Providing another chance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to shine, CHiNOY TV presents the #CHiNOYTVSupportsLocal series, a project that puts the spotlight on the efforts of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
In light of the ongoing pandemic, we just want to make it a little easier for everyone to find that small ray of sunshine. We’ve gathered here a couple of businesses that are perfect for providing quick and simple tokens of appreciation that you can send out to friends, families, and even complete strangers.
Here are four stores to check out some truly unique gifting finds:
1. LOUP MNL
Facebook: @loup.mnl
Instagram: @loup.mnl
Contact No: 09777061389
There is nothing quite as stylish a gift as an exquisitely crafted leather piece by LOUP. Established in 2018, this online gift shop is managed by none other than Grazielle Kho, who makes all sorts of classy and modern leather accessories by hand.
“[I’ve] been looking for affordable leather clutches but couldn’t find one,” said Kho, sharing how LOUP came to be. “So I decided to just handcraft and make my own. I decided to make it a business because I want to share it with others like me — [someone] who wants [high]-quality yet affordable pieces.”
“Everyday Carry” Gift Set (P350)
Showing someone you care is giving them something that is both fashionable and practical. This gift box features a coin purse, cable keyring, cord organizer, and an adjustable ear saver ideal for that casual daily routine! (Available in 15 colors)
Source: Loup MNL official Facebook page.
“His and Hers” Gift Set (P380)
True love is when you decide to get cute matching accessories with your partner! This “His and Hers” Gift Set includes perfect pairs of coin purses and cable keyrings for you to both enjoy. (Available in 15 colors)
Source: Loup MNL official Facebook page.
LOUP also offers a wide selection of jewelry and other specially designed creations, including earrings, oil pouches, clutches, and more!
2. Polaris Gifts
Facebook: @polarisgiftsph
Instagram: @polarisgifts
Named after the North Star, this online business is a gift shop thesis project dedicated to brightening the lives of those affected by the pandemic. It is the brainchild of Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) business majors Michaela Torres, Aaron Ang, Jasmine Anonuevo, Vincent Go, and Gino Alvarez — young entrepreneurs who hope to creatively make a difference during these trying times with acts of love and gratitude.
“I love how thinking outside the box led us right to the curated gift box industry, where we are free to play around and experiment with so many permutations of items,” shared Aaron Ang, explaining the beginnings of the business. “We also choose the themes ourselves, so it’s all very exciting and creatively stimulating!”
Lyra Gift Box (P950)
Celebrate your special occasions with Polaris Gifts’ best-selling gift box! This carefully curated set includes a miniature bottle of red wine, a star-themed candle and candleholder, handcrafted chocolate, scented candle wax, an organic muesli bar, and a personalized letter.
Pyxis Gift Box (P800)
Dubbed as a “productivity box,” what better encouragement is there for those chasing that daily grind? The Pyxis Gift Box features a bag of trail mix, a stainless steel mug, a Muji-styled notebook, two bags of drip coffee, two sticky pads, and a personalized letter.
Polaris Gifts changes up its themed gift boxes every two months, so stay tuned to see more of what it has to offer!
3. Nu Blu Skin
Facebook: @nublu.skin
Instagram: @nublu.skin
Contact No: 09667667360
Founded by another set of Ateneo de Manila University students, Nu Blu Skin is an online thesis business that addresses a pressing concern for those stuck working at home — skincare!
Mireille Qua, Lian Ng, Sharel Paterno, and Alyana Lim are the minds behind Nu Blu Skin. According to these skincare enthusiasts, prolonged exposure to blue light from digital devices breaks down skin’s collagen, causing chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and photoaging.
“Our thesis group came up with a moisturizer that protects our skin from the harmful effects of blue light,” they explained. “In preserving skin health, whether staying connected with loved ones through online calls or working for their dreams, Nu Blu Skin wants them to do these things with no worries. We want to help people spend less time on their skin and more time on their screens. We’re here to take your blues away!”
Nu Blu Skin Blue Light Protection Facial Moisturizer (P400)
Get your hard-at-work WFH loved ones a refreshing little bottle of self-care! This facial moisturizer is a three-in-one deal: It hydrates your skin with moisture magnet technology, brightens it with Vitamins B3 and E, and works to protect it against the damaging rays of blue light.
4. Scent Central
Facebook: @scentcentral.ph
Instagram: @scent_centralph
One of the best presents that one can possibly give during this pandemic is the opportunity to relax. Enter Scent Central, a hobby-turned-business that creates safe and scented soy candles that are hand-poured with love — or in other words, gifts that share with others the simple pleasures of the world.
“I started making candles when I was in college for personal use, but I had to stop because of schoolwork,” shared founder Charry Garcia. “But during the ECQ, I had a lot of free time in my hands, so I researched new techniques and different suppliers to make candles just for our home. They were a hit with my family! They encouraged me to sell my candles.”
Scented Candles (P270 – single wick; P370 – double wick)
Soothe a soul after a long hard day with this great gift! Scent Central offers a large variety of comforting scents, including Bamboo & Jasmine, Lemon Verbena, Mocha Latte, and many more.
Source: Scent Central official Facebook page.
Want more? Scent Central also provides a range of aromatic and hanging diffusers for scent-lovers to try.
Looking for something more kid-friendly? Check out our gift ideas for sioti and siobe right here!
