Spoilt for choice: Shoppers looking for presents at Gurney Plaza in George Town, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Guests of Christmas parties are among the last-minute shoppers hunting for festive gifts here.
Yoga instructor Kate Quah said she just found out there would be an exchange of gifts at the Christmas eve party she was about to attend.
“As my family is going, all of us need to get a gift each and we are trying to stick to the RM30 budget for the present.
“Buying something too expensive may not be nice,” the 61-year-old, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, said when met at a mall in Gurney Drive yesterday.
Checking out the items at the Christmas bazaar section, Quah said she found a beautiful bag for RM38.
“My daughter picked a handmade scented soap, which is ngam ngam (exactly in Hokkien) RM30. We are just going to browse around a little bit more before heading back to get ready for dinner.
“There will be about 50 of us, all friends and family, so it will be fun,” she added.
Quah said ever since the pandemic, many people did not host parties or events.
“So, it is nice to be back in my hometown this festive season,” she said.
Another shopper, Goh Juin Han, 19, was on the lookout for more gifts after picking a present for the family gathering’s gift exchange session.
“There are some attractive jigsaw puzzles which will make great gifts,” he said.
He bought a pocket watch for his first gift exchange session, which would be attended by his family members and some relatives.
“Our budget is RM50 and everyone usually just gives a mug.
“I wanted to buy something different and I found a pocket watch that is unique,” Juin Han added.
At some malls here, Christmas bazaars were held to make it easier for shoppers in search of festival-related items, decorations and gifts.
There were also Christmas carolling events to lighten the mood.
A representative from Straits Quay Retail Marina said there would be carolling sessions on Christmas Day.
Meanwhile, Gurney Paragon Mall conducted a Christmas countdown event, which showcased a list of entertainment programmes including zumba dancing, live performances and a food fair.
Other malls were a bit more muted, stating that they would carry out a New Year countdown instead.
