TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Christmas Celebrations: Christmas giving, up a notch
Tis the season to be jolly
Change Size
Tis the season to be jolly. Don we now our gay apparel. Well, depending on what's on your gift list, you too can be jolly and gay. To help you get started with your Christmas shopping, and to keep you from wasting your money on gifts nobody wants, here are some fun, uniquely Jakartan gift ideas.
Gift of a full tummy and a warm heart
Share the warmth of Christmas by sending out a whole, homemade meal. Choices start with the usual roast chicken or turkey found at Jakarta's high-end supermarkets or five-star hotels, but hardly end there. If you prefer to go local, Panci Oma (Grandma's cooking pot) makes a good alternative. Run by two friends with a penchant for good food, this small catering service in Kemang, South Jakarta, offers traditional chicken or lamb dishes complete with rice, side dishes and the pot to keep. Say It With Food is another fun alternative. With delivery services in Jakarta and Bandung, this catering service provides a wide range of personalized meal packages, from Indonesian delicacies to international favorites.
Gift of wellness
The popularity of yoga studios must say something about Jakartans. They love it! There is a good chance your loved ones are big fans too. Giving yoga mats is one thing, but why not sign them up at one of their favorite spots, whether its Bikram, Iyengar or the traditional Ashtanga? Some popular studios are Bikram Hot Yoga, Yoga at 42° and Gudang Gambar, although to be fair, the list should be much longer. If money is no issue, spend a little more and hire a personal certified yoga instructor.
Gift of health
If it's the healthy, natural lifestyle your loved ones are after, give them a gift that really shows you care and support them. The Jakarta area has a growing number of organic restaurants and farms, some of which provide catering or grocery-delivery services. Warung Kebunku on Jl. Terogong Raya, South Jakarta, is a popular spot for locals. Another option is Sedap Alami, a strictly organic food restaurant on Jl. Bendungan Hilir Raya, Central Jakarta. There's also growing enthusiasm for raw cooking classes, one of which is taught by celebrity Sophie Navita.
Gift of creativity
If your loved ones have a penchant for artsy designs, why not point them to the new hip space in town? Indoestri(@indoestri on Instagram provides weekend workshops for Jakartans who want to get their hands dirty but stay productive. Classes range from ceramics and pottery to textiles and leather making, but hardly end there. The idea is for budding designers to make something from scratch and be proud of it. Batik workshops also make a great choice for art lovers.
Gift of baby-like sleep
Because sleeping is essential to our health and happiness, the quality of those precious few hours is key. Gift something that your loved ones will surely appreciate. Think customized pajamas, sheets or pillows. If you're on a time crunch, fret not. Jakarta is home to more than a few online bedding stores, many operating as home industries.
Gift of shopping
If all else fails, shopping always makes for the best last resort. Find out what your loved ones fancy, and make it come true. The best part is letting them choose what they like rather than chancing that what you buy will go to waste. Giftcard.co.id and mapgiftvoucher.com offer a wide selection of gift vouchers from Indonesia's premier brands.
Whatever you pick, this Christmas, make sure to bring a smile to your loved ones.
(Sondang Grace Sirait)
