27 Incredible Filipino Souvenirs & Gifts to Bring Back from the Philippines

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Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:40 pm

Wondering what to buy in the Philippines?

Here are the best Filipino souvenirs and ideas for things to bring back to friends and family as gifts from the Philippines, including ideas for loved ones, romantic partners, and kids!

Read next: 27 Stunning Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See!

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What to Buy in the Philippines: the Best Filipino Souvenirs and Gifts

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viator.

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com.

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars.

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon.

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

The Best Philippines Souvenirs

In no particular order…

Model Jeepney

Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz in manila with a Jeepney

During your time in the Philippines, you’re sure to see a fun and colorful Jeepney out and about. Bring back a toy or model version to remember your trip.

This also makes a great Filipino souvenir for kids.

Batak Souvenirs

Batak Tribe, Old Traditional Village in Palawan, Philippines, Asia

If you choose to put Palawan on your Philippines itinerary, you can shop for beautiful items made by the Batak tribe.

You will need to go on an organized tour for access, but don’t worry as the tours know to leave enough time for you to shop from local artisans before your group departs. 

If you prefer to book a private tour instead, you can check out YGD Travel which is the only agency I found who offers this service.

See also
27 Stunning Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See!

Manila Hemp Bags

A bunch of colorful and handmade pouches or shoulder bags made from Manila hemp, a strong fiber obtained from the leafstalk of a banana native to the Philippines. Selective focus. Copy space.

Made from the fibers of the Abaca banana plant, Manilla hemp is a sturdy material for making bags and accessories.

Look for pieces that incorporate colors and a bit of flair. 

Hand-Woven Textiles

T'nalak purses, made from the fiber of Abaca plant, handwoven by the indigenous Filipino in the southern Philippines. Selected focus. Copy space.

The Philippines produces beautiful textiles that are woven by hand. Make sure whatever you pick out goes to support the textile workers as much as possible.

Bags and scarves are better than full garments unless you know how you’ll wear your clothing without using it as a costume. 

Sungka

A close-up shot of sungkaan, a pit-carved wooden board. Sungka is a native Filipino game played with seashells or pebbles. It is the Philippine version of mancala.

This Filipino version of mancala comes in beautifully carved wooden boards that are both decorative and entertaining.

This is a great idea for a souvenir from the Philippines for families since you can play together at home and enjoy thinking about your trip while you do.

A MassKara Festival Mask

Street dancing parade of colorful mask and costume during the celebration of Masskara Festival at Bacolod City, Philippines

Whether you’re able to attend the MassKara Festival or not, if you see these beautiful and colorful masks for sale, don’t hesitate to bring one back home with you!

You can use them to adorn your walls or give them as gifts for children. 

A Capiz Shell Lamps

Brightly illuminated colorful traditional lanterns made of thin sea shells hanging outside a shop at Divisoria market in Manila, Philippines.

You will see capiz shells used on all kinds of decorative items throughout the Philippines. A great way to bring a piece of this beauty back home with you is to pick up a capiz shell lamp.

You can find them in their traditional opal white or dyed in brightly colored hues. 

A Guitar

A Cebu Souvenir Guitar from the Philippines Gifts

Guitar music is a tradition brought to the Philippines by the Spanish. You can find locally produced guitars, from professional instruments to small souvenir guitars.

These make great items to bring back as Filipino gifts for kids. 

Filipino Pearls

Filipino Pearls

The waters around the Philippines produce beautiful pearls. South Sea pearls are the national gem of the Philippines.

You can find them in traditional white and a beautiful shade of gold.

Locally Crafted Jewelry

Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines - October 20, 2018: Buglasan Festival at Freedom Park held yearly together with October Fest Celebration.

Buying locally crafted jewelry is a great way to remember your trip. It’s also the perfect romantic souvenir to bring back to a partner waiting for you at home!

See also
27 Stunning Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See!

If you’re not into pearls, there are lots of other great options for jewelry from the Philippines. Try to support a local artisan or small business. 

Books about the Philippines

reading by the beach - The Philippes

I love buying books on my travels. While people think you can get any book back home, it’s actually not the case!

There are tons of small independent publishers around the world whose books aren’t available online. I especially love getting books at museum gift shops and used book stores. 

Tanduay Rum

Mojito coctail on a wooden table in front of the sea.

If you’re looking for a great Filipino gift for him, bring back a bottle of Tanduay Rum.

Considered the unofficial drink of the Philippines, it has been produced here since the mid-nineteenth century.

While they proudly proclaim themselves the best rum in the world, it’s more likely that this is just the best rum in Asia. But that is reason enough to bring a bottle home with you!

An Abaniko Fan

Filipino peacock straw fan

An abaniko is a traditional hand-held fan used by Filipina ladies. The position of the fan can communicate information about the woman holding it.

They are made from leaves and stems and colored in traditional colors and patterns of the local area. 

Renegade Folk Shoes

Renegade Folk - Filipino Souvenirs

Shoes are a common travel souvenir for shopping enthusiasts since you can typically start wearing them while you’re still on your trip.

