Small gift exchange trend ideas

If the Philippines is said to have the longest Christmas in the world, starting September and ending in January, then Christmas, according to studies and environment groups, generate among the highest waste of the year from packaging to unwanted items and discarded trees, with billions wasted on items ending up in landfills, contributing to pollution and resource depletion.

Fortunately, sustainable options and awareness is on the rise, and a testament to that is the trend for do-it-yourself gifts and this year’s viral small gifts exchange among families, friends and colleagues.

For those on the lookout for cute gift ideas riding on the small gifts exchange trend, check out some of these new fashion and beauty finds:

Kite shoulder bag

An all-season versatile pick, the multi-way kite shoulder bag is from the new autumn-winter 2025 collection of London-founded label COS (Collection of Style). The collection aims to take the modern wardrobe to new heights. Signature house codes are amplified: exquisite materials, honed cuts and style icons retold through texture and craft – for a cool, quiet confidence.

Magic reveal in one swipe

Simply Pretty, Avon’s beauty line for the young and young-at-heart, recently launched Magic Blush, which reacts with skin’s PH and turns from black to the skin’s own shade of pink. It is also infused with shea butter and vitamin E. This is a fresh addition to the brand’s Magic Lipstick, which now comes in two new shades — Orange Poppy and Lavender Blossom, in addition to Snow Pink, Green Apple, Berry Rose and Chameleon Cherry.

Pocketable clean beauty A Korean beauty addict?

Skin by BYS recently introduced its new Glow Line, designed to give your skin added glow for a truly merry and bright party season. The line includes Clear-Purify Complex for brightening; Squalane for hydration and Ceramide NP to strengthen the skin barrier. When used together as a Korean beauty routine, the Effortless Pore Perfecting Sunblock, Lip Sleeping Mask, Hydrating Balancing Toner and serum from the line together aim to give skin that healthy, radiant look from within.

A shot for glass skin

Advanced Brightening Drink, Sip2Glow’s new offering, has been designed to brighten, shield and prevent unwanted pigmentation. Every shot promises to go beyond the surface and unveil luminous, glass-like skin through a four-in-one brightening solution composed of white tomato, glutathione, Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

Dry shampoo in new scents

Hello Glow’s trending Hairsaver Dry Shampoo introduced two new scents to match different moods: Powder Musk for a clear and delicate scent; and Pink Rose for a burst of floral freshness. The dry shampoo claims to effortlessly absorb oil, add instant volume and refresh one’s locks.

For the ‘aesthetic’ memory-maker

Small in size, big on vintage vibes. The Kodak Key Chain Digital Charmera is the retro bestie your memories deserve.

Available at SM Cyberzone, this tiny camera feels like it popped straight out of a retro dream. It easily attaches to your keychain or can be used as a cute bag charm – ideal for scoring serious style points while capturing candid moments.

‘Wellness but make it aesthetic’ era

Also available at Cyberzone, the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 is the fitness buddy that actually matches your “fit.” Health tracking, sleep monitoring, endless watch faces and a sleek new design — this gadget looks clean, feels light and keeps your life organized without asking for too much attention.

For the fidgeter, accessorizer and phone-drop survivor

PopSockets PopGrip MagSafe Kaleidoscope Bloom in Blue is a sleek accessory that magnetically snaps on and off your phone, letting you switch between MagSafe gear with ease. It also includes a magnetic adapter ring to make virtually any case MagSafe-compatible.

For the friend who melts under the noon sun

Cute, tiny and powerful, the Cherry Mini Turbo Fan (Sanrio Edition) keeps you cool even when holiday crowds get wild. The Sanrio design gives it big “kawaii but make it functional” energy.

Murakami blind boxes

CASETiFY and Takashi Murakami have unveiled the subsequent release of their highly successful “Flowers Bloom” collection, presenting a new series of special products and limited-edition phone cases.

The initial collaboration collection achieved landmark status as one of CASETiFY’s highest-selling collaborations, setting the stage for these new, eagerly anticipated offerings.