Hard to please Galfrens? Hardly!
December 22, 2005
In the United States, one custom that totally caught my attention that I wish Malaysian would emulate would be the gift registers. Any person who will be receiving gifts, (be it for her birthday, engagement, bachelorette party or childbirth) will go to a store and register items that she WANTS/ NEEDS. Then tell her friends where she registered and everyone gets her something ON THE LIST. Once an item is bought, its off the list. So the earlier you buy the more choices you have.
WHich is cool and smart for both parties:
1. You can buy something you know for a fact will be appreciated.
2. You can choose your price range and still get her something she’ll use
3. The receipient does not receive multiple similiar gifts
4. You don’t spend forever agonising over WHAT TO BUY for that someone
But I admit, it’s just not the same in Malaysia. I mean, tough choice choosing between Parkson, Jusco, and God forbid if we’re talking about Batu Pahat.. It’ll be between Fajar and The Store! Lame lame lame..
So I decided screw listing in stores (not that we have it here, NO NO), I’ll write down what is ‘me’ this year. Cause I recognise the fact that no matter how many gazzilion times I lepak with friends in Mamak stalls or shopping malls, one will never figure these facts out…
Things friends should see, especially friends that want to buy me things but just have no idea. Here are some guidelines
1. Perfumes~ I’m more of a floral/ fruity person, stay away from strong tangy smells
2. Body works/ stuff~ Body bath, scrub, butter, lotion, oil, and whatever rubbish women tend to put on is fine. Pay attention to smells though. No face stuff. He who gives me pimple cream shall see the end of daylight.
3. Jewellery (however you spell it). Necklaces are ok, but I’m not much of a bracelet person. Or angklet. Or tummy, tongue or lip studs. Any other kinds are appreciated, be it funky or girly. Try not to give one of Indian-ish look, I have grandma’s closet for that.
4. Makeup~ Tricky, not worth agonising over. But lipsticks and eyeshadows are a safe bet. Keep in mind what looks good on your fair spotless sister might not do the trick for me.
5. Room decorations/ trinkets ~ smell/ ionizer (or fertiliser* haha ummie don’t be mad) or candlesticks or watever rubbish one puts in a room to make it smell good is fine. Prefer soothing smells.
6. Hair stuff~ Don’t really see anyone giving me hair gel, but accecories are fine. Wigs are cool :)
7. Books~ Now this is tricky. Unless it’s a really really really good book that comes recommended from AVID readers, try and not get me one. General rule is stay away from famous authors, chances are I’ve read them or KUiTTHO librabry carries it. I hate classics and sci- fi.
8. Computer/ electronic/ electrical gadgets~ I’m not gonna list all that I don’t have/ wish to have, that’s something you’ve got to bet on. Toaters and ovens are fine (Haha), but really, I stay on my own in Johore. So I guess in some weird bizzare way it’ll be appreciated
9. ANything that makes life more comfy~ robes, fuzzy bedroom slippers, Musical Box.. Not gonna list anymore
10. Handmade/ self made cards, products and gestures
Things you might want to reconsider
1. Teddy bears. I’m the type that gets depressed if I don’t spend enough time with Fluffy, Browny, Panda and Elmo. Yes, I have enough teddies fighting for my attention :) Please don’t get me another, however cute.
2. CLothes. Shoes. It’ll be kinda hard for me to wear something that makes me look fat or pale or triangular or small. In the unlikely event you get something that is totally my size, you’ve got the material, colour, cutting…. you get the drift.
3. Pets~ I’m asmathic. I hate them. I’m sadistic. Do the maths
4. Little objects thingy that are for decorational purposes but generally one has no idea what to do or where to put them. I don’t like clutter
5. Picture frames~ Unless you’re like a total stranger and insist on getting me a gift
6. Sex toys. Unless it’s you I’m doing it with
I’m of course not implying I expect a present (Of course I am! Haha.. No, seriously, I am!… Not!) Just making shopping a wee bit easier now that people have a sense of what are my likes and dislikes..
