MEGA Gift Guide: Non-Material Presents for Those Who Prefer Quality Time

Struggling with gift ideas? Here are experiences you can give to a friend, lover, or family member that speak louder than any present

It’s a yearly struggle—trying to pick the perfect gift for someone who insists they don’t want anything. Suddenly, giving them something for the holidays becomes the most impossible task in the world. But instead of scrambling to pick something “practical” and “useful” just for the sake of gift-giving, why not treat them to an experience that won’t gather dust? After all, the memories you make stick around far longer than any water jug or watch ever will. 

RELATED: The Best Splurge-Worthy Gifts to Get Yourself This Christmas

For That One Always-Active Friend

For that one friend who always has a workout planned and probably runs half-marathons for fun, here are a few ideas to keep their momentum going.

^{STRONG Pilates at the The Proscenium Retail Row, Makati}

Gift them a challenge this Christmas with a class at STRONG Pilates Philippines. They offer a Pilates-inspired, cardio-infused workout—a full-body burn that’ll leave you sore now but totally thankful later.

^{Just One Fun Run finishers}

If they prefer running, book them a spot at one of the fun runs hosted by Just One, a run club headed by Hannah Pangilinan and Coach Ani de Leon. 

^{Every.day Pilates Studio in Quezon City}

And if they’re into challenges but prefer a little more peace and quiet, treat them to a session at a Pilates studio like Every.day Pilates. They’ll tone, stretch, and hopefully remember to take it easy after the busy “ber months.” Keeping your loved ones fit and healthy is one of the best gifts you can give this season.

For Your Burnt Out and Overworked Friend

For that one friend or relative who’s been hanging by a thin thread (a.k.a. coffee and three hours of sleep), a little R&R is in order. Treat them to a spa day at a place like Qiwellness Living, where you can unwind together in a teahouse, bathhouse, and guesthouse experience all in one. It’s the perfect escape for those who need to press “pause” on their never-ending to-do list—just an hour or two away from the city. 

If you’re not sure when they’ll have the time to go, gift them a voucher for the experience, so they can recharge at their own pace. 

Take it up a notch by sending them to Coi. It has an infinity-edge pool that overlooks the calming views of Batangas, variants of a zen bodywork massage, and a meal for two, making for the perfect place to leave stress behind. Add an overnight stay at one of their cozy villas, and you’ve got more than just a gift, but a mini-vacation, perfect for treating your partner to a relaxing treat or showing your parents some much-needed love for the holidays.

For The Movie Lover Who’s Seen It All

For your resident Letterboxd friend who’s seen every movie on your watchlist, take them to an MMFF blockbuster binge. An all-day pass to enjoy the latest Metro Manila Film Festival lineup is a good way to keep them entertained for hours—especially for those who are always on the hunt for the next great film.

^Uninvited

^Espantaho

^{Hold Me Close}

^Topakk

This year’s MMFF has something for everyone, from the thrilling Uninvited starring Nadine Lustre, Vilma Santos, and Aga Muhlach, to the romantic fantasy Hold Me Close featuring Julia Barretto and Carlo Aquino. Either way, they’ll thank you for the cinematic experience that beats any generic gift.

For the Art Lover

Your artsy friends have probably explored most museums in the metro, but there’s nothing like experiencing it together. For the classic museum-viewing experience, head to the Pintô Art Museum for the ideal blend of art, greens, and fresh air. It’s also a great excuse to plan a trip outside the busy metro.

^{Pintô Art Museum in Antipolo City}

If you’re looking to circumvent the “look, don’t touch” policy, try something a bit more hands-on and interactive. 

^{Nadine Lustre at Wabi Sabi Studio}

^{Pottery studio located in Pasig City}

Take them to a pottery class at Wabi Sabi Studio where they can hone their pottery and painting skills through their workshops. And while we said no material gifts, the beauty of pottery is that you get to take home your own creations—so it’s a keepsake and an experience all in one.

For the Resident Foodie

And, of course, what’s Christmas without the feast? It may be time to skip the food baskets this year and gift them a full-on tasting experience at one of the city’s many delectable dining spots, where every course feels like unwrapping a present.

^{Kamayan menu}

^{The eatery’s take on halaan}

Start with Toyo Eatery, a contemporary Filipino restaurant that brings a playful and inventive twist to classic local favorites. It also landed its highest at this year’s list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, so you’d be dining at the best restaurant in the Philippines—no biggie.

^{Their ‘pancit version 2.0’}

^{Lightly dry aged Zamboanga squid, bulalo jus, cabbage, and cured shrimp}

Or try Metiz, which offers a multi-course tasting menu made from seasonal ingredients sourced locally. It’s another one on Asia’s 50 Best, so you know they’re in for a meal to remember.

For something more relaxed, you can’t go wrong with a Saturday trip to Salcedo Community Market. Great artisanal finds, fresh produce, and delicious homemade bites—it’s the ideal weekend escape for foodies who love a bit of everything.

^{Open from 7 AM to 2 PM every Saturday}

This isn’t to say that material gifts don’t matter, because they absolutely do. But these experiences are the gifts that keep on giving—things that can’t be wrapped but won’t be forgotten either.

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Photos and Videos: STRONG PILATES, METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL, MAKE IT MAKATI (via Facebook), QIWELLNESS LIVING, COI, EVERYDAY.PILATES, METIZ (via Instagram), and HIKE TO MOUNTAINS (via WEBSITE)

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MEGA Gift Guide: Non-Material Presents for Those Who Prefer Quality Time
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