Here are 8 Christmas gift ideas in the time of COVID

This Christmas, I’m sure that those of us who are materialistic and brand conscious are currently reassessing and reevaluating the true meaning of the birth of the Christ child. For many, myself included, Christmas was the perfect season to splurge on ourselves, our family and our loved ones. It was the excuse to get the latest iPhone, designer bag, shoes and expensive timepiece. And if you could afford it, get yourself the latest model of your favorite European car as well!

And why not? Because we worked hard all year long, don’t we deserve to reward ourselves or show our loved ones how much we adore them by gifting them with presents that will bring them joy?

But this pandemic has, of course, changed our priorities. More than ever, we now realize that health is truly wealth. That cleanliness is next to godliness. That an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Clichés that are all absolutely true.

This year, I thought I’d share a list of eight Christmas gift suggestions in the time of COVID. These might not be the sort of presents that kids ask from Santa, but they’re very practical. And putting these gifts in fun, colorful packages will definitely jazz them up.

1. Care pack. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive a month’s supply of everyday essentials like rubbing alcohol (70 percent isopropyl), a box of surgical masks, a pack of clean wipes and a fog-free face shield?

2. Household aids. Who wouldn’t want practical cleaning and disinfecting items like wet and dry disinfecting mats, a nice broom and a magic spin microfiber mop? Now that more of us are allowed to go out, there’s more reason to keep our floors at home clean.

3. Vitamins and supplements. A bottle of Vitamin C with zinc to strengthen our immune systems, and calcium to keep our bones healthy are good ideas. I also recommend Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT), the healthiest part of coconut oil, which is found in every bottle of Laurin CocoMCT. Add a tablespoon every morning to your coffee to boost energy and improve brain function.

4. Assorted household paper products. If you run out of facial tissues, two-ply toilet paper and paper kitchen towels as quickly as I do, you’ll surely appreciate gifts that help you remove make-up, do your morning business and wipe the kitchen counter.

5. Soaps and disinfectants. Bath soap, laundry soap, hand soap, Lysol, bleach and multi-purpose cleaners are all pandemic essentials.

6. New linens. Since we all dine at home more often, wouldn’t it be nice to receive new placemats, table cloths, chargers and table napkins?

7. Plants! With the emergence of plantitos and plantitas, why not gift your nearest and dearest with a lovely plant? It can be ornamental, a vegetable or a flower plant. Who knows, you might even help a friend discover his/her green thumb.

8. Baking or cooking utensils with a copy of the Let’s Cook with Nora Daza cookbook. Tell the recipient of this gift pack that mouth-watering culinary adventures await in his/her very own kitchen!

With Christmas Eve just 10 days away, it’s my hope that these simple suggestions will save you time and money if you’re not done with your shopping. Stay safe, and as the song goes, “May your days be merry and bright!”