1. COMMISSIONED ART FROM AN ARTIST

This might not be the first thing you think of as a present to give. But it’s 2021! Personalized mugs are so 2009 (unless you’ve got one commissioned by an artist).
Reach out to the artist to see if they take commissions and can do the kind of work you want. It could be a portrait of your mom or a cartoon version of your favorite photo with your friend.

Directly ask the artist’s rates and politely turn them down if it’s not in the budget. Oftentimes, artists already put their commission rates on their bios or portfolio links, so make sure to make reading a habit. Personally, I suggest commissioning your artist friends before anyone else, especially those who are just starting. They will give you reasonable commission rates and say that any revisions will not be an issue. Your Christmas gift will surprise your loved ones as well as make your artist friend happy.

2. CARE PACKAGES

While scrolling through Instagram, I came across the UP Broad Guild’s Care Package for the holidays. The package comes with greeting cards you can personalize, locally sourced capiz coasters, stone mugs, and other hand picked items. This is a good gift idea for your friends who are interested in arts and crafts. The care package items (especially the coaster) will not go out of season. The items are a good addition to their desk ensembles.

 

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What I like about this package is that 50 percent of the proceeds will go to the UP Transport Group, the union of UP ikot drivers. UP ikot drivers are one of those greatly affected when schools cease face-to-face classes. It’s the season of giving, after all. Give back to those who are in need as well as those who have brought you joy this year. If you want to be a mysterious Santa for Christmas, they can also send the package anonymously.

3. PERSONALIZED WOOD COASTERS

Much like mug collecting, coasters are fun to collect. So, here’s where you can get wood coasters that you can add to your collection. The Dutung Project is a wood artisan shop located in Pampanga. Currently, their main business platform is Shopee and one of their best-sellers are their wood coasters that are handcrafted from Acacia woods that start from P40 per piece. Coasters initially helped keep drinks from leaving water marks behind, but due to Pinterest boards, they have become aesthetic accessories. This is a good idea for your co-workers, as you can ask the shop to engrave words and names on the coaster.

 

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4. FRAMED POSTERS

Framed posters are a beautiful gift idea to give to your friends that you know who will appreciate room decorations. Personally, I suggest SubtleHomes and it is a shop proven and tested to spice up your room layout with meticulously crafted posters of famous icons. This is a simple well-thought gift that will make your friend feel good because they know you remember the little things that are important to them.

 

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5. 2022 PLANNERS

This is a good gift idea for students, for friends, or for workmates. Planners are like the fruitcake of organizer gifts, but what would make it interesting to receive? Well here’s a good thing. You can print out a personalized planner using Canva.com or Adobe Sparks for FREE. The sites have pre-made templates that you can easily edit. But, if you don’t have time to do this you can always check Shopee for stores that personalize planners like Tonillo, Kyco, and Kanaiya.

 

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Happy Holidays, mga ka-tambay! Make sure to stay home, stay safe. The best gift you can give to your friends and family is the gift of your presence. You matter more than anything you could possibly give them.