Para Hindi ka Ma-‘Rushmas’: Finish Your Family Christmas List With These 11.11 Gift Ideas

Every year, Christmas feels less like a celebration and more like a competitive sport — crowded malls, heavy traffic, and “out of stock” signs everywhere. For many Filipinos, the waiting game is real. They usually hold off on shopping, only to end up in the perfect storm of stress: rushed buying and missed deals.

This year, skip the chaos and shop smart online during the 11.11 sales — get ahead of the rush, score the best gifts, and actually enjoy the holidays stress-free. The best gifts don’t wait — and neither should you. 11.11 is the perfect time to fill your carts on your favorite e-commerce platforms, with early deals, lower prices, and a wider selection before the Christmas crunch begins. Plus, you’ll beat delivery cutoffs and avoid the dreaded shipping delays that come with December’s last-minute panic buying.

And with GLoan, you can plan and manage your Christmas shopping budget early — helping you spread out expenses, score the best deals, save more, and make sure every family member gets something special. Kering-keri for a stress-free, merry season!

So, what should be in your cart this 11.11? Here’s your ultimate family gift guide:

Practical meets pampering for Mom: Massage Gun
Eyeing that full-on massage chair (because… same?) but still saving up for it? A massage gun is the next best thing for Mom. Priced around ₱3,000–₱4,000, it’s a practical yet pampering pick that helps ease sore muscles after a long day. When choosing one, look for multiple speed settings, a quiet motor, and interchangeable massage heads — perfect for helping her unwind and enjoy a well-deserved break anytime she needs it.

A classy upgrade for Dad: Classic Watch
Dad’s the go-to guy for fixing anything, but when it comes to treating himself, he never gets around to it. This Christmas, give him a timeless upgrade with a classic watch (priced around ₱5,000–₱7,000). Choose one with a durable leather strap, a sleek minimalist face, and water resistance for everyday wear. It’s a practical yet thoughtful gift — reliable, classic, and effortlessly stylish, just like him.

A stylish work-from-home must-have for Ate/Kuya: Walking Pad
While working from home sounds comfy, it doesn’t exactly erase the stress. This Christmas, a walking pad (priced around ₱4,000–₱7,000) is the ultimate work-from-home upgrade for your Ate or Kuya who’s always glued to their desk. Look for a foldable model for easy storage, a quiet motor, and adjustable speed or incline settings (0–10°) to fit their fitness goals. It’s a sleek, practical way to keep them moving — even while chasing deadlines (literally!).

Toys that spark creativity for Bunso: Building Blocks
Instead of going all out on toys that end up forgotten after a week, why not give Bunso something fun and educational? Building blocks (priced between ₱700–₱5,000) strike the perfect balance between fun and learning. When choosing a set, look for themes that match Bunso’s interests — cars, flowers, or favorite movie characters — and make sure the pieces are age-appropriate and compatible with other sets. It’s a gift that keeps them entertained, creative, and curious long after the holidays are over.

An “I Deserve It” gift for yourself: That one thing you’ve been eyeing all year
If there’s ever a time to finally check out that item that’s been sitting in your cart all year — this is it. Whether it’s the shoes, the bag, or the skincare set you’ve been eyeing, look for quality, versatility, and timeless design so it feels as good as it looks. It’s not just a purchase — it’s a well-deserved reward for making it through another year. After all, nothing says “I deserve it!” better than finally treating yourself.

Gift Now, Pay Later: How GLoan Makes Early Gifting Effortless

With GLoan, the season of giving doesn’t have to mean the season of stressing. You get instant access to funds of up to Php 150,000 straight to your GCash wallet and flexible payment terms that let you spread out costs without breaking the bank and interest for as low as 1.59% per month. It’s the perfect solution for families who want to give thoughtfully, not impulsively, and make the most of every deal.

