Most Common Items Found in Balikbayan Box

A balikbayan box is always a joy to see for Filipino families with some members living or working abroad. The box generally contains a variety of purely imported gifts. Filipinos are particularly fond of imported items, knowing these to be of good quality compared to locally made products. The box generally measures 2 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet. Senders cram the items inside then send one or more boxes a few weeks before Christmas. Here are the basic things you’ll discover inside.

1. Candies and chocolates. Imported chocolates and candies are almost always included in a balikbayan box. There are packs of assorted chocolates made by famous makers in the United States, Switzerland and Germany. There are also gummy bears, candy canes and other goodies placed in plastic packs each weighing at least one pound.

2. Imported food. Many balikbayan boxes also contain imported food and snacks like biscuits, cookies, coffee bags, teas, cereals and other goodies that cannot be found in the Philippines. People like to compare the usual food that foreigners eat abroad with their own local fare.

3. Shoes. Family members and friends generally ask for new pairs of shoes and these are sent usually without the original boxes to save space and cram inside the gift box. Running shoes, basketball shoes, casual shoes and even aqua shoes are sent by overseas Filipino workers for their loved ones back home.

4. Perfumes. In some countries, perfumes and colognes are a lot cheaper and come in packages that include bath scents and oils. These are favorite gift items among Filipinos. Particularly, well-known brands are highly preferred by receivers. They usually boast about their new scent come New Year.

5. Clothes. Together with shoes, balikbayan boxes also contain a lot of clothes, usually branded ones. These generally feature brands that are not available in the provinces or may be too expensive to purchase locally. Jeans, coats and accessories are also common items sent back home.

6. Cosmetics. For women, they order lipstick, makeup and other cosmetic products. Balikbayan boxes usually contain cosmetic items made by the top makers in the world. There are also bath soaps, body wash products, creams and facial cleansers included. These are small in size so senders like to get more to keep the box full.

7. Alcohol. Wines and whiskies from abroad are particularly common contents of a balikbayan box. Men like to hand these out as gifts to their friends and in-laws. Some wines are also good and recommended for people with high cholesterol and blood pressure so these are given as presents for the old folks.

8. Books and DVDs. Filipinos like to collect books and movies so they ask relatives to bring them DVDs that they can watch again and again. Children and teenagers also like to request for book compilations or a series of famous titles by world-renowned authors.

There are several other things that can be discovered inside a balikbayan box like toys, canned goods and appliances. Senders should, however, get acquainted with the rules on the things that should not be included. It will take 4 to 8 weeks for the box to arrive depending on the country of origin.

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