You can get inexpensive flip flops and sandals everywhere, but if you want an authentic Filipino brand that is ultra-stylish pick up a pair of Renegade Folk sandals. 

Wooden Gifts

solid philippine hardwood with intricate hand carving

Wood carving has been an important tradition in the Philippines for over two thousand years.

Today you can find stunning handmade carvings (as well as less expensive mass-produced items) for sale all over the country.

These are great souvenirs for anyone looking for something natural and beautiful to display at home.

Musical Instruments

Filipino ethnic drum made of wood in the shape of a pig on spotted background

Another souvenir I like to buy on my travels is local instruments. Drums make especially great souvenirs since you can display them at home.

See also
27 Stunning Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See!

Beautiful local Filipino drums make a fabulous souvenir if you want something beyond a traditional guitar.

Local Artwork

Palms against blue sky on a beach. Modern painting, background illustration.

I love bringing back artwork from local artists on my trips. Look for galleries that support and feature local artists rather than big galleries that target tourists with generic stuff. 

Filipino Coffee

Kapeng Barako, also known as Barako Coffee or Batangas Coffee, is a coffee originated in Batangas and Cavite from the country of the Philippines.

Coffee has been grown in the Philippines for almost three hundred years, and Filipinos are proud of how delicious authentic locally grown coffee is.

You can bring back a bag of beans to grind at home so your morning cup of joe before work is just as delicious as what you enjoyed on vacation. 

Dried Mangos

Dried mango from Cebu,Philippines. Preserved mango on green leaves and wood background, shaded with afternoon light, fruit snacks.

While in the Philippines, you’ll be enjoying mango all over the country.

Why not take some dried mango home with you for a healthy snack that’s also a great reminder of your fabulous vacation?

A Tattoo by Apo Whang-Od

Apo Whang-Od, Last Mambabatok of the Kalinga ethnic tribe

If you’re interested in getting a travel tattoo, getting a tattoo by Apo Whang-Od is a unique experience, and one you are blessed to get to experience.

This Filipino tattoo artist is one of the most famous in the world, and at 103 years old she’s also one of the most experienced.

She is considered the last and oldest mambabatok, which is a traditional Kalinga tattooist.

Happy Skin Cosmetics

Happy Skin Cosmetics

If you’re planning on having a shopping day in Manilla, look out for Happy Skin Cosmetics.

This homegrown cosmetics brand has partnered with Disney and is a great inexpensive way to remember your trip every morning! 

San Miguel Beer 

San_Miguel_Beer-set

Founded in 1890, San Miguel beer is the most popular beer in the Philippines. You will no doubt run into the logo during your time here.

You can bring back some San Miguel swag to remember how refreshing your time in Filipinas. 

Filipino Money

Filipino custom of putting coins on a table beside round fruits, rice and salt for a bountiful New Year

Coins and bills are a great Filipino memento from your trip known for being beautiful.

Why not bring back a bit of your spare change on your way home?

See also
27 Stunning Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See!

A Banig Mat

Red and green Handwoven mat

While they might look like yoga mats to the uninitiated, these Filipino mats are designed for sleeping and are made from Buri, pandanus, or seagrass leaves.

Bring one back to incorporate into your home decor. 

An Aranaz Bag

Aranaz Bag

If you want to bring home a bit of Filipino fashion, then make sure to set aside some time to visit Aranaz.

This luxury brand of bags handmade in the Philipines is a great place to shop for yourself or find Filipino gifts for her. Check out their locations in Manila.

Filipino Flag Souvenirs

Philippines flag pennants

If you do a lot of international travel, you might start a flag souvenir collection.

Small flags take up almost no room in your suitcase but make for beautiful and colorful souvenirs from the Philippines that you can pull out whenever you feel nostalgic. 

Traditional Kitschy Souvenirs

Souvenir shop in Cebu, Philippines

If you love collecting spoons, T-shirts, or other kitschy souvenirs on your travels, rest assured you will be able to find these kinds of fun and tacky Filipino souvenirs all over the islands!

I personally love picking up a refrigerator magnet from my travels.

If you’re looking for a good cheap Filipino souvenir, pick up a beautiful postcard!

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to the Philippines

Greece - Crete - Stephanie Luggage

The Lonely Planet Philippines guidebook for your trip. It can be kind of a pain to find the major guidebooks once you land, or you’ll find them overpriced. I always like to pick mine up ahead of time.

An Unlocked Cell Phone so that you can use a local sim card while here to help public transportation.

Backup Charging Bank for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS, and general travel genie.

A Camera since the Philippines is super photogenic. I use a mix of my Nikon D810 and my Samsung8 smartphone these days.

A Great Day Bag so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc).

See also
27 Stunning Beaches in the Philippines You Need to See!

My current favorite is the Pacsafe Citysafe, which is especially great for cities in the Philippines because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets.

It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day. 

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for the Philippines make sure you have a valid Travel Insurance Policy because accidents happen on the road.

I pay for World Nomads, and I happily recommend them.

It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging out in the great outdoors where injuries can happen.

I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them.  

If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Get a Travel Insurance quote for your trip.

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What to Buy in the Philippines: the Best Filipino Souvenirs and Gifts

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