4 Underrated Instagram Stores for Cute & Budget-Friendly Finds

In the years following the pandemic, Filipinos have continued to navigate change in their own ways. While the challenges of that period were significant, what stood out most was how creativity found room to grow. Independent brands gained momentum, small businesses found their audience online, and local makers began turning passion projects into sustainable livelihoods.

Not to romanticise resilience, but it is worth recognising how much creativity and innovation emerged from that time and how it continues to shape the local business scene in 2025. Supporting homegrown brands today is not just about helping small sellers. It is also about keeping that creative energy alive.

With more independent Filipino brands now easily accessible online, supporting local has become part of everyday shopping. From handmade accessories to thoughtfully designed home items, there is no shortage of small businesses offering affordable and charming pieces made with care.

To make things easier, we have rounded up some of our favourite Instagram stores in the Philippines that sell cute, budget friendly items, all handmade with love. Get to know the artisans behind them and keep these shops in mind for your next purposeful purchase.

4 Underrated Instagram stores for cheap and cute finds

1. The Clay Project

Instagram Account: theclayproject.ph
What they sell: Polymer clay earrings
Price range: ₱180 to ₱400

Although it has been a long dream of Kars Hernandez to found The Clay Project, it was only during the pandemic that she finally pushed through. “I have struggled a lot in my creative journey a few years ago,” she tells us. “The thought of not being good enough always struck me. I knew in my heart that I’ve always wanted to start somewhere, but I’ve always had excuses.”

Now in her late twenties, Kars has finally launched her passion project. “This pandemic has indeed been an eye-opener for me. It made me realise the value of time. I can’t just let excuses hinder me from doing what I really love: to be able to share my art and craft to everyone. Since I had plenty of time because of our current work-from-home setup, I was able to research, practice, and do my branding. Indeed, all I needed was a whole lot of courage to get everything started.”

“My products are thoughtfully handcrafted. Each and every pair is one-of-a-kind and personal to everyone. The goal is to share not just my art, but also my heart — and I think this is what sets me apart from other artisans and big brands.”

2. Allegra Embroidery

Instagram Account: allegra.embroidery
What they sell: Embroidered pieces
Price range: Starts at ₱300

A licenced landscape architect, Christine Endencia started Allegra Embroidery as a hobby. “I was itching to do something creative during the lockdown, so I tried out embroidery,” she tells us. “It was love at first stitch!”

For Christmas, Christine made customised hand-embroidered cards for her friends. “They loved it! That made me want to open up a shop where I can share my art with more people, not just for me or my family or my friends.”

As of writing, Christine has created greeting cards, designed shirts, and even home decor! “People can expect a lot more from me and my brand! I love learning new techniques, more mixed media options, and a lot more items where my embroidery can be done,” she reveals. “I’d love to showcase my own art as well — and curate them in my own items.

3. Sunny’s Stitches

Instagram Account: sunnys.stitches
What they sell: Personalised hand-stitched crafts
Price range: Starts at ₱300

Sunny’s Stitches was a surprising venture for Sunshine Dasmariñas. When the lockdown was enforced, she was in Cebu for her grandmother’s birthday. “I was stranded, and because of the circumstances, I had to let go of my job.”

“I didn’t bring enough clothes with me in Cebu, so I decided to make some. That’s when I started crocheting again,” Sunny reveals. “Eventually, my friends encouraged me to open Sunny’s Stitches on Instagram. They were my first customers.”

Sunny is currently a one-woman team. “I make all my products. I buy all of my materials. Most of the time, though, my clients choose the colours. Most of my made-to-orders products are collaborations with my clients.”

“For me, I don’t just make items,” she continues. As Sunny works closely with her clients, she makes sure each piece tells their stories. “Everything is indeed hand-stitched with love.”

4. Desiderata

Instagram Account: Desiderata
What they sell: Peg dolls and paintings
Price range: ₱200 to ₱350

A product of retrospection during the pandemic, Desiderata was Cham Canilao’s first step to entrepreneurship. “I always wanted to share my art, but I was too afraid before. Back then, I was content with creating for myself and keeping everything private.”

When she started posting her artwork online, Cham’s friends would ask her to make peg dolls for them. “With Desiderata, I finally decided to share my art to others,” she says. “While I was afraid at first, I also had the bigger mission to share my profit to those in need.”

Now that she creates personalised peg dolls for customers, Cham relishes in the idea that her art gets to go home with those who find meaning in them. “Desiderata aims to produce art which not only impacts the eye’s sensory, but also brings about deeper emotions. I want to help customers cherish their valued memories through my art.”

These underrated Instagram stores and their owners remind us remarkably that Filipino entrepreneurs of all ages have sprouted during the pandemic.  Cheers to local craftsmanship!