Don’t leave Singapore without these must-have local gems - t-shirts, watches, pomade, Merlion toys and more
Had a blast while adventuring in Singapore? Having bittersweet feelings ’cause you have to depart from this sunny island? While all good things must come to an end, Singapore will always welcome you back with open arms. And while we await for your arrival once more, why not grab some memorabilia to remind you of the fun-tastic time you had while you were here. Read on to check out our list of 31 fun and interesting local mementos and collectibles that will help you remember Singapore’s flavours, culture, and overall uniqueness. Singapore’s not done with you yet!
1. Bid adieu to bad hair days with Hero Pomades from men’s grooming salon, We Need A Hero. $28 (Sheen) and $40 (Matte), www.weneedahero.sg, available at #01-86, 57 Eng Hoon Street
2. With their colourful prints, Hypergrand watches are the perfect statement accessory. $160, available at Strangelets (7 Yong Siak Street)
3. CAN! by Jonas Ericsson is a riveting read about a Swedish entrepreneur’s life in Singapore. $38, available at Books Actually (9 Yong Siak Street)
4. Commemorate Singapore’s independence with this kitschy National Day tote bag by The Farm Store. $28, available at NAIISE (Orchard Gateway)
5. Pamper yourself with 100% vegan products by local skincare brand, Handmade Heroes. From $5.90, available at NAIISE (Orchard Gateway)
6. Give your wardrobe an update with a stylish tee from local menswear label, Sundays. $69, available at kapok (National Design Centre)
7. Straits Preserves’ Tropical Calamansi marmalade adds a local twist to your typical breakfast spread. $16, available at kapok (National Design Centre)
8. Mmerci Encore’s artisanal aromatherapy candles are a total treat for your senses. $45, available at kapok (National Design Centre)
9. Treat your skin with a luxurious body cream by MANDY T. $65.80, available at kapok (National Design Centre)
10. Supermama One Singapore 2015 plates pay tribute to the country’s melting pot of cultures, people, and flavours. $42, available at Museum Shop by Supermama (Singapore Art Museum)
11. Souvenirs From Singapore’s Merlion Chouchou is a cuddly version of Singapore’s national icon – cute! $20, available at Museum Shop by Supermama (Singapore Art Museum)
12. Add a pop of colour to your outfit with a necklace from In Good Company. $139, www.ingoodcompany.asia/pages/stores, available at #B1-06 ION Orchard
13. Gentlemen, add a finishing touch to your suit with a bowtie from Pocket Square Clothing. $79.90, available at Benjamin Barker (#B1-30 Capitol Piazza)
14. TWG’s Singapore Breakfast Tea is an exotic blend of green tea, black tea, rich vanilla, and rare spices. $40, available at Changi Airport Terminal 3 and at TWG stores island-wide
15. If you love chicken rice as much as Singaporeans do, proclaim your love for the local dish with SGIFF x dröm: CheeK’s – Chicken Rice War badge. $20, available at The Little Dröm Store (School of the Arts)
16. A bottle of Tiger beer, Singapore’s very own lager? Go on, you deserve it. From $2.90, available at all major supermarkets
17. Bring home a little piece of nostalgia, courtesy of Supermama’s Dragon Playground Doorstop inspired by the last surviving retro playground in Singapore. $10, available at Museum Shop by Supermama (Singapore Art Museum)
18. Create a spa-like ambience at home with handcrafted aromatic candles from A Dose of Something Good. $68, available at TANGS Orchard
19. Inspired by heritage prints and handmade by independent artisans from all over the world, Matter scarves are truly one of a kind. $99, available at kapok (National Design Centre)
20. Unconventional jewellery with a twist? These quirky necklaces from homegrown label Carrie K. fit the bill perfectly. $298, available Carrie K. Atelier (136 Bukit Timah Road)
21. Breakfast in Singapore isn’t complete without the delicious combination of toast and kaya (a traditional spread made from coconut milk, eggs, and sugar). $4.80, available at Ya Kun Kaya Toast stores island-wide
22. Cuddle up to this plush cushion from Meykrs that’s inspired by a popular local snack beloved by children. $29.90, available at NAIISE (orchardgateway)
23. Inspired by traditional Peranakan motifs, this vibrant iPhone case by Kala Pata will add a pop of colour to your outfit. $22, available at NAIISE (orchardgateway)
24. Get this notebook by The Farm Store, lah. It’s a helpful gift for visitors to get acquainted with Singlish, the local lingo. $32, available at NAIISE (orchardgateway)
25. For the perfect pair of shoes, Singapore’s most successful fashion label, Charles & Keith (aka shoe heaven) has you covered. Available at Charles & Keith stores island-wide
26. Say goodbye to your skin woes and hello to a flawless face with the help of custom blended serums by Skin Inc. $158 each, available at #B3-43 ION Orchard
27. Made from exotic snakeskin, this designer handbag by local label Ling Wu is the epitome of chic, $580, available at Robinsons or TANGS Orchard
28. This must-have decorative plate captures the sophistication and beauty of traditional Peranakan art. $70, available at True Blue Shoppe (Peranakan Museum)
29. After a drink at the iconic Long Bar, take home this mini Singapore Sling cocktail set. $53.90, available at Raffles Hotel
30. Always anxious that you’re running late? Then this sleek and stylish timepiece by The Farm Store is the perfect accessory to quell your kan cheong spider (anxious) tendencies. $36, available at thelittledrömstore (School of the Arts)/ Museum Shop by Supermama
31. Gentlemen, time to up your style game with The Shirt Bar’s selection of dapper bowties and shirts. $59 and $99, available at The Shirt Bar (Suntec City)
Singapore Insider is published quarterly, in partnership with Singapore Tourism Board. Pick up the printed edition for free at Singapore Visitor Centres island-wide, including Orchard (junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road), orchardgateway, ION Orchard (Level 1 Concierge), and Chinatown Visitor Centre (2 Banda Street), or download the digital version.