Stress–free Christmas shopping at Cubao Expo

If you’re a last minute Christmas shopper, save yourself the hassle of elbowing through throngs of people in the mall. Try going to the “stores less traveled" where you can shop for great gifts stress–free. Formerly a cluster of shops selling Marikina–made shoes, Cubao Expo along Gen. Romulo St. in Araneta Center has become a haven for indie artists and merchants who sell affordable as well as unique items you won’t normally find in department stores. Walk around this U-shaped compound and you’d be sure to find a gift for every friend and family member: from your kikay sister, to your anime addict friend and health conscious mother. Though some stores open as early as 9 a.m., most of them open midday so it’s best to go there after lunch hours. Remember to arm yourself with a tight shopping list and good dose of self–control or you might end up buying more than your wallet can handle. Ready to shop? Make sure to drop by these stores when you go to Cubao Expo. Kikay knick knacks and trinkets Established in 2007, the Reading Room at Shop 39 is known for owner Sandy Allan’s soul card reading sessions. But if you’re after kikay knick knacks and cute trinkets, the shop has something to offer for the thrifty shopper. If you’re on a P100 budget, you can choose from racks upon racks of earrings, bangles, cocktail rings and necklaces in all shapes, colors and sizes. Get your girly friend a pair of dice-shaped earrings or colorful false eyelashes both for P50 a pair. You can also find handmade felt charms selling for P70 and hip shades for P100 per pair. If you have a more flexible budget, you can buy organic beauty products that are proudly Pinoy made. Brighten up your sister’s make-up kit with Leyende’s “Kiss Kiss Balm Balm" (P200) or Human Nature’s “Lip Savers Kit" (P130). Eco-friendly and healthy gifts Giving the gift of health does not have to come with a high price tag. Instead of going to expensive health stores, try visiting Geo Shop at Shop 22 that offers a veritable smorgasbord of health food and organic products that are easy on your budget. Here you’ll find healthy coffee alternatives like Kapeng Bigas (P70 per pack) and Sugar free coffee with Mangosteen (P195 per pack) for your caffeine–loving friend. If your mom loves to cook, give her a bottle of lemongrass powder (P85) that’s good for food seasoning and detoxifying too. Instead of pricey spirits, give your dad a bottle of fruit wine (P100) such as strawberry, black plum, or wild blackberry. Want to give someone an energy boosting gift? Give him or her a bottle of Vitamin C-rich dalandan concentrate (P160) and throw in a bottle of pure honey (P175) too for an all-natural sweetener. Comics relief If you’ve got a comic fanatic brother, Sputnik at Shop 60 is definitely a must stop – over for you. This one of a kind comic shop has a great selection of alternative indie comics, graphic novels and the occasional odd books. Across shelves of Marvel comics, you’ll find copies of Kalayaan (P60) a superhero series by Pinoy comic artist Gio Paredes as well as copies of Komikero Komiks anthology that features works of local comic book creators including Jerry Alanguilan, Hazel Chua and Ariel Atienza, If you’ve been looking for the critically–acclaimed Scott Pilgrim (P650) by Canadian cartoonist Bryan Lee O’ Malley, you search stops at Sputnik since the shop has all five graphic novels in the series. Anime explosion Looking for the perfect present for an anime addict friend? Head over to Genshiken Anime at Shop 55 and get some otaku (rough translation: anime obsession) love. This shop is filled with authentic anime action figures sourced from HongKong, Bangkok, Japan and the US. Whether you’re into Naruto, Death Note, Bleach, or Final Fantasy, you’ll find a character that will suit your fancy. These one of a kind collectibles range from a few bucks to a couple of thousands but you’ll be delighted to know that you can bargain with shop owner to give you the best price. The shop also gives you the option to reserve items for a week. Even if you’re not an anime lover, Genshiken Anime also has something for Disney fans like Mickey Mouse and Friends, Winnie the Pooh, Cars and Disney Princess collectibles. If you’re lucky, you may also chance upon rare items like the Troll doll and Twilight’s Edward and Bella doll. As they always say, it’s best to do your Christmas shopping early. But if you’re short on time or strapped for cash, think out of the department store box. Scout for smaller alternative shops where you can buy unique gifts sans the stress and the huge expense. Your loved ones and your wallet will surely thank you for it. - FVI / GMANews.tv