Top 10 Best BTS and BT21 Merch in the Philippines 2020 (Lightstick, T-Shirt, and More)

Bangtan Seonyeondan, Beyond The Scene or better known as BTS, is a South Korean Kpop group. They consist of members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. They first hit the Kpop scene in 2013 and has been making waves ever since both in their home country and abroad for their music. 

They are known for their deep lyrics that address the relatable struggles of growing up, mental health, and loving oneself, which few have been outspoken about. They have spoken at the United Nations twice; in 2018 to empower young people and in 2020 to offer hope amidst the on-going pandemic. 

Their fans are lovingly known as ARMY, which stands for Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth is often referred to as a mirror of one another. 

Whether you're a veteran ARMY or a newbie who just recently got into the fandom, you can never have enough merch. Here's our guide to help you get acquainted with them. 

Don't know where to start with the dozens of merch floating around? You could always begin by purchasing their official merch as a benchmark to start your collection. 

One of the best things you can do to support an artist is to purchase their albums since it is their craft, after all. Kpop albums are quite a feat in and of itself, as it contains freebies such as photo cards, posters, and photo books of the artist, which you normally wouldn’t find on other albums.

These inclusions enable you to get a more personal experience with the artist as it provides a certain exclusivity and makes it extra special for the fans. Since concerts are a thing of the past and hopefully in the near future, you can relive the concert experience by rocking out to their tunes at home. 

Lightsticks are considered an essential part of a Kpop concert. It is often referred to as “the ocean,” and it consists of an LED light about as big as a microphone. Each Kpop group has its own lightstick and design to go with it. ARMY Bomb is the name of their official lightstick. 

If you’ve ever attended one, you’ll surely appreciate the uniformity of countless blinking lights swaying in time to the music. This is what helps make the experience more memorable. While concerts are a no-go given our current situation, you can still relieve the moment using a lightstick at home. 

BTS has held concerts all over the world and some of them even end up on DVD! This is a great way of feeling the concert experience if you’re missing it. They have also filmed dozens of contents in the form of varieties such as vacations and anniversary parties, among others. 

These DVDs allow the viewer to watch never before seen and behind the scenes footage. You also get to generally watch the boys have fun and be themselves.  

BTS have certainly come a long way since their debut 7 years ago and their multiple product collaborations and endorsements are testament of that. If you want more items you could use everyday, here's what we suggest. 

BTS has previously released a reimagined cartoon version of themselves, which is BT21. This is in collaboration with LINE friends. This line has extended into accessories such as mice, USB ports, keyboards, and smartphone apps, in which you could download stickers on the App Store or Google Play Store. 

If you like interactive video games, BTS has one called BTS World, developed by Netmarble. You get to take on the role of their manager and go through various stories with them. 

BT21 characters consist of Koya, RJ, Mang, Tata, Cooky, and Shooky, who are equally adorable as the boys themselves, and you could buy it to add a personalized touch when sending your messages. BTS has also endorsed cellphones, but we recommend you think carefully about this one as it is more costly. 

Both BTS and BT21 have clothing lines, which consist of sweaters, pajamas, and jackets. They have also included T-shirts, hats, and even canvas bags. Its design usually consists of their album or tour’s logo. The members wear them for their concerts, so it is a great way to feel connected to them. 

BTS’s influence has also extended to footwear too! They have partnered with different brands to endorse shoes. Their collection has urban influences and is very trendy, much like the boys. It is wearable, whether you’re off for a walk or on a night out. 

A mug is an affordable piece of merchandise if you want something more practical in terms of use. Mugs come in different prints and designs. It even includes their BT21 characters, which can bring a smile to your face upon seeing it. If you're a bit hesitant in spending money on merch, mugs are not a waste of money, seeing as you can use it every day.

If you are a bit shy in expressing your love for the boys, you can go for key chains as it is an understated but still personal piece. It is also rather small, so it won’t take up much space. 

You can choose between muted or eye-catching designs that fit your taste. You can hang it with your house keys, hook it to your bag, or even add it to your keychain collection. 

Part of an idol’s daily life is makeup, and BTS is no exception. BT21 and BTS have collaborated with different makeup brands, and they have produced lipsticks, eye shadows, and cushion compacts. 

They have also branched out to skincare, which is good if you need encouragement to take care of your skin the way they do. This is ideal if you want something that is “invisible” to other people in the sense that only you and a couple of your friends can tell the difference. 

From nondescript and subtle merch to more expressive ones, here's the top 10 BTS and BT21 merch we recommend you stock up on. 

First time with BTS? Here are our tips to guide you on how to scour the internet for all things BTS in order to have a hassle-free buying experience.

It goes without saying that you need to purchase from trusted stores in order to avoid delays, counterfeits, and worst of all scams. When buying merch, try to read up on the reviews that the online store has, since not everything could be found on Lazada or Shopee. 

This is because with Kpop merch, some items are pre-ordered from Korea, in order to ensure everything will be accounted for and the excess merch does not go to waste. Another tip is to compare one item from multiple sites to see where you would save the most money. 

Shopping for merch can sometimes be nerve-wracking, especially if you have to factor in the cost of overseas shipping, which can be rather steep. You can ask your friends if they are going to purchase from the same store so that you can split the shipping fee among yourselves. This way, you won't have to pay the full amount. 

Let's set the record straight; merch can sometimes be expensive. It is what it is, as they are usually imported items. If you see someone selling an item for a suspiciously low amount, make sure that it is not a counterfeit or used. 

There is nothing wrong with purchasing second-hand items but beware of being conned into buying a used item for the price of a new one.

Are you looking for a new hobby to serve as a stress reliever this pandemic? Check out these items to give you that much needed break when things are getting too serious. 

Buying merch is just one way of showing your support to the BTS boys who have taken the world - and our hearts - by storm. It may seem silly, but It's the little things like these that offer us comfort in today's confusing and uncertain times. As we head towards a new normal, let us remember what BTS has said; "Life Goes On, Let's Live On". 

Author: Justine Cuizon

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