop by a grocery store during the holidays, you’ll often receive a calendar, usually printed with the store’s logo or name. Though it may seem simple, a calendar helps us organize our days, months, and years so we can plan ahead and remember important events. Each date is a quiet reminder of moments we’ve lived and moments we still look forward to.
In a sense, it’s a way of saying, “See you again next year.”
The Wall Clock
It’s hard to miss a wall clock in a Filipino home. When you turn your head, there it is—hanging above the television, beside family photos, or near the dining table. It keeps track of whether we’re running late, our deadlines, and the hours spent with the people we love. Every tick and tock is a gentle reminder that each moment is passing, and that it can never be taken back.
Maybe that’s why it’s such a classic. It says, “May your days be filled with moments that matter.”
The Planner
A planner always shows up with fresh pages waiting to be filled with new beginnings, goals, and dreams. Even though it ends up filled with notes and doodles or left half-empty halfway through the year, it still carries hope.
It’s the simplest way of saying, “Here’s to another year, another chance to start again.”
The Bolster Pillow
The bolster pillow, or the beloved hotdog unan, is a gift that never fails to bring comfort. It’s soft, huggable, and always ready to offer warmth after a long and tiring day. It’s a quiet companion through late-night chats, movie marathons, or moments of rest. Sometimes, it even becomes a witness to our tears at night.
It’s a cozy way of saying, “May you always find comfort and peace wherever you rest.”
Christmas is a season of giving, where the value of a gift isn’t measured by its price or uniqueness, but by the thought behind it. The simple fact that someone took the time to think of giving you a gift is a reminder that love always finds a way to be felt.
At the end of the day, these ‘pinaka gasgas’ Christmas gifts remind us of the true spirit of Christmas—not the gifts themselves, but the love that wraps them.