To avail GLoan, just follow these steps: 

1. In your GCash dashboard, tap the “Borrow” tab

2. Tap the GLoan icon 

3. Tap “Get Started” to select your loan amount and purpose of the loan

4. Tap "Get this Loan" and then "Continue" after reviewing the loan terms and your personal information. 

5. Read the Disclosure Statement and the Terms and Conditions carefully. Tick the box to agree, then tap "Continue”

6. Confirm the final loan amount you will receive. A 6-digit authentication code will be sent to your registered mobile number via SMS.

7. Enter the authentication code on the app and tap "Submit". You will see a confirmation message, and the loan amount will be credited to your GCash wallet within 24 hours. 

Now that your cart’s full and ready to go, checking out from the app is a breeze. Whether you’re paying with your GCash Visa card or straight from your GCash wallet, kering-keri to cover all the gifts you’ve scored — quick, easy, and cashless, just how holiday shopping should be.

Make this Christmas calm, not chaotic. Because the best gifts aren’t just the ones wrapped under the tree—they’re the moments you get to actually enjoy, without the stress of last-minute shopping or budget worries. So skip the rush and focus on what really matters: creating a merry, meaningful Christmas for your loved ones. With GLoan, kering-keri to shop smarter, not harder—because the joy of giving shouldn’t have to wait.

Kinapos Pero Kinaya: Diskarteng Pinoy Stories on Stretching Every Peso

Sometimes, no matter how resourceful you are, unexpected shortfalls happen. Sometimes it's running out of money for the daily commute, being low on gas, or coming up short on budget at the grocery counter. Other times, it’s something simple but urgent, like needing shampoo, baby’s milk, or even a quick snack.

Filipino breadwinners don’t just get by. They get creative. In a culture built on resourcefulness, diskarte stories are part of our shared experience: the small hacks, clever tricks, and laugh-or-cry moments we all use to stretch every peso. 

We asked real breadwinners to share their most relatable stories, and here’s what we found: 

• “Biglang naubusan ako ng rekado, kaya takbo agad kay mare para manghiram!”

We’ve all been there, cooking adobo when suddenly you’re out of laurel. The pot’s simmering, and there’s no time or budget to run to the supermarket. For many Filipinos, quick fixes are part of everyday life. When you’re short on budget, even a simple missing ingredient can feel out of reach. Small, practical moves like borrowing or knocking on a neighbor’s door for a missing ingredient help keep dinner on the table and the household running.

• “Nilagyan ko ng tubig yung shampoo para umabot pa hanggang bukas.”

Payday’s still a day away, and the shampoo bottle is nearly empty. Like many Filipino households, we add water, give it a shake, and hope it lasts one more wash. From shampoo to baby’s milk to medicine, these small emergencies test our creativity. More often than not, we stretch what’s left by adding water to the bottle, scraping the last bit from the jar, or making do until the next payday. It’s these small acts of resourcefulness that help us get by.

• “Nilalakad ko na lang pauwi pag kinapos sa pamasahe.”

A week before payday, our wallets are down to coins. We line up for the jeepney and realize the pamasahe isn’t enough for the full ride home, so we improvise. Maybe we get off a few stops early and walk the rest of the way, or borrow a little gas money from a friend. These everyday hacks aren’t just about saving; they’re about survival, showing how resourceful and adaptable we become when times get tight.

The Ultimate Galawan for Everyday Gaps

These stories show how Filipinos handle daily gaps with creativity and grit—from food and groceries to minor emergencies and transportation. But even the most resourceful can’t plan for every setback.

That’s where GLoan Sakto comes in. It’s a simple, reliable, and valuable way to cover small but important needs:

• Food and Groceries: pang-rekado, pang-merienda, or pang-araw-araw na bilihin sa convenience store

• Minor Emergencies: pang-shampoo, sabon, gatas or diaper ni baby, at pati gamot

• Transportation: pang-pamasahe sa commute or pang-gas sa motor

GLoan Sakto is a pre-qualified entry loan from GCash that lets eligible users instantly borrow ₱100–₱300 via the app. With a short 14-day term and minimal fees, it’s a convenient way to access quick cash.

