What to Put in a Balikbayan Box: Pasalubong Ideas & Brand Picks 🎁

👀 First Things First: Who Are You Sending It To?

Not all balikbayan boxes are created equal, darling. Before you start tossing Costco-size Oreos and 5-packs of shampoo into a box, let’s get intentional. INTJs like me love a plan. Ask yourself: who’s getting this box?

• Mom & Dad: Think comfort, health, and name-brand love
• Kiddos: Sweet treats, cute clothes, fun gadgets
• Extended fam + kapitbahay: Shareable snacks, budget-friendly bundles

🍫 The Best Pasalubong Categories to Fill That Box (Strategically)

A. Snacks & Sweets 🍪

We’re talking American classics that Filipinos legit go wild for:

• Ghirardelli, Ferrero Rocher, Hershey’s, Reese’s, Goldfish Crackers
• Trader Joe’s chocolate-covered everything = elite pasalubong
• Pro Tip: Pick items that won’t melt faster than you in a Manila summer 🥵

B. Toiletries & Skincare 🧴

High-quality and great-smelling products they *can’t* easily buy back home:

• Cetaphil, Aveeno, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Old Spice
• Bundle up lotions, toothpaste, facial wash, and those iconic body sprays

C. Clothes & Accessories 👕

Because even your cousin’s cousin wants a branded tee:

• Hanes underwear packs, Levi’s tees, Nike hoodies
• Baby and toddler clothes from Target/Walmart? Always a win.

D. Vitamins & Essentials 💊

• Kirkland multivitamins (auntie staple)
• Melatonin, Tylenol, Emergen-C, orthopedic insoles, icy hot patches
• Basically, your balikbayan box is now a mini Mercury Drug 😎

E. Tech & Gadgets 🔌

• Wireless earbuds, power banks, portable fans = practical and fun
• LED flashlights, USB hubs, quirky phone cases

F. Hawaiian or Local Touches 🌺 (if you're from Hawaii)

• Kona Coffee, Hawaiian Host chocolates, anything macadamia
• Add a personal flair with a Pinoy Aloha sticker or family photo

📦 INTJ-Proven Packing Tips (Because Chaos Isn’t Cute)

• Use gallon Ziplocs for toiletries—leaky shampoo = no thanks
• Vacuum-seal clothes if you wanna be *that* efficient
• Place fragile stuff in the center and wrap in towels or clothes
• Group similar items together to make unpacking fun (or at least easier)

🛍️ Where to Shop for Your Balikbayan Box Haul (on a Budget)

• Costco: Bulk snacks and vitamins FTW
• Amazon: Fast shipping + everything you need
• TJ Maxx / Marshalls: Branded finds at lower price points
• Walmart / Target: Affordable and cute for kids
• Dollar Tree: Little "extras" like coloring books or stickers

💌 Don't Forget the Love

Sure, the snacks are great—but that handwritten note? That photo of the kids? That’s the real pasalubong. Sentimental wins every time.