Christmas. Birthdays. Anniversaries. Those are just a few of the various events happening in a year that often warrants a ‘gift giving’ spree. Personally, those ‘happenings’ are always such a struggle for me because I am the kind of person who finds it hard to think of gift ideas—unless of course, the person that I’m gifting has an intense love for Breaking Bad or Harry Potter for example (but then again, sometimes it can still be tough to think of what to give them!)
And now, with my current situation, the struggle is real…
Living in a land far away from my friends in the Philippines, it becomes even harder to think of ways to give them gifts without spending an insane price for international shipping. (Obviously, I am saying this because sometimes, my love for them goes way beyond the usual post cards etc.—certainly, those are awesome + love-filled gifts in themselves! But I’m just saying that as time goes on, we need variety. I don’t think another letter for their birthday would make them jump for joy, you know?)
And so, just in time for the coming holidays, I have compiled a list of great online shops or stores in the Philippines…
To help you discover gift ideas
To put an answer to your laziness to go out shopping (LOL)
To save on ridiculous international shipping costs (if you’re like me who is living abroad)
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Miscellaneous Shops
Amazon-like online shops that offers almost everything!
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#1 – Seek the Uniq
My current #1 go-to online store whenever I want to send some gifts to my friends back in Manila. Seek the Uniq has almost everything, except for gadgets and food, but anything new and ‘in’ for books, clothes, shoes, accessories, bags, home, etc.—they have it!
What’s even more awesome about their brand is that you can leave special instructions and they will go out of their way to make it happen. (I had orders that they personally gift-wrapped so beautifully!) Again: highly recommended!
» Payment Options: Cash on Delivery, Credit Cards, Bank Deposits (jsut email shop@seektheuniq.com)
» Shipping: Local & International
#2 – Taste Central
Mainly selling items for bed & bath, kitchen & dining, furniture, and decor, Taste Central is known for selling quality and hard-to-find products of different varieties. There was a time as well wherein they were actively posting food items that are uniquely available overseas; but it seems like as of December 2014, they have sold out those. So, I guess it’s something to look forward for!
» Payment Options: PayPal, Bank Deposits (BPI and BDO only)
» Shipping: Manila only as of the moment
#3 – Hallo Hallo Mall
Much like the dessert ‘halo-halo‘, this website is a mix of a lot of things! From gadgets, to food, makeup, and more! They’re the closest thing to Amazon.
What’s more is that with them, they often have HUGE sales, and you can even earn points to get HUGER discounts!
» Payment Options: Cash on Delivery, Credit Cards, DragonPay, Bank Deposits (BDO, BancNet), Smart Money, Globe GCash, Installments
» Shipping: Local & International
#4 – Lazada
This is the same as Hallo Hallo Mall; it offers you a vast range of local and international products to make shopping effortless and hassle-free right in your home!
You can even compare items with Hallo Hallo Mall so that you can really see the cheapest choice for a certain product.
» Payment Options: Credit Cards, Cash on Delivery, BDO Installments, PayPal, Megalink (Bank Deposits)
» Shipping: Local
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Gadgets Shop
Purely gadgets and tech!
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#5 – Kimstore
Other than shopping for gadgets at Lazada or Hallo Hallo Mall, why not check by Kimstore first? In my opinion, they are the #1 online gadget shop in the Philippines that can offer you brand new, guaranteed original gadgets at unbeatable prices! I’ve dealt with them before and I can guarantee that they are safe. I trust them and have even done meet-ups for my purchases when I was still in Manila.
» Payment Options: Cash upon Meet-up, Bank Deposit, Cebuana Lhuiller, Credit Card, LBC Over the Counter Payment
» Shipping: Local (Meet-ups are done too)
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Fashion & Beauty Shops
All things related to fashion & beauty: clothes, bags, shoes, makeup, etc.!
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#6 – Zalora
They have maaaaany items and they hold tons of brands so it’s a joy browsing through their shop! Most of the time, you’ll find great finds here that are normally not in our local stores.
What’s more is that they often have insane sales going on! And they have really fast shipping time! (Same day shipping for Metro Manila)
» Payment Options: Cash on Delivery, Credit + Debit Cards, PayPal, Bank Transfer
» Shipping: Local & International (if you go to their partner international stores)
#7 – Apartment 8 Clothing
Founded by three girls, Apartment 8 Clothing offers the latest & trendiest clothes in affordable prices!
Most of the time they also have such unique clothing (especially because they often have limited stock on certain dresses) that you’ll most likely find no one else wearing the same thing!
