Part 1: Cool Finds in a Hot Day: A Gift Shop Getaway

💗Have you ever walked into a gift shop just to look around and ended up buying something you never expected? Please let me know, coz I just did that 😂

It was a sunny afternoon and after walking around a forest for a few hours, we were absolutely sweating like we were in a sauna.. I mean, seriously, I could feel my face melting off. 😂 But, to our relief, there was a cute little café right at the entrance of the forest. We made our way back to freshen up.

When we got there, a friendly staff member told us that they’d be closing in just 30 minutes and they could only serve coffee. Well, I love my coffee, but not when I’m rushing.. I wasn’t really in the mood for it either, so I politely declined. And honestly, I don’t like the pressure of being rushed when it comes to food or drinks..I'd like to take my time and savor every bit of the food 😜 Next time, maybe..

Across the café was a gift shop. And let me tell you, after all that walking and sweating, the cool, refreshing air of that store was like a blessing from the heavens above. My sweaty self was so happy I could have cried. 😅 We walked inside, not really knowing what we were looking for, but excited to see what the shop had to offer.

The Medals and Tassels That Caught My Eye

Right off the bat, I spotted these stunning souvenirs hanging on a display rack. There were these vintage-looking metal coins with red tassels at the end. The tassels were so vibrant.. I just had to touch one. It was a bit like holding a mini piece of history and the red tassels? They were just so bright and fun, making them almost impossible to ignore. The little medals felt like something you'd hang on your wall or keep as a good luck charm.

A Little Blessing in a Package

Next, I noticed these small, shiny, wrapped medals with a nice shiny finish, just sitting there waiting to be discovered. They had a Saint Benedict design and a message written around the edges. They were nicely packed in plastic to keep them safe from the world and it made me think, “Hmm, I might get one to keep for good luck or give as a gift”. It was one of those things where you just pick it up and think “I have to take this home”. The medals were so simple, yet so meaningful, don’t you think?

Colorful Little Houses on Keychains

But the real surprise came when I looked over to the keychains. Who knew tiny little houses could be so cute? 🏠 These keychains were the happiest things I had ever seen. Painted in all sorts of vibrant colors,, red, yellow, blue,, and with tiny doors and windows, they almost looked like little homes you could shrink yourself into. I couldn’t help but smile. The keychains were so cheerful and perfect for anyone who loves a bit of whimsy in their life.

Rosary Beads Galore

Moving on, I spotted another section that had rows of rosary beads in every color you could imagine. There were the classic wooden ones, but also some in soft pastel shades and bright neon greens.. The beads themselves were so smooth and shiny. It felt like each strand held a little bit of peace and serenity. The bright green ones were especially eye-catching. They were like little glowing orbs of happiness. Definitely felt like I could pick one up and just carry around a bit of good vibes.

The Warmth of Wooden Craft

I also couldn’t ignore these adorable little keychains in the shape of slippers. Each one was hand-painted in vibrant shades of red, yellow and green, and there was something so cute about them.. Maybe it's because they looked like little shoes from a fairy tale. They were so simple but made me feel all cozy inside. I think these would make the perfect memento, especially if you wanted to give someone a piece of the place you visited.

Magnet Madness

While we were getting lost in all the little trinkets, my eyes drifted to a wall full of fridge magnets shaped like mangoes. Not just any mangoes, though.. These were super colorful with the Philippines flag and tiny illustrations of animals. They looked so cute that I couldn’t resist thinking, “Who needs a fridge when you can just collect these and stick them on your desk?"😂 It felt like the mangoes were calling me, saying, “Take me home!” 🤣 So I took some home..

That Golden Necklace Moment

But as we were about to leave, I caught a glimpse of something sparkly. Hanging from a neat little rack was a gorgeous golden necklace with a Saint Benedict medallion. It shimmered under the light, and the moment I held it, I was sold. It was shiny, meaningful, and just the kind of souvenir that makes you feel like you’re carrying a bit of the place with you and is also protecting you. SOLD!!!! 😆

Other items we found.......... 😍

But hold on,, there’s still so much more to explore.. I haven’t even gotten to the edible section yet, where all the delicious local treats are waiting to be discovered. Sorry for the long blog.. If you like "Part 1", you might want to check the next part of this adventure, where I dive into all the tasty surprises that this gift shop had to offer. 🍫🍪

Stay tuned for Part 2!

Food, more souvenirs, and even a few hidden gems that I know you'll love💗