Your List of Creative Local Gifts in Cebu
by BEA SAGUIN
The holiday season in Cebu City brings a nostalgic charm: streets adorned with twinkling parols, carolers in the air, and a sense of togetherness from friends and families on every corner. It’s a time when all roads lead home, especially for Christmas gift shopping. This year, why not break away from the bustling mall crowds and explore a more personal and creative approach to gifting? We suggest delving into Cebu’s thriving independent stores and supporting local makers. Find unique and heartfelt presents and glimpse the city’s evolving creative landscape.
Squirrel Stash
2F Shell Mobility Station, Banilad
Squirrel Stash is a new store in the uptown area that sells handcrafted collectibles. They have many items, including DIY kits, painted planters, wooden sculptures, limited edition stickers and prints, and music merchandise. The store has a cool vintage-arcade-inspired look and many incredible gift options.
Journeys Art & Books & Curious Things
2F, 368 Tojong Street, Cebu City
If you’re looking for books, planners, postcards, pottery, and other tiny treasures, Journeys Art & Books & Curious Things has everything you need. This is the ideal place to shop for gifts for bookworms, diary enthusiasts, and merchandise lovers. The store is conveniently located next to Misfits Coffee Shop, so you can grab a book and enjoy it after you’ve picked up your items. This charming library boutique offers a unique selection of reading materials and merchandise that make for thoughtful and unique gifts.
Ahka Sari-Sari Space
3 Don Julio Llorente St, Cebu City
Unleash the rad gift-giver that you are with artist-edition items from Ahka Sari-Sari Space’s latest show, titled ‘Underground Screams X Halad Vol. 2’. This collection features over 20 talented young artists who have come together to exhibit and sell their creations, including toys, shirts, artwork, and murals. The event opened on November 4th and was organized by artists from Cebu’s lowbrow, graffiti, and street art scene. Some featured artists include the Bart Brothers, Polet, Siamese Rat, and The Nut Head.
Unosinotra Blankito
3F, 368 Tojong Street, Cebu City
Imagine receiving something from a product design and architectural studio in Cebu. Studio Unosinotra’s latest furniture collection, the Blankito, might just be what you need. The Blankito is based on the Pinoy bangkito, only that these modular mini stools also double as wall art. The Blankito Collection is a unique collaboration by Cebuano visual artists like Soika, Kidlat, Lean Reboja, and Wyndelle Remonde. You can score these one-of-a-kind Blankitos by visiting Unosinotra Studio or checking out their catalog on Instagram, @unosinotra.
Marricola Bags
@marricola_ph on Instagram
If you’re on the hunt for designer bags with a sustainable twist, look no further than Marricola. What started as a thesis project in 2016 to promote environmental consciousness has transformed into a brand focused on creating high-quality designer bags using artisanal sewing and leather binding techniques. These pieces are made from local upcycled materials, including plastic and packaging waste and industrial hardware. Each bag is a whimsical creation, showcasing standout textures, hues, and components. Follow @marricola_ph on Instagram for pre-orders.
Melt Records
melt-records.com
What’s a holiday season without music? Melt Records is an independent label carrying a mostly Visayas-Mindanao roster of musicians. Through music-centric gifts like CDs, live gig passes, and artist merch, Melt offers an opportunity for you to share local talent. There’s a present for almost every music lover, with genres ranging from indie to pop to rock, featuring regional artists like KRNA, Loop, Chelsea Dawn, and Honeydrop. Plus, buying from independent artists supports the thriving local music scene. Head on to melt-records.com to start your music shopping.
Pavement Records
Villa Aurora Tennis Court, 32 Pres. Quirino St, Cebu City
As a bonus, let’s add a vintage music store. If your giftee shows a weakness for vinyl and vintage records or has been playing records relentlessly, Pavement Records is the place for you. As you browse their extensive collections, consider staying to play a record or two with some refreshments. It’s the perfect way to take a break from the Christmas traffic or have a listening session with a friend.
@cebucity @cebu @localgifts