GIFT GUIDE: Fashionable, sustainable pieces that are proudly Pinoy-made to give this Christmas

ikot, a Japanese leather bag maker with deep roots in the Philippines, ventured into using local natural fibers in making quality bags. The pieces are made by Filipino workers who are skilled in handling genuine leather. 

ikot bags embody a natural but sophisticated high fashion sense. They are made from natural fibers, including Abaca, Raffia, and Rattan, originating from a community of weavers in the Philippines.

You can check out items here. 

Odel

Price Range: P3,000 - P9,000

Another Filipino-made handicraft you can gift your fashionista friend is Odel, a brand created out of “love and passion" for natural materials and handicrafts.

For more than 15 years, the brand has produced handcrafted handbags for international and local brands created by skilled Laguna woodworkers. 

Their products, which include clutches, boxes, picture frames, and handbags, promote sustainability by upcycling and reusing materials, such as excess and scrap wood and other materials that are normally already considered waste.

Odel products are available here. 

Casa Mercedes

Price range: P400 up

Now this is a fan that knows how to make a statement.

Casa Mercedes features authentic handmade fans designed by Monchet Olives. For more than 65 years, the brand has been known as the oldest fan maker in the country. It specializes in handmade fans made out of Filipino fabrics accentuated with unique embellishments, providing fan enthusiasts with works of art. 

According to its website, Casa Mercedes fans have been a favorite of Manila society, from designers to First Ladies. It also crafted the bespoke fan the Philippine government gave to Queen Sofia of Spain.

For orders, you can fill up this form. 

Farah Abu

Price range: P6,850 - P9,500

Looking for an accessories brand for that friend or family member who loves to make bold fashion choices? Farah Abu is the perfect brand for you. 

Known for its statement earrings and accessories, Farah Abu's designs were greatly influenced by her childhood memories. 

"My dad is from Jolo, Sulu and the reason why my designs are intricate is that I saw what Muslim jewelry looks like. And it's still in my memories. When I was really young, my mom showed me golden buttons that she got from my Muslim auntie. It was so cool. And I really loved it," she told L!fe. 

Her look-at-me pieces have been worn by influential women like Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez, and American R&B singer Ashanti. Not to mention, her earrings, along with many other local designers' works, were also featured in The Broken Marriage Vow, the Philippine adaptation of BBC’s Doctor Foster, and South Korea’s The World of The Married.

If you want to score a piece for yourself, check out Farah Abu's Instagram account. 

Pamela Alicia

Price range: P2,500 - P11,000

Locally made slippers are an exceptional gift idea—they're a unique blend of comfort, cultural significance, and sustainability. 

For instance, Pamela Alicia features gorgeous slippers that are perfect for casual looks for the holiday. These hand-sewn beaded slippers were derived from its statement necklace collection, which typically used mother of pearls.

For orders, you can message Patricia Alicia's Instagram account. 

Project Nova

Price range: P2,000 - P11,000

Upcycling kayaks into bags is made possible by the creative minds behind Project Nova, a team of passionate and skilled artisans dedicated to creating unique, sustainable fashion pieces.

Each bag is 100% handcrafted from discarded materials and transformed into unique pieces that embody resourcefulness and renewal. Each bag is a work of art, "meticulously crafted with a blend of skill, passion, and a deep reverence for the natural world." 

Project Nova features mini bags, wallets, bottle bags, travel bags, pouches and more.

Pinas Sadya

Price range: P8,500 - P15,000

For ladies looking for Filipiniana-inspired outfits for all ages, sizes, and special occasions that are easy to wear at any time of the day, check out Pinas Sadya.

Pinas Sadya items are crafted with "premium materials and tailored to flatter." These versatile pieces seamlessly transition from day to night, whether you're looking to refresh your casual wear or find the perfect outfit for a special event. 

Pinas Sadya featured items in sizes XS to 3XL, including kimonos or ponchos, flowing dresses or skirts, and even pants.

You can check out items here. 

Casa Juan

Price range: P250 - P7,000

Filipino artisans have mastered a variety of traditional crafts that have been passed down through generations. One such homeware brand inspired by the heritage and culture of the Philippines is Casa Juan.

This brand worked with talented Filipino artists and artisans to create unique and beautiful designs, believing that local design and craftsmanship are world-class and should be a part of every home, one plate at a time.

Casa Juan products include cutlery sets, napkin rings, salad plate sets, dinnerware sets, plate sets, mini palayoks, placemats, and service trays which are all available in some stores nationwide including Kultura in SM Megamall, SM Aura, SM Makati, and Frankies General Store Powerplant Mall. 

You can also buy items on their official website. 

Natureline

Price range: P200 - P5,000

The holiday season is a time of celebration, family, and traditions, and what better way to add to the festive spirit than with Christmas decorations as gifts?

Take a look at Natureline, which proudly makes its products from natural resources like pandan or abaca without using plastics. Its Christmas decorations include a mini Christmas tree, parols, a wreath, Christmas angels, and other Christmas symbols. 

The Fine Line Market

Price range: P148 - P10,898

When it comes to gift-giving, home essentials make for a practical, thoughtful, and lasting choice—whether for a newlywed couple, a first-time homeowner, or someone moving into a new space.

If you are looking to spruce up your space, try The Fine Line Market, which caters to the "finer things" for your home, such as bath, dining, and kitchen essentials. The brand also features gift sets such as balms and salves, florals, decor, candles, storage, notebooks and journals, and other products that promote wellness and aromatherapy, including diffusers, mist, and cologne sprays.

You can buy your favorite home essentials from The Fine Line Market here. 

Adante Leyesa

Price range: P12,800 - P16,800

If you are looking for an iconic yet stylish-shaped bag, try Adante Leyesa's Cocoon Bag.

The bag, which is 100% hand-stitched, was made from upcycled denim fabrics, accented with hand-stitched threads, lined with satin fabric, and piped with beads. 

The round handles are stainless steel wrapped in waxed chords featuring glass beads that will not fade even after 10 years of use.

You can score these stylish bags online via its IG account or at Adora, located on the third floor of Greenbelt 5 in Makati.