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It's almost Christmas, just less than 20 days and there's this dilemma every adult has when this season comes. Don't get me wrong, just like any other Filipino, I too love Christmas and it is perhaps the most wonderful time of the year for me aside from my wedding anniversary because I get to travel on those dates with my husband to celebrate our anniversary.

But Christmas is different, it is something which every person here in the Philippines look forward to, may it be the rich ones or the poor. Everyone would look forward to spending it with family and friends.

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In the Philippines, we have a divine reverence to becoming a Godparent. Our friends, relatives and even our neighbors would ask as to be their children's god parent and we don't have any reasons to say "No". That's why becoming a "Ninang" or a "Ninong" is already ingrained in our culture and our lives.

Then come Christmas season when this responsibility of being a god parent is very much given huge importance. It is this time when this subject is being pronounced more importantly.

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What I said referring though as a dilemma is the constant search for what's the best gift or present that one Godparent would be giving to his or her godchildren.. This is definitely hard because each year, some would have incremental number of godchildren like for my case, I currently have the following as my godchildren:

Naomi
Paul
Stefanie
Andrei
Shaikah
Hyacinth

I guess I still have a few other whom I had forgotten but I'll update the list as I move on with my blog.

For the past years, my usual gifts would range from toys and shirts or dresses when they were still younger, then I also tried giving monetary amount instead so they can let their parents buy it for them or perhaps let them spend it by themselves which they appreciated.

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Then this year, I have gained two new godchildren, Andrea who is my childhood friend's first born and Hyacinth who is my college friend's second baby girl. I am back again to square one where I have to look for items for the babies.

Now, I have actually received helpful and very affordable tips from my new friends at work on the best ideas of what to give to these kiddos. Today, I am also sharing this to you so you may also have an idea on these matters.

Here are the steps:

1. Personally make connection and know your godchildren.

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Sometimes, it is just hard for us to get to know each single god child we had most specially if they are living away from us that we don't often see them. That's a given case but there are actually reasons how we could learn more about them.

One good way to know what they would like to have for Christmas is to ask them straight. This applies of course to those who are bigger and has their own way of thinking.

For those who can't yet decide for themselves, you may ask their parents instead. Surely their parents would appreciate anything so it would be up to you if what they had mentioned will be followed, it's your call.

But by doing this, you can have a glimpse of what types of gifts you can provide and give to these children.

2. Choose wallet-friendly items.

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After knowing the types of gifts, one must make it a point to consider the amount you'll be shelling out for the gift. Babies and those who are not yet able to decide for themselves would not really appreciate anything of great value so it is better to keep a list of things which can perhaps be enjoyable for them like toys but also be reminded of hazardous toys, we don't want to cause health issues to the kids!

For those who are teenagers, it would be best to sought out those items on sale! During Christmas season, there are lots of stores which go on midnight sales! Go check them out and don't be absent when their sale date comes!

3. Say yes to educational gifts!

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Of course, we have to give our godchildren something which will provide educational value for them. We know educational items are a bit of expensive but take a look at book sale shops which gives out coloring books and art supplies which are less than in the malls!

There are also packages all over town. There's a great chance that they'll remember these items that you have given which will give him a hint that you value education!

Aside from books and art supplies, for the little kids, puzzles and solving toys would be great for them. They'll learn decision making and they'll love it more if you show it to them whenever you are around.

4. Keep a list when you shop.

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This is a helpful tip because you might be buying multiple gifts for a single kid or god child! There were instances in the past where I realized I bought two kinds of dresses for one specific child.

Having a list with the ideas on what gift to give would be great to keep track. You can use a mobile app to list these like Google Keep or even a traditional paper and pen will do! Once this has been established, shopping would be easier and neater! You can get to the shop and know already what you wanted to buy.

This will also keep you in focus on the items on the list and won't just buy whatever you get to see inside the malls!

Bonus: Be present on present giving.

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Thus, after getting your present wrapped in a red - green wrapper, your god children will appreciate it a lot or perhaps the parent would do so if you hand it over personally to the kids.

One of the activities children do during Christmas day is to knock on their godparents and ask for their presents. This has been a tradition which is still currently practiced in this new generation!

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Be sure to be there and hand the gift to the kid personally, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the child and so it will be easier for your to connect to him or her and find next year's gift too!

Blog entry written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues, A Pinas traveler and photography hobbyist, find more travel blogs in my blog section, click here.