Tacky souvenirs are a thing of the past – we found you an awesome list of quirky knick-knacks for a slice of Singapore.
If you’re searching for a gift with local flavour, good news: there are plenty of cool souvenirs in Singapore. But first, forget everything you know about run-of-the-mill souvenirs. That means your usual kitschy magnets, lacklustre chocolates and postcards with neon text. Instead, we’ve got all kinds of amazing goodies on our list – homegrown fashion brands, quirky local brands in Singapore, and more. Scroll on and shop your heart out!
Where to buy the best souvenirs and cool gifts in Singapore
1. Luxurious mementos from Raffles Boutique
If you’re looking for a memento that exudes luxury and heritage, this is a must-visit. Nestled within the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore, the chic boutique offers a curated selection of souvenirs, home decor and gourmet delights. Think: a Singapore Sling glass, the Raffles signature kaya jam, handcrafted home decor items and more. Its retail concept marries opulence with timeless heritage, featuring a decor that pays homage to the bygone era.
But Raffles Boutique is more than just a place to shop. Check out the heritage gallery, a dedicated space that tells the hotel’s history and evolution. Want to take home a piece of this heritage? Shop unique Raffles Hotel-branded souvenirs, from an exclusively designed Raffles tote bag to a beautifully crafted handheld fan. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a connoisseur of luxury, or a curious traveller, the exquisite items will leave you spoilt for choice.
Best for: Exquisite mementos that blend luxury and heritage
Price: From $10
Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Address: Raffles Boutique, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
2. Batik outfits from Baju by Oniatta
You better clear some wardrobe space for this. Batik may have originated from Indonesia, but it has ingrained itself as part of our culture so well that we can’t imagine our country without it. Picture the Singapore girl with a different outfit – it hits differently, doesn’t it?
Baju by Oniatta has done a beautiful job merging the traditional art form with contemporary designs. You can wear them for festive occasions or take them out for a spin during your vacation or a night on the town. Thumbs up for the collection’s versatility!
Best for: Versatile batik clothing
Price: Enquire for price
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 6pm
Address: Baju by Oniatta, 757A North Bridge Road, Singapore 198725
3. Singapore-inspired spirits by Tanglin Gin
So you love the little red dot so much that you want to bottle it up and bring it home? Here’s the next best thing: Singapore Gin. Made by local distillery Tanglin Gin, this award-winning spirit offers a blend of flavours from traditional Asian ingredients such as kaffir lime leaves, ginger, dried chilli seed, mandarin peel, and cassia. You can also add to cart the Orchid Gin – Singapore’s first ever – made distinctive with amchoor, java pepper, and vanilla planifolia.
Best for: Boozy gifts made with local and Asian ingredients
Price: From $80
Opening hours: Weekdays, 5pm to 10.30pm; weekends, 12pm to 10.30pm (book in advance)
Address: Tanglin Gin, shop online and at 26B Dempsey Road, Singapore 247693
4. A box full of local snacks from Send Thinks
Nothing gives the feeling of home better than the snacks of our childhood and new ones with reimagined old flavours. If you’re looking to gift someone who’s missing the Lion City or you want to impress a visitor, hit them with a taste bomb that’ll knock their senses out.
This curated box is filled with nostalgic mama shop snacks and trending favourites from the city. Experience local faves like kaya, curry and laksa – or fall in love with a new range of flavours. Send it with a customised message and you’re on your way to becoming their favourite gift giver.
Best for: Foodies who love snacks with a local twist
Price: Singapore snack box from $55
Opening hours: Available online 24 hours
Address: Send Thinks, shop online
5. Stylish local-inspired bracelets from Strait Lights
Searching for a unique yet meaningful keepsake from our Little Red Dot? These Singapore-inspired bracelets from Strait Lights will fit the bill perfectly. Designed and handcrafted in Singapore, these bracelets pay homage to iconic places in the city. Think the tranquility of Botanic Gardens, and the glittering waters and skyscrapers at Marina Bay. Each bracelet is made with high-quality materials like Japanese glass and gold-plated beads, boasting the best of style, contemporary design and artistic expression.
Eco-warriors, you’ll be pleased to know that sustainability is at the heart of the brand, too. This planet-friendly brand strives toward carbon neutrality by investing in community and environmental projects. As a member of the B1G1 (Buy One Give One) community, every customer purchase goes towards supporting community projects in the region. We simply can’t resist these stylish accessories with a positive impact on the environment and community!
Best for: Planet-friendly arm candy
Price: From $48
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: Strait Lights, shop online and at multiple locations including Design Orchard and A Raft of Otters
6. A minimalist bracelet of Singapore’s map from The Place
How about carrying a slice of the Little Red Dot wherever you go? Crafted in 925 sterling silver and plated with 18k gold, this gorgeous arm candy from The Place features a distinct outline of the Singapore map. Just take a look at your wrist whenever the nostalgia for home hits or the memories of the city rushes through. Dainty and classy, it’s an elegant piece of jewellery for everyday wear, too.
