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Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas – Strictly Local.

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We all know that the magic of the holidays is not so much in the getting, but in the giving. There’s a plethora of presents you can buy your loved ones for Christmas to make them feel cherished and appreciated but truthfully, gift shopping can be a daunting task.

With the usual hustle and bustle that comes with the Yuletide season, some people simply have not found the time to visit the malls or do online shopping. Have you noticed that the last few weeks have felt like a blur? If you’re one of the unlucky ones who are facing the dreaded last-minute Christmas gift dilemma – don’t worry, we’re not here to judge, we’re here to help!

There are still two days left to get that perfect gift for your family or friends to place under your Christmas tree. We compiled a list of our top four last-minute Christmas gift ideas that won’t break the bank, and are super thoughtful too. Oh! Did we mention that they’re all strictly local?

Coming in at number one is a gift voucher for a fun, relaxing day at the spa because who doesn’t enjoy being pampered? And while we understand that hotel spas are popular spots to unwind and rejuvenate, why not try one that’s more intimate and a little easier on your pocket too? Renewed Hope, located in Arouca, offers just that. With a myriad of services to choose from including deep tissue and hot stone massages, as well as cupping therapy, we’re sure that your nearest and dearest will appreciate some time to relax, refresh and renew.

Studies show that spa days help to decrease stress, enhance sleep, lower blood pressure and release serotonin and dopamine, which makes you feel happier. Owned by national volleyball player Ryan Stewart, Renewed Hope is the perfect haven and a thoughtful way to let your giftee know you value their wellbeing. 

Our second gift idea is jewellery. Why is jewelry a good idea? Simply because it makes people feel special. It’s unique, memorable, retains value and can be cherished forever. And if you know your loved one’s taste, this will be easy for you as you can choose those that represent their personality, colourpreferences and style. Sure, Danish jewellery manufacturer Pandora has some exquisite items but so does local jeweler , Zipporah Mason, owner of Empress Zipporah. Located in Arima. She offers a wide-range of fashionable pieces for men and women such as sets made of paper fabric, rings, necklaces and beaded jewellery. Bonus – she also sells purses and tote bags. 


DIY gift baskets have become increasingly popular in recent years and we can see why. Creating a personalised gift basket filled with the recipient’s favourite treats and small luxuries will have anyone blushing and that’s why it’s number three on our list. A cute idea is a spa-themed collection with body butters, lotions, artisan soaps, shower gels and bath bombs. Trust us, a thoughtfully curated basket adds a personal touch of love. Rodco Home Essentials, located in Trincity, is a good option to cop some of these. Founder Colleen Malwah-Aqui’s skincare line of handcrafted soaps, body butters, body Scrubs and lip balms come highly recommended by her clients. “Our line is formulated to be of premium quality with affordable prices. Our products are well researched and formulated to keep your skin cleansed, hydrated, moisturised and looking younger,” she tells us. “Our products use a lot of local products, things that granny used to use when I was growing up including caraille, paw paw, watermelon, mango, passion fruit and aloes.” 

And last but not least – scented candles! Amazon has an assortment of them to choose from, however, you may want to check GreenVision, a local online store which specialises in hand-made scented candles. Not only are they a great way to make a home more homey, but you can make them a more personable present by finding one with a fragrance you know the recipient will love. Scented candles are used in aromatherapy and boast several health benefits. Studies show they can calm your mind, improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and enhance sleep. “We’ve been in operation for five years and year after year I have experienced an increase in the volume of sales of our candles for the Christmas season,” says owner Brithney Patrick, whose scented candles round off our list of the top four best last-minute locally-made Christmas gift ideas. 

We hope these tips were helpful. Now hurry! Get your Christmas shopping finalized!

Writer : Cherisse Moe

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Lifestyle

Dîner en Blanc Returns to Port-of-Spain with New Hosts and a Fresh Spark of Elegance.

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One of Port-of-Spain, Trinidad’s most anticipated social events is making its grand return. Dîner en Blanc is set to once again transform Port of Spain into a breathtaking sea of white as hundreds of guests gather for an unforgettable evening of elegance, dining and celebration.

Meagan Monsegue is a lifestyle enthusiast, avid global traveller as co-Host of Dîner en Blanc Port-of- Spain.

Leading this year’s experience are dynamic new hosts Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, who will welcome guests to the internationally celebrated event known for its signature all-white dress code, secret location and magical atmosphere.

With its blend of style, sophistication and community, Dîner en Blanc continues to be one of the most sought-after invitations on Trinidad and Tobago’s social calendar. So, Port of Spain, pure white elegance returns soon!

The question is – Are you on the list?


MORE ON THE EVENT

Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love for music, fashion, exceptional food and drink and unforgettable experiences.

Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity.

Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.

Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept.Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection.

For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.


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Machel Won for Soca Succinctly in 2025. The World Should Know How.

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In 2025, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic superstars, Trinidad and Tobago’s Machel Montano broke through the glass ceiling internationally, appearing on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series. It was the first for Soca music. The YouTube platform boasts a massive audience in excess of 12 million subscribers. Machel and the Monk Band’s appearance has racked up 1.3million views since it was dropped online back on January 13th, 2025.

Machel Montano continues his reign as the King of Soca music, but more than that, the artiste’s catalogue and influence, spanning more than 30 years, continues to point the world in one direction – the Mecca- Trinidad and Tobago’s Greatest Show on Earth.

Despite quite a lot of International and regional developments, new Soca music is being released by artistes in high anticipation of another epic Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago. Machel’s latest release is a collaboration with St. Vincent and the Grenadine’s Skinny Fabulous and Grenada’s Lil Natty and Thunda, called, “Pull De Pin.” In 5 days, 506,000 people have checked out the release on YouTube, proving the magnetic pull of this trio.

One of the year’s highlghts for Soca music and the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was in fact Machel’s appearance on the NPR Music Tiny Desk series. It has been hailed as one of the best Tiny Desk performances of 2025, by Welcome to The Culture.

In an interview with Mauricio Ruiz – Host of the Manager’s Playbook, Machel shared that initially, he did have reservations about doing the show. “I didn’t want to do it. I didn’t think I was ready,” he said on the Podcast. His manager, Che Kothari was persistent though, and eventually, Machel Montano and the Monk band was booked for the acoustic style performance on January 13th, 2025. During that showcase, Machel’s Power Soca music was stripped down. “I know he is a genius, a curator ; All you have to do is put those two entities together and it would be magic and it would have such a ripple effect in this region,” said Che during the Manager’s Playbook interview, and that it did.

That episode of the NPR Tiny Desk series has been acclaimed by Caribbean music lovers, some admitting that it had even brought tears to their eyes. “This is my first time being exposed to this artiste and I’m not too familiar with Soca, but he’s a vibe! I will be checking out more of his music,” said one viewer. Another commenter who said he is Bangladeshi-Australian said, “no other music fills me up with joy the way this music does. I hope that there’s casual Tiny Desk viewers from around the world who decide to watch this video and find their next musical love.”

Machel Montano’s groundbreaking performance on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk series was one of this year’s biggest wins for Soca music. The insistence of his manager, Che Kothari was undoubtedly a major factor in what the world got the opportunity to experience in January. Machel said it was an authentic, real experience, and it meant something big not just for him, but for the people doing it – the musicians who were there, side by side with him.

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