Manila is a city with a long craft history and a lively food scene. You can find handmade items and tasty packaged goods across markets, galleries, and weekend stalls.

This guide covers souvenirs you’ll commonly see around the city, not one street or a single store. It focuses on things made locally or strongly associated with Manila and that pack well for travel.

1. Dried mangoes

• Why it’s worth buying: Widely available and naturally sweet, dried mangoes are a convenient taste of the islands. They last weeks when kept sealed and make a simple gift.
• Where to look: food halls and market stalls.
• Price range: $4–$12
• How to spot a good one: Choose packets with few additives and a firm texture rather than overly sticky fruit.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put the sealed bag in a zip-top and slide it into clothing to protect from crushing.

2. Tablea (chocolate tablets)

• Why it’s worth buying: Traditional tablea gives you pure local cacao flavor for hot chocolate or baking. It’s small and shelf-stable.
• Where to look: markets and specialty stalls.
• Price range: $3–$10
• How to spot a good one: Look for dark, single-ingredient discs and a pleasant roasted aroma.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap tablets in paper and tuck into shoes or dense items to prevent breakage.

3. Kapeng Barako (local coffee)

• Why it’s worth buying: Strong and aromatic, this coffee reflects local taste and pairs with Filipino sweets. It’s sold roasted for home brewing.
• Where to look: independent shops and coffee roasters.
• Price range: $6–$20
• How to spot a good one: Fresh roast dates and whole beans preserve flavor better than ground, so prioritize whole beans.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Vacuum-sealed bags travel well; put them in carry-on to avoid crushing.

4. Polvoron (milk-based candy)

• Why it’s worth buying: These crumbly sweets are uniquely Filipino and come in many flavors, perfect for quick treats. They are individually wrapped and easy to share.
• Where to look: food halls and confectionery counters.
• Price range: $2–$8
• How to spot a good one: Choose pieces that are firm, not damp, and in sealed packaging.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place wrapped candies inside a rigid tin or plastic container to prevent crumbling.

5. Small-batch condiments (vinegar, sauces)

• Why it’s worth buying: Local vinegars, chili pastes, and artisanal sauces bring home flavors you’ll actually use in cooking. Small jars can last long if unopened.
• Where to look: co-ops and market food stalls.
• Price range: $5–$18
• How to spot a good one: Check for clear ingredient lists and a tight seal; prefer glass jars with factory caps.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap jars in clothing and place in the center of your suitcase; consider shipping fragile bottles home.

6. Capiz shell coasters or small decor

• Why it’s worth buying: Capiz items show local craft traditions and have a translucent, pearly look that’s distinctly Filipino. Small pieces make decorative yet usable souvenirs.
• Where to look: markets and craft stalls.
• Price range: $8–$30
• How to spot a good one: Inspect the edges and joins; authentic capiz is thin, slightly translucent, and neatly set into frames.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Layer between clothing and carry fragile pieces in carry-on if possible.

7. Abaca woven bag

• Why it’s worth buying: Bags made from abaca fiber are durable and tied to local weaving traditions. They also fold flat for travel.
• Where to look: independent shops and craft co-ops.
• Price range: $15–$70
• How to spot a good one: Even, tight weaving and reinforced straps indicate longer wear.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Stuff the bag with soft items to keep its shape and pack it between garments.

8. Hand-embroidered textiles

• Why it’s worth buying: Small embroidered pieces carry traditional motifs and can be used as napkins, handkerchiefs, or wall accents. They show clear handwork.
• Where to look: galleries and artisan stalls.
• Price range: $10–$60
• How to spot a good one: Look for consistent stitching and natural fiber backgrounds like cotton or linen.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold with tissue and place in a flat compartment to avoid creasing heavy embroidery.

9. Local ceramics (mugs, small bowls)

• Why it’s worth buying: Handmade ceramics offer practical design and local glazes that differ from factory pieces. Small items are usually kiln-fired and durable.
• Where to look: galleries and studio showrooms.
• Price range: $12–$80
• How to spot a good one: Check for stable bases and smooth glazing without hairline cracks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap each piece in clothing and use a hard-sided bag or box for extra protection.

