Finding gifts that are both practical and meaningful doesn’t have to be a challenge, especially this holiday season. The Custom Lab at SM Store transforms ordinary shopping into an extraordinary, creative experience, allowing shoppers to add a personal touch to everyday items. Whether it’s embroidery, engraving, stamping, embossing, and debossing, each item can be customized to reflect the recipient’s personality and style.

First launched at SM Store Mall of Asia, the concept has now expanded to SM Store Makati and SM Store Megamall, making it easier than ever for shoppers to create truly thoughtful gifts. From apparel and accessories to homeware and stationery, The Custom Lab transforms everyday items into memorable keepsakes, each one carrying a personal touch that makes it truly special—and a memorable conversation piece.

During my visit to SM Makati, I chose items that were both practical and sentimental. I picked a soft cashmere scarf embroidered with my mother-in-law’s name, just in time for our trip to Seoul, South Korea. I also had a compact travel wallet with my initials debossed, ideal for keeping cards and cash organized during my travels to South Korea and Europe.

For something more nostalgic, I selected stainless steel spoon and fork sets, each engraved with the names of our family members. This gift brought back fond childhood memories of the Christmas present my grandfather gave me when I was just 10 years old. That old set was a favorite of mine, and now being able to personalize similar pieces for my own family feels both nostalgic and meaningful. Seeing these items being customized and imagining the smiles on my loved ones’ faces made the entire experience even more special—and, I might add, a definite success when I gave them as gifts.

What makes Custom Lab stand out isn’t just the wide range of services it offers, but the experience of making each gift uniquely personal. The magic lies in personalization. Every decision—from selecting the item to choosing fonts, colors, and placement—becomes a thoughtful, interactive process. And with so many options, it can feel overwhelming, but the knowledgeable staff are always ready to guide you and offer helpful suggestions to match the recipient’s personality.

Watching our customized items come to life is a rewarding experience in itself. This hands-on process creates a meaningful connection between the giver and the recipient, because the gift is no longer just an object. It carries the thought, care, and attention you’ve put into it.

Personalized gifts don’t have to be extravagant to make an impact. They’re precious because they reflect the time, thought, and care we put into each of them. From a tote bag embroidered with a meaningful quote to a tumbler engraved with your anniversary date, or a button-down shirt with initials engraved at the cuff, each gift tells a story.

For busy holiday shoppers, Custom Lab offers a stress-free way to create one-of-a-kind gifts.. With branches now at SM Store Mall of Asia, SM Store Makati, and SM Store Megamall, it’s a space where everyone can get creative and add a customized touch on every present. After all, the most memorable presents aren’t just wrapped beautifully—they’re made with intention, creativity, and a personal touch that shows how much we care.