10 Great Shops for Cool Gifts

(SPOT.ph) Yes, it's better to give than to receive-especially if you know where to shop. Here is a mix of tried-and-tested favorites, imported brands, and local concept shops to cater to different budgets, styles, and recipients.

1. Typo

Addresses: G/F TriNoma, Quezon City; 2/F Greenbelt 5, Makati City
Contact: 625-6813 (TriNoma)
Best for: Classmates and colleagues

For classmates and colleagues with whom you're friendly but not that close, notebooks and desk implements are a safe choice. This just-opened Aussie franchise stocks up on stationery and sundry supplies in a range of styles to fit different personalities: a pencil case with sketches of the skeletal system; a dainty floral watercolor-print file folder; a notebook with faux-wood cover. While you're at it, grab some greeting cards (plenty to choose from!) and rolls of quirky wrapping paper.

Visit their Facebook page for more details.

Also read: 10 Cool Finds from Typo

2. A’postrophe

Addresses: 3/F Glorietta 4, Makati City; G/F Greenbelt 1, Makati City; 4/F TriNoma, Quezon City
Contact: 519-5556 (Glorietta); 553-9714 (Greenbelt 1); 919-0753 (TriNoma)
Best for: Moms, sisters, girlfriends

The lovely women in your life who enjoy dressing up and accessorizing would appreciate the trendy offerings at this boutique. There are colorful baubles, scarves, embroidered bags, some accessories for the home, and even dresses and pairs of flats. Items are arranged per style and palette-check out the timeless black-white-gold Audrey Hepburn corner. Be sure to rummage through the nooks and crannies for surprising finds that might be perfect for your gal pal.

3. CO/OP

Address: 189 A. Mabini Street, San Juan City
Contact: 925-5885
Best for: School-age inaanaks (and their stylish parents)

Tired of the usual giant toy shops? Have your coffee and shop for gifts, too, at this spacious lifestyle store and cafe just off Wilson Street. Here you'll find an edited selection of kid-friendly DIY packs like "Create Your Own Monster" and wooden animal puzzles; and cool YA books such as The Templeton Twins series and Darth Vader and Son. Odds and ends for furnishing kids' rooms are also aplenty. Meanwhile, their parents would love the trendy tabletop accessories and throw pillows.

Visit their Facebook page for more details.

4. Ritual

Address: Unit A, The Collective, 7274 Malugay Street, San Antonio Village, Makati City
Contact: 734-5486; hola@ritual.ph
Best for: Bosses and professors, Titos and Titas

Expect a variety of regional edibles, green grooming, and cleaning items at this shop that swears off plastic bags and advocates the local and the organic. Huge clear glass canisters hold cacao nibs, coco sugar, and tablea from Davao you can buy per 150 gram or so-just remember to bring your own receptacle. Individually bottled items like karamay or banana inartem of Ilocos and coconut jellies from Negros Oriental would make for novel, tasty treats for your esteemed superiors.

Visit their website for more details.

5. Craftsmith Living

Address: 2J Crown Tower, 107 H.V. Dela Costa, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Contact: info@craftsmithliving.com
Best for: Someone who has everything

Your future MIL? A well-heeled aunt? There's always that one person on your list who seems to have it all, making shopping for their present perpetually challenging. Quit the guesswork and zero in on "everyday ordinary things" dusted with low-key luxe: ceramic containers printed with letters, French-labeled jars, and typography-print tea towels are abundant here. Also consider their wall hangings and a few beaded accessories. As for the gift bearer, visiting this well-curated shop makes for a treat in itself.

Visit their Facebook page for more details.

7. Heima Home and Lifestyle

7. Pylones

Addresses: 2/L Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City; G/F SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig City
Contact: 846-8023 (Power Plant); 808-5329 (SM Aura)
Best for: Fabulous beki buddy

The signature acid colors and loud, vivid patterns of this French brand are definitely not for the coy and faint of heart, but they might certainly look right at home in your favorite gay pal's purse or apartment. Choose among a fun assortment of accessories, grooming products, and kitchen implements. (Who knew mundane things like soup ladles and ashtrays could be exciting?)

Visit their Facebook page for more details.

8. Tickles

Addresses: 2/F Glorietta 4, Makati City; G/F TriNoma, Quezon City; 3/F Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City
Contact: 817-8946 (Glorietta); 900-0284 (TriNoma); 633-4433 (Shangri-La)
Best for: Kids, Kris Kringle needs at school or work

Tickles has always been a top-of-mind gift shop through the years, and it's not difficult to see why. Shoppers can always expect a slew of sure-to-please inexpensive gifts-from stuffed toys to coin purses to colorful cellphone cases-all year round. In case you've already bought a gift elsewhere but feel the need to add something, augment it with a cute little treat from this store.

9. Quirks Novelties & Curiosities

Addresses: 3/L Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City; 5/L Shangri-La Plaza, Mandaluyong City; Unit 175-A SM Megamall Building A, Mandaluyong City; 4/F SM Aura Premier, 26th Street corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig City
Contact: 757-3096 (Power Plant); 577-9058 (Shangri-La); 720-2535 (SM Megamall); 808-5720 (SM Aura)
Best for: Humor-loving person in your life, barkada

It's just about appropriate to show your gratitude to your own personal comedian with a quirky, or even cheeky, functional gift that would make him grin. Quirks Novelties & Curiosities describes itself as a place "where things aren't always what they seem; where you'll never know what you'll find; where everyone gets a good laugh." Cases in point: a condom-shaped eraser and a doormat made to resemble a ticket.

Visit their website and Facebook page for more details.

10. Daiso Japan PH (formerly Saizen)

Address: 3/F Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas Center, Quezon City
Contact: 395-2053
Best for: Stocking stuffers, "just in case" presents

This purveyor of one-price (mostly P88) household and sundry goods from Japan has row upon row of kawaii notebooks, plastic toys, and whatnots for kids and kids at heart. They also have any number of lunch box and bento-making tools for mommy friends who would like to be a little more adventurous in baon preparation. Stash a few of these items at home for emergency gift-giving situations.

Check out their Facebook page for a list of other branches.