James AquinoWith Christmas just around the corner, many of us are still ticking off our holiday shopping lists. Last-minute shopping has become a tradition for many, and despite our best intentions to avoid the rush, it’s a yearly habit we just can’t shake off.
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts or sticking to a budget, we’ve got you covered. So sit back as we explore some of the top Christmas shopping destinations where you can find great deals, festive deals, and unforgettable holiday buys.
Also read: 9 Philippines Destinations to Spend Your Christmas Vacations
1. Divisoria
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The most popular definition of “tiangge” and budget shopping, Divisoria offers a massive selection of things that can spark some gift-spiration. It is the destination from decorations, clothes, trinkets, party favours, toys, everything. It can be crowded most of the time, especially during the home stretch of the Christmas and New Year season. But one thing is for sure – you will never leave this place empty-handed because there are so many things to choose from.
2. Tutuban and Mall Clusters
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The Tutuban Cluster is a series of adjacent destinations of malls adored by the masses, which include 168 and Tutuban Center Mall. These malls offer inexpensive gift options organised as segments depending on what you need. You can literally hop from one mall to another because they are quite near one another. There are a lot of indoor and outdoor stores here that primarily sell clothes and toys, and the surge of consumers is massive whenever there is a holiday.
3. Malls (SM Malls, Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls)
Image credit: Jun Acullador
Malls are scattered all over the country, and they usually hold Christmas and New Year sales to cater to those who live in cities and nearby towns. They offer complimentary gift wrapping to save you time and effort after purchasing the items that you will be giving away as gifts. It is also the more convenient and levelled-up way to shop.
4. Baclaran
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Offering a Divisoria-ish vibe, Baclaran offers selections that focus on clothes (particularly those for children and pre-teens), affordable footwear, and colourful accessories during the Christmas season. This is one of the most visited spots for shopping on the last quarter of the year, aside from the regular “Baclaran Day.”
5. Tiendesitas
Image credit: Leonardo D. Santos
Tiendesitas offers homemade goodies, trinkets, pets for gifts, and other items that are not often found in malls or mainstream shopping districts. This can also be a great avenue to find more personalised and unique gift ideas if you want to give something new this Christmas (and finally graduate from giving away towels and picture frames).
Also read: Trending Christmas Markets 2024: A Festive Guide to a Festive Season
Schedule specific bazaars
Aside from these permanent establishments, there are schedule-specific bazaars around the Metro. Some bazaars start as early as July until November, while others start from November and extend until January of the following year.
Done with your last-minute Christmas shopping list? It’s now time to head towards the nearest bazaar and stores to buy your stuff right in time for the holidays!
