(SPOT.ph) Have you visited the newly expanded Frankie & Friends General Store at SM Aura Premier yet? With its “craft to calling” mission, this local treasure trove is now home to 131 homegrown brands, more than double the amount when they launched in 2018. The lovely mix of top and up-and-coming brands offers everything from pretty trinkets, fashion, and personal care, to travel essentials, home accessories, and even pantry staples. Plus, the store's indie-chic vibe makes the shopping experience blissful, whatever the season!
Here are items from Frankie & Friends General Store that would make for great last-minute gifts:
Karisma ni Maria's handcrafted earrings (P1,030)
These enchanting earrings from Karisma ni Maria are sure to be a hit with your gal pals—a pretty way to add a pop of local color to any wardrobe! We particularly love the pairs handcrafted with upcycled fabric scraps of local weaves, honoring every last stitch in a sustainably chic way.
O'gee's artisan soap (from P225 to P250)
All-natural, artisan soap bars make great stocking stuffers! O'gee offers enticing all-natural, chemical-free variants such as Coco-Lime, Coffee Scrub, and After The Rain (patchouli, lavender, and citrus orange) that are handcrafted in small batches. For even more choices, check out the rest of the artisan soap brands (Tiny Kitchen, EcoBar, and Amihan) at Frankie & Friends' self-care section.
Ben & Bart's music boxes (P990/regular, P580/mini keychain)
Your senti friend will love one of these teeny music boxes from Ben & Bart that crank out nostalgic hits (from “Fly Me To The Moon” and “Moon River,” to “You Are My Sunshine). Take your thoughtfulness up a notch by personalizing the music box with your friend's name or photo for an additional fee; and for special events (minimum order of 200 pieces), you can even have it customized with a favorite tune!
Sliv's leather goods (starts from P2,400)
Wondering what to get the guy who has everything? RFID-safe leather goods from Sliv! Choose from the Trento Slim Leather Wallet, Bergamo Slim Money Clip (with five card slots), Verona Multi Purpose Envelope, Toscana Passport Case, all made from full-grain cowhide leather in handsome hues (cream, tan, burgundy, green, and black). Bonus: it comes neatly packaged and ready for gifting!
Aesca's Mules (P3,300)
For the alpha female in your family: gift her with a pair from Aesca's Kayumanggi Collection. These head-turning slip-ons feature art by Alelia Ariola depicting fierce and strong-willed Filipina women, for an empowering style statement.
Toys for the young and young at heart
For inaanak-approved gifts beyond the generic, choose local! We love this cute playgroup: a huggable pawikan from Knitting Expedition (P1,699), a delightful amigurumi donkey from Above Rubies (P950), a soft fabric Talaandig doll in traditional garb from Home Plush Toys's indigenous doll collection called Lumad (complete with information card for a plaything that's closer to our culture), and a lovely rattan doll crib by Pottly N Tubby (P4,995). Better yet, invite your godchildren for a shopping date so they can pick out gifts from the cozy kids' corner!
Evrile's coffee sack bags (starts at P2,500)
The eco warrior will appreciate getting a stylish and sustainable bag made from upcycled coffee sacks by Evrile. PS. A coffee tree is planted with every bag sold! Check out their luggage tags (as low as P50!), passport cases, and travel kits, too.
Bloom & Topiary's Revitalizing Body Oil with SPF 15 (P1,680)
Self-care gifts are always a hit, and skincare line Bloom & Topiary is sure to please. With an “honest, simple, sincere” mantra, every product is consciously and carefully crafted. The best-selling Revitalizing Body Oil is a fragrant blend of Rose, Jasmine, and Neroli essential oils that not only hydrates and nourishes skin, but smoothens blemishes and stretch marks and improves overall appearance, and smells wonderful, too.
Capitan del Mar's Lunch Box gift set (P500)
These sets are tasty, preservative-free pantry goods for the seafood lover, packed in a retro-style tin lunch box! Inside are Capital del Mar variants worth P500, which may include Spanish Style Sardines in Soybean Oil, Sardines in Tomato Sauce, Bangus in Soybean Oil, Bangus in Tomato Paste and Olive Oil, and Smoked Bangus Belly.
Lagom's dresses (from P1,150)
After shopping for everyone else, how about a treat for yourself? Lagom offers pretty pieces in simple, timeless silhouettes, low-key neutrals, and affordable price points—your reliable go-to for dressy weekend lunches and last-minute events!
Frankie & Friends General Store is at 2/F SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City. For more information, log on to Frankie & Friends General Store's Facebook page.
Pierra Calasanz-Labrador is a former magazine editor turned freelance writer, stylist, and author of two poetry books (The Heartbreak Diaries and Dear Universe). A staunch advocate of pretty, Filipino finds, follow her local treasure hunt on Instagram.
