Filipinos value relationships and gifts often represent sincere respect, gratitude and affection towards others. That’s why gift lists often include extended relatives, family friends, co-workers and bosses, neighbors, or even family doctors and your kids’ teachers and classmates.

However, many people struggle with the “rules” for gift giving in the Philippines.
How much should you spend on a gift? If you can’t afford to buy gifts for all your co-workers or relatives, can you shorten your gift list without offending the others?

This guide to Filipino gift giving etiquette can help choose appropriate gifts for everyone on any occasion.

Personal gifts

Choose personal, meaningful gifts for immediate family and friends. Think about their interests, hobbies or routines. Since you’re close, you can even ask them what they want or agree to do something together instead, like a day trip or spa day.

With your close relationship, you can skip the strict constraints of gift giving etiquette.

On a tight budget? Friends will appreciate a hand-made gift, and many Filipino families just give gifts to the children.

Monito monita

The term, which originated from Mexico, means a close and solid friendship. In Filipino culture, it has evolved into the game of drawing names and then exchanging gifts based on a theme (i.e., “something sweet” or “something red”). It is usually played during the holidays.

Monito monita participants agree on a budget and how often to exchange gifts. Since it’s played for fun, the themes and gifts are often humorous.

However, the social context dictates what’s proper or not. If you’re playing with friends, you can be more tongue-in-cheek. If it’s an office activity, Filipino gift giving etiquette frowns upon overly personal or intimate gifts.

Courtesy gifts

These gifts are often gestures of goodwill and politeness for people you don’t know well but frequently interact with, like teachers or co-workers. These are typically exchanged during the holidays, Teacher’s Day or the last day of school.

It can be challenging to find courtesy gifts that are both affordable and practical. After all, how many mugs and picture frames can a teacher really use?

Consider these gifting ideas that most people are happy to receive.

• Food. Edible treats like cookies, gourmet chocolates or artisanal snacks won't end up collecting dust on a shelf. If you’re giving them out at school, check if any kids have food allergies or ensure that the product has allergy information.
• Personalized items. Many stores can customize products with any name or design. For kids, you can get school supplies like bag tags, pencils or sticker labels. For adults, consider everyday essentials like eco bags or note pads, or special treats like wine bottles and scented candles.
• Gift cards. Everyone appreciates gift cards because they can buy what they really want.
• Indoor plants. Give a small, low-maintenance indoor plant to add a touch of greenery to their classrooms, cubicles or homes.
• Wellness items. Help them relax during the holiday break with gifts like aromatherapy diffusers or room sprays, tea samplers or scented hand lotions.

Corporate or client gifts

Companies or people in the service industry may give tokens to partners, VIP clients or sales prospects. Just be aware of business gift giving etiquette.

• Check the company policy. Some companies don’t allow their employees to receive gifts that have a high monetary value.
• Know the culture. If you’re giving a gift to an expatriate or foreign client, check for possible cultural taboos. For example, in China it’s rude to give clocks because these are seen as symbols of death or time running out.
• Be considerate of luggage limitations. If you are giving a gift to someone who is visiting from abroad, pick items that are easy to carry.
• Choose practical gifts. Giving a branded corporate item “just for the sake of it” is counterproductive. Recipients will likely dispose of the gift or even be irritated by overt marketing. Brainstorm on what your clients or customers will really use, based on what you know of their personas or profiles. This also shows them that you understand and anticipate their needs.
• Reflect company values. For example, you can choose a product that is environmentally friendly or produced by a local community or charity. In lieu of gifts, you can also donate to a cause in your recipient’s name and send a card with a short description of the project. In this way, you help people feel that they made a positive impact – which can be more meaningful than a physical gift.

Hostess gifts

These are small presents or tokens of appreciation given to someone who has invited you to their home or hosted a party.

Traditional hostess gifts include wine, fruit baskets, flowers, small home items like candles or scented soaps, or gourmet ingredients like specialty cheeses, spreads or spices.

As for Filipino gift giving etiquette, it’s considered polite to ask the host if you can contribute food, especially for family or barkada reunions.

In Asian culture, it’s customary to fill the table with food because it represents abundance and prosperity. There should be enough to feed everyone and send them home with food. When you bring a dish, you add to the overflow of blessings.

However, not all modern Filipino families adhere to this tradition.Contact your host to know the best way you can help. Some may welcome extra food, while others may prefer a special treat they can enjoy after the party is over.

Angpao

Many Asian cultures distribute angpaos or red envelopes filled with cash during festivals, birthdays, weddings, house warmings and other special occasions. These represent good luck and prosperity. They communicate the giver’s wishes for a “good life.”

In the Philippines, angpaos are typically given to godchildren, relatives in the extended family such as nephews and nieces, household staff, or other service providers who leave envelopes in your mailbox. These can also be practical gifts for teenagers, newlyweds or married couples with very specific tastes and needs.

Filipino gift giving etiquette doesn’t dictate how much you should put in an angpao. Choose the amount based on your budget and relationship with the recipient.

For formal events like baptisms, debuts and weddings, social customs dictate that your angpao should be of equal or greater value than the cost of your meal. If you play a special role in the occasion, like being a wedding sponsor or a baptismal godparent, you may choose to give more.

Filipino gift giving etiquette FAQs

Do I need to give gifts to all my co-workers?

No. You can trim your gift list to your closest friends or the people you frequently work with. However, be discreet so you don’t make anyone feel out of place. Leave the gift on their table or distribute gifts in private.

I am a manager. Do I need to give gifts to my team members?

Not necessarily, though in some company cultures it is customary for the manager to treat their team members to a meal. This is also an opportunity for “team bonding” and a way to thank them for their hard work.

If you run a small business, a good gift lets them know you care for their well-being. You may want to explore adding employee insurance plans to your company benefits. BPI AIA has comprehensive group life insurance plans designed for SMEs, so business owners can protect their employees without breaking the bank. Explore BPI AIA Business Owner Solutions.

What kind of gift should I give to a boss who already has everything?

Avoid giving anything too expensive or personal. Food gifts are always a safe choice, especially if you know your boss’ preferences. For example, give a coffee-lover a bag of high-quality beans or biscuits that will go well with their morning brew.

If you’re a close-knit team with a good relationship with your boss, consider pitching in for a group gift. They will appreciate both the thoughtfulness and the collective effort, which showcases your camaraderie.

Can I regift an item I don’t like or don’t need?

Regifting is generally considered poor gift giving etiquette, but you do need to be practical. Why keep something that you will never use?

However, make sure the giver never finds out and express your gratitude for the thought and effort they put into it. And when you regift an item, remove gift tags and choose a recipient who will genuinely like it.

Someone gave me a gift; am I obligated to reciprocate it?

No – your sincere thanks is enough. Don’t let a gift pressure you into buying more than you can afford.  Remember that there are many ways to show appreciation. You can send a thank you note or tell them later how much you enjoyed their gift or how you used it.

The gift that keeps on giving

Now that you’ve found gifts for almost everyone on your list, you may be thinking about what to give your immediate family. Your kids will outgrow toys and clothes, and you and your partner may have everything you need. What’s the best way to show that you care?

While it’s not a traditional choice, consider the gift of insurance. It provides benefits they will enjoy for the rest of their lives.

For example, BPI AIA Aspire provides the double protection of insurance coverage and guaranteed cash payouts. Other plans also have an investment component so the value of the policy increases over time.

Talk to one of our Bancassurance Sales Executives to find the best way to give our loved ones a lifetime of ease, security and freedom.