I’ll always remember that before I ever became a BTS fan, someone once told me this: “Being a K-pop fan is really expensive.” I really wondered how this could be possible; after all, didn’t loving music simply mean listening to audio, watching music videos, and hoping to see the artists in concert?
Not long after, I realised just how wrong I was. Official K-pop merchandise is, quite frankly, crazy expensive. To add to that, though, there’s also fanmade BTS merch crafted by ARMYs themselves — they’re always super cute, thoughtfully packaged, and quite wallet-friendly. As a BTS fan myself, I actually tend to shop for fanmade items way more than official merch, and am usually spoiled with freebies like stickers and photo cards!
If there’s a special BTS ARMY in your life — or if you’re a fan yourself — be sure to check out the following small local businesses. All their fanmade BTS merch is absolutely perfect for gifting!
Also read: 13 Relatable & Emotional Stages of Joining the BTS ARMY
Where to shop: Made for Chu official website
A quick browse through Made for Chu’s online shop, and ARMYs won’t be able to resist adding all their fanmade BTS merch to their carts. With items ranging from BTS-inspired loungewear to adorable accessories, it’ll definitely be tough narrowing down your selection. As for our favourite pieces so far? Their Bangtan lounge sets and super cute “BTScore” alcohol bottles!
For more information, visit Made for Chu’s official website or Instagram page.
Where to shop: 325handcrafted official Instagram page, Shopee (official reseller)
If you don’t consider yourself a scented candle person, then you just might change your mind after catching a whiff of one of 325handcrafted’s candles. While this particular brand has already been around for a while, the one-woman team has since attracted countless BTS ARMYs with the release of her “Smells Like BTS” candles and room sprays. You might not be able to meet your bias in person — but this is close enough, right? *Adds OT7 candles to cart*
For more information, visit 325handcrafted’s official Instagram page.
Also read: Love Candles But Hate Lighters? Thankfully, Candle Warmers Exist
Where to shop: Pied Paper official Instagram page
Can’t get enough of BTS shirts and canvas bags? (Because, same.) Pied Paper offers a range of embroidered tees inspired by the group’s songs and most noteworthy quotes. We particularly love their “Dis-ease” pullovers and tote bags printed with lyrics from Jimin’s solo song Promise. With such eye-catching designs, their products are no doubt irresistible and worthy of a place in your BTS merch collection!
For more information, visit Pied Paper’s official Instagram page.
Where to shop: Shopee
Are you the type to dress like or for your bias? No matter your choice, Nonami.ph’s fanmade BTS merch is sure to tickle your fancy. Their “BTS Core” sweaters are super cute — and the fact that they’re manually handcrafted simply makes us love them even more! Apart from that, their “Winter Bear” sweater vest is another bestseller and is particularly loved by V-biased fans.
For more information, visit Nonami.ph’s official Instagram page.
Where to shop: Mikana official website, Shopee, Lazada
Now, here’s an ultra-chic way that ARMYs can proudly sport their love for BTS! Mikana’s jewellery pieces are elegant, timeless, and — best of all — affordable. Take your pick from their BTS collection, which boasts a stunning BTS logo necklace and pendants inspired by Jungkook’s hand tattoo, BTS’ Love Yourself: Her album, and the fandom’s signature purple heart.
Upon laying your eyes on their designs, you might imagine they’d be on the pricier side; but amazingly, you’ll be treated to high quality accessories that start at just ₱199. How could any of us possibly say no to that?
For more information, visit Mikana’s official website or Instagram page.
Where to shop: Hobi’s Hats official Instagram page, Shopee
A small business that first started out with cute BTS bucket hats, Hobi’s Hats has gradually started offering a wider lineup of products. Their first collection featured hats embroidered with designs inspired by BTS’ Love Yourself and J-Hope’s Hope World; and not long after, they released their very own line of T-shirts, too. The latter includes their “Time” and “Kawaii” tees, which both boast minimalist designs that even non-ARMYs will find themselves attracted to!
For more information, visit Hobi’s Hats official Instagram page.
Also read: I Read BTS RM’s Book Recommendations — Here’s What I Learned
Where to shop: Bulletprints official Instagram page
One of the tough things about shopping online is that we can never be too sure about a product’s quality and whether it’ll meet our expectations. Bulletprints, however, has found a workaround: they print their BTS-inspired shirts on Uniqlo shirts to ensure their buyers that they’re getting some of the best quality out there. They’ve come up with several gorgeous designs for BTS members Jimin and Jungkook’s respective birthdays; meanwhile, their latest release is a stunning My Universe-inspired shirt you’ll want to add to your wish lists!
For more information, visit Bulletprints’ official Instagram page.
