These aren’t just any bag charms – they’re our curated picks for every aesthetic, mood, and main character energy in Singapore.
Looking for the perfect bag charm to match your vibe? Enter the accessory for your accessory, a cherry on top, a little personality flex. Once a kitschy afterthought, the humble bag charm is now a full-blown trend. Think TikTok girlies, K-pop idols, and even designer micro-charms. Here’s your ultimate curated guide to bag charm-sonality types, complete with shopping tips for Singapore-based brands, markets, and makers who get the assignment. As a longtime charm hoarder and aesthetic magpie, I’ve grouped these by vibes, not just popularity.
1. Food plushies and character keychains: For the kawaii chaos gremlin
Charm level: “Maxed out. No thoughts, just plushies.”
Your charm aesthetic is unhinged in the best way. You’re not trying to be sleek – you’re trying to be adorable, ridiculous, and vaguely edible. If it jingles or has a face, it’s going on your bag.
Your charm types:
- Mini plush food like angry sushi rolls and boba cups
- Character keychains from the Sanrio or Pokemon multiverse
- Chonky animals with sparkly eyes
- Pastel danglers with bells, beads, or an occasional squeak
Where to shop:
- Otaku House, multiple locations including Plaza Singapura and Jewel Changi Airport.
It’s home to plushies, gacha, and fandom galore. A nostalgic fave for character charms that embrace peak chaos.
2. Acrylic charms and official merch: For the pop culture nerd (no shame, just slay)
Charm level: “We stan. We project. We display.”
You’re loud about your hyperfixation and proud of it. You express fandom through charms – whether it’s anime, K-pop, or a very niche game you found on Steam. Every charm is a fangirl breadcrumb trail.
Your charm types:
- Mini plushies of your ultimate comfort characters
- Fan-made acrylic charms of anime boys or pixelated icons
- Tiny enamel lightsticks for your K-pop bias
- Anything that passes for official merch
Where to shop:
- Kpoptown, available online.
Official merch galore! It’s your go-to for official K-pop lightsticks and exclusive character keychains. - Krmerch, available online and at #01-15, Grantral Mall, 601 MacPherson Road, Singapore 368242.
The ultimate treasure trove for official K-pop merch and fan collectables.
3. Handmade clay miniatures and crochet critters: For the indie artsy queen
Charm level: “It’s one-of-a-kind – and no, I’m not gatekeeping.”
You’ve sworn off mass production. You want your bag charm to look like a conversation starter and a craft fair baby. If it’s handmade, experimental, or a bit odd, you’re in love.
Your charm types:
- Polymer clay miniatures shaped like food, frogs, or fantasy creatures
- Beaded strings and knotted cords (bonus points if they include glass or freshwater pearls)
- Crochet critters like sleepy bees and pastel frogs
- Resin blobs filled with glitter, flowers, or just the right amount of creepy-cute energy
Where to shop:
- Public Garden and Sunday Social Market.
The best IRL events for local indie brands and one-off creations. Come for the handmade goods, stay for the vibes.
4. Rhinestones and butterfly clips: For the Y2K nostalgia babe
Charm level: “Paris Hilton would approve.”
You were born to sparkle. If it has rhinestones, flip phones, or glitter jelly, it belongs on your bag. You’re not afraid of neon. Or hearts. Or 16-layer beaded name strings. It’s giving, “Is that a Tamagotchi on your bag?”
Your charm types:
- Rhinestone hearts and faux gem initials that scream 2002
- Jelly plastic shapes in glittery pink and purple
- Butterfly clips reincarnated as keychains
- Furry or metallic danglers that say, “hot girl walk, but retro”
Where to shop:
- Typo, available online and at multiple locations including Ion Orchard and VivoCity.
It’s still the chaotic neutral of charm shops.
5. Designer leather minis and chunky gold chains: For the luxe maximalist
Charm level: “Designer drama. Bag cost? Don’t ask.”
You treat your bag like a Birkin, even if it’s not. Everything needs to match, and that includes your charms. You’re not about quirky trinkets – you’re about elevated extras that make your bag look even more expensive.
Your bag charm types:
- Mini mascots crafted from buttery leather (hello, Loewe elephant)
- Monogram fobs and logo plaques that flex your brand loyalty
- Micro-bag charms for that meta fashion moment
- Chunky gold chain tags or luxe tassels that say, “Yes, I’m extra”
Where to shop:
- Designer brands such as Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Prada, available online and at multiple locations including Marina Bay Sands and Ion Orchard.
- The Fifth Collection, available online.
Shop here for authenticated, gently used designer pieces and rare, vintage charms. - MCM, available online and at multiple locations including Marina Bay Sands and Paragon.
Great for loud charm pieces stamped with logos.
6. Braided cords and delicate pearls: For the soft, minimalist baddie
Charm level: “Quiet luxury with a pinch of oat milk.”
Your bag charms don’t scream, they hum softly. Everything in your wardrobe works together, and your charm is no exception. Sleek, neutral-toned, and probably very photogenic on a Muji desk.
Your charm types:
- Monochrome braided cords or leather tassels that add texture without drama
- Engraved tags or initial discs in soft gold or silver
- Delicate pearl strands or matte bead accents
- Natural materials like ceramic or wood that whisper sophistication
Where to shop:
- The Paper Bunny, #B2-12, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872.
With sleek accessories and limited-edition bag charms, the homegrown brand is known for its clean lines and “quiet-luxury-but-accessible” energy.
7. Miniature local food and Singlish quote tags: For the local flavour icon
Charm level: “IYKYK. And yes, that is a curry puff on my tote.”
You rep Singapore the way others rep designer logos. You believe kopi deserves a museum exhibit. Your bag charm is a celebration of local culture… and it’s cute.
Your charm types:
- Miniature food icons like kueh lapis and ice gem biscuits
- Charms shaped like kopitiam cups or HDB blocks
- Singlish quote tags that double as conversation starters
- Plush versions of chilli crab, nasi lemak, or satay sticks
Where to shop:
- When I Was Four, #04-41, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231.
Designer-level cultural merch. - Cat Socrates, available online and at multiple locations including Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat.
The ultimate quirky SG gift store with a solid charm game.
8. Mixed beads and colourful tassels: For the eclectic maximalist
Charm level: “Controlled chaos. Probably.”
You don’t choose an aesthetic – you’re all the aesthetics. You’re the gal with three charms on one zipper, none of which match, and somehow it works.
Your charm types:
- Mixed beaded strings
- Retro trinkets
- Plushies with no business being there
- Rainbow tassels
- Jelly bangles turned bag tags
- Whatever weird treasure you thrifted last weekend that now lives on your tote
Where to shop:
- Fleawhere, multiple locations including Dhoby Ghaut.
The ultimate IRL charm hunt, it’s great for unique, one-of-a-kind charms and vintage treasures. - Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863 and Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street, Singapore 179804.
Head to hidden gems in the weirdest corners. Be prepared to hunt for vintage keyrings, nostalgic trinkets, and unexpected finds. - Thrift stores and retro novelty shops.
One man’s trash is your next iconic charm!
Whether your bag screams chaos or whispers luxury, there’s a charm in Singapore with your name (or your alter ego’s) on it. So go ahead: dangle a frog, a logo, a piece of sushi, or a pastel tag. Your bag’s been carrying you all this time. It’s time to return the favour.
