While nearly all tourist destinations in Bohol have gift shops, the choices can be limited due to the investment needed to carry a wide variety of stocks. One good thing to come out of this is that some places do offer lower prices. This can be a tad bit frustrating for those looking for more choices. Fortunately for these instances, there is the Aproniana Gift Shop.
Housed within a two-story building, it is perhaps the biggest and most complete souvenir shop in Bohol. And while it is dwarfed by the huge malls in Metropolitan Manila, the Aproniana Gift Shop does offer competitive prices because it is physically closer to the people producing them.
[It is also accredited by the Philippine Depart of Tourism, or DOT.]
Table of Contents
Clothes
T-shirts
Many of the souvenir shops in places like Hinagdanan Cave, the Simply Butterflies Conservation Center, and the Tarsier Conservation Area, carry shirts, blouses, and dresses in white and gray. They also have a smattering of colored clothing in common sizes. However, for people looking for more choices at the ends, defined here as those beyond extra small and extra large, the selection may be limited.
This is where Aproniana Gift Shop comes in. They offer a wide array of solid grays, blacks, blues, reds, greens, yellows, pinks, and more. They even have tie-dyed shirts, blouses, and dresses. Apart from more sizes, customers have the option of purchasing clothes made of thicker material.
Bathing Suits
[They have shorts and swimming attire too.]
Thanks to in-house printing, they are able to offer shirts with rubberized graphics. And if you happen have a bit more time on your hands, you can actually combine selected eye-popping design with almost any shirt, blouse, or dress to stand out from the rest of the pack.
Food
Snacks
There is quite a selection of snacks to choose from in the Aproniana Gift Shop. Everything from the famous Peanut Kisses, which happens to be made in Bohol, to snacks produced in neighboring provinces, line the shelves.
Honey
Being closer to snack-producing provinces means they can sell them at much cheaper prices than malls in Metropolitan Manila. To maximize savings, many local tourists stock up on favorites, like Peanut Kisses, Star Peanuts, Barquillos, Broas, Lengua de Gato, Wild Honey, Eggnog, and even Kasuy or Cashew Nuts.
Some travelers simply stick them in hand carry bags so they can munch on the plane, while others have the staff pack them for check-in baggage.
[We had ours packed because we got quite a bit!]
Bangles and Bracelets
Bangles and Bracelets
In addition to shirts, the Aproniana Gift Shop caries quite a selection of bracelets and bangles. Displayed on at least two sets of shelves, tourists can choose those made with sea shells, precious stones, semi-precious stones, and even plastic.
So, while local tourists can always be counted upon to load up on snacks, foreign tourists tend to favor these because they don’t have expiration dates and are great give-aways.
Other Items
Hats
If shirts, food, and jewelry are do not interest you, try checking out the other items in the Aproniana Gift Shop. These include:
- Bags – Many are woven by hand using varied materials, including everything from synthetic materials, to natural leather, all the way to Manila Hemp.
- Hats – Just like the bags, they are made of various materials and come in different shapes and sizes.
- Refrigerator Magnets – They come various designs, but the most popular ones continue to be those in the shape of Tarsiers.
- Decorations – One of the more interesting decorations are made of shell strung together like and hung from the ceiling like a chandelier.
Payment Options
T-shirts
While some souvenir shops in Bohol will only accept cash payments, the Aproniana Gift Shop takes credit cards too. Best of all, prices are the same whether you pay with cash or through card.
For foreign tourists, this can be the ideal spot to unload any leftover local currency before going home. The trick to make this the last stop before leaving Bohol. By combining Pesos and one’s credit card, the only local currency needed will be the airport terminal fee.
Final Thoughts
Just about every province in the Philippines will have that one shop where tourists will find just about anything they need. In the case of Bohol, that one-stop-shop is the Aproniana Gift Shop.
Souvenirs
The shop carries practically every souvenir shirt, blouse, dress, or swimsuit found in the province. Not only that, but most clothes come in multiple sizes and thicknesses,
[I prefer getting the thick ones myself.]
If the design and color combinations on the rack are not to one’s liking, it is possible to have specific designs combined with a most articles of clothing. Not only will this be unique, getting something with thicker material means it will last longer too.
Aside from clothes, the shop has the most complete line of snacks and a wide variety of jewelry to choose from. These include those adorned with pearls and semi-precious stones. And just like the souvenir shirts, most types of jewelry can be assembled to one’s specifications.
Finally, since the Aproniana Gift Shop accepts major credit cards, tourists don’t have to worry about a shortage of local currency. This means that no one ever has to leave Bohol empty handed.
[Yup, no more excuses to skip buying souvenirs!]
Must Do’s
- Make sure to check out every corner of the store as there are quite a number of souvenirs to see.
- If you want to use up leftover local currency, this is the best place for it.
- Ask any of the staff for a basket to put all your stuff in.
Must Don’ts
- Do not leave any of your things unattended.
- Don’t forget to count your items as you pay; you might have left something elsewhere before heading to the cashier.
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