Tacky souvenirs are a thing of the past. We found you the most stylish knick knacks for a slice of Singapore.
Searching for a gift with local flavour? You’re in luck, there’s plenty to choose from. But first, forget everything you know about run-of-the-mill souvenirs. That means everything from kitschy magnets and lacklustre chocolates to postcards with neon text (in comic sans, no less!). When you’re done savouring local food and shopping homegrown designers and beauty brands, give this list of stylish Singapore souvenirs a look. We’ve got all kinds of amazing goodies from local indie brands and locally-based artists.
Best Singapore souvenirs
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 landmarks. We spot the Merlion, HDB flats, the Singapore River, Jewel Changi Airport and Marina Bay!
Supermama, shop online.
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 vegan suede yoga mats, mugs and serving trays. Pick up a copy of Singapore Shophouse while you’re at it – the book is full of insightful gems!
Cat Socrates, shop online.
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.
The Little Drom Store, shop online.
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 precinct’s famed windows. Other prints include traces of Joo Chiat, Tiong Bahru, Chinatown and Kampong Glam, as well as the blooms, birds and Peranakan tiles of Singapore.
Binary Style, shop online.
Good Morning Mug from Red Republic
Paying homage to the “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 mornings.
Red Republic, shop online.
Merlion tees from Kattoe Design
Yeah, we know, Merlion merch can run the range from cheesy to so-lame-it’s-ironically-cool. But these tees? We’d wear them, tongue firmly in cheek. The Merlion series of black and white shirts come in two designs, available for men, women or kids. We’re eyeing the Merlion King illustration, parodying 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 Jurong Bird Park’s hornbill. Cute!
Kattoe Design, shop online.
Printed cushion covers from Onlewo
Onlewo is famed for its bespoke home decors 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 and Little India, while Downtown features local icons and attractions.
Onlewo, shop online.
Prints of Singapore from Big Red Chilli
You gotta love this series of prints featuring all things Singapore in quirky, cool and colourful ways. Marina Bay Sands undergoes a blue and yellow makeover, durians get the spotlight, Singlish takes over the map and HDB flats are immortalised in colour. A great way to liven up any wall!
Big Red Chilli, shop online at Naiise.
Kopi dabao tote bag from When I Was Four
Make your love for Singapore kopi 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.
When I Was Four, shop online.
Tiong Bahru coasters from Sift and Pick
So you love the retro-themed murals dotting the hip ‘hood of Tiong Bahru? Street artist Yip Yew Chong is well-known for his nostalgic heritage paintings, which you can bring home with these drink coasters. They’ll add a vintage touch to your abode with old school sights of hawkers, bird singing corners and more.
Sift and Pick, shop online.
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 skyline and rows of colourful shophouses.
Clare Haxby, shop online.
Food-inspired plushies from Nom Nom Plush
Hold up. Before you judge, these aren’t just any ordinary plushies. The super soft (and extra large) toys are shaped after local delicacies, so you can hug ‘em and get your local food fix without giving in to temptation when the midnight munchies hit. Take your pick from ice cream sandwiches, curry puffs, pineapple tarts and whatever your heart desires.
Nom Nom Plush, shop online at Naiise.
Now you’re all ready to go gift hunting. Happy shopping for the best Singapore souvenirs on the island!