To apply for GLoan Sakto, open the GCash app, tap “Borrow,” and follow these steps:

1. Tap GLoan, then tap “Get Started.”

2. Choose the purpose of the loan and tap “Get this loan.”

3. Make sure your personal information is correct, then agree to the Data Privacy Agreement and loan agreements.

4. Double-check the amount that will be credited to your GCash account and tap “Confirm.”

5. Wait for the OTP from GCash, enter it in the app, and tap “Submit.” Users will receive a message from GCash confirming if they’re eligible for GLoan Sakto.

With GLoan Sakto, breadwinners can confidently handle everyday budget gaps—no drama, just solutions.

Learn more about GLoan Sakto on the GCash app or visit https://help.gcash.com/hc/en-us/articles/21435929589657-What-is-GLoan-Sakto.

It starts with Php 100: How GLoan Sakto supports a working mom of three to help cover daily needs

Josephine Russiana, a hardworking mom in Sampaloc, Manila, taps GCash loans to keep her family thriving.

 Josephine Russiana, 45, cleans condominium units at Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig for a living. As a mother of three, every peso counts to sustain her family’s daily needs. 

But there are days when her hard-earned income simply isn’t enough. Her husband, once a motorcycle taxi rider, had to give up the job when they could no longer keep up with the motorcycle’s monthly payments. He now works part-time as a family driver, leaving the family without a steady second source of income.

"Kumikita ka, pero minsan kinakapos ka talaga," Josephine laments. (I bring in money for my family but sometimes it is not enough.) 

Josephine recalls the day when she didn’t have enough money for her children’s baon for school. She usually splits the P200 budget among her children.  Fortunately, she remembered what a friend told her once: GCash offers cash loan products to eligible users. She tried her luck and was granted P100 instantly.

Josephine was able to get this financial support via GLoan Sakto, a sachet-type (“tingi”) loan, offered by Fuse Financing Inc., the lending arm of GCash.  GLoan Sakto enables dignified lending where they can borrow within a digital formal credit system eliminating the shame of borrowing face-to-face or resorting to unregulated "5-6" predatory lenders. These lenders charge loan shark rates, resulting in an even bigger financial burden for the borrowers. GCash wants to end this cycle of debt traps that only burn a deeper hole in Filipinos’ pockets. 

Often used as “pambale,” borrowing even just P100 can make a meaningful difference for most Filipinos. Through GLoan Sakto, eligible users can borrow small amounts, instantly credited to their wallets, with repayment set within 14 days to help cover immediate needs such as buying a few kilos of rice or canned goods for the family’s next meal. 

The next time she needed to borrow money, Josephine says GCash offered her an increased sum: P300, which she used for her commuting expenses. Eventually, Josephine was able to loan P1,000, allowing her to have additional budget for food and utility expenses. 

What began as a short-term solution to Josephine became her entry point to formal credit and a broader financial journey. Josephine was able to increase her loanable amount because of timely repayments. 

“Wala pang due, binayaran ko na. Hindi po ako nagpapa-overdue,” Josephine says. (I pay before the due date. I never let anything go overdue.)

A gateway to formal credit

For most Filipino families, every sustainable credit journey starts with a first step—often a modest one like this sachet-type loan. 

"Josephine’s story reflects why we launched GLoan Sakto in the first place—to give hardworking Filipinos access to safe, reliable, and dignified credit," says Tony Isidro, president and CEO of Fuse Financing Inc. "Too many families fall into debt traps because traditional loans are out of reach. With GLoan Sakto, we are showing that even the smallest amount, paired with responsible repayment, can open doors to financial confidence and stability," he adds.

To date, Fuse has served 9.5 million unique borrowers, 90% of whom are first-time users of formal credit through Fuse—highlighting how the company and its lending products have enabled many Filipinos to access formal financial services for the first time.

“At Fuse and GCash, we believe that there is good in doing good business— that’s why we make affordable loans accessible, even to ‘high-risk’ segments because they are the ones who were traditionally sidelined by other lenders and yet needed support the most,” Isidro says. 

Through GLoan Sakto, GCash reaffirms its commitment to financial inclusion—empowering millions of Filipinos to rise above daily struggles and build long-term financial confidence. To know more about our lending products, visit gcash.com.