When it comes to Christmas, every parent wants to find the perfect gift – something that brings joy, sparks curiosity, and perhaps even teaches a skill. For Driech, a dad of two, that’s exactly what the holidays are about: giving gifts that create meaningful experiences and lasting memories with the people around them.
Based in the Philippines and part of the SEO team, Driech handles the technical side of things – but at home, he’s all about creating moments of fun and learning. We spoke with him about how to choose a great Christmas gift, what eight years of parenting have taught him, and how he turns the holiday season into a time for connection, discovery, and joy.
“Hi! I’m Driech, a dad of two – Lexie (8) and Kal (2),” he begins. “I’m the chill kind of dad, one who lets my kids learn by themselves – like letting them fall and get up on their own, or experience frustration when trying to solve a puzzle.”
Parenting, he says, is both rewarding and unpredictable. “Life with two kids can be a rollercoaster. Some days are calm, other days it’s utter chaos – lol.”
The best part of being a dad? “Seeing my family enjoy experiences together.” Whether it’s cooking, playing, or travelling, those shared moments make everything worthwhile for Driech.
Before becoming a dad, Christmas was simple for Driech. But now, it’s become one of his favourite times of year.
“Celebrating Christmas now is about preparing and cooking food! Hearing the family say, ‘Wow, this is good stuff!’ is a big win for me,” he laughs.
“Before becoming a dad, I barely cooked. Now, I try to learn new recipes regularly.”
Aside from the family dinners, their tradition is travelling together. “It could be a staycation, an overseas trip, or anything in between. We enjoy experiencing the sights and sounds of the holiday season in various places and making great memories along the way.”
When asked whether he’s the “fun” parent or the “practical” one, Driech says he’s a mix of both. “I try to find a balance. I let them try new things and have fun, but I also hold back when needed and say, ‘Maybe next time.’”
It’s the same balance he brings to gift-giving – a thoughtful mix of learning, fun, and meaning.
Lexie, their eldest, is the family’s creative spirit. “She’s very artsy – she loves colouring and painting. She’s also chatty and full of questions!”
Kal, the youngest, is pure energy. “He’s active, always running and jumping,” says Driech. “His playtime usually involves a lot of running and jumping.”
When it comes to unwrapping gifts, both kids show their excitement in the loudest way possible. “They don’t squeal – they shout! You’ll hear things like ‘Woooh!’ or ‘Yaaayyy!!’ echoing through the house,” he laughs.
So, how does a dad choose the right gift?
“I usually go for the science-y stuff,” says Driech. “It’s the learning and spark of creativity that matter to me. One Christmas, I got them fossil excavation kits – you dig through a sand block to uncover a dinosaur toy. The best part was that you didn’t know what kind of dinosaur you’d get!”
Gift planning in their family is collaborative. “My wife and I decide together. We ask the kids to make a list, but remind them it doesn’t mean they’ll get everything on it. It’s more about letting them learn to make decisions”
And it’s not always about physical presents. “We tell them their list doesn’t need to be about tangible presents only – it can also have stuff like ‘go to the zoo’ or ‘eat sushi’.” This thoughtful approach becomes especially useful when choosing gifts tailored to each child’s interests and personality.
If you’ve ever wondered “what gift should I give my daughter for Christmas” or searched for Christmas gift ideas for girls, here’s what’s worked for Lexie through the years – a timeline for parents looking for age-appropriate gifts for girls aged 8 and below.
“These years were all about toys that stimulated touch and hearing – like wooden blocks and a toy xylophone,” says Driech. “Lexie still has her favourite caterpillar toy that vibrates when you pull it!”
“At this stage, she enjoyed crayons and colouring books. When she turned five, we got her a kick scooter – she loved it for years until it finally broke from all the rugged use!”
“In recent years, her favourites have been books and art materials. She absolutely loves Picturepedia! She even brings it to school and enjoys it with her classmates. It was actually a gift from my manager – big thanks to James!”
Lexie’s interests have stayed consistent – art, colour, and creativity. “She’s a creative thinker through and through,” says her dad.
With many adults – grandparents, aunties, and uncles – constantly showering children with gifts, it can feel impossible to find something truly special. So, what do you give a girl who seems to have it all? Our conversations with Driech offer some insight.
For creative kids like Lexie, it’s not about the price tag – it’s about gifts that let them make, share, and experience. Think hands-on art kits, DIY craft projects, or even painting workshops. These kinds of gifts give her the space to express herself and create something uniquely her own.
While Lexie loves colours and crafts, her younger brother Kal is all about movement and sound. “Kal’s playtime favourites involve playing with a ball, his toy gun, or dinosaur toys!” says Dreich.
For this year’s Christmas gift for his toddler son, the family is thinking musical. “We’re considering a toddler-friendly musical instrument, like a toy guitar or keyboard. Music is his thing right now. At night, he even prefers a lullaby or song [instead of] a bedtime story!”
And for the future? The family is saving something sentimental. “We have some jewellery as family heirlooms that were passed down to me from my grandfather. My wife and I are saving it for both our kids.”
If you’re still wondering “which gift is best for a son”, here are some ideas inspired by Kal (hand-picked by our writer):
Musical toys | Interactive books |
LEGO DUPLO Sets | Toy vehicles |
To make holiday gifting simpler and more meaningful, many families follow the 5 Gift Rule, which covers a mix of fun, practical, and memorable items. Here’s how it works:
But Dreich’s family adds a creative spin: the 12 Days of Christmas tradition. “From December 14 to 25, we prepare small presents daily,” he shares. “They can be simple but meaningful. For example:
This way, Christmas isn’t just one big day – it’s a joyful countdown filled with little surprises.
Looking back, Driech admits there’s one type of gift he’d avoid: stuffed toys. “They grow out of them so fast. I’d say just keep one or two plushies that your kid really likes.”
Instead, he recommends choosing items that build skills, spark curiosity, or strengthen family bonds. “It’s great if what you give is something they can also share with others or have fun with, together. Children are naturally social. Enriching this experience with items they have can lead to lasting memories, whether with us as parents, their siblings (if any), or relatives and friends.”
He believes this is the heart of giving. “Kids might not remember every single toy, but they’ll always remember how it felt – the excitement, the laughter, the love. That’s what will stay with them for life.”
For this dad, the perfect Christmas isn’t about how much you spend – it’s about how much heart you put into it. “The true essence of giving presents is to build or strengthen our connection with loved ones,” says Driech.
The toys may fade, but the memories stay. So whether you’re shopping for Christmas gift ideas for girls, gift ideas for boys, or a Christmas gift for toddlers, remember this: the best presents are those that bring your family closer – one thoughtful surprise at a time.
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