» Payment Options: PayPal, Bank Deposits, Credit or Debit Cards
» Shipping: Local
#8 – AVA
Offers high-end local and international brands from clothes, bags, accessories, makeup, and footwear.
They also have sales now and then; so, if you have a friend who loves branded things, this could be your best bet!
» Payment Options: PayPal, Credit & Debit Cards, LBC Cash on Delivery
» Shipping: Local & International
#9 – ZOO
Launched in 2009 by Kat Zulueta, ZOO offers a lot of apparel that have wonderful designs. The prices might not be so cheap but the quality and ‘look’ makes up for it. (They also have regular sales too, so it could end up as affordable).
» Payment Options: PayPal, BDO, Western Union, Globe GCash
» Shipping: Local & International
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#10 – Rags 2 Riches
A true Filipino brand, Rags 2 Riches offers trendy bags, purses, wallets, pillows, etc. that are made by poor communities across the country. It’s definitely a social enterprise, yet a good one at that! They make such high-quality hand-woven items; what’s more is that the designs are so drool-worthy.
A definite must to check them out!
» Payment Options: BPI (Bank Deposit), PayPal
» Shipping: Local & International
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#11 – Fab Manila
Originally selling bags and travel kits, Fab Manila is a Filipino brand that now sells even more product varieties like desk organizers, washi tapes, accessories, and the like! In a sense, I guess you could say that they are the ‘Muji‘ version for the Philippine setting.
» Payment Options: Bank Deposits (BPI, BDO, Metrobank), PayPal, Globe GCash
» Shipping: Local
#12 – ASTOgroup
ASTO is a platform where all rising local and international designers put up their pieces for sale. It’s all an interesting mix of styles and given that these are from individual designers, you’ll have clothes that are uniquely made!
Unfortunately, it’s not as affordable but still a great website to look into for quaint clothing.
» Payment Options: Credit Cards, PayPal
» Shipping: Local & International
#13 – Neon Island
Another proud Filipino brand, here’s another unique clothing brand that’s made in the Philippines!
They’re a new shop but I am loving their clothing pieces so far! They give off such a very 60s vibe for me.
» Payment Options: Bank Deposits
» Shipping: Local
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Personalized Jewelry Shops
Customize your jewelry gifts!
#14 – Pulseras by Kim
If you want to send customized or personalized bangles, necklaces, bracelets, and rings made of brass, check the store of Pulseras by Kim! They look very cute and it’s an interesting gift to give away to your friends.
» Payment Options: Paypal, Bank Deposits (BDO, BPI)
» Shipping: Local
#15 – Tessera by PAF
Monogram jewelries (or name initials) are ‘in’ lately and with Tessera by PAF, you can have your own handmade one!
The monograms can be made in 14k pure solid yellow gold, 14k pure solid white gorl, 14k pure solid rose gold, 14k/18k gold plated, or 14k gold electro plated.
» Payment Options: Email tesserabypaf@yahoo.com
» Shipping: Local
#16 – Istorya Creations
Another personalized jewelry shop; I included this in this list because apart from Tessera and Pulseras, Istorya Creations has more range of types, designs, and items to choose from.
You can have anything engraved on the items: names, quotes, dates, etc.
» Payment Options: Globe GCash, Bank Deposits (BPI, BDO)
» Shipping: Local
Baby Items
For moms, kids, and home!
#17 – Mothering Earthlings
The perfect shopping space for moms and kids! This is composed of Filipino brands and ‘mompreneurs’ items that all have their own individual style and flair.
» Payment Options: Globe GCash, Bank Deposits, PayPal, Credit & Debit Cards
» Shipping: Local & International
#18 – Two Tots
If you want personalized home accessories and furniture that are designed and manufactured here in the Philippines, Two Tots is the way to go! It takes a while for personalized products to be finished (about two weeks) but I swear, the wait will be worth it!
» Payment Options: Email inquiries@twotots.net
» Shipping: Local
Other Shops
#19 – The Candy Shop
They don’t sell candy, no. But they do sell lovely and personalized stationery. They offer paper products with prints and patterns, sticker labels, wall art tiles, gift wrapper, decals, and more.
» Payment Options: Email info.thecandyshop@gmail.com
» Shipping: Local
OVERALL…
These are just some of the many online shops in the Philippines that you can look into for gifts and trinkets. I’ve tried shopping with most of them and have trusted them; so, I hope that in turn, you get to enjoy them too!
How about you?
Do you like online shopping? Where do you usually shop?
Do you know of any other good online shops in the Philippines?
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The post Gift Ideas + Shopping: Top 19 Online Shops / Stores in the Philippines appeared first on I am Aileen.