10. Art prints and postcards by Manila artists

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints capture contemporary city scenes and are lightweight for travel. They’re easy to frame at home.
• Where to look: museum shops and artist co-ops.
• Price range: $5–$40
• How to spot a good one: Acid-free paper and clear printing indicate higher quality prints.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip prints into a rigid folder or tube to prevent bending.

11. Handmade metal or silver jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local silversmiths and metalsmiths produce delicate, wearable pieces that reflect regional styles. Small items hold value and pack compactly.
• Where to look: co-ops and independent jewelry studios.
• Price range: $15–$120
• How to spot a good one: Solid clasps, consistent finish, and clear soldering show careful workmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Use a soft pouch and keep jewelry in your carry-on to avoid loss.

12. Rattan or wooden jewelry box

• Why it’s worth buying: Lightweight boxes showcase local weaving and woodwork and make practical storage gifts. They are modest in size yet decorative.
• Where to look: central market halls and craft sections.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Tight joints and smooth, splinter-free edges indicate quality construction.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack inside a shoe or cushion with soft textiles to prevent dents.

Quick buying tips for Manila

• Carry small bills; many stalls prefer cash versus card for quick purchases.
• Politely haggle where bargaining is normal, but accept set prices at fixed shops.
• Wrap fragile pieces in clothing, then place them inside a hard shell bag.
• Ask vendors about shipping availability if you have many or heavy items.
• Look for “made locally” labels, artisan signatures, or fiber type stamps as clues.
• Seal liquids and jars tightly; declare food items at security to follow rules.

Where to shop in Manila

Shopping options are spread across historic districts, market hubs, and museum areas. For souvenir hunting, combine a visit to a central market with stops at weekend markets, museum shops, and craft-focused streets.

• Intramuros (historic district) for traditional handicrafts, prints, and museum shop finds.
• Quiapo and surrounding markets for inexpensive packaged foods, dried fruits, and local spices.
• Binondo (Chinatown) where specialty ingredients and jarred condiments are easy to find.
• Divisoria and central market halls for textiles, woven items, and bulk souvenirs at lower prices.
• Weekend markets in business districts offering independent designers, art prints, and small ceramics.
• Waterfront or bayfront craft fairs that often feature shell items, woven goods, and artisanal foods.
• National museums and cultural centers for well-curated craft pieces and higher-quality prints.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Cheap plastic knickknacks sold in high-tourist areas; they often break quickly.
• Unbranded “antique” items without provenance, which may be reproductions or damaged.
• Mass-produced jeepney miniatures, because many are imported and lack local craftsmanship.
• Overpriced mall trinkets that are identical to items found elsewhere in the country.
• Loose or unsealed food jars without proper labels, which risk spoilage or customs issues.
• Jewelry sold without clear metal marks, which can be misleading about material quality.

If you only buy three things

Dried mangoes — easy to pack, shareable, and genuinely representative of Filipino fruit snacks.
Tablea — compact, shelf-stable chocolate that brings home a traditional taste.
Capiz shell coaster — small, decorative, and tied to local shellcraft traditions.

FAQ

1. What is Manila known for making?
   Manila is known for woven fibers like abaca and buri, shellwork from capiz, and urban crafts. The city also acts as a market hub for regional foods and artisanal products.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Manila?
   Dried mangoes, local coffee, tablea chocolate, and wrapped sweets are reliable choices. Pick sealed packages with ingredient lists and store them in carry-on if fragile.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Manila?
   Prices vary widely; markets offer budget options while galleries and museum shops cost more. You can find both inexpensive treats and higher-end handmade pieces depending on where you shop.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Manila?
   Prints, postcards, and small packaged foods are the simplest to pack and rarely break. Slip prints into a rigid folder and put food items in sealed bags.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for artisan labels, maker signatures, natural fibers, and clear ingredient lists on food items. Ask vendors where materials were sourced and inspect craftsmanship for hand-finished details.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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