Something long and hard: The ultimate gift guide to make your Monito Monita, Secret Santa, or Kris Kringle fun and memorable


  • Top Monito Monita themes in the Philippines
  • Suggested gifts for each theme
  • Impact of Monito Monita on Filipino culture
  • How businesses incorporate Monito Monita in corporate events

In the Philippines, Monito Monita has become a beloved holiday tradition, capturing the spirit of giving and fun among Filipinos. Often compared to Secret Santa or Kris Kringle, this practice involves exchanging gifts based on specific themes, adding a unique twist to the festive season.

Kris Kringle, similar to Monito Monita, is a secret gift exchange. However, Monito Monita is distinct in its themed approach, which adds an extra layer of creativity and fun to the tradition. Both practices foster a sense of community and surprise, making the gift-giving season more engaging.

If you’re not sure what to give, we have your back – simply pick a theme and choose a gift from our suggestions. These ideas are sure to bring a smile to your Monito Monita recipient’s face and make the holiday season even more memorable.

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Ultimate Secret Santa / Monito Monita / Kris Kringle gift guide

Something Long and Hard

Gifts that fit the “something long and hard” theme add a practical twist to the exchange. Items like a selfie stick or a back scratcher not only fulfill the theme but also bring a smile with their usefulness. A wooden spoon, simple yet essential, is a great choice for kitchen enthusiasts.

  • Selfie Stick
  • Back Scratcher
  • Wooden Spoon

Something Soft and Fluffy

The “something soft and fluffy” theme is all about comfort. A plush toy makes for an adorable gift, while a fluffy blanket or soft slippers ensure your recipient feels cozy and warm. These items are perfect for adding a touch of softness to the holiday spirit.

  • Plush Toy
  • Fluffy Blanket
  • Soft Slippers

Something Round and Shiny

Gifts that are “something round and shiny” bring a bit of sparkle to the festivities. A crystal ball can serve as a unique decorative piece, a fancy coaster adds elegance to any table, and a shiny ornament is a festive addition to any Christmas tree.

  • Crystal Ball
  • Fancy Coaster
  • Shiny Ornament

Something Small but Meaningful

Sometimes, the best things come in small packages. A keychain can be a daily reminder of a thoughtful gift, a personalized pen adds a personal touch, and a pocket notebook is perfect for jotting down quick thoughts or lists. These small yet meaningful items are sure to be appreciated.

  • Keychain
  • Personalized Pen
  • Pocket Notebook

Something Weird but Funny

Inject some humor into your gift exchange with the “something weird but funny” theme. A novelty mug with a quirky design, a funny hat that brings laughter, or a joke book to keep the holiday spirit light and cheerful are all excellent choices.

  • Novelty Mug
  • Funny Hat
  • Joke Book

Something Red or Something Sweet

The “something red” and “something sweet” theme is a delicious way to celebrate. A box of chocolates, red velvet cupcakes, or a jar of strawberry jam are not only delightful to receive but also add a festive touch with their vibrant red color and sweet taste.

  • Chocolate Box
  • Red Velvet Cupcakes
  • Strawberry Jam

Something Warm and Cozy

In the warm climate of the Philippines, gifts in the “something warm and cozy” category can still provide comfort and practicality without being too heavy. Here are some suggestions:

  • Light Jacket or Coat
  • Cardigan
  • Hat or Cap

Something Edible and Exciting

For those who love food, the “something edible and exciting” theme offers a delightful treat. Exotic snacks can introduce new flavors, gourmet popcorn adds a touch of sophistication, and artisanal chocolates are a decadent indulgence. These gifts are sure to excite the taste buds.

  • Exotic Snacks
  • Gourmet Popcorn
  • Artisanal Chocolates

Something Handmade and Personal

Handmade gifts have a special charm and show extra effort. A custom wallet, handcrafted journal, or photo frame can be personalized to reflect the recipient’s tastes and preferences, making these gifts truly one-of-a-kind and cherished.

  • Custom Wallet
  • Handcrafted Journal
  • Photo Frame

Something Shiny and New

Gifts that are “something shiny and new” bring a fresh and modern vibe to the holiday season. A stylish keychain, a piece of jewelry that dazzles, or a sleek new gadget are all exciting options that embody the theme and bring joy to the recipient.

  • Keychain
  • Jewelry
  • Sleek Gadget

Something You Can Wear

Practical and stylish, the “something you can wear” theme is always a hit. A trendy t-shirt, a cool cap, or a fashionable bracelet are versatile gifts that can suit anyone’s taste. These items are wearable and functional, making them great choices for any recipient.

  • T-shirt
  • Cap
  • Bracelet

Something Surprising but Practical

The “something surprising but practical” theme combines utility with a hint of surprise. A multi-tool is perfect for various tasks, a portable charger keeps devices powered up, and a desk organizer helps keep things tidy. These gifts are unexpected yet highly useful.

  • Multi-tool
  • Portable Charger
  • Desk Organizer

Something Green and Alive

For those with a green thumb, the “something green and alive” theme offers refreshing gifts. A potted plant, succulent, or herb kit brings nature indoors and adds a touch of greenery to any space. These living gifts are perfect for plant lovers.

  • Potted Plant
  • Succulent
  • Herb Kit

Something Tiny but Mighty

Small in size but big on impact, the “something tiny but mighty” theme offers powerful gifts. A mini flashlight is handy in emergencies, a pocket tool is versatile, and a tiny speaker delivers impressive sound. These compact gifts pack a punch.

  • Mini Flashlight
  • Pocket Tool
  • Tiny Speaker

Something Artsy and Creative

The “something artsy and creative” theme is perfect for those who love to create. A sketchbook encourages drawing and doodling, a paint set inspires artistic expression, and a craft kit provides materials for DIY projects. These gifts foster creativity and artistic exploration.

  • Sketchbook
  • Paint Set
  • Craft Kit

The tradition is deeply embedded in Filipino culture, with themes bringing out the creativity and humor in participants, making the gift exchange more exciting. For instance, “something long and hard” might see gifts like a selfie stick or a back scratcher, while “something cute” could mean stress balls or gadget stickers.

Businesses in the Philippines have also embraced Monito Monita, incorporating it into their year-end events to boost employee morale and foster a sense of community. This tradition not only adds a fun element to corporate gatherings but also helps in strengthening bonds among colleagues.

The influence of Monito Monita extends beyond personal and corporate celebrations, reflecting the Filipino values of generosity, humor, and creativity. As the holiday season approaches, the anticipation of participating in Monito Monita adds to the festive joy, making it an integral part of Filipino Christmas celebrations.

Are we missing anything? Do you have a Monito Monita theme that you need help with? Let us know in the comments.


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