While the many wonderful contents of the balikbayan boxes overseas-based Pinoys sent ahead of their PH visit surely brought delight to family and friends back home, we at KUBO know that visiting Pinoys would still want to shop gifts for everyone they will see this Christmas—not to mention for loved ones abroad. And if there’s anything truly worth buying when in PH, it’s Filipino-made crafts and products that are among the finest, most creative kinds in the world.
From coffee to local teas and wines, from bamboo items to leather and hand-woven pieces, truly Filipino and locally-made products always make for meaningful and cherished gifts for every person on any balikbayan’s gift list—including themselves. Here are ten unique gift ideas from Filipino brands that you might also want to bring back abroad with you.
1. Candles from Saan Saan
Price range: ₱550 to ₱1,650
Saan Saan’s handcrafted soy candles capture the essence of being back home in the Philippines. Each scent touches on familiar Filipino memories, from the aroma of bustling Christmas shops in No. 24 Christmas Cafe to the calming incense smoke of Simbang Gabi in No. 40. Even the warm, inviting fragrance of Pumpkin & Juniper will remind you of family holidays. Each minimalist jar of soy candle is a portable piece from home that you and your gift recipients can breathe in with each lighting.
2. Wine from Vino Isla Tropical Wines
Price range: ₱750-850 per 750ml bottle, ₱600 for gift sets with two 375ml bottles
Balikbayans hoping to sample unique local wines will be happy to try Vino Isla Tropical Wines and even gift these elegant bottles. With heritage wines and spirits that showcase vibrant tropical flavors, Vino Isla Tropical Wines are not just great gift ideas, they’re also good for serving at holiday dinners. Some crowd favorites would be the Vino Isla Mango Wine (infused with the sweet and juicy flavors of Philippine mangoes), the Vino Isla Coconut Wine (a creamy, refreshing spirit with exotic notes of Philippine coconuts), and Vino Isla Sugarcane Wine (a light, distinctive wine highlighting the unique sweetness and earthy nuances of Philippine sugarcane).
3. Coffee beans from Yardstick Coffee
Price range: ₱700-900 per bag
For your loved ones who can’t go without a cup of joe, gift them proudly locally grown coffee they can savor at home, like Yardstick Coffee beans. This homegrown brand roasts specialty-grade coffee beans sourced from various regions across the Philippines, offering a taste of the diverse landscapes and rich agricultural heritage of the country. From the careful selection of the finest beans to their meticulous roasting process, their blends promise complex flavors that will satisfy even discerning Pinoy coffee drinkers. For something perfect to give during the holidays (for friends and family who need that extra kick of energy through all the festivities), opt for their Christmas Lights blend that tastes of dark chocolate, apple juice, and roasted nuts.
4. Skin and body care from For Keeps
Price range: ₱175-500 for individual items, ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 for sets
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Consider giving your titas, amigas, especially the mommies in your gift list something from For Keeps Clean Beauty‘s range of luxurious, locally-made skin and body care products. Their products use natural, non-toxic ingredients to nourish skin while protecting the environment. They offer kits of their bestselling items, like the ARISE + UNWIND Mini Tote Set (mini-sized Nourishing Hair & Body Wash, Calming Body Scrub, and Renewing Body Lotion) and the Aromatic Bathing Ritual Canvas Drawstring Set (full-sized Gentle Cleansing Shampoo, Nourishing Hair & Body Wash, Calming Body Scrub, and Renewing Body Lotion, all housed in a beautiful canvas bag). Did we mention you can personalize your own gift sets, too? These luxurious, intentionally made, and aromatic products belong in any household.
5. Chocolate sets from Auro
Price range: ₱330 to ₱2,519
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Who could say no to local sweet treats, like Auro Chocolate‘s exquisite gift sets? Crafted from ethically sourced Filipino cacao beans and infused with unique local flavors, these chocolates are a heartwarming way to celebrate the season and show appreciation to your loved ones. Whether it’s the Holiday Bonbons Box of 4 or Assorted Collection Pack of 7 (including 70% Dark Chocolate, 42% Milk Chocolate, and White Chocolate with Cacao Nibs), these delectable packages are sure to be enjoyed by whoever you gift them to. Besides being delicious, what makes these products special are their sustainable practices and community support.
6. Leather products by Jacinto & Lirio
Price range: ₱550 to ₱9,899
If you’re looking for gift items that boast Filipino artistry, check out Jacinto & Lirio‘s fine leather products that are crafted from premium full-grain leather and designed with a modern yet timeless aesthetic. From their minimalist leather wallets to their handcrafted leather journal sleeves, these quality products are made with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring their beauty and durability. Their leather is sourced from local tanneries and treated with natural oils and waxes, resulting in a rich and supple texture that develops a beautiful patina over time.
7. Banig placemat sets from Halohalo
Price range: ₱2,500 to ₱3,000
The woven placemats of Halohalo evoke the vibrant colors and rich culture of the Philippines. These beautiful handcrafted table decorations are made of recycled plastic banig that come in a wide variety of colorways such as Sampaguita, pink/green, pink/red, and pink/blue. They bring a classy yet festive energy to the lunch and dinner table spreads of the ladies you will gift these to.
8. Tea from Tsaa Laya
Price range: ₱165 to ₱395
Tsaa Laya‘s natural teas are hand-blended herbal infusions that use locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. The clean ingredients and soothing flavors of Tsaa Laya’s teas are universally appealing, offering a wide range of options for different people on your list: from the Soothing Comfort Canister (10 tea bags of their lagundi with mint and pandan tea) to the Tropical Summer Loose Leaves (60g of lemongrass tea blended with mango and pineapple). Besides offering wellness to everyone who drinks their teas, Tsaa Laya also supports local farmers.
9. Bamboo products from Funk Trunk
Price range: ₱299 to ₱999
Add some Filipino flair to your loved ones’ tech by gifting them Funk Trunk‘s unique bamboo pieces that are sustainable and functional. Every product is a conversation starter and a literal piece of home, with its natural textures. The brand offers beautifully crafted bamboo products for different aspects of everyday life, from drinkware to kitchenware and even office items (they sell power banks made of bamboo!).
10. Wallets and laptop sleeves from Woven
Price range: ₱800 to ₱2,000
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Woven’s exquisite wallets, laptop sleeves, pouches, and bags make for lovely gifts for your nearest and dearest in PH, as well as pasalubong to bring back abroad. Each piece, handcrafted by skilled artisans, showcase vibrant colors and intricate designs that are hallmarks of Filipino weaving traditions. Made of natural materials like abaca and raffia, these products are environmentally conscious, support local communities, and made to last for years to come. Available in various sizes and styles, there’s a perfect item for everyday use, for travel, or for special occasions. Smaller products like the Ginto Lingkat Mini and Lakbay Wallet prove to be nifty tokens, while larger items like the Ginto Laptop sleeve, you might even want to gift to yourself!
