CHRISTMAS is the busiest time of year. There are year-end deadlines to meet, get-togethers to attend and Christmas presents to buy. The stress from traffic jams is exhausting enough, exacerbated by congested malls and restaurants.

Beat the Christmas rush by shopping early. Consider choosing items from home-grown brands with worthwhile advocacies.

These five brands are not only unique and creative, they also offer gifts that keep on giving. Best of all, they have convenient delivery options, too!

Straightforward Clothing

Straightforward Clothing is just that—clean cuts, cool hues and timeless leather accessories that offer comfort and exude understated elegance.

Straightforward.
ph; tel. 0906-3060808

Anthill Fabric Gallery

Cebu’s Anthill (Alternative Nest & Training/Trading Hub for Indigenous/Ingenious Little Livelihood-Seekers) Fabric Gallery promotes traditional homegrown weaves like kantarines, binakol, tiniri, abaca pinanggabol and the ramit by incorporating them in fashion and accessories. Think loose beach tops and bottoms, neckties, bowties, tweed jackets, pencil skirts and shawls.

Cofounder Anya Lim said Anthill is a business that also wants to help preserve Filipino indigenous culture and fight cultural degradation. Noting how weavers and their wares are undervalued, she put up Anthill as a sustainable social enterprise to address these concerns.

Besides promoting partner communities’ weaves, Anthill takes time to learn about each community’s strengths and needs. It also teaches people basic business skills like inventory, recording, costing and the like.

facebook.com/AnthillFabricGallery/

Gouache

Gouache sells meticulously handcrafted bags for urban explorers and adventurous travelers. It employs a canvas-waxing method to produce sturdy bags with a rugged, one-of-a-kind finish.

Gouache started as a crowdfunded project in 2013. While it has grown, it remains consistent in its attention to detail. Noticeable about Gouache bags is that they are always more spacious than they appear in pictures. A camera bag, designed with pads and partitions, could fit not just a camera and lenses but a laptop and chargers as well without looking bulky.
gouachebags.com; tel. 0998-5103911

Tali Watches

If you’re a fan of DIY friendship bracelets, you’re going to like Tali. Tali sells watches with straps handmade by artisans based in Bacolod and Manila. It partners with Woven Joy, an NGO that works with Philippine craftsmen who produce and sell high-quality handwoven friendship bracelets. Each sold product helps provide artisans and their families with food, shelter, clothing, medicine and education. Customers can also choose what kind of patterns and colors they want on their straps. Tel. 0917-7266371; facebook.com/TaliPhilippines/

Vela Manila

Vela Manila creates more ways for us to use the handwoven fabrics of the Cordillera region, South Cotabato, Basilan, Bukidnon and Mindoro as modern bags and protective gadget covers.

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