Best for: Elegant bling inspired by the Little Red Dot
Price: From $88
Opening hours: Available online 24 hours
Address: The Place, shop online
7. Locally-inspired kids’ wear from Nimbu
Searching for a meaningful keepsake for the little ones? Cast your gaze towards the thoughtfully designed children’s fashion line by Nimbu. Designed in Singapore and handcrafted in India, every piece in the collection takes inspiration from the Little Red Dot’s rich cultural heritage.
We’re talking about playful prints and colours, featuring botanical florals, Peranakan motifs and more. To top it off, the pieces are crafted using organic materials so they’ll be ultra-soft on the skin and good for the planet.
Best for: Handcrafted pieces inspired by local heritage
Price: Kids apparel from $59.90; adults apparel from $118.90
Opening hours: Available online 24 hours
Address: Nimbu, shop online
8. Good Morning Mug from Red Republic
Paying homage to the old school ‘Good Morning’ towels Singaporeans grew up seeing, this mug features the nostalgic print. Lug this along for your morning coffee and get a perky start to your day. Alternatively, the Singlish mugs from When I Was Four are the absolute cutest!
Best for: Old-school mementos that evoke childhood memories
Price: From $18.90
Opening hours: Available online 24 hours
Address: Red Republic, shop online
9. Peranakan-themed items from Cat Socrates
Cat Socrates is an absolute fave for its eclectic collection of locally-inspired treasures. If you’re as obsessed with Peranakan tiles as we are, you’ll find the vibrant heritage print on pouches, notepads, beach bags, pins, wrapping paper and bamboo plates. Pick up a copy of Singapore Shophouse while you’re at it – the book is full of insightful gems!
Best for: An eclectic mix of Peranakan-themed knick-knacks
Price: From $2.50
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: Cat Socrates, shop online and at multiple locations including Yong Siak Street and Joo Chiat
10. Nostalgic pins from The Little Drom Store
Love jazzing up clothes and bags with quirky pins? You’ve come to the right place. Stock up on these little accessories splashed with local flavour. Expect to see everything from old school trinkets and Singaporean snacks to iconic playgrounds and elements from the country’s past.
Best for: Quirky pins for fuss-free accessorising
Price: From $5
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: The Little Drom Store, shop online and at multiple locations including Tangs and Isetan
11. Kopi dabao tote bag from When I Was Four
Make your love for kopi in Singapore eternal with this supersized tote bag. Going the extra mile to make things realistic, the bag comes with a matching long straw and interchangeable straps, which are available in green and pink. Just like the ones at your regular hawker drinks stall. So if you’re looking for quirky Singapore souvenirs, this is your best bet.
Best for: Local kopi fans
Price: From $3.90
Opening hours: Varies by day, closed on Thursdays and Sundays
Address: When I Was Four, shop online and at #04-41, Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
12. Chew toys from Furball Collective
For those who believe your pet is as Singaporean as you are, Furball Collective’s collection of chew and crinkle toys will give all the island feels your furbaby needs. Gift your dog or cat locally-inspired toys in shapes like kopi cups, ice cream sandwiches, gem biscuits and even an entire steamboat set. We especially love the curry fish head bed set that’ll have your pup hilariously looking like they’re curled up in a pot of bubbling broth.
Best for: Locally-inspired toys for furbabies
Price: From $12.90
Opening hours: Available online 24 hours
Address: Furball Collective, shop online
13. Printed scarves from Binary Style
Binary Style’s abstract prints are incredibly unique – just look at the one inspired by Little India. Reflecting the district’s rich atmosphere, it features a sumptuous palette of deep purples and greens, fortune-telling parrots, peacock feathers, and the neighbourhood’s famed windows. Other prints include traces of Joo Chiat, Tiong Bahru, Chinatown and Bugis, as well as the blooms, birds and Peranakan tiles of Singapore.
Best for: Vibrant prints that reflect Singapore’s storied neighbourhoods
Price: From $12
Opening hours: Tuesday, 10.30am to 5pm; Wednesday, 10.30am to 2pm
Address: Binary Style, shop online and at #02-01, 25 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089132
14. Merlion tees from Kattoe Design
Yeah, we know, Merlion merch can range from cheesy to so-cliche-it’s-ironically-cool. But these tees? We’d wear them, tongue firmly in cheek. They come in black or white, available in a good range of sizes. The Merlion King illustration parodies Disney’s classic The Lion King with Singapore’s famous animals. Yup, the zoo’s Ah Meng and the Bishan otter make an appearance alongside Punggol’s wild boar and the Bird Paradise’s hornbill. Cute!
Best for: Eye-catching and cheeky tees
Price: From $25
Opening hours: Available online 24 hours
Address: Kattoe Design, shop online
15. Printed cushion covers from Onlewo
Onlewo is famed for its bespoke home decor and wares, which feature familiar Singaporean motifs inspired by the city’s heritage. We love the cushion covers for a lightweight gift. Plus, each has a story to tell. The Star Tile print is adapted from the tiles on shophouses in Katong, Little India and Chinatown, while Downtown features local icons and attractions.
