By now, it doesn’t take much to convince people to buy local. Year after year, we’ve seen many local brands and businesses emerge into the industry, establishing themselves and putting forward the quality and story of products made in the Philippines, by the hands of our fellow Filipinos.

Supporting local brands is also a matter of pride, not just for the brands creating and selling these products, but for us end-users, who use these items out on the daily.

Quick story time: Earlier this year, I joined an arts conference abroad with several critics from Southeast Asia. For a presentation, I thought of wearing a piece made with local weaves. I had several reasons behind the choice—on the practical end, it was a versatile multi-way top, making it easy to dress up or down (and that also made it easy to pack into my luggage). While on the more aesthetic side, I thought it would be a great chance to subtly represent the Philippines.

True enough, my companions in that cohort all took notice, enamored with the woven patterns.

All this to say, if you’re looking for extra meaningful gifts, consider something locally made. Not only to support our artisans, but also in the interest of the receiver: It’s an extra gift to be able to bear and carry items that also come with their own stories.

In this gift guide, we share some of the newest finds on the market—some classic, some trendy, but ultimately all local.

Fashion

Apara Holiday collection

@apara.studio

Understated elegance is threaded throughout Apara’s holiday collection with versatile pieces you can pair, layer, or wear on their own. These easy silhouettes even come in deep winter hues of rust, brown, maroon, and black.

Idyllic Summers Earthbound collection

@idyllicsummers

The collaboration by artists Geraldine Javier, Marionne Contreras, and fashion designer Steffi Cua continues its rounds through gallery circuits and pop-ups—and is now also available online. These beautiful botanical prints, splayed over handloomed piña, are wearable works of art.

Kinabuhi Sinta orchid top

@shopkinabuhi.ph

Native orchids bloom on Kinabuhi’s statement top made of deadstock organza fabric. Handsewn and embroidered by makers in Cebu, the Sinta orchid top represents women’s elegance and resilience.

GVN ballet sneakers

@gvnthelabel

For your girlfriends who love to stay on top of the trends, consider these ballet sneakers, which come in four colorways. (Yes, these are the shoes Blackpink Lisa was wearing in Singapore!)

Accessories

Tropik Beatnik, Anthill, and Andante collaborations

@tropikbeatnik @anthillfabric @andantefootwear

Continuing from their Nayon Natin collaborative pop-up, which concluded last October, these local brands have released new collections of accessories that can add a festive color to any outfit. The Tropik Beatnik x Anthill collaborations feature deadstock weaves formed into floral accessories like earrings, while Andante’s partnership with Tropik Beatnik features handmade clay charms that fit perfectly on their new line of boat loafers.

See Also

In Manila, Jolianne gets by with a little help from her Bisaya friends

Arao Soul collection

@thearaolife

As we end the year and start anew, many may consider seeking the help of nature’s gifts for a much-needed energy boost. Arao’s newest collection features a singular hand-picked baroque pearl flanked by crystals like aquamarine, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, clear quartz, larimar, moonstone, prehnite, or rose quartz, with each stone symbolizing specific qualities and energetic benefits.

Home

Sgt. Mags Jelly Lamp

@sgt.mags

These jelly lamps couldn’t have been more aptly named, as the shape is reminiscent of our favorite gelatin desserts. Lit up, these lamps come in luscious colors like mint (green), maraschino (cherry red), and almond (cream).

For the holidays, Sgt. Mags has also released a new “flavor” for their jelly lamp: chestnut (deep brown). A special edition collaboration with Krete Manila called the coffee jelly lamp (with a base made out of repurposed coffee waste!) was also recently made.

Guava Sketches placemats and napkins

@guavasketches

Can’t decide what to gift a home-savvy friend? You can never go wrong with an assortment of table linens, such as placemats and napkins. Guava Sketches’ napkin and placemat sets come in several colorblocked combinations; an easy fit for any home aesthetic.

For the holidays, Guava Sketches is also offering a special promo: you get an extra set of napkins and placemats when you buy two sets, along with a shell incense holder.