By JEL GUECO

Was it just a while back, but the holiday season is over? Many have already rebooted their mindsets to work mode, but you are just realizing you’ve been too holidazed to worry about gifts. Or maybe it’s for the boss who went on an extended holiday or the surprise balikbayan relative you haven’t seen in ages—and it’s just way too late to give out the trusty holiday ham or spaghetti gift basket.

If you’re looking for something a little more thoughtful, here are some local businesses offering year-round products your loved ones will surely appreciate. With hope, with these, they’ll forget that their gift was a week and a half too late!

1. Escolta cup and saucer set from Aarde (₱1,200 for the set)
Whether it’s for your GenZ cousin who mainstays at Wildflour for breakfast or your senior citizen uncle who prefers a cup of hot Batangas coffee in the morning, this cup and saucer set from Aarde’s Escolta range will definitely be a hit. The somewhat irregular, textured ceramic set gives off an artsy, rustic vibe that will make even instant coffee look gourmet. While the cups are available in different colors, the Pecan matte brown color is a standout. Aarde ships on-hand products in just one to two days, but you can also get a custom piece if you’re willing to wait four to six months. Instagram: @aarde_

2. Handpainted wooden coasters from Pintadas Filipinas (Starts at ₱1,145 for a box of four)
For homeowners or anyone who loves hosting gatherings, these handpainted coasters from Pintadas Filipinas are practical yet decorative at the same time. Pintadas is a local brand that currently operates two workshops, one in Palawan and one in Manila. Both workshops source wood from nearby communities and feature handpainted designs created by local artisans. Aside from the colorful coasters, you can also browse through their other products like handpainted crosses, trays, and other functional decors. Instagram: @pintadas.filipinas

3. Pistachioberry brownies from What The Fudge (Starts at ₱1,500 per box)
You can never go wrong with chocolate, but instead of those fancy, imported chocolate bars, why not get something proudly local and homebaked? What The Fudge’s Pistachioberry brownies are made with pistachio spread and dried strawberries on a rich chocolate brownie baked to perfection. The combination of ingredients offers a unique interplay of texture and flavors delivering a truly interesting dessert—yep, not your ordinary, boring brownies! Other flavors are also available depending on the season. Instagram: @w.tfudge

4) Ivory finish hanging crucifix from Me And His Works (Starts at ₱1,500)
With all the hustle and bustle during the festive season, a lot of people sometimes forget the true star of Christmas — Jesus Christ. So for Catholics who celebrate, receiving a religious item that serves as a reminder of their faith is always a thoughtful and meaningful gift. The Ivory Finish Hanging Crucifix from Me And His Works is handmade with a 20-inch black mahogany wooden cross and a 10-inch corpus made of dust from UP Diliman mixed with resin. While the small business is based in Balara, Quezon City, it also has a workshop in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga, where more of the wooden sculptures are available. You can order by email at [email protected] or by sending a message on its Facebook page. Shipping service is available nationwide.

5) Tote bag from Galerie Joaquin (Starts at ₱800)
Galerie Joaquin offers tote bags printed with famous artworks of Filipino artists like Dominic Rubio, Norma Belleza, and Angelito Antonio. The strikingly beautiful bags are made of canvas with a snap button closure, functional enough for a trip to the grocery but beautiful enough to be a fashion statement. These bags are perfect for art lovers and fashionistas as they will surely elevate any outfit worn on daily errands. You can order the merchandise from the Galerie Joaquin website or you can also contact it on Instagram for alternative payment methods. Instagram: @galeriejoaquin