YStyle's top gifts ( A merry Christmas to all! )

MANILA, Philippines - It’s been a tough year, and if we had to choose one thing that would make you (or your loved ones) feel rewarded for surviving 2009 and give hope for 2010, these would be it:

For the uber-stylish, opt for lots of Chanel and Hermés goodies: Chanel for the shoulders and Hermés for the home!  – Celine Lopez

You may not want to lug around an SLR if, like me, you’re just a “photo enthusiast.” If you need something better than a point-and-shoot, and something bigger (to inspire confidence in the people you’re shooting), the Olympus Pen E-P1 is a beautiful 12.3 megapixel in-betweener with an interchangeable lens system. Plus, it has fun art filters that let you take Lomo-style shots and other Photoshop-looking effects. It’s definitely impressive and still fits into your handbag.  —Audrey Carpio

If spending New Year's in Boracay, treat yourself to an entire day of rejuvenation at the Mandala Spa. The Princess treatment, which comes with a facial, body scrub and their signature massage is the ultimate post-Christmas de-stresser. Try out their Watsu treatment also, where you’re gently rocked and stretched in a heated pool — people have told me it can be very emotional.  — Ana Kalaw

Thanks to trendy purses with heavy hardware, a bag alone weighs more than a newborn baby. Add the iPhone, wallet (also larger than a fetus) and camera, and everyone’s bag feels about as burdensome as carry-on luggage. Forget reading material. Throw in some books to the load and you have the makings of back pains and dislocated shoulders. The new Kindle, at a third of an inch and 10.2 ounces, is lighter than most paperbacks and about as thin as most magazines’ January issue. Store up to 1,500 books and read up on office PDF documents while on the go — and without straining the back.  — Bea Ledesma