The Christmas season is almost upon us! You’re probably working on a Christmas list, and you’re likely looking for something really special for your closest friends and family members. So why not go for something unique and undeniably heartfelt: a handmade present? 

Self-made gifts offer a personal touch that can be felt over great distances, can be customized as needed, and send a message to receivers that they’re worth the effort.  

In need of some good ideas? We list down six handmade gift items that never go out of style - try crafting them on your own before sending them out! 

Aromatherapy Candles

Scented candles don’t just smell nice, they’re also known for their stress-relieving properties—the perfect gift to ease anxious minds. Make sure to infuse your candle with scents that are comforting and distinctly Filipino such as sampaguita, ilang-ilang, coconut, and chocolate or tablea, which goes well with peppermint to boost the holiday vibe! 

Order oils, soy waxes, paraffin, candle molds, and other ingredients first... then once you've gotten the hang of making your own, you can churn those candles out till your raw materials run out!

Decorative Bar Soaps

Just like aromatherapy candles, decorative bar soaps are pretty additions to one’s home that also serve a useful purpose. 

Make a batch with your favorite essential oils and dried herbs for a natural touch. Whether your recipient decides to keep them as an ornament or actually put them to use, soaps are a classic gift item that can never go wrong.  

Tote Bags

Tote bags are functional gift items that you can easily make or decorate.

If you’ve got access to indigenous fabrics such as jusi, piña, abaca, or something more colorful like Vigan’s Isabel or Cotabato’s t’nalak, fashion a tote bag out of them to give as gifts or to use them as gift bags!

Alternatively, you can purchase plain canvas bags (katsa) and then paint or stamp them with your original designs. 

Personalized Jewelry

Got a knack for making accessories? Why not craft your loved ones some personalized jewelry?

Make use of chains and charms or take it to the next level and learn silversmithing to create heirloom pieces. You can also try incorporating locally-available materials like beads made out of bones, wood, and shells, which you can engrave with names for that extra-personal touch. 

Custom-made Cards

Kick it back old school and make custom greeting cards because nothing quite gets the word out there like an actual letter. 

Give your cards a sense of warmth and familiarity with illustrations of elements that will remind your recipients of Christmas in the Philippines such as colorful parols, lines from Pinoy Christmas carols, and even noche buena staples like hamon, lechon, and quezo de bola! Friends and relatives living abroad will especially appreciate these prints. 

To make your cards, feel free to experiment with cardstock, stamps, ink, paint, and more—the possibilities are endless! You can even digitize your design to reproduce identical cards on your computer and printer! 

Photo Books

If you like making layouts, this project is perfect for you! Take a trip down memory lane and collect your favorite photos to include in a special photo book. 

Scan and restore old pictures and combine them with recent ones to tell a story that’s uniquely yours. 

Sending these gifts to loved ones need a reliable logistics partner for that extra touch of care. You can count on MyEntrego—a technology-driven, end-to-end fulfillment and logistics provider in the Philippines. With MyEntrego’s extensive experience in nationwide logistics operations, you can be sure your gift will reach your loved one in time – with almost the same certainty as if you brought the gift yourself!