GIFT GUIDE: Curated finds for the small gifts exchange trend
TikTok's "small gifts exchange" is officially taking over every group chat in 2025.
While some keep the game simple by gifting the same "hero" item to the whole squad, others are getting creative with their approach.
The editors at PhilSTAR L!fe have already hopped on the trend, curating their picks into three must-have categories: essentials for the "WFH Tita" who is glued to her screen, useful anik-anik, and must-have beauty minis.
@philstarlife SMALL GIFT EXCHANGE 🎁 It's the most wonderful time of the year. 🎄 The editors of PhilSTAR L!fe did the small gift exchange trend, and here’s a glimpse at what we got! #smallgiftexchange #Christmas #PhilStarLife ♬ original sound - philstarlife
Meanwhile, some groups are sticking to the "Initial Game," where gifts must match the first letter of the giver's name, while others assign unique categories to each person with varying price points to make the gift-grabbing session feel like a high-energy game.
Want to level up the fun? Throw in a surprise gift! Some are leaning into the viral prank of stripping labels off canned goods, while one L!fe editor kept things adorable (and slightly chaotic) by gifting her colleagues a squishy toy frog.
Is your circle participating in this trend, too? Worry no more as we’ve curated a list of gifts that are cute but functional—and won’t break the bank.
Baggu Foldable Reusable Bag
A must-have for grocery trips, workouts, and travel, these reusable bags from Baggu come in endless designs to match any vibe. Pick up a Baby Baggu (P995) or a Big Baggu (P1,450) from Certified Calm and watch it become your friend’s new favorite accessory.
Or, if you're going to the US anytime soon, grab one of those viral Trader Joe's Micro Reusable Totes for $2.99 each!
Issy Perfume Discovery Set
Level up their fragrance game with the Issy Perfume Discovery Set. It’s the perfect 'small but thoughtful' gift that delivers chic, everyday luxury without the high price tag.
This set contains three perfumes that are perfect to be worn alone, in pairs, or all at once by layering. This includes Issy Scent of Familiarity, Scent of Possibility, and Scent of Intensity.
Available at issycosmetics.com for P599.
BYS Wearables
Useful anik-anik that's also a beauty product? BYS's new Wearables is a no-brainer.
The lippies—Ultra Balm, Plumping Lip Gloss, and Lip Oil—come with a keyring that you can attach to your bag!
Get these for P449 each.
Papemelroti notepads
Whether for expressing thoughts or just jotting down notes, a Papemelroti Notepad is a must-have. With 10 design variations ranging from vintage and floral to culturally inspired art, these notepads cater to different artistic tastes. Prices range from P35 to P46.
Papemelroti Notepads are available through their website or at their physical stores nationwide.
Bemo Inkflow gel pens
Note-taking is never complete without some colorful ink. Bemo Inkflow Gel Pens make writing a pleasure.
These 0.5mm fine-point pens are filled with high-quality Japanese gel ink and come in 10 vibrant colors. A set of 5 pens costs P200, available at bemojournal.com.
KATINKO Lavender Oil Liniment
Any trentahins in the group chat? Send your caring thoughts with KATINKO Oil Liniment—they'll love it for sure.
Available for P169 at Watsons stores, or through KATINKO’s Shopee and Lazada shops.
WellnActive Heat Relief Back Pain Patch
Say no more to back pain with the WellnActive Back Pain Patch. This item quickly relieves lumbar pains, with optimal heating comfort up to 12 hours. Available at Watsons and Southstar Drug for P178.
Watsons Flower Travel Tissue
Support responsible forest management while gifting your friends a cute and practical pocket tissue pack. This tissue pack is Forest Stewardship Council certified, ensuring it’s made sustainably. Each pack contains 4 sets of 50 sheets, 3-ply.
Available at Watsons stores nationwide or online at watsons.com.ph for P99.
Lucas Papaw Ointment
Wrap up the holidays with a lip that is moisturized with the Original Lucas Papaw Ointment.
Give the gift of hydration and protection, perfect for your friends, family, and everyone on your list, for just P499.
Get only original Lucas Papaw ointment at their trusted stores such as Watsons, Mercury Drug Store, S&R, Landers, Edamama, and Beauworks.
FRESH Jeju Aloe Ice Facial Mask
Perfect for self-care moments, this facial mask from FRESH is formulated with aloe vera extract from Jeju Island, giving a refreshing and recharging feeling after a long day. Get it for only P69 each.
Astra Kandila Classic Candles
Share a cozy vibe with your friends using Astra Kandila’s Classic Candles.
These 100g scented candles come in 7 variations, including lavender and peppermint, and are available for P260. Purchase directly at astrakandila.com or via their Shopee store.
Sunnies Studio Inhaler Pod
You get sunglasses, your friends get inhaler pods!
Get an Inhaler Pod with a Katinko Inhaler for only P245 when you purchase 2 Sunnies Studios sunglasses. You can also choose the type of inhaler pod that matches the style of your loved ones from sugar plum, chiffon, and butterscotch variations.
This inhaler pod is available at the Sunnies Studio official stores.
Kultura Filipino Print Pouches
Give your friends something practical but vibrant and artsy with these Kultura Filipino Print Pouches. You can choose from delightful retro and boho prints.
Get this for only P199 at kulturafilipino.com or via their physical stores nationwide. (with reports from Camille Santiago)
