Special thanks for sponsorship go to the Palasia Hotel Palau and Sam’s Tours, as well as Capt. Jordy and Neil, our guide on the private trip to the Rock Islands that Sam’s arranged; Surangel & Sons for the bus and our driver A.J.; as well as Elilai Seaside Dining for support, and the Four Seasons at M-Dock for the invite to its grand opening of the new waterfront restaurant, bar and lounge.
We have a multitude of photos, some of which you will find in the story about the trip. We appreciated the warm welcome and firm encouragement to do business in Palau.
You never know what the topic of conversation will be at parties. Last month I was at an event and a reader asked when my column on holiday gifts would appear. The reader said last year I wrote about what generations prefer, but he said he needed specific help, particularly for family members.
Maureen: “It’s only September. But why don’t you ask them what they want?”
Reader: “I can’t do that. Our gifts are surprises. Your suggestions were great.”
So here goes:
Gifts this year trend towards tech upgrades, popular novelties, and creative homeware. Here are some suggestions for you, dear reader and anybody else who is gift-list-challenged.
“Popular novelties” this year include throw blankets. There’s nothing like a throw blanket for naps, relaxing or watching movies. Lightweight versions are available for those of us in the islands.
The squishy is back, or any form of stress reliever, the Literary Clock (a digital version of the quote per day calendar) and more.
I am not sure what “creative homeware” is, but I am still delighted with the Nutribullet my husband gave me last year, which makes smoothies from fruit, or whatever you put in it. (If you are reading this is Guam or likely to visit Guam, or one of our U.S. cities, mine came from Macy’s.)
The Ember Mug 2 is a smart mug that users set to maintain their preferred drinking temperature for up to 1.5 hours. It’s recommended for coffee lovers, but I’m sure it works equally well for tea or a honey and lemon drink (since it’s flu season).
The Lego Botanical Orchid (for people who can’t nurture live plants, women in construction, and lovers of centerpieces or ornamental decor). Comes with a variety of vases and a mini version.
The Theragun Mini is “the smallest and lightest ultra-portable percussive massage gun, designed for on-the-go pain relief and muscle recovery.” (Ideal for any enthusiastic sportsperson.)
For business gifts, guest gifts, employee gifts, or the seriously challenged gift giver: Calendars, journals or notebooks remain popular. A gift voucher, appropriate beverage or tempting edibles that you can take home. mbj
— Maureen N. Maratita is the publisher at Glimpses Media. Glimpses Media includes the Marianas Business Journal, Guam Business Magazine, The Guam Guide, Wave 105.1 FM, Power98 and Route99.
