The season of giving is just around the corner! You know what that means: gifts, gifts, gifts galore! Gift shopping can get stressful, especially when you have no idea what to get for your friends and family. No matter what they're into, any gift is made a touch more special when it's personalized. Receiving a gift with your name, photo, or even favorite color feels special, knowing that the one who gave it to you put extra thought into it. There are many places where you can get customizable items in Metro Manila – both in stores and online – so here's a guide on where to get exactly what you're looking for.
Accessories
Accessories like necklaces and bracelets are some of the most popular gifts to personalize. They're simple yet elegant, and they're something that can be used every day for multiple occasions. Having your own special accessory can make any outfit stand out! Check out these shops for personalized accessories:
1. Pisces Accessories
For customized pieces that have a unique Filipino touch, check out Pisces Accessories (@pisces.ph) on Instagram. Here, you can get necklaces with your loved one's name carved out in Baybayin! The Baybayin necklaces are available in silver and gold. You can also send in your own layout and have them create a necklace out of it!
2. House of Monogram
House of Monogram (@houseofmonogram.ph) makes elegant engraved pieces, like bar necklaces, bangles, and pendants. Have your anniversary date engraved on a bracelet for a significant other, a Bible verse on a bracelet for your mom, anything you can come up with to make a piece of jewelry more special!
3. Proppy PH
Socks are more of an article of clothing than an accessory, but there's no denying that there's something about socks that makes us appreciate them more and more as we get older. At Proppy, you can get socks engraved with your friends and family's names – they're colorful and comfy, plus you don't have to worry about anyone taking them by mistake! Find them online (@proppyph) or at their shops in UP Town Center, Uptown Mall, and Ayala the 30th.
Home Items
To make a house feel even more like a home, each has its own personal touch that makes it welcoming. Why not give your friends and family something they can add to their home that's made just for them? Here are some ideas on customized home items you can give as gifts:
1. Bleeves
You may have heard of Bleeves—they're essentially cozy blankets with a sleeve you can wear—but did you know you can have your Bleeves embroidered? For an additional fee of only P100, you can have a maximum of 8 characters sewn on to the product! Check out their website (https://bleevesph.com/) to order your very own personalized Bleeves in tons of colors and designs!
2. Papemelroti
Papemelroti is a well-known shop for home decor and stationery. Walk into one of their stores and you'll immediately be captivated by the products and designs that seem "homey" and sweet. Did you know you can have some of their items personalized, too? Magnets, nameplates, notebooks, and more! Visit any of their stores or their website (http://www.papemelroti.com) to check out what you can get!
3. Calligraffi Novelties
Feel like giving something fancy? Calligraffi Novelties creates customized items for any occasion from weddings, to wine nights, to summer barbecues, and beyond. Check out their personalized wine glasses, slate boards, coasters, and more items that will take your family home to the next level. Imagine sipping on wine that has your family name engraved on it! You can check out their Facebook (Calligraffi Novelties) to see what else they offer and shoot them an email at calligraffiinc@gmail.com for inquiries.
Supplies
For those friends of yours who thrive at work, you may want to give them something they'll find useful for their day-to-day! They'll surely appreciate something they can bring on-the-go to the office, meetings, events, and travels. Plus points when it has a message or their name on it, too. Check out where you can get supplies personalized:
1. Parker Pen
A Parker Pen is one of the most classy and classic personalized gifts to become popular. They're available at National Bookstore, where you can get them engraved without additional fees. Gift one to your boss, teacher, or hardworking colleague!
2. Printsonalities
In this digital age, there are still many who believe in the power of pen and paper. For your loved ones who prefer hand-writing letters, notes, and to-do lists, customized stationery would make a perfect gift! Check out Printsonalities (@printsonalities) for their wide array of designs that will match any personality. Visit their Instagram or their website (https://paperie.printsonalities.com/) to see all of the beautiful products you can buy.
Artwork
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Give your lolo and lola, parents, or siblings one of the most endearing gifts you can give: a work of art! Whether it's a small painting, or one big enough to frame in the living room, the artwork is something your loved ones will surely hold close to their hearts. You don't have to be an artist yourself, many artists are open to commissions and can help make your vision come to life. If you have any personal friends who can do this for you, great! Here are other popular online artists you may want to contact to create your gift:
1. Issa Barte
Issa Barte's Instagram account (@issabarte.art) became known for her storytelling: she creates artwork out of submissions sent in by her followers, making for some relatable and heartwarming series. She's occasionally open to commissions, just be sure to keep an eye out on her page!
2. Mawee Borromeo
Another Instagram-famous artist and fashion illustrator to check out is Mawee Borromeo (@maweeborromeo). Aside from her on-point illustrations of popular celebs like Dua Lipa, Kris Aquinon and Lady Gaga to name a few, she also creates colorful commissioned portraits. Your most photogenic friend would probably love to receive an artwork like this!
For Your Pet
We can't forget about our furry friends! Pets are just as much a part of our families, and we want them to feel the love this holiday season. If you want to get something special for your pets, here are some places you can check out:
1. Snuggly Pets
Snuggly Pets makes a ton of personalized pet items, including pet pillows! How adorable would it be to see your puppy snuggling up to a pillow with his or her face on it? You can get the pillow in 3 sizes: mini (4" with keychain), large (15"), and giant (40") — so yes, your pet could have their photo on a life-sized pillow! They also sell personalized collars and leashes. Visit their Facebook (Snuggly pets) or site to (https://snugglypets.com.ph) check them out!
2. Coco Loco Pet Boutique
For adorable, handcrafted pet tags, check out Cocoloco Pet Boutique (@iamcocoloco), where they believe that pet luxury are a necessity! You can have your pet's name and your contact numbers engraved on tags of all shapes and sizes. Plus, they're afforable enough that you can buy one for all your pets, plus the pets of your friends and family members. Visit their Instagram to check out the many cute designs they have!
