Here are last-minute holiday gift ideas for that person in your life who lives and breathes K-culture
There’s no denying that the Hallyu wave has taken over us. We all know someone who loves anything K-culture, whether it’s a family member or a friend.
Wondering what to give that person in your life who loves K-pop and K-drama this Christmas? Don’t worry because we’ve made a list of gift ideas that you or your K-culture-obsessed friend—or should I say chingu—would surely love!
Innisfree Holiday Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum Set
We all aspire to have radiant, healthy skin just like our favorite K-drama actors and K-pop idols, amirite? Innisfree’s Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum Set can help you or your chingu achieve just that!
Marvel at Enzyme Lights is a convenient skincare kit composed of a full-sized Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum and travel sizes of the bestselling Green Tea Hyaluronic Skin Toner and Green Tea Seed Hyaluronic Cream. So, what are you waiting for? Make sure to add this set to cart—and skincare regimen—for bright and hydrated skin this holiday season!
Innisfree Holiday Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Serum Set (P2,050, Shopee)
K-pop 4-in-1 travel blankets
Looking for a multi-functional item to gift your friend who loves sleeping, traveling and going to concerts? K Blanket PH has got you covered—literally. This item serves four purposes: it can be a travel blanket, mini-pillow, pouch and concert banner all at once. As a bonus, it’s light, easy to bring and, of course, nakakakilig. You can choose from various K-pop groups, artists and designs. Plus, you can message the shop for customized designs!
4-in-1 Travel Blanket (P699, Shopee)
K-pop albums
If your friend is a K-pop fan, chances are they may have an “ultimate” artist or group. And trust me, you can never go wrong with gifting them an album of their favorite K-pop act. Each album is a gift box of sorts containing random photocards, a CD, a poster and other inclusions that would make your friend scream out of excitement and kilig. What a full package indeed!
Left to right: PM 10:23, PM 2:14, and AM 5:26 version of K-pop group SEVENTEEN’s “SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN” album (P1,030 per version and P3,030 for all three versions, Shopee)
“I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki”
We all know that life is tough and at times, we need someone or something to reach out to during our not-so-good days to remind us we’re not alone and stronger than we think. If you or your chingu want to feel at ease and comforted despite life’s challenges, then this best-selling Korean book—with over 100,000 hardback copies sold—I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki may just be the one for you.
BTS’ RM was spotted reading this book in Bon Voyage Season 3 as well! In the part memoir and part self-help book, the author Baek Sehee divulges snippets of her therapy sessions with her psychiatrist for over 12 weeks. Here, she discloses and navigates her feelings, realizations and behaviors. For one, she may feel hopeless but how come she can summon her cravings for her favorite street food tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes)?
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (P595, Shopee)
“Conversational Korean: Everyday Phrases and Vocabulary Ideal for K-pop and K-drama Fans”
Are you or your friend dreaming of visiting Korea someday or the both of you simply want to learn Korean? This book Conversational Korean: Everyday Phrases and Vocabulary Ideal for K-pop and K-drama Fans might just come in handy as it makes learning Korean fun and easy. You’ll surely learn a lot from this book as it contains over 3,000 Korean expressions for daily situations spanning 500 topics such as conversations, feelings, pop culture, dating, school, work and even common slang. It includes pictures, useful information and online audio recordings, too!
Conversational Korean: Everyday Phrases and Vocabulary Ideal for K-pop and K-drama Fans Book (P966, Shopee)
Korean keyboard stickers
If your friend prefers typing over reading to learn Hangul, the writing system of the Korean language, then this water-resistant keyboard PVC sticker set will do just the trick. All you have to do is place each sticker that contains a Hangul alphabet to the right key on your keyboard, and you’re good to go! It also comes in different colors so make sure to choose the sticker set that will blend well with your keyboard.
PVC Korean Keyboard Sticker Set in Orange (P48 to P50, Shopee)
K-drama sticker set
Is your friend a K-drama and sticker lover? Then your chingu will surely love this cute sticker set by PEEL GOOD CO featuring couples from our favorite K-dramas such as Our Beloved Summer, Goblin, Weightlifting Fairy, Itaewon Class, Crash Landing on You and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. You can stick them anywhere as these stickers are scratchproof and waterproof. Plus, they’re available in matte, laminated or glitter finish!
K-drama Sticker Sheet (P60 to P65, Shopee)
K-drama tote bags
For the on-the-go and K-drama-loving friend busy with school, work and hangouts, these affordable cotton canvas tote bags might just be the way to their heart. You even have a lot of trendy designs to choose from as each tote bag features the main character/s of various K-dramas such as Vincenzo, True Beauty, Start-Up and My Roommate is a Gumiho, among others.
K-drama-inspired Tote Bag featuring Han Ji-pyeong AKA Good Boy of “Start-Up” (P85 to P95, Shopee)
Tala by Kyla accessories
Looking for something that will add a touch of K-culture to a good ‘fit? Tala by Kyla has got your back! The shop releases different designs of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other accessories inspired by K-pop and K-drama. Regardless of what you choose from their wide array of jewelry, these pieces will surely elevate your and your chingu’s every day and even concert look!
Tala By Kyla’s New Jeans Beaded Bunny Necklace (P299, Shopee)
Korean snack box
Treat yourself or your friend with this Korean snack box containing eight to 10 assorted snacks, one ramen and one drink! The flavors and snacks will be randomly selected by Habiquo so you’re in for a big surprise. Regardless of what you get, you’re in for a treat as these snacks and beverages will make your mouth water. You can even personalize the package by messaging the seller about your special request and message.
Korean Snack Box Care Package (P395, Shopee)
Soju Thirst Aid Kit
Last but not least, a gift for your friends who are over 18: the Soju Thirst Aid Kit! Your samgyeopsal experience is not complete without tasting Korea’s national drink, soju. It comes in different flavors such as Original, Green Grape and Grapefruit that will surely quench your thirst. The Soju Thirst Aid Kit comes in a reusable wood box and contains three different-flavored Jinro soju bottles, five Yakult and a gift card that you can personalize.
Pro-tip: Mix soju and Yakult for an even better experience. While soju has relatively low alcohol content as compared to hard liquor, make sure to drink responsibly and in moderation.
Soju Thirst Aid Kit (P1,699, GiftBox Fairy)
At the end of the day, these gifts will surely make your friend go kamsahamnida (thank you) and saranghaeyo (I love you). Happy holidays and enjoy your Christmas celebration!
Words MJ Viernes
Art Macky Arquilla
