Holiday Gift Shopping in Manila

Swap the mega-mall madness for thoughtful browsing at Manila’s independent stores, where holiday shopping is a delight not a drag. Sashay this way for the best gifting in the Metro.

For a more intimate shopping experience, you can’t go wrong with a wander through chic lifestyle hub Legazpi Sunday Market. Funding a project among remote communities on Negros, the fourth largest island in the Philippines, local craftspeople are empowered to hone their skills via the production of beach wraps, shawls and clothing. If you miss the market, all of their products can be ordered online too.

Accessorise your Interweave number with a hand-woven rattan number from Zacarias 1925. This third-generation, family-run workshop, founded in Manila in 1925, meticulously turns out handbags and home accessories that reference art, architecture and design, using natural materials. The current collection pays homage to Piet Mondrian’s iconic geometric prints with a series of bold, primary-coloured structural clutches, satchels and attache cases.

For the gourmand in your life, have a gander at Theo & Philo Chocolate, the country’s first bean-to-bar single-origin chocolate, on sale inside the ECHOstore. Revelling in its Pinoy essence, fan favourite flavour raves include the multi-award-winning ‘Milk Chocolate Adobo’ (soy sauce toffee and black pepper) and Dark Chocolate with Green Mango & Salt. While in-store, browse all manner of eco-conscious goodies, from coffee and woven bags to skincare gift sets.

Lanai / The Alley / Karrivin Plaza / 2316 Chino Roces Ave / Makati / +63 2 802 5427 / 11.15am-8pm Tue-Sat / @lanailifestyleph

W17 / La Fuerza Compound / 2241 Chino Roces Ave / Makati / +63 2 478 1717 / 10am-7pm Mon-Sat / w17home.com

Interweave Concepts / Legazpi Sunday Market / Makati / +63 917 874 5868 / weavephilippines.com

Zacarias 1925 / zacarias1925.com

Theo & Philo Chocolate / ECHOstore / G/F / NDC Bldg / 116 Tordesillas St / Makati / +63 2 869 1516 / 7am-9pm Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm Sat, 9am-6pm Sun / echostore.ph