It's that time of the year again, when gift giving is a major preoccupation. Amany Abdel-Moneim peruses what's on offer Christmas and New Year's -- what deliciously warm and joyful feelings they stir in us hapless humans; what wonderful leaps of hope and anticipation they provoke in our hearts. It is the time of gift giving already and people are agonising over the perfect memento of love, gratitude or affection to give those significant others in their lives. Whether it be to a picky relative, a cherished loved one or a dear friend, giving a gift is never out of fashion and possesses the remarkable ability to renew relationships and strengthen bonds even under the most trying circumstances. The moment the gift is exchanged, both giver and recipient are caught up in the excitement of the act and the magic of the moment is never forgotten. For Sahar Hatem, a 33-year-old housewife, gifts have a mysterious power that lies in the warm feelings they induce, which transcend the gift itself. "It is the expression of one's feelings and emotions." For Hatem, there is nothing like the satisfaction of giving the prefect gift. To the newly engaged, exchanging gifts is part and parcel of the rituals of the engagement period. Twenty-eight-year-old Dina Mahmoud said receiving a gift from her fiancé is a thrilling event. "But the most exciting part is the moment when I take off the ribbon and unwrap the gift," she said. In December, shopping malls and gift stores around the capital display impressive Christmas and New Year's gifts in an attractive way to lure customers. Mahmoud could not resist buying a romantic red candle and little Santa for her beloved fiancé while wrapping a gift for her mother. She is totally sold on the magical effect of gift giving and quotes Prophet Mohamed's (PBUH) words of advice to Muslims: Tahado... Tahabo (exchange gifts to strengthen the ties of love among people). Roses or candles are the order of the day for a romantic choice, but Hatem prefers a more personalised present. "A romance novel or any gift chosen especially for me would be unique and of more emotional value," she said. Egyptians are a gift-loving people and rarely do home visits occur between relatives or friends that do not involve some sort of gift presented -- most often than not, either sweets or chocolates. However, as Sameh Samir, the manager of an elegant Doqqi gift store declares, the new shopping trend among Egyptians during the festive seasons has lately changed, with increasingly more people choosing to say what they feel with gifts, causing an unprecedented boom in the gifts industry. "There is a remarkable increase in the purchasing of Christmas and New Year gifts," he said. For her part, Nashwa Ahmed, an English teacher, believes that globalisation is the main reason for the change in Egyptian habits. "It strips off the religious meaning from most of our holy occasions and promotes the idea of exchanging gifts as a key means to celebrate. Gift giving is able to survive all over the world because it's more human," she said. Even in a predominantly Muslim country like Egypt, the spirit of Christmas is in the air and most of us, regardless of our religion, share in the fun. "Celebrating Eid Al-Adha with family and Christmas with friends strengthens the humanitarian bonds in our society," Ahmed opined. While many gift store managers agree with Samir that the largest volume of gift sales are usually recorded around Valentine's Day, Christmas and the New Year, Safaa Naguib, a saleswoman at a renowned Zamalek gifts store, singles out Mother's Day as one of the best selling seasons as well. "It's gifts galore in Cairo nowadays," said Mahmoud Ouf, general manager of an outstanding Zamalek gifts gallery. Every product has its client, he said, and his foreign clients are mainly interested in Egyptian handmade gifts and souvenirs. According to Samir, the gifts business has lately grown considerably and the market has expanded for both gift importers and those who manufacture their products in Egypt. Naguib said the gifts business keeps her busy all through the year; planning, arranging and selling during the various special occasions. "As soon as we are done with Christmas and the New Year, we start preparing special items and decorations for Valentine's Day, followed by Mother's Day. Then it is summer, which is a busy season for graduations, engagements and weddings and then it is Christmas time again," she concluded joyfully, wishing me a happy New Year. This month, Cairo shopping malls and gift stores, and even online sites, offer numerous ideas to save you the hassle of last-minute shopping. After a quick tour of the market, here are the most interesting picks: ï Santa Claus, the key Christmas personality, has invaded store windows and shelves this year. Available in all shapes and sizes, the classic one is red and the new Santa wears white and other colourful costumes and is accompanied by a bear or a dear or is riding his famous carriage. Prices range from LE50 to LE500 for moderate to large sizes. If you have plenty of space at home, you may opt for a giant Santa with a price tag of LE1,299 to welcome your guests at the entrance. ï Nothing beats a real tree to imbue a genuine Christmas atmosphere. The real one ranges from LE40 to LE150. If an effort-free Christmas is more appealing to you, go artificial: options range from LE15 to LE1,500 according to shape and size. ï If you want something unique, then choose the latest trend in trees: the metal one. Candlelit and decorated with colourful homemade glass bubbles, it comes with a price tag of LE500. ï To make what's under the tree truly memorable, go for the new black and white tree mate embroidered with Santa or a stylish gift or chocolate bag for LE70. ï Colourful Christmas-themed plates of different sizes that range form LE27 to LE109 would make a very unusual and interesting gift for the merry season. ï To those who appreciate Egyptian handmade crafts, they can opt for Christmas- themed candles priced at LE150. ï For the budget-conscious shopper, candles with fruit scents, ceramic ashtrays, red towels and pillows are all winning choices for between LE25 to LE45. ï In addition to regular chocolates and gift wraps, the new rage is printing your name on the wrapping material to create a personalised gift. Gift shopping tips: ï Plan ahead! Keep a list of birthdays, anniversaries, etc. ï When you find that really special gift, buy it even if the occasion is several months away. ï Go for quality and choose colours and styles that match the recipient's taste. ï When in doubt, choose practical gifts, which are usually better than novelty items. ï Gifts do not have to be expensive to be appreciated or appropriate. Go for the ones that fit your budget so you can reap the pleasures of gift giving.