Best for: Bespoke home decor and wares
Price: From $48
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Onlewo, shop online and at #01-48, OUE Downtown Gallery, 6A Shenton Way, Singapore 068815
16. Paintings of Singapore landmarks from Clare Haxby
British artist Clare Haxby has an entire collection of mixed media paintings featuring local landmarks – all inspired by her time living in the Little Red Dot. These limited edition art prints make for great home decor, especially when you get to choose your favourites. The series includes Botanic Gardens, Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam, Esplanade, black and white houses, Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore CBD skyline and rows of colourful shophouses in Joo Chiat and Emerald Hill.
Best for: Striking art prints for a home centrepiece
Price: From $488
Opening hours: Available online 24 hours
Address: Clare Haxby, shop online
17. Porcelain plates from Supermama
We’re loving the blue and white porcelain wares designed in Singapore and made in Japan. The exquisite plates, in particular, feature all kinds of familiar designs. Browse through collections inspired by local landmarks, iconic figures like the Merlion, and patterns such as kopitiam floor tiles. These truly embody the spirit of Singapore!
Best for: Chinoiserie-style porcelain wares
Price: From $48
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: Supermama, shop online and at multiple locations including Henderson Road and Asian Civilisations Museum
18. Orchid-inspired perfumes and scents from Singapore Memories
Wanna bottle up the quintessential smell of Singapore? We think nothing represents this sunny island better than our national flower, the orchid. That’s why we love the keepsakes from Singapore Memories, inspired by and made with fragrant orchids found all around the island. Its orchid perfume collection features scents like the strong and masculine Aranda 1965 and the soft yet captivating Vanda 1981.
Our favourite? The iconic Singapore Girl. An embodiment of the elegant local woman from the 1960s, this heritage perfume was revitalised by Singapore Memories in 2014 to represent the modern Singaporean woman. Besides perfumes, douse your living space with its line of room fragrances, including Therapeutic Orchids, Raffles Heritage and Atas, an ode to the local lingo, Singlish.
Best for: Heritage fragrances inspired by and made with orchids
Price: From $35
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: Singapore Memories, multiple locations including Sentosa, Design Orchard, and Singapore Flyer
19. Singapore breakfast tea from TWG Tea
Wake up to the perfect brew with a mug of this local brand’s breakfast tea inspired by the garden city. It’s a lovely blend of green and black tea, complemented by vanilla and spices. Pair it with kaya toast or a hearty plate of nasi lemak, and you’re all set to take on the day.
Best for: Aromatic brews inspired by our garden city
Price: From $11.25
Opening hours: Varies by location
Address: TWG Tea, shop online and at multiple locations including Marina Bay Sands and Ion Orchard
20. Distinct fragrances from Eastern Scent
Temporarily closed.
They say smells trigger memories, so why not capture the essence of the city with unique fragrances? With a curated collection of authentic fragrances, Eastern Scent has been delivering vibrant scents for the last 35 years.
Take your pick from refreshing florals, warm musky scents and other unique fragrances that capture the different facets of Singapore. We appreciate how Eastern Scent factors in the fragrances’ longevity in Singapore’s climate, ensuring these perfumes can last even in the most humid of weathers.
Best for: Unique scents that evoke nostalgia
Price: Enquire for prices
Opening hours: Available online 24 hours
Address: Eastern Scent, shop online
Now you know where to buy the best (and unique) souvenirs from Singapore. Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a unique souvenir from Singapore?
A unique Singapore souvenir typically showcases homegrown design, artisanal craftsmanship, or cultural heritage. Look for reimagined modern lifestyle products that feature local motifs (such as the orchid, HDB architecture and heritage prints). Some popular souvenirs include small-batch apothecary scents, hand-poured candles with tropical notes, and quirky stationery designed by local illustrators.
Which areas in Singapore are best for shopping cultural souvenirs?
To find authentic cultural souvenirs, we recommend visiting heritage precincts dedicated to Singapore’s major ethnic groups. These areas, including Kampong Glam, Little India and Chinatown, often house independent boutiques, traditional tradesmen, and museum shops with curated, high-quality mementos.
What are the best food-related souvenirs from Singapore?
As a culinary paradise, Singapore offers a wide variety of food gifts. They include locally roasted coffee blends, heritage tea selections, jars of traditional tropical fruit preserves, spice pastes, and ready-to-cook meal kits for local dishes like laksa or satay. Tip: when shopping for food products, ensure the items are vacuum-sealed or tinned for travel. Always check the customs regulations of your destination country regarding meat, dairy, or fresh produce before purchasing!
Can I find sustainable souvenirs in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore has a growing scene of sustainable homegrown brands. Many local designers focus on 'zero-waste' products, such as reusable beeswax wraps with local prints, bags made from upcycled materials, or jewellery crafted from recycled metals. Some eco-friendly brands on our list include Strait Lights and Nimbu.
What should I look for when buying traditional textiles as a souvenir?
When shopping for textiles in Singapore, look out for authentic techniques like hand-drawn batik and intricate needlework. Quality also varies, so check for the use of natural fibres like silk and high-grade cotton. Tip: for more practical daily use, consider getting traditional textiles that have been modernised into contemporary accessories like scarves, pouches and laptop sleeves.
