Most Common Items Found in an OFW 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 cans 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 local fare.

3. Shoes

. Family members and friends generally ask for new pairs of shoes, and these are usually sent without the original boxes to save space and cram inside the gift box. Overseas Filipino workers carry running shoes, basketball shoes, casual shoes, and even aqua shoes 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, traditionally 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 everyday 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 whiskeys from abroad are particularly common contents of a balikbayan box. Men want to hand these out as gifts to their friends and in-laws. Some wines are also excellent 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 want to request book compilations or a series of famous titles by world-renowned authors.

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