Must buy in Philippines — Top 11 cheap, famous gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in the Philippines
The Philippines is not only well-known for being one of the most beautiful and well-known locations for islands and sea, with many stunning natural landscapes and poetry beaches, but it is also one of the greatest shopping destinations in the world. If you are visiting the Philippines and want to bring back some significant Philippine mementos (Philippines souvenirs) and presents from the Philippines (Philippines gifts), but don’t know what to buy in the Philippines or where to buy in the Philippines? Let’s have a look at our finest shopping in the Philippines with must-buy items in the Philippines.
Philippines gifts: Keychains
When visiting the Philippines, this is one of the mementos that you can’t help but buy as a gift. These key chains, which come in a range of styles, colors, and designs that are distinctive and interesting, are one of the Philippine souvenir products that many visitors choose.
Keychains are very popular, so you can find this unique Philippines souvenir at any store, shopping mall, market, or any other place in the Philippines.
Famous things to buy in the Philippines: Jeepney model
This is a present that exudes a strong Filipino style. We all know that Jeepneys are a symbol of transportation in the Philippines, therefore if you are seeking some famous items to purchase in the Philippines, please hunt for stores, marketplaces, etc. to buy a variety of colorful and distinctive shapes of Jeepneys as gifts for your family and friends. A Jeepney keepsake costs around $15.
Must buy in Philippines: Kaycee Slippers
Kaycee shoes are a popular souvenir on the Philippine island of Boracay. If you are staying on Boracay Island and are looking for the greatest present from the Philippines, head to the Kaycee Shoes retail outlet within D’Mall, White Beach to purchase Kaycee shoes as a gift.
If you acquire them in the proper location, these shoes are of high quality and long-lasting. Colors and styles that stand out, as well as stunning designs, are constantly in style.
These sneakers are reasonably priced, ranging between 10 and 15 pesos. And, in order to purchase this present in the most appropriate manner, you must first consider the size of the person who will wear it. And if the size is too large or too little, you may still adjust it while the stamp is still new and undamaged.
Best things to buy in the Philippines: Pearl and pearl jewelry
Because the Philippines is a country with thousands of large and tiny islands, the pearl here is diversified and of high quality, and it is also exploited to serve visitors. If you want to buy pearls, you travel to the Palawan region in the eastern Philippines and look for and buy goods created from pearls manufactured by locals such as necklaces, bracelets, hairpins, rings, and so on. extremely exquisite and wonderful, one of the greatest items to buy for family and friends in the Philippines Because the pearls here are directly exploited and produced by locals, the prices are lower than in retail malls. Prices range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Philippines souvenirs: Textile
The island nation of the Philippines is a land famous for its traditional crafts of weaving cloth. So if you have the opportunity to travel to the Philippines, you should buy products made from traditional fabric weaving of the people here as gifts. The items that visitors can buy are: fabric bags, woven clothing, scarves, wallets … With beautiful fabric, rich designs and youthful, eye-catching colors will make visitors fascinated.
Philippines gifts: Painting
Instead of buying postcards with pictures of some unique landscapes in the Philippines, why not buy bigger pictures to hang as souvenirs. The art of painting of the local people is also very wonderful, there are many different types. If you do not like the paintings available, tourists can also order their own painter.
Gifts from Philippines: Seashell
Locals have utilized shells to produce a variety of popular souvenirs in the Philippines, including jewelry (earrings), adorable creatures, and gorgeous key chains. The nearby beaches are a great place to find unusual and one-of-a-kind seashells. Tourists will also discover glass jars inside packed with pristine white sand and seashells. Many guests buy such glass jars to put on their lovely desktops.
Philippines gifts: Traditional accessories
Philippines is famous for weaving crafts so there are many products or accessories made of cloth for tourists to buy as souvenirs during the trip to the Philippines such as: Cloth bags, woven fabric, scarves, … Besides, the wooden clogs (byakuya) of the local people are also very unique, both traditional and modern.
Wooden handicrafts and furniture
Quezon Province in the Philippines is well-known for producing some of the country’s most gifted artisans. This is the place to go if you want to acquire some wood carvings or furniture. Most craftsmen use their hands to sculpt and construct the product, so it is one-of-a-kind and unlike anything else.
Best things to buy in the Philippines: Dried mango
There is a popular dried mango dish in the Philippines because its flavor is distinct from that of other dried fruits. Dried mangoes, yet while eating, they feel very solid, not too dry, and quite aromatic; each dried mango packet costs approximately 50-75 pesos. This meal is widely available, and tourists may readily locate it in supermarkets or shops.
There are many companies that produce this dried fruit, but Cebu city is the “home” of this dish. When you come to supermarkets you see the Profood company (Cebu’s leading dried mango production company) and its products are sold everywhere.
best shopping in Philippines: Guitar
Because Filipinos are well-known for their ability to play the guitar, there are several manufacturers around the country. Alegre guitars, for example, are a popular brand that has been marketed in Japanese tourist publications. As a result, you can purchase a guitar as a present.
Famous things to buy in Philippines: Chocnut candy
This candy is always at the top of the list of items to buy as gifts when visiting the Philippines. Chocnut sweets are produced with milk, cocoa powder, and peanuts, as well as sugar, and are both tasty and oily. Not only that, but Chocnut candy has a lengthy shelf life. A box of this Chocnut candy can be purchased at any grocery store, supermarket, or shopping mall in the Philippines.
