GIFT GUIDE: Sweet and fun Christmas gifts for the enemies you want to reconcile with
Christmas is the season of lights and laughter, making it the perfect time to make peace and let go of old grudges.
You don’t need long apologies or dramatic confessions; a thoughtful gift can be a simple way to show you’re ready to start fresh.
Here, we've rounded up gifts that help turn holiday tension into smiles. From chocolates to activities that can melt away the tension, these ideas are perfect for the enemies you’re hoping to reconcile with this Christmas.
Essential oils
Essential oils are one of the sweetest peace offerings you can give to someone you’re trying to patch things up with.
A few drops can instantly set a calm, relaxing atmosphere, which might be exactly what both of you need after months (or years) of subtle side-eyes and cold replies.
One brand you can go for is Young Living, and they have the perfect item in mind. Their so-called "Forgiveness Essential Oil" is formulated with Melissa, Geranium, Frankincense, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, and other essential oils to help create a calm, uplifting environment when forgiving yourself and others.
The item is available on their website for P4,622.
Friendship bracelets
A friendship bracelet also makes for a wholesome peace offering. It’s simple, and it symbolizes the idea that even severed ties can be reforged into something stronger.
Bullion Gold offers an intricate bullion gold bracelet with the words "A true friendship is a journey without an end" engraved on it. It is adjustable to fit wrist sizes from 6.7 to 9 centimeters and can be worn every day to remind you of the great people in your life.
The bracelets are available on Zalora for only P5,603.
Fun card game
Laughter is always a good way to break the tension. If you’re not ready to dive into serious conversations about what went wrong, sharing a few laughs can help soften the edges first.
When it comes to hilarious, light-hearted bonding, What Do You Meme? is a solid go-to. This humorous party card game has players matching caption cards to a rotating photo card, with everyone trying to create the funniest or most unhinged meme possible. One player judges the round, and the winner is whoever makes them laugh.
You can get an authentic copy of the card game through Arenade PH for P2,499.
New camera
A new camera makes for a symbolic gift. It’s a reminder that the two of you can focus on new memories instead of replaying the old ones that caused all the drama.
Instax recently released their new Mini 41 camera that features automatic exposure and a simple twist-on design, making it beginner-friendly even for someone who’s never touched a film camera before. The prints come out in classic Instax Mini format that's perfect for sticking on walls, journals, and scrapbooks.
The Instax Mini 41 is available through Wonder Photo Shop's website for P6,599.
3D puzzles
If you have some doubts that your nemesis may want to punch you in the face despite the jolly season, you can get them channel that negative energy into building a puzzle instead.
A 3D puzzle keeps the hands busy and the mind focused while also giving them a satisfying sense of achievement once the final piece clicks into place.
Lil' Haven has some cute Do-It-Yourself miniatures that range from themed dollhouses, dinosaurs, and more. For an easier yet still challenging build, you can get the Big Ben puzzle with lights.
It is available on their website for P850.
Sweet treats
Sometimes, the simplest gestures do the trick. A box of chocolates is a classic peace offering that works almost every time. After all, it’s hard to stay upset while nibbling on something creamy and delicious.
Chocolates by Flaura is offering handcrafted, floral-inspired chocolate bonbons that come in nine exquisite flavors.
These include Strawberry Cheesecake, Earl Grey Tea, Salted Caramel, Milk Chocolate with Feuilletine, Cookies and Cream, Peanut Butter, Mango, Mint, and Hazelnut.
You can place your order on their Facebook account.
Rage Room experience
If stress relief toys won't do the trick, you can treat your nemesis to something a little more intense. A rage room experience is perfect for anyone who needs to get a year’s worth of pent-up frustration out of their system.
In case you don't know what they are, rage rooms let guests smash old appliances, bottles, and other breakables in a safe, controlled environment.
Rage Room in Quezon City allows customers to expel the long-overdue emotions by smashing empty bottles and throwing plates at the wall. If you want a less violent approach, you can head over to the freedom wall, where you can write your heart out or splash paint for a little bit of thrill.
For safety precautions, Rage Room provides safety gear like hard hats and gloves, which will protect you from any shards of plates and bottles.
Every session costs P299 to P499 and lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes. The new smash room is open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and accepts guests only by appointment, which you can book through the link on its Instagram page.
Baking session
Sometimes the easiest way to fix an awkward relationship is to distract yourselves with something that would keep you focused, like baking your own cake or pastries.
A D.I.Y. baking session is a sweet way to focus your energy and simply let all the tension melt away. If you and your ex-enemy are ready to start cooking, you can book a session at I Did It Myself DIY Bakery.
Here, you can make cakes, pastries, and desserts with a step-by-step baking procedure via an iPad. If things get out of hand, you can request assistance from their well-trained and friendly staff.
The prices vary depending on what you'll bake, going as low as P99 for something simple as Meringue Kisses or as high as P1,599 for two-tiered cakes. You can visit their stores at SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, and SM City Sta. Mesa.
Yoga classes
Attending a yoga class together can create a neutral space where both of you can unwind, breathe, and focus on the present instead of past grudges.
You don’t need to be a seasoned yogi to enjoy it. Beginner-friendly classes often include gentle flows, breathing exercises, and guided meditation that help release stress and tension.
Yoga Manila offers sessions for Ashtanga Yoga, which combines physical postures with mindful breathing to build strength, flexibility, and focus. It costs P2,500 for five sessions, with the first class for new students being free.
To join their classes, email info@yogamanila.com or send a message through text or Viber via +63 917 522 9642, and they will send you details.
Water spa treatment
A day at the spa can do wonders for easing tension and softening old grudges, but let's veer away from the usual massage-and-facial routine and dive into something a bit more adventurous: hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic use of water to promote relaxation, relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation.
Ace Water Spa, an indoor facility that has branches in Pasig and Quezon City, offers a unique water-based experience where jet pools, bubble baths, herbal pools, and steam rooms work together to melt stress, improve circulation, and leave both body and mind refreshed.
Entrance fee for adults is P680. Kids four feet and below are at P350, while seniors and persons with disabilities are at P485.
