Ugh. Too many cute things in one place…read more I am not into cute things, but I made a deal with my nieces that I have to pass by this shop whenever I'm here, take a picture of their new things and send or show it to them. And sometimes, being a good aunt means enduring a trip to Tickles to look for cute stuff for my two adorable nieces. Everyone keeps telling me, "The stuff there is so cute!" Yes, so cute, but the price of their stuff isn't cute. A notebook there goes for Php200 up when I can get the same one in Landmark for Php100 or less. Their bookmarks are also more expensive than the exact same one in Fully Booked. I suggest, before you buy the cute things you see here, scout around other places 'cause they just might have it at cheaper prices and better quality. The only thing I will ever splurge on in Tickles is stuff for my pet. They now have these really pretty beds for dogs and cats. And my poor cat won't have to sleep on an old pillow on the floor every night. There are times, I also find myself buying their stuffed toys to give my cat as a present so it won't be bored at night.

If you have very little self-control for purchasing cute things, make a detour! But since this…read moreparticular branch is right smack in the middle of Greenbelt 1 and 5, which makes it VERY. HARD. TO. AVOID, then you (or at least your wallet) will be doomed. Tickles is one of those places that are just difficult to resist. It's like a cute child doing a very convincing "paawa face", holding on to your legs, begging for ice cream. Through the years, this place has been constantly getting better and better at stocking the quirkiest and cutest finds, and at reasonable prices. You can count on Tickles for that last-minute birthday present, or for when you're looking to fill that existential void with cuteness in the form of adorable animals printed on pencil cases, pillows, bags... or everyday things with faces on it, soft plushy things for your desk. And, it's actually not just all cute stuff, but also quirky, functional things like statement aprons, wallets, bags... Ack! Oh and they have stuff for the most special people in your life--I'm referring to our companion animals, of course! They have these colorful beds for your dogs/cats, so they can sleep in style, unlike their slaves (us).

What I love about Gingersnaps is that they really cater to the Filipino audience. The clothes they…read morehave -- particularly the shirts are made with thinner cotton material which is perfect for the weather in the Philippines. Some would argue that because of the thin material, it looks a bit cheap. But having a baby and owning a baby clothing line myself, I totally understand where they are coming from. Of course, I've had my fair share of shopping for US brands, but I always end up using the stuff I buy from Gingersnaps more simply because my daughter is more comfortable in them. Don't worry, even with the thinner material, the clothes are very well made and they can stand several washings. I also love the retro designs that they have and that they have a very extensive line for boys as well.

I discovered Gingersnaps when I was 6 months pregnant and my belly finally appeared like a big…read morepregnancy belly. Seriously, I felt like I popped from one week to another. It grew very fast and I got desperate, because I couldn't wear my old clothes anymore. I would need a new wardrobe, but where to find maternity clothes in Manila? I had just arrived here! My first stop was Landmark, where I've bought some dresses, but I still wanted something trendier, fresh and modern. A local friend, who was also pregnant, suggested Gingersnaps and there I found some nice clothes! Actually, maternity wear isn't their main focus, but you still can find interesting dresses to use when your belly is about to pop. If you go there, however, be prepared to the irresistible magnetism of children's wear. This is their main focus. And the clothes are very cute!

Big & Small Co wa¬¬s the first company established by the now popular group which includes Spin,…read moreOrange Juice and HAB Maternity & More. They have been around for a while and is among the pioneer local baby clothing stores in the country. Each brand in this group is popular by its own right. Spin offers edgy clothes for boys, HAB addresses the dearth of good local maternity items and Orange Juice caters to the tween market. Big & Small Co offers classic and colorful pieces for children. I love their summer clothing line. Aside from offering tiny swimsuits, rash guards and cover ups, they generally have bright colors and bold patterns during this season. They have a line of Nautical-themed clothes for your Little Sea Captain or Little Miss Summer - both styles for boys and girls are exciting and unique. In terms of quality, their years of experience gives them an edge over other kids' brands in the market today. The clothes are of good quality that can withstand several washes.

When it comes to my niece and nephew, I err on the safe side. Even if there are many brands…read morespecializing in children's goods, I usually patronize the ones that my mom bought us when we were young. One brand that our family has trusted for a long time now is Enfant. I can attest to the quality of their products because some of their clothes that my mom bought me when I was a kid are still usable up to this day. I like going to the Enfant store because everything I need to buy for my niece and nephew can be found there. Aside from kids' apparels, they also sell baby bottles, toiletries, bags, and baby-friendly furniture. I like their baby clothes because they are made of 100% cotton and are hypoallergenic. I wish, though, that they sell clothes that are more in tune with the modern times, so to speak. Another good reason to buy from this store is the price of their products. I was able to buy a sturdy stroller for my niece for less than PHP 4,000.00. Now, I think that's a bargain.

