Contrary to popular belief, I'm not a dessert person. However, when Christmas season rolls around, I would be more than pleased to receive a nice pastry as a gift. It's probably the nippy December air that fools with my normally salty tastebuds. In any case, if you're anything like me, you'd probably like to receive sweets for Christmas, too. If you're wondering what gifts to give people, here's a list of tasty treats for you and yours for the Holidays.

CookieBar

Born out of one girl's passion for baking, CookieBar's pastries are all made with love and are equally as delicious as they look. Pro-tip: Order the red velvet cookie cups (P500 for a dozen). To order, contact Ivorie Acosta at 0917-4226898 or email CookieBarManila@gmail.com. You can also log on to her website at http://ilovecookies.net.

Chocolat

Not to be confused with the other place in Katipunan with a similar name, Chocolat may very well be the neighborhood's best kept secret when it comes to chocolate cake. You can't go wrong with their Deep Dark Classic (P540), which is moist and fluffy on the inside, with a generously sinful layer of chocolate icing coating the entire confection - the way Mother Nature intended a chocolate cake to be. If you don't live on Katipunan, that's okay. Chocolat has branches at Mall of Asia, Sgt. Esguerra Street and San Juan. For more information, log on to their Multiply site at http://chocolatcakes.multiply.com.

Karen's Kitchen

For people who are sick of chocolate cake, the Sticky Toffee Pudding from Karen's Kitchen will be sure to have you and your guests sighing with delight as they dig in to the lush date cake covered with a heaping dose of toffee (if you're feeling extra decadent, go toss a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it). For ordering information, log on to http://www.karenskitchen.com.ph

Cinq

I've mentioned Cinq here before, and for good reason. All of Cinq's cakes are very rich and out of the ordinary, and look like works of art. I would recommend the Pascale, which is a Chocolate and orange mousse cake (PHP1250), and the mini version (pictured above, which goes for P150). The Aurore (P650) is another personal favorite. It's a chocolate tart with caramel and macadamias. For orders, call Angela Tolentino 8906858/ 09176252611. Order 2-3 days in advance. Pick up at 244 Amapola St., Palm Village, Makati.

Sweet Bella

Sweet Bella has been garnering praises from foodies for a few years now, and with good reason! Their original and innovative cake flavors, such as the Strawberry Charlotte (a pastry covered in cashews, Chantilly cream and fresh strawberries) keep the people coming back for more. For orders, contact Cristina Rivera at Sweet Bella Cafe in Forbestown Center, Burgos Circle corner Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City, tels. 8468243 and 8468244; and 730 Banyan St., Dasmarinas Village, Makati, tel. 8440680