Where to buy in the Philippines? The famous shopping districts in the Philippines
SM Mall of Asia
The SM Mall of Asia, with a total floor space of up to 500,000 m2, is the largest retail mall in the Philippines and Asia in general. Not only are there numerous businesses, supermarkets, hypermarkets, entertainment areas, dining areas, ice skating rinks… As a result, the Mall of Asia is a famous entertainment and retail destination in the Philippines, drawing a huge number of tourists.
Note: You should not go to Mall of Asia too late because it is difficult to catch a taxi to return, the rush hours on weekends the number of people waiting for a taxi can be as long as many kilometers.
Address: G/F Main Mall SM Central Business Park, SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Blvd, 123, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: 10AM–10PM
Phone: +63 2 8556 0680
Quiapo (Quiabo)
In the Philippines, Quiapo is a renowned retail district. This market is lively at night and is one of the few retail areas that preserve Filipino traits and customs. It is also a favorite shopping destination for indigenous people in the area.
The location is quite favorable that it is located in the city of Manila, Philippines. Coming to this place, visitors can find many very fine crafts. In addition, this market also attracts visitors because it still retains the characteristics and traditions of Filipinos.
Location: Manila capital
SM Megamall
This will be the ideal shopping place for you while traveling in the Philippines. Mega Mall shopping center with 5 floors and a series of stores selling clothes, bags, watches, shoes, …. Besides, there are more than 12 cinemas, 1 skating rink, food court and many entertainment games.
Address: Bldg J Vargas cor, Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1555 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: 10AM–10PM
Phone: +63 2 8633 1769
Url: https://www.smsupermalls.com
Makati City
Makati City is the most densely populated area in terms of the amount of items available for purchase by both locals and visitors. This city is notable for having distinct display spaces for each sort of product, such as shoes, toys, and handicrafts. The city’s retail areas are huge and contemporary structures; you’ll undoubtedly be overwhelmed if you try to move from one shopping mall to another via linking stairs without venturing outside.
Location: Located to the right of the center of Metro Manila (National Capital Region)
Greenbelt Mall
Greenbelt includes the first floor where the cinema, restaurant, performance stage and a variety of fashion and cosmetics shops, etc. The 2nd floor has high-class restaurants specializing in Asian or European dishes. The 3rd floor of the center has famous brand products.
Address: Legazpi Street, Makati, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
Hours: 11AM–9PM
Rustan’s
Rustan’s is one of Manila’s largest and busiest shopping malls; here you can find numerous world-famous brands like as Cartier, Dunhill, Tiffany, Lalique, and so on. At Rustan’s, you will experience hospitality and excitement from the staff to the store owners, making this mall always worthwhile and the top shopping destination for visitors visiting Manila.
Chinatown
Chinatown is also a popular shopping location for locals and tourists alike. It sells a wide range of products, including electronics, office supplies, home goods, jewelry, and trendy clothing. It also includes a dining section featuring Manila specialities and Chinese food. However, this is a well-known difficulty location. If you want to buy something, you should bargain. Chinatown is usually crowded and active during the shopping season. Year-round discounts are available in Chinatown, but tourists should focus on quality rather than price.
ShoeMart (Makati City)
If you want to buy high-quality yet reasonably priced footwear, ShoeMart is a good place to start. ShoeMart is a well-known global brand that specializes solely in shoes. ShoeMart was started in 1958 by Henry Sy as a modest shoe business. However, due to the high quality of its items and various models, ShoeMart became a footwear-only retail mall in 1972. ShoeMart always has a big number of visitors visiting and shopping when they come to Makati City, regardless of the time.
Address: 2nd Floor, SM Makati, Highway Drive, Makati, 1224 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: 10AM–10PM
Phone: +63 2 8810 7777
Park Square (Makati City)
Park Square is also a popular shopping destination for travelers. With a very wide size, this location is separated into two sections: Park Square 1 and Park Square 2. Park Square features a huge parking lot and a pleasant strolling space for guests.
This location provides a variety of things for guests to view and purchase as presents. Electronics and cassettes, on the other hand, are readily accessible at Park Square shops.
Park Square also includes a connecting stairway to the ShoeMart complex, making it easy for tourists to transfer between the two locations.
Location: A. Arnaiz Avenue corner Theater Drive, San Lorenzo, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Greenhills Mall
This is a huge retail mall with a lot of people. This shop mostly sells fashion things such as clothes, jewelry, and handcrafted stuff. The facility offers spaces for amusement such as video games and movies… Visitors, in particular, will have the option to visit the pearl market, which is located in this retail area. The Green Hill shopping complex, conveniently located in the heart of Manila, constantly draws a significant number of international visitors who come to visit and shop.
Address: Ortigas Ave, San Juan, 1502 Metro Manila, Philippines
Hours: 10AM–9PM
Phone: +63 2 8721 0572
TriNoma (Quezon City)
The Trinoma shopping complex in Quezon City is fairly large, and its prices are cheaper than those of many other retail malls in Manila. Trinoma, which has been in operation since 2007, has steadily become a popular shopping destination for both visitors and residents. Because of the wide variety of items, numerous options, and low pricing.
Address: North Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM