6 Tuesdays before Christmas: 'Pop Talk' shops for Christmas decorations

You know that Christmas is definitely in the air when colorful lights and decors line homes, establishments, even the streets. But these decors often come with a hefty price tag. 

 

But “Pop Talk” is out to prove that celebrating the Yuletide season doesn’t necessarily mean you have to shell out large amounts of cash. As a guide for people who want to have a jolly but practical Christmas, "Pop Talk" introduced three stores that sell affordable Christmas decors. 

 

To know just how reasonable these shops are, celebrity reviewer Sheena Halili, interior designer Jae Eleria and design consultant Kristen Rosario were challenged to spend less than a thousand pesos in each of them. Find out which store provided the most practical shopping experience.

 

Dapitan Tiangge

32 Dapitan cor. Mayon St. Brgy. Sto. Teresito, Quezon City

Price starts at: P20

Operating hours: 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM, daily

 

Painted nutcrackers for P1,000. Colorful dining Santa sets for P500. Star-shaped Christmas lights for P250. Intricate hanging angel figurines for P180. And snowman statues for P1,500. These are just some of the holiday decorations you can find at Dapitan Tiangge. Aside from being high-quality, the items available in this shop are also proudly Pinoy-made.

 

If you want to save and at the same time ensure that you get bang for your money, you could follow design consultant Kristen's technique and create your own decors using inexpensive materials. After buying a P750 Advent wreath, Kristen spent the rest of her budget buying small ornaments to prettify it.

 

The “Pop Talk” reviewers loved the variety and affordability of Dapitan Tiangge's items the most. Jae noted that the tiangge offers designs that cater to different themes and preferences. "May classic, may modern, may antiques… Negotiable lahat sila. Parang pwede silang mag-adjust sa budget ng customer."

 

Final verdict: 9 pop points

 

Anding's Toys and Flowers, Inc.

NL01-NL03 3rd Flr., Primeblock, Tutuban Center, Claro M. Recto Ave., Tondo, Manila

Price starts at: P10

Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, daily

 

Anding's Toys and Flowers, Inc. has been around since 1963. The Christmas items available here are made more affordable because they were crafted in the store itself. They can also provide arrangements for those who need help in decorating their homes.

 

People who are on a tight budget would definitely appreciate Anding's reasonably priced products. A complete set of Santa costume costs P150 while other Christmas accessories like Santa hats and headbands cost P30. Sheena tried bargaining for a P1,650 Christmas tree-shaped lantern made of capiz and got it for only P1,000.

 

A store filled with all kinds of decorations could overwhelm a shopper, so Anding's Toys and Flowers, Inc. made sure similar items are grouped together. "Kung iisipin mo Christmas tree, okay. Dito ang balls, dito ang garlands, dito ang lights… Mas mao-organize kang mamili," remarked Kristen.

 

"Ang daming tindero at tindera," Sheena observed. "'Di ako pinawisan kahit ikot ako nang ikot."

 

Final verdict: 9 pop points

Natural Art Flowers and Decors

4th Floor Han's Infinite Tools Bldg. 801 Tayuman Street Cor. G. Perfecto Street Tondo, Manila

Price starts at: P29.75

Operating hours: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, daily

 

Shopping inside Natural Art Flowers and Decors is like going to a fascinating place filled with lights and glitters. Every corner is packed with Christmas finds like trees, poinsettias, Christmas-themed kitchenware, and stuffed snowmen and Santas. Even the ceilings are decorated with hanging snowflakes.

 

Kristen gave another advice to Christmas shoppers: Choose items that you can also use after  the Yuletide season. As an example, she chose a plate stand and Christmas-themed plates that could remain functional in all kinds of occasions. "'Yung value of the item 'pop' para sa akin," she said.

 

Both Sheena and Jae thought that a higher amount of budget is needed when shopping at Natural Art Flowers and Decors. However, the uniqueness of the items more than makes up for the price. "It's good for shopping for my clients," Jae commented.

 

Final verdict: 5 pop points