Christmas is almost synonymous to gift-giving. It’s inherent for a lot of Filipinos to give gifts to our family, friends, colleagues, and even to the good ol’ manong from the security booth on holidays. We care and share wholeheartedly. Of course it’s not the price tag that matters (it never is) but the thought and meaning behind what we give.
To add more meaning to your gifts, consider the story of where you get them too. One of the most heartfelt stories are those you find when you shop local. It is impressive to think about the amount of time, commitment, and labor these small business owners put in to make their ventures come to life and stay alive. Sometimes, it’s almost even the labor of love.
Most independent local businesses are run, on a daily basis, by the people who personally own them, not by large corporations, stockholders, or algorithms. The money you spend buying from these entrepreneurs benefit these people and their team directly. When we support local, these small businesses thrive. And when they thrive, our communities thrive. Isn’t that a very meaningful Christmas present to everyone and an inspiring message to teach our kids?
Sure, some can be a little bit more expensive than what you usually see in shopping malls, but they’re authentic, they’re original, and the people behind them care.
We’ve rounded up some of the local products with incredible stories for your holiday inspiration:
1. Messy Bessy
Messy Bessy is a locally produced line of home and personal care products made with safe and biodegradable ingredients. It’s good not just for your health, but for the planet, too. What’s really interesting about this company is how it started by purposely wanting to help at-risk young adults. Now, Messy Bessy has already established the HOUSE Foundation (Helping OUrselves through Sustainable Enterprises) in order to bring this social innovation to a much wider scale.
Some of their products include the disinfectant aroma spray, hand & body wash, sports spritzer, and the baby bug repellent cologne. They have also made gifting this Christmas season easier by coming up with your favorite personal care products in bundles.
For more product information, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/messybessycleaners/or their website at www.messybessy.com
2. Usares Wild Forest Honey
Usares Foods started in Surigao del Sur when its founder, looking for pure honey for his family’s consumption, stumbled upon the Mansaka, Manobo, and Kamayo honey harvesters. Convinced by the authenticity of their product, he made them his constant honey suppliers. What started as a search for a raw and healthy vitamin supplement for his family became a sustainable social enterprise, helping local harvesters grow their own livelihood as well.
Their product is pure, raw, and unpasteurized honey bottled in different sizes for you to choose from. If you’re looking for organic with all natural nourishment for your Christmas gifts, then this local product is for you. They even have a special Christmas packaging which makes it perfect for your healthy gifts theme!
Find out more about them and their product at https://www.facebook.com/usareswildhoney/.
3. Fab Manila
Fab Manila was born from the travels of two sisters around the world. Inspired by their experiences and the cultural diversity they have seen, they created a line of products showcasing all of these. The founders have designed and developed the gift items themselves which are all proudly Philippine-made.
Living up to their tagline of making pretty things since 2003, Fab Manila has all sorts of cute and adorable products ranging from bags, wallets, travel organizers, and accessories. They are very much affordable too! Head to one of their stores in Glorietta, Alabang Town Center or Vertis North and scout for items to make your inaanaks and workmates smile this Christmas.
Learn more by visiting their Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/fabmanilashop.
4. Glassicology by Fchel
Glassicology by Fchel was borne out of self-discovery and what the founder describes as her “quarter-life crisis”. As an arts enthusiast, Fchel was constantly seeking out ways to express her creativity through her career. She found herself in the giveaway space as she has always loved glassware, and eventually wanted to create her own from scratch. She discovered that painting on glass was difficult but doable. With extensive research, practice, and collaboration with other artists, she was on her way to perfecting her craft.
Through her pocket-sized glass art, Glassicology aims to make art as available and affordable to the market as they can. She sells cups, martini glasses, coasters, and other decorative materials. All designs are handcrafted and uniquely produced by the founder and occasionally, with other local artists. Today, the brand stays firm in its mission to introduce quality but affordable art.
Check out her work on https://www.instagram.com/glassicology/ or https://www.facebook.com/glassicology/
5. Woven
Woven tells the story of uplifting communities of craftsmen and women, of helping these artisans believe in their craft and continue their decades-old tradition of weaving arts and stories. It is a social enterprise which began in Samar and is now in the lookout for exploring the rest of the weaving communities of the Philippines.
Their product line which includes bags, mats, laptop sleeves, and more are all handmade using traditional methods and materials.
For more information, visit their website at www.wovenph.com or their Facebook page at https://web.facebook.com/WovenCraftsPH.
Bonus: Alternative
Alternative is an e-commerce platform featuring high-quality Filipino brands for the family. It brings together selections of products from different local entrepreneurs creating this vibrant and impactful platform. Referring to their curations as the Hi-Fi profile (or high quality, Filipino, and impactful), they put the spotlight on the heart and soul of local craftsmanship.
Browse their website at https://alternative.ph/ to look for unique items perfect for corporate moms and dads, hip titos and titas, stylish college kids, and socially-conscious younger ones.
These are just some of the local brands with great stories to tell– stories that help build communities and inspire our families to, even in our own little way, give back.
Isn’t it a bliss knowing that when you shop this Christmas, you’re not only making those whom you plan on giving your gifts to happy, but several others – both communities and individuals – smile as well? Being mindful of the world around us is a great personal value to start teaching our children. What better way to do so than to show them that you care for your community and ultimately, practice what you preach?
This gift-giving season, what have you planned on sharing? Let us know in the comments!
*Disclaimer: All photos were sourced from the brands’ official Facebook pages or websites.
Almira Manduriao does content marketing by profession, works with nonprofits and social enterprises to strengthen their cause, and advocates for the protection of women & children in the country. She travels to collect local paintings, eat whatever’s on the menu, and get lost in crowded train stations.
