It is that time of the year when expectations are set high by friends and families whose birthdays and anniversaries you ignored or forgot over the year. Armed with good intentions and hope, it s time to make your holiday purchases. Cairo, to the surprise of many, offers a plethora of possibilities for those seeking gifts to give or to receive that are original and carry with it the potential of a story to be told for many years to come. For the man who seems to have everything, a vintage find might do the trick. Khan El-Khalili, of course, is a bazaar and with it comes expectations of Ali Baba genie lamps and such treasures. Fob watches, vintage cigarette cases with oriental images evoking Delacroix's harem scenes, commemorative coronation buttons of King Farouk and other vintage finds can be found at Hafez Ramzy's small shop. For directions, simply ask for the store owner's name once standing by El-Hussein Mosque. Although only a small cubicle, you could perhaps find a gift or two for the special men in your life who would much appreciate something nostalgic and different from the typical socks and electronics they tend to receive. Down from this store by about 10 feet is Atlas Silks, a store that specializes in silk pajamas, house robes, house slippers, silk purses with gilded handles inlaid with turquoise and bed sheets made from cotton so smooth one first mistakes it for silk. Atlas Silks also specializes in jackets and coats with hand embroidered curlicue designs. For the friend who is far away from home and would like something slightly eccentric and exotic, a blue or purple silk house robe will do the trick. A little treat for oneself would be investing in a lovely silk coat that could be made to measure and delivered in two weeks. Gift certificates are of course, the lazier option. Four Seasons hotels across Egypt offer them and a certificate to be redeemed at the spa would be most appreciated by the stressed friend who threw the most fabulous of Christmas parties this year. Appreciation can be expressed in small paper packages. Swiss chocolates from Panache, in particular the croquant or caramelized nut chips centered ones are a favorite. Marzipan, and Syrian nougat delicacies at Panache are the best to be found throughout Egypt, and a small box or two for friends who savor gourmet chocolate and such sweet delicacies would appreciate such a gesture for their palette. For the friend who enjoys marron glacé, caramelized chestnut treats, Patchi leads the market amongst many shops in Cairo that are vying for the number one spot of Egypt high society's favorite treat. Interesting jewelry can be purchased from Mounaya Gallery. With an assortment of Turkish and Egyptian artisan pieces, some lucky ladies will appreciate a unique one of a kind gold and semi precious stone piece. For those wishing to make an even bigger impression or, perhaps, propose under the mistletoe, Bajocchi jewelers in downtown Cairo offer an assortment of stones and settings that will surely dazzle the most demanding of brides. For the children who seem to have everything, a companion in the form of a pet would perhaps fulfill their Christmas wish. Rather than purchasing, perhaps adopting a puppy from East Wind Kennels would be in tune with the charitable spirit of the season. Diwan offers a wide selection of children's books for all ages, and what better way to introduce children to the importance of reading than with a large stack of bright hardcover books? CD's and movies can also be purchased, as well as notebooks and fun stationary that children might enjoy using to create journals to perhaps document a trip abroad during the holidays. Atlas Silks: Khan El-Khalili. Tel: (02) 2590 6139; 012 317 4952.Bajocchi Jewellers: 45 Abdel Khalek Sarwat St., Downtown. Tel: (02) 2390 0030/2391 9160.East Wind Kennel: Tel: 010 560 9411Hafez Ramzy: Khan El-Khalili, Tel: (02) 2591 0589.Diwan Bookstore: 159 26 of July St., Zamalek. Tel: (02) 2736 2582; 105 Abu Bakr El-Seddiq St., Heliopolis. Tel: (02) 2690 8184.Mounaya Boutique: 14 Kamal El-Tawil St., (formerly Montazah Street), Zamalek.Tel: 010 888 2686; (02) 2737 7726.Patchi: 15G, at the intersection of Taha Hussein and Maraashli St., Zamalek.Panache: 14 Wadi El-Nil St., Mohandiseen. Tel: (02) 3347 6302/03.
