Now that we’re well into the season of giving, we’re probably all worried about how much we’ve gained and how we’ll look by Christmas if we don’t get the weight off, not to mention going through the stress of daily traffic and long lines at the stores while looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on our long gift list. But in the midst of all this generosity and thinking of others, let’s remember that since the Golden Rule encourages us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us, why don’t we love ourselves just a bit more and choose for ourselves – and our closest loved ones – wonderfully pampering, absolutely non-fattening presents that are as good for our relaxation and well-being as they are aesthetically appealing. I offer here for your perusal and highly deserved enjoyment my personal favorites of Eight Great Gifts for Christmas, to keep us all happy and healthy, now and throughout the New Year!

GEOFF SIMPSON SHAMPOO & HAIR MASQUEIndulge problematic locks without having to go to a salon or in between visits – mix and match from Geoff Simpson’s three variants of Shampoos and Hair Masques – Tea Tree and Spearmint, Virgin Coconut Oil & Ginseng, and his classic Earl Grey Tea. Available at Salon Privé, 4th Floor, Makati Shangri-La Hotel, and also in Rustan’s Essenses, 200ml shampoo, P250, 300g Masque P350.

SCENTED CANDLES

BY ALICE BLUEAlice Blue candles are made with a proprietary blend of soy wax which is locally manufactured from imported raw materials and use cotton and paper wicks only, no nylon or wires, which means no lead, copper, zinc etc. Available in spa-type fragrances like Bamboo, Lemongrass and White Tea and Ginger; Holiday Scents such as Peppermint and Cranberry Spice and an amazing line of luscious food aromas -- Banana Nut Bread, Butter Cream, Cafe Mocha and their new Hot Chocolate. (1.75 oz candles at P160 and full-size 6 oz at P395. Contact Tisha at 09163077466.)

STARBUCKS

WATER BOTTLEDesigned specially for Starbucks, this water bottle is beautiful and sturdy, and best of all, doesn’t retain beverage odors. Available in 20 and 32 ounces and made from a durable polycarbonate acrylic and 18/80 grade stainless steel. Finish one by lunch and replenish in the afternoon and you’re on your way to perfect H20 consumption. Sold in regular and Christmas colors, 20 oz, P595, 32 oz, P795.

STUFF-I-JUST-GOTTA-DO NOTEBOOKBeing

organized can now look fabulous! If you’re the type of person who forever has things to do or has a couple of dozen pieces of paper and post-it notes with reminders to yourself lying around, this is the perfect little Notebook for you. Included are pages for To-Do lists, birthdays, space for your personal wishlist and random doodles. All in one convenient and adorable little book that can fit right into your tiniest purse so you can take it everywhere you go. (4"x 5", 124 pages, without pen, P165, contact 09179366775.)

After an hour of exercise or long day of shopping, nothing eases stress and makes you feel more virtuous about effort spent than Clarins’ soothing shower cream fragranced with sensual, floral notes. If you feel it’s time you need it, you can follow your luxurious shower with Clarins’ intensive body care treatment that addresses the changes in body skin of maturing women – thickening of the waist and skin slackening, horrors! Clarins programmed this gel-textured formula to moisturize while streamlining and reducing the appearance of slackened skin and to help tighten and nourish while minimizing the appearance of excess skin folds.

PHYSIOGEL HYPOALLERGENIC CLEANSER AND CREAM

While I was pregnant with my now two year old, I acquired this terrible rash all over my face, so bad I could barely leave home. My gynecologist’s wife who luckily happened to be a dermatologist, recommended switching from whatever I had been using to Stiefel’s Physiogel’s cleanser and moisturizing cream. Made in Ireland, they are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic and used only lipids from natural sources -- olives, yeast, shea butter, soybean and palm oil. To this day, when my skin is at its most sensitive because of pollution or makeup, they never fail to calm and soothe immediately. 300 ml Cleanser P330, 75 ml Cream P525

ANNICK GOUTAL SPLENDIDE BODY SCRUB

Described by a friend as the best body scrub she ever used, I just had to give it a try. And gosh she was so right! Alchemist and perfumer to the stars, Annick Goutal is known for her use of roses in all her products and this Gommage Splendide is the first ever to use Active Rose Serum which completely exfoliates and regenerates the skin.

A SPA TREATMENT FROM THE INSTITUT CLARINS

What better way to love yourself during the most stressful times of the year than to just put yourself into someone else’s eminently capable hands? A treatment at the Institut Clarins means peaceful background instrumentals and all sorts of delightful scents, plush towels and gentle hands. For the facials alone, which are only some of their offerings, they have the Firming Lift Facial, Purifying Facial, and Extra-Moisture Facial, all of which start out with relaxation exercises for the entire body followed by cleansing and refreshing of the feet and culminating with the facial itself which consists of not less than 84 specific hand movements to drain toxins and improve blood circulation which of course is crucial to keeping the facial skin youthful. Only Clarins products are used for all treatments.

(One hour facial, P2,400. Institut Clarins is located at the 5th Level, Rustan’s, Glorietta. Call 817-8414, 813-3739 local 271.)