The balikbayan box is one of the most iconic expressions of Filipino family love across distance. Sent by OFWs and Filipino migrants from all over the world, it's the physical embodiment of malasakit — care expressed in the form of items your family can't easily buy at home, or can't afford at Philippine prices.
Here's what actually belongs in a balikbayan box.
What is a balikbayan box?
A balikbayan box is a large cardboard box shipped by Filipinos living abroad to their families in the Philippines, typically through courier companies like LBC, JRS Express, or Forex Cargo.
The boxes are often massive — the standard "jumbo" size holds the equivalent of a large checked luggage worth of items — and are shipped at relatively affordable rates compared to regular international courier services.
Key fact: In the Philippines, balikbayan boxes are exempt from customs duties and taxes under Republic Act 10863 (CMTA), provided the box is sent by a Filipino resident abroad and the total declared value is within the allowance. This makes them the most cost-effective way to send goods home.
Most appreciated items by recipient
For parents (nanay and tatay)
Parents value practicality and quality that's hard to find or too expensive at home:
- Vitamins and supplements — Centrum, Kirkland (from Costco), Vitamin C megadose, fish oil, calcium supplements. These are significantly more affordable abroad and genuinely health-improving.
- Branded clothing — quality T-shirts, polo shirts, tracksuit bottoms from brands like Champion, Fruit of the Loom, or Uniqlo (if you're in Japan/Asia). Nothing fancy — just quality everyday wear.
- Comfortable shoes or slippers — quality rubber sandals (Birkenstock if budget allows, or well-reviewed alternatives), comfortable sneakers
- Luxury items they wouldn't buy themselves — a quality watch, a branded wallet, a good umbrella
- Chocolates and imported sweets — a bag of Lindt, Ferrero Rocher, or local-to-your-country chocolates is always special
For children (mga bata — nephews, nieces, siblings)
Kids appreciate items that signal you thought specifically of them:
- Clothes and shoes in correct sizes — buy one size up; kids grow quickly. Ask a parent about current sizes.
- Popular toys not easily available in the Philippines — LEGO sets (expensive in the Philippines), Hot Wheels, specific licensed character toys
- School supplies — quality notebooks, a new pencil case, crayons. Back-to-school season is June–July; plan balikbayan box arrivals accordingly.
- Snacks from abroad — foreign candy and snacks (Kit Kat flavors from Japan, Haribo from Europe, Pocky) are a delight for kids and adults
For young adult family members
- Quality skincare — CeraVe, Neutrogena, The Ordinary are significantly cheaper abroad than in the Philippines. A starter kit (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF) is genuinely appreciated.
- Makeup — affordable US or Korean makeup brands not available in the Philippines or sold at inflated prices
- Accessories — quality bags, wallets, caps, or belts from accessible brands (H&M, Zara, outlet stores)
- Tech accessories — specific phone cases, quality cables, portable chargers
For the whole household
- Canned and packaged food — Spam (particularly in flavors not sold in the Philippines), Campbell's soups, specific cookies and crackers
- Household items that are better quality or cheaper abroad — good scissors, quality kitchen tools, specific items they've requested
- Medicines and first aid — paracetamol in bulk (Tylenol), antihistamines, cough drops, specific prescription medicines (check customs rules for the item country)
Items worth sending vs not worth sending
Worth sending
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Vitamins and supplements | Significantly cheaper abroad (especially Costco bulk packs) |
| Branded clothing and shoes | Quality brands much cheaper at US/European outlet stores |
| Quality skincare | CeraVe, The Ordinary, etc. are priced 2-3x higher in the Philippines |
| Chocolates and imported food | Hard to find or expensive in PH; high emotional value |
| Specific requested items | Items the family has specifically asked for — always worth it |
| Tech accessories from Japan/Korea | Better quality at source, cheaper |
Not worth sending (usually)
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Rice or basic groceries | Widely available and affordable in the Philippines |
| Old or broken items | Adds weight, no use to recipients |
| Generic clothes (no brand value) | Philippines has affordable clothing; doesn't justify shipping cost |
| Perishables | Risk of spoilage and customs issues |
| Items available at same price in PH | No point paying shipping for equal value |
What Filipinos abroad send most (by country)
From the US / Canada
- Vitamins (Costco Kirkland brand)
- Branded clothing from outlet malls (Old Navy, Gap, Nike outlet)
- Chocolates (Hershey's in bulk, See's Candies for special occasions)
- Canned goods (Spam varieties, Campbell's soups)
- Skincare (CeraVe, Neutrogena)
From Japan / South Korea
- Japanese Kit Kat flavors and limited-edition snacks
- Korean skincare (COSRX, Innisfree, affordable K-beauty)
- Quality stationery (Muji notebooks, Pilot pens)
- Japanese household items (Daiso premium items not in PH)
From Saudi Arabia / Middle East
- Ajwa dates, zamzam water, prayer items
- Oud or Arabian perfumes
- Gold jewelry (Dubai gold market is a major source)
- Chocolates (Ferrero Rocher, Toblerone in airport shops)
From Europe
- Chocolate (Lindt, Milka, Toblerone)
- Quality leather goods from outlet stores
- European cosmetics and skincare
From Australia
- Tim Tams and Australian snacks (iconic among Filipinos)
- Macadamia nuts (cheaper in AU)
- Vitamins from Chemist Warehouse (much cheaper than PH prices)
Packing tips for balikbayan boxes
Fill every corner. Packing efficiency directly affects cost. Use soft items (clothing, towels) to cushion fragile ones.
Wrap breakables carefully. Glass bottles, perfume, and fragile items need bubble wrap or clothing padding. Breakage during shipping is common.
List contents on the form. Customs declarations require a contents list. Be accurate — undeclared items can cause delays or seizure.
Don't send liquids in carry-on. Lotions, perfumes, and liquids must be packed securely to avoid spillage. Seal in ziplock bags.
Note clothing sizes clearly. Philippine sizing and foreign sizing differ. Include a size note with each clothing item.
Send ahead of the holiday season. Christmas balikbayan boxes sent in November-December face significant delays. Send by October for Christmas arrival.
Where to send balikbayan boxes
Major Filipino courier services that handle balikbayan boxes from abroad:
- LBC Express — most widely recognized; branches in most Filipino-heavy communities
- JRS Express — strong domestic delivery network in the Philippines
- Forex Cargo — popular in the US and Canada
- Alas Express — popular in the Middle East
- Johnny Air Cargo — US, Canada, UK service
Compare rates before committing — rates vary significantly by destination city and box size.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to put in a balikbayan box?
Vitamins and supplements (especially from Costco), quality skincare, branded clothing from outlet stores, and chocolates consistently rank as the most appreciated items. Specific requested items from your family are always the best choice.
How much does a balikbayan box cost to send?
Rates vary by origin country and box size. From the US, expect ₱3,000–₱8,000 equivalent per box, depending on the courier and destination in the Philippines. Door-to-door rates are more expensive than depot-to-depot.
Do balikbayan boxes get taxed?
Under Philippine law, balikbayan boxes from registered OFWs are exempt from customs duties and taxes, subject to frequency and value limits. Check the Bureau of Customs website for current limits.