Where to shop: Chicken Sutock official Instagram page, Shopee
If there’s one thing to know about diehard K-pop fans, it’s that they take their photo cards very seriously. For instance, those who find themselves unfamiliar with K-pop culture might be surprised to find out that fans can spend thousands for particularly rare photo cards — but we digress. Speaking of photo cards, Chicken Sutock came to be when one of its co-founders decided to make her own binder dividers for her BTS photo card collection.
Since then, over a thousand followers have fallen in love with Chicken Sutock’s fanmade BTS merch, ranging from photo card binder covers and dividers to stickers and fan art prints. Collecting photo cards has never looked this cute, if you ask us!
For more information, visit Chicken Sutock’s official Instagram page.
Where to shop: Golden Closet Friends official Instagram page
Statement tees are back, and we love that Golden Closet Friends creates these with beautifully embroidered designs. Their shirts are adorned with terms only BTS fans would be able to understand, from inside jokes to lines from BTS songs. This being said, if you want to meet fellow ARMYs in the wild, proudly sporting one of these tees is an easy way to make a new friend or two!
For more information, visit Golden Closet Friends’ official Instagram page.
Where to shop: The Magic Shop PH official Instagram page
If BTS has altered (or rather, raised) your standards when it comes to love, then we’re sure you’ll love The Magic Shop PH’s statement shirts. They’ve got a variety of tees and pullovers, but it’s undeniable that one particular design stands out among the rest. We’re talking about their hilarious yet aesthetically pleasing “lol ur not” pullovers — you can choose among the seven members or go for OT7!
For more information, The Magic Shop PH’s official Instagram page.
Where to shop: Fangirl Sanctuary official Instagram page
Proud BTS fangirls will love Fangirl Sanctuary, a small local business whose fanmade BTS merchandise are equal parts cute and comfortable. Truly a haven for ARMYs, the online shop sells cosy shirts and pullovers, along with accessories like bucket hats and necklaces. Our top picks, however, would have to be their pullover embroidered with RM’s handwriting (“Our universe, ARMY”) and In The Soop-inspired sleepwear sets!
For more information, visit Fangirl Sanctuary’s official Instagram page.
Also read: Loved BTS In The Soop? You Can Actually Book the Lakeside Property on Airbnb
Where to shop: Pied Piper MNL official Instagram page, Shopee
The thing about Pied Piper MNL’s scented candles is that they don’t just smell good — they look good, too. Their packaging is always so beautifully and thoughtfully designed, so much so that any BTS fan will have to think twice about adding them to their carts!
Among their many scented candles, some of their standout products include their latest release — a My Universe-inspired candle — and their birthday packages for the members’ birthdays. An example of the latter would be Namjoon’s birthday box, which included a candle and resin coaster inspired by his song Bicycle, along with pretty purple matches.
For more information, visit Pied Piper MNL’s official Instagram page.
Where to shop: Borahae Magic Shop PH official website, Shopee
There’s a BTS shirt for everything, and Borahae Magic Shop PH’s collections are solid proof. They’ve got designs based on the BTS members themselves, their songs, their iconic lines, and — of course — ARMY. Besides that, the shop also sells cute canvas totes and tumblers that BTS fans will instantly fall in love with! Note that everything is made-to-order, but definitely worth the wait.
For more information, visit Borahae Magic Shop’s official website or Instagram page.
Where to shop: The Purple Press official Instagram page
On the hunt for gift-worthy fanmade BTS merch? Look no further than The Purple Press. Apart from their double tap-worthy purple 2022 planners, their product lineup includes some of the prettiest playing cards you’ll ever see. They offer two types of 54-card decks that showcase stunning fan art inspired by BTS’ award-winning songs Dynamite and Butter — perfect for game nights with fellow ARMYs!
For more information, visit The Purple Press’ official Instagram page.
Also read: 2022 Planners: Our Top Picks & Where to Buy Them
Where to shop: Pearl Pop + Lab official website, Shopee
Those who collect BTS merchandise are no strangers to Pearl Pop PH, a trusted go-to for official merch. However, if fanmade BTS merch is more your cup of tea, then be sure to check out their sister brand, Pearl Pop Lab. The online shop sells an interesting variety of products, such as BTS-inspired vintage tees, scented candles, and mask sets!
For more information, Pearl Pop + Lab’s official website or Instagram page.
Also read: These Scented Candles Are Inspired by BTS & Their Songs
We absolutely love fanmade BTS merch, don’t you? After all, no one knows Bangtan’s fandom better than the ARMY itself. Don’t forget to show us your favourite purchases in the comments section — and feel free to let us know if you have any more recommendations!
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