Buy local: Filipino brands to consider for your Christmas shopping list
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Supporting small local businesses is one way of helping fellow Filipinos.
It's December and Christmas is just a few days away. If you're still browsing the internet trying to find the perfect gift for family and friends, consider this: buy from local shops.
There's been a lot of calls lately to buy from local brands, especially from small businesses. This year has been very challenging for small business owners and the best way to support fellow Filipinos is by buying local.
Filipino craftsmanship is one of the best in the world and there are so many high-quality local products out there. GMA Lifestyle has compiled a list of shops where you can buy quality goods, made by Filipinos for Filipinos and the world.
Stride Collective
Marikina is slowly recovering from the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses. Like what Tropical Storm Ondoy did in 2009, many houses and establishments in the flood-prone city were submerged in high floodwaters including restaurants, shops, factories, workshops, and even malls.
This is the best time to support Marikina by buying shoes made in the city. Marikina is known as the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines” because shoemaking has been a long craft tradition in the city.
Stride Collective is a group made up of different shoe brand owners based in Marikina that make and sell high-quality footwear. According to their website, the brands employ “experienced shoe artisans” from Marikina. (Instagram: @stridecollectivePH)
A&C Handcrafted hand-poured candle / SOURCE: @achandcrafted A&C Handcrafted
This family-owned business sells hand-poured scented candles. These high-quality candles are not your ordinary department store candles because the brand uses the best ingredients in their products including premium essential oils like bergamot, ylang-ylang, lilac, juniper, and more.
Based in Makati City, A&C Handcrafted describes itself as “a small team of passionate, scent-addict, individuals” and “believes home fragrances is augmented to your personality--your individuality.” (IG: @achandcrafted)
Straightforward Clothing
This clothing brand has been very visible lately thanks to their social media ads.
What's great about the brand is the clothes they sell are very simple and classic. The brand uses familiar silhouettes and the products are very clean with minimal to no branding. Straightforward Clothing likewise sells shoes, and vegan leather products such as bags, wallets, and more. (IG: @shopstraightforward)
Knitted unicorn plush toys / SOURCE: @knittingexpeditionKnitting Expedition
Founded by two knitting hobbyists Candy Reyes-Alipio and Aurora Mangubat-Suarez, the brand sells cute knitted products, from woolly warmers to plush toys. The brand is actually a social enterprise and it employs women in Ifugao who hand-knit the products.
You can buy gifts for your kids or inaanak here but there are also pieces for adults, from headbands to home accessories. (IG: @knittingexpedition)
Haspe Design Studio
Haspe Design Studio is mainly a furniture company that offers customized design. But the shop likewise sells small home accessories such as bookends, trays, gadget stands, and more made from wood and rattan.
Based in Bulacan, one of the brand's key design features is the solihiya weave, a traditional Filipino weave used in furniture and home pieces. (IG: @haspe.design)
Handcrafted pendant by Lifeward Jewelry / SOURCE: @lifeward.jewelryLifeward Jewelry
This jewelry brand makes handcrafted jewelry pieces. The pieces are actually more like art pieces than just jewelry. The designer mainly uses copper, semi-precious stones, and crystals in the jewelry pieces. The designs are inspired by nature.
The shop also makes customized pieces and the pieces are available on Etsy and they ship worldwide. (IG: @lifeward.jewelry)
Artél Manila
If you're looking for a local, high-quality perfume brand, then Artél Manila is for you. According to its website, the brand makes luxurious fragrances at accessible prices.
The brand uses premium essential oils in its perfumes. The brand also promises that its perfumes are long-lasting. They likewise offer online consultation so you can pick the perfect fragrance for you or your loved ones. (IG: @artelmanila)
Leather products of Rubbertree Design Studio / SOURCE: @bagsbyrubbertreeBags by Rubbertree
Rubbertree Design Studio makes beautiful leather bags in different shapes and sizes. Their brand philosophy is to create pieces that celebrate the material and following clean silhouettes. That is why their bags have a wider appeal because they're simple and can go with any outfit.
Aside from bags they also make coin purses, pouches, camera straps, and even “Ear Savers,” a strip of riveted leather that holds face mask straps. (IG: @bagsbyrubbertree)
Abel PH
This shop sells inabel home pieces made in Ilocos, from kitchen towels to pillowcases to blankets. Inabel is a traditional Ilocano textile made of cotton. Ilocanos have been using this fabric to create home accessories that feature colorful patterns and are favorite pasalubong pieces of tourists.
Abel PH even packs their products in native boxes for customized orders. (IG: @abelphilippines)
Beautiful plant pots of Nest Plant Studio / SOURCE: @nestplantstudioNest Plant Studio
This one is for your plantita/plantito family member and friend. Nest Plant Studio sells potted plants, pots, and stands. Their pots are clean, simple, and modern. When buying plants from the shop, they also detail how to take care of plants, which is perfect for newbie plant owners. (IG: @nestplantstudio)
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out these sustainable gift ideas for environmentally conscious individuals:
