How to Buy Balikbayan Boxes

Balikbayan boxes are a Filipino gift-giving tradition, particularly at Christmas time. The literal meaning of "balikbayan" box is "returnee's box" and refers to gifts brought by a Filipino relative returning to visit the Philippines. These boxes are also often shipped to the Philippines.

Features

The boxes are designed to meet the requirements for air travel, so can easily be taken with a traveler to the Philippines. For economy's sake, they are most often shipped to the Philippines via container ship, then delivered to the recipient's door once they reach the Philippines. The boxes are made of cardboard, and often have a cloth cover to distinguish them from other cardboard boxes.

Contents

A balikbayan box contains anything that the sender, or person bringing the box believes the recipient might like or need. It can be novelty items, toiletries, food items, chocolates and most often, items that are either expensive or hard to find in the Philippines.

Buying a Balikbayan Box

Boxes can be purchased through the Internet and some companies will actually deliver an empty box to your door, although they will usually just deal within a certain radius of their business. If you are outside of the delivery area, there are companies you can buy new cardboard boxes from. Boxes that are to be taken on an airplane should meet the dimensions accepted by the airline, so it is a good idea to make sure you order one that complies with air travel restrictions.

References

• Balikbayan Box Philippines

Resources

• Balikbayan Box