Our guide to the best bespoke Christmas shopping
There’s nothing like a good long day of retail therapy to get you in the Christmas spirit. But if the thought of Orchard Road during the holiday season doesn’t fill you with festive joy, why not work your way through our guide to some of the best Christmas shopping in Singapore off the high street instead.
This November is set to be the season of markets, fleas, and fairs. Whether you’re after gifts for the kids, your beloved or yourself, visit a pop-up near you and wander through some of the stalls less travelled to unearth unique gifts that they (and you) will love.
Public Garden Christmas Market
Over 150 of Singapore’s small and independent retailers will showcase everything from fashion and accessories to homewares, furniture, knick knacks and food, flea-market style. Keep an eye out for Balm Kitchen’s yummy hand-made, vegan lip and body balms that are just perfect for baby skin. For home décor with a difference check out Stylo Deco, whose cutesy hooks and cushions could just be the finishing touch you’ve been after for the kids’ rooms. If stocking fillers is what you need, stock up on the range of nut-flavoured butters from The Hunters’ Kitchenette – a new twist on a festive snack.
TripleOne Somerset, Level 16, 111 Somerset Road, Singapore, 238164. Four weekends from November 22/23 to December 13/14, 1-7pm.
Boutiques at the Pit Building
Themed ‘Spoil Those You Love – Spoil Yourself’, the next chapter in the Boutiques book promises to be the most indulgent so far. As always, kids are amply provided for with gorgeous get-ups from Little Friends by Lamasso; organic dolls by Nina Bobo and plush handmade wonders from homemade label Chubby Chubby. For the home, go for Bowerbird’s luxury ceramics and for yourself, check out Rouge’s French-Asian inspired clothes, shoes and accessories range.
The Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore, 038975. November 6, 10am-8pm and November 7, 10am-3pm.
A Naiise Christmas
Naiise’s online collection of curated designer goods will take on physical shape for the shopping season with over 300sqm of shophouse space to stroll through. Details are still scarce, but expect to find Christmas themed decorations and novelty stocking-fillers for the little people as well as a great range for the discerning man – think leather travel essentials, capsule-free coffee makers and minibars you’d be happy to have in your home.
72-74 Dunlop Street, Singapore, 209400. November 15 to December 24, 12-7pm.
Danish Christmas Bazaar
The annual fundraising fair will unveil Danish delights from food to Nordic-inspired decorations handmade by volunteers using materials imported from Denmark. For an early bout of Christmas cheer, take the kids along to soak up the (tropical) Danish fairy tale atmosphere – and to eat the home-baked cookies and open sandwiches – while you stock up on pork, sausage, pudding rice and vanilla pods ahead of creating your own Scandinavian Christmas feast. This is a very popular (and crowded) event so get there early!
The Danish Seamen’s Church, 10 Pender Road, Singapore, 099171, p. 6274 6344. November 22-23, 11am-4pm.
Things We Love
Singapore’s most delectable now you see it/now you don’t will appear for two days only for you to squeeze in your party season shop. Make sure you get in early for the best chance at the latest and most lovable dresses, accessories and homewares from around the region.
Hollandse Club, 22 Camden Park, Singapore, 299814. November 25-26, 9am-8pm.
Chillax Market
Singapore’s newest lifestyle market has thrown open its doors in time for the festive season. Trawl through stalls of children’s clothing and toys, fashion, homewares and furniture for gifts with a difference. Staple faves like Bowerbird’s luxury giftware are represented as well as items from further afield, like handcrafted home accessories from Live Love Africa.
The Grandstand, #03-07, Singapore, 287994, p. 6463 0128, open daily 9am-8pm.
KEEPERS: Singapore Designer Collective
Ok ok we admit it’s pretty much on Orchard Road, but don’t let the address deter you from sneaking a peek at the collections from Singapore’s leading designers at this five-month showcase. Browse – or just plain buy – the best of Carrie K.’s jewellery, Aijek’s feminine silk slip dresses, Desti Saint’s must-have clutches and handbags and hats that turn heads by Heads of State Millinery.
Orchard Green, Cnr Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road, 11am-10pm daily until February 15, 2016.
GESS Christmas Bazaar
GESS hosts its annual Christmas Bazaar on November 28th. Sample cake, mulled wine and German delicacies while the GESS Orchestra and Choir entertain the crowd with Christmas medleys. But most importantly, check out the beautiful handmade German Christmas wreaths, crafts and gifts for sale – one day only!
GESS Junior School Campus, 300 Jalan Jurong Kechil, 4pm to 9pm, November 28th
Lead image: Danish Christmas Bazaar