GIFT GUIDE: Locally-made artisan gifts to surprise your loved ones with this Christmas
Don't want to give your loved ones generic gifts this year? Why not surprise them with a unique artisan present?
There's no need to look far and wide for one since there are a lot of local brands that make these handcrafted gifts. Not only are you giving someone a beautifully-made present, you're also supporting different Filipino communities. Here are a locally-made few stocking stuffers you can give your friends and family.
Earrings from Pung To Lumad
Aesthetic earrings, anyone? Brighten up your loved one's look with beautiful beaded earrings made by Lumad students from Pung To Lumad. They also offer other pieces such as bracelets, necklaces, face mask laces, and sling bags.
If you're looking for a gift for a bookworm buddy, you can also get books that tell stories about Lumad kids and their experiences in Bakwit schools from the online shop.
According to founders Mandy Romero, Sofia Paderes, and Fumi Paderes, 100% of the proceeds go directly to displaced Lumad communities for food, water, school supplies, and other essentials.
Shoes from Mana
Simple sandals never go out of style. From the shoe capital of the Philippines, Marikina, Mana's artisan mules, sandals, and slip-ons are the perfect gift for your stylish besties.
Since 2018, the brand partnered with Marikina shoemaker Mang Jhun, who has decades of experience with the craft. The shoes go through a rigorous process of designing, sampling, and testing to ensure that they're as sturdy as they are chic.
MasKape bundle from Abra Indigo Manila
The MasKape bundle is on sale for P599.
For that loved one who can't go a day without a cup of joe, the coffee and face mask bundle from Abra Indigo Manila is a foolproof present.
The Kapelupe Premium Barako Coffee Grounds come from Batangas bringing tasting notes of bitter sweet chocolate and smoke. Meanwhile, the Alagang Kahel face mask promises comfort with its handwoven Pinilian water-repellent fabric.
Aspin plushie from Knitting Expedition
This adorable Aspin or Asong Pinoy plushie would make a great gift for your inaanaks, nieces, nephews, and the dog-lovers in your life! This puppy from Knitting Expedition is knit with love by Ifugao women who maintain the rice terraces.
Mask Master from Cheeky Chic
Know anyone who's always on the go? This handy organizer, the Mask Master, will help them keep their face masks clean and sanitized even when they're storing them in their bags.
This Cebu-crafted organizer from Disenyo del Sur's Cheeky Chic is made with washable canvas and can store more than just masks. You can also store small accessories, medicines, and jewelry within its interior pockets.
Bags from AKABA
Another gift you can give a busy buddy is a reliable bag. Sustainable fashion brand AKABA's knapsacks, backpacks, and travel bags are both stylish and functional.
They come in either purely handwoven material or a mix of that with water repellant fabric which are made by various weaving communities from all over the country, including indigenous groups in Ilocos.
Aside from bags, you can also purchase handwoven wallets, face masks, and travel pouches from AKABA.
Handwoven Blanket/Throw from Padayon
With the cold season upon us, what better gift can you give than a warm, soft-to-the-touch blanket? Warm up someone's winter nights with handwoven, comforting Padayon Blankets made by women in Argao Hablon sa Cebu.