Pasalubong Ideas?
By emdal0310
@emdal0310 (33)
Canada
June 6, 2012 11:37am CST
Hi there!
My family and I are going to be visiting the Philippines at the end of July for a big family reunion. Like most filipinos, I have a HUGE family, and I love it :D
I haven't seen my family there in 7 years and I would love to give each of my cousins a small present from here in Canada.
What are some recommendations?
My cousins from my mom's side (m & f) are ages 17-30 and I have 2 nephews under the age of 5.
On my dad's side, all my cousins are wayyyy older and have children AND grandchildren.
What would be appropriate to give to the little ones?
MANY THANKS :)
9 responses
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
7 Jun 12
Chocolate is one of the traditional items as pasalubong from other countries. I guess you can have them shirts too from canada. Toys can be also given to kids.
Good for you to still have the trait of giving pasalubong even you lived in other country for 7 years.
@emdal0310 (33)
• Canada
7 Jun 12
Thanks for your response. It seems chocolate is the popular choice.
I've actually lived in Canada for 18 years and have only gone back home 2x.
I can't wait to see all my old loved ones and meet new family members.
Do you think my girl cousins will appreciate body sprays/lotions/hand sanitizers/body wash from Bath and Body works, or Victoria's Secret?
@asdomencil (4265)
• Philippines
7 Jun 12
i guess yes. They will really appreciate those item. Perfumes will be much appreciated. Victoria's secret are being sold at higher price here compared there. So i think this will be much appreciated.
@emdal0310 (33)
• Canada
7 Jun 12
Oh really? Perfect, I've got something to give the girls now!
But I'm really stuck on the guys. I have no idea what's "in" for guys in the 17-30 age range :S
@chan2zexy (508)
• Philippines
6 Jun 12
You still have the Filipino heart in you. =) I think shirts always work for pasalubongs. Most people take pride wearing stuff that they bought somewhere they've been to or things that are given to them.
Chocolates are also great for pasalubongs, or any treats/food that are from your place. Filipinos always show gratitude, so whatever pasalubong you give to a Filipino will always be appreciated. =)
@emdal0310 (33)
• Canada
6 Jun 12
Thanks for the advice! I've definitely stocked up on chocolates and candies! Do you know of any brands of clothing or treats that are available in the US/Canada that are not found in the Philippines? I'm thinking it would be nice to give them something they would not normally have access to. :)
@chan2zexy (508)
• Philippines
6 Jun 12
That I do not have knowledge of. But maybe shirts with Canada prints or the emblem of Canada would excite them. =) Canada caps, key chains, ref magnets, might also work. Anything that has the touch of the place that you've been to. It gives the feeling of connecting them to the place that you're living in. =)
@emdal0310 (33)
• Canada
7 Jun 12
Oh perfect! Since Canada Day is coming up, I think alot of those Canadian paraphernalias will be on sale. Great idea, thnx. Its great to hear from those who are actually back home and have knowledge of what the people there would like ^__^
@mensab (4200)
• Philippines
6 Jun 12
thinking about having a pasalubong shows your being a filipino at heart. it is very customary for filipinos when they return home to bring something as a goodwill and souvenirs. i think for children, the best thing is to give something that they can use. for examples, shoes, t-shirts, sports gear, electronics, toys will be good as pasalubong. wishing you the best choice.
@emdal0310 (33)
• Canada
6 Jun 12
Thanks for the ideas! It's hard to ask my other non-filipino friends for advice as they tend not to understand the "pasalubong" custom. I'll definitely be on the lookout for some things that my little nieces and nephews can use :)
@shylade (3132)
• Philippines
7 Jun 12
If you still have time and your cousins and nephews are just few, ask them what they want. If not, chocolates, shirts, shoes will be perfect pasalubong. You us here, we don't mind what you give as pasalubong. Your presence is more than important than pasalubong.
@emdal0310 (33)
• Canada
12 Jun 12
Thanks! It's reassuring and comforting to know that filipinos are such warm people that they are thankful for everything they have and receive. I'll be sure to ask them personally if there are specific things that they would like me to bring back home :)
@mswhona14 (49)
• Philippines
6 Jun 12
Ji there emdal! what a great relative you are. I suggest chocolates! because usually people here ask chocolates from their loved ones abroad especially the kids and the teens. as for the adults, any good stuff will do as long as its from abroad and of course from your heart. I hope you'll had a great time here when you come over! :)
@emdal0310 (33)
• Canada
7 Jun 12
thanks for your suggestions! we've already sent out 4 boxes filled with goodies so they should be there when we arrive. I can't wait to be back home, although I do understand we'll be there during the monsoon/rainy season. How's the weather been?
@Shavkat (137215)
• Philippines
31 Aug 12
Give them some tokens fro where you'd been. A simple toys for the children.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
5 Jul 12
The little ones would appreciate chocolates and candies. It is hard to give toys as we know kids always have different preference and for sure, it won't last longer than a day they might even want the other given to other kids... and so on. what i think is good for the teens and the older ones are ref magnets, or some items that would reflect or identify it as an item from Canada.
@jsae29 (1120)
• Philippines
11 Jul 12
Chocolates , T-shirts and caps are good "pasalubong" for the kids and young men. For your lady relatives you can bring lipstick, make-up or perfume maybe if you have bigger budget. But I guess, pasalubongs are not really that important...just give your relatives a warm hug when you see them. I guess they'll be more happy if you make an effort to spend time with them. Organize a simple family reunion, treat them with lechon....that'll make them happy.
@visavis (5934)
• Philippines
7 Jun 12
Wherever you go "basta Filipino" pasalubong is one problem to handle. Like me working abroad every year going vacation number one priority is how to solve the pasalubong systems, I think that is the Filipino traits never avoid or else the whole clan will see you from head to foot without smilling at you..
My suggestion: simple T-shirts, wallets or anything from you because even it is low price it is different because from abroad or from Canada particularly where you from.. enjoy