When you become a godmother, it's time for you to look for places to buy baby clothes and baby…read moreaccessories. You can't just rely on the sales that happen seldom. You will have to come to reality by accepting the fact that anything for the baby is expensive! Whenever my friends and I give gifts to a new mother / friend, we try to pass by Enfant to check out their merchandise. First we ask our mother / friend what she needs for the baby and being the practical friends, we split the cost of something big. Like for example before when my boss gave birth, we bought her a crib in Enfant. Since we were 15 people, the price of the crib divided amongst us wasn't so bad. I think it's the best way to help the mother / friend. You give something that she really needs, which lessens her costs. This is really a mommy's heaven!

Children deserve to have beautiful party dresses, too! Tarte Tatin is an amazing store for little…read moregirls. They have some sporty and casual pieces for dress down events and some elegant pieces for dressier events. Its really a collection of stylish clothes for kids fit for any occasion. Tarte Tatin is owned by model Mandy Santos. The main product lines cover newborn girls to size 16. They also have some adult pieces for fashion-forward mommies. While the dresses are all lovely, you also have to check out the unique line of little bags and shoes. I love that they have little gladiator sandals and ballet flats! They source their fabrics from Asia and Europe but have everything locally manufactured so you get the innovative design of other countries but the quality craftsmanship of the Philippines -- the best of both worlds. Plus, since it is a local brand, they get plus points for helping boos the economy.

Lots of cute and good finds! Definitely a cool place to give gifts for kids / teens and even adults…read morewith a sense of humor or a creative side. I highly suggest giving quirky mugs of different designs for coffee/tea drinkers, and DIY projects for the kids at heart. School supplies look trendy with similar graphic designs one can find in Tumblr / Pinterest or similar social media sites. Downside to the shop is their limit in stock (store is small), and the items can be expensive. :( Overall, Typo is the place to give quality and fun gifts to friends and loved ones with a personal touch.

Am I supposed to be impressed that we now have Pottery Barn? Because I'm not sure how I feel about…read moretheir astronomical prices. Alright. Maybe I'm being dramatic. Or maybe I don't see the fun in it because I'm not into shopping for furniture and items for a home. Yes, Pottery Barn is a store that anyone can go to when they need a bed, a table, some towels, a toy for your kid, a rug and items to make your home pretty. If you don't know what you want but are kinda sure that you want to fill your home with stuff from Pottery Barn, you can approach their interior designers who can guide you toward a better looking house.

Pottery Barn is pretty awesome. I happened to pass by the store at their launch party and had a…read morebrowse around. When I saw the brand, images of a american furniture chain come to mind and I thought it was going to be more for the masses. But when I browsed around, I actually thought to myself that 50% of the items, I would love to have in my house. They really make an effort to make the store look as attractive as possible. They have some cool items you can only find here like some amazing cocktail shakers, cheese serving plates, laundry baskets, candle holders, big glass water dispensers etc. 4 stars because I'm comparing it to Crate & Barrel, which I gave 5 stars.

I took me quite a while to place the correct categories for this place, as there seems to be no…read morecategory called "CUTE THINGS YOU DON'T NEED BUT WILL BUY ANYWAY". Yelp, get on it! I'm a sucker for anything that has animals on it (NOT their skin! Ditch fur and leather, please!). Or polkadots. Or vegetables. Or fruits...Or all! This place is for every girl who likes "kawaii" things --BUT of course, that wouldn't be appropriate to say because this store hails from Korea, so instead, say "gwi-yeo-wo-yo"! Are you celebrating someone's birthday soon? If so, this place has the cutest little party hats (of course, with animals!) to top your dear celebrant's head with, greeting cards, party "gear", and other colorful festive things! If you're a sock collector, then this is the place to get cute silly socks! Pretty notebooks that are too cute to write on? Check! Mushroom lamp? Check! And if you have not outgrown your sticker addiction, they have soft, "pillow-y" ones that are just ~squeeee~! Koreans really know how to make things murderously cute! Take my money!

If you're like me who likes random stuff, you would love this store! Artbox is more than just a…read morestationery shop. Sure, they have really cute paper products like notebooks, planners, stationery and even greeting cards, but they also have other cute stuff like accessories, printed paper bags, birthday candles and hats, clothes, socks, etc. Artbox is a Korean store, and we all know Koreans are pioneers for cutesy stuff! Artbox is the perfect store for you if: A) You're looking for unique notebooks / planners B) Collect pens C) A fan of Korean products Or D) all of the above! You'll surely enjoy ogling at what Artbox offers. And because their prices are very affordable, I wouldn't be surprised if you walk out of the store with a purchase! After multiple visits from this store, I have yet to walk out empty handed. Don't say I didn't warn you!