Instead of just giving the typical presents to your loved ones, why not give back to the community by supporting local businesses and craftsmanship while you’re at it? It’s the season of giving after all!
Below are five local businesses worth checking out for holiday gifting!
5. Island Girl — for your best gals
Island Girl Philippines is a resort brand that offers stylish bags made of natural materials sourced from our very own country.
Their wide range of shoulder bags, clutches, totes, and more are handmade by people from rural communities using various techniques like embroidery, crochet, weaving, and bead-stringing. This the brand’s way of preserving and promoting Filipino craftsmanship.
4. Kawayan — for the men in your life
Kawayan makes watches that are made of bamboo, which means it’s not only sustainable and durable, it’s eco-friendly too! Their full-bamboo watches are fit for everyday use, while their bamboo base with leather straps will be more appropriate for formal events.
You can choose from a variety of designs that range between Php 2,100 and Php 3,000.
3. Gifts & Graces — for your titas and tita friends
Gifts & Graces connects Filipino artisans with consumers by exhibiting products made by their partner cooperatives, non-profit organizations, a special education center, and T’boli Tribe.
The foundation is a strong advocate for women empowerment, Fair Trade, and sustainable social development. Purchasing their jewelries, bags, and home goods means you’re supporting women artisans, as well as keeping traditional Filipino techniques alive.
2. Susanne Verallo — for your mom
Susanne Verallo’s namesake jewelry brand specializes in seashell accessories made from the offcuts and overruns from shell-craft companies.
Doing so, she gets to showcase the shell handicraft industry of her hometown, Cebu, and the beauty of local artistry as the brand works closely with independent Cebuano craftsmen.
1. AKABA — for the travel bugs
Traditional and modern design marry in the handbag products of Akaba Co. The brand works hand-in-hand with several communities from provinces across the country like Ilocos Norte, Oriental Mindoro, and Zamboanga to produce the woven material, which becomes the highlight in the bags.
AKABA emphasizes the importance of bayanihan, wherein the company’s growth and success will also translate in the improvement of the lives of their partner weavers.
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