Need a special souvenir to sum up your time in Singapore or gift to a loved one back home? We've got a list of unique and cool Singapore mementos sure to fit the bill.
We’re a pretty sentimental bunch here at HoneyKids. We love us a good nostalgic memento, especially when it comes to our kids. But what about if a close friend is leaving Singapore or – gasp! – you’re going yourself? The Covid-19 pandemic has meant many families are leaving the Lion City to return to their home countries (sob). So, if that’s you or someone you know, you’ll want the perfect keepsake to remember your time here. But where to buy Singapore souvenirs that aren’t your usual tourist tat? We’ve put our thinking caps on to bring you the best Singapore souvenirs to gaze on fondly from far-off shores and evoke fond memories. Just make sure to order your gifts and goodies in time to slip into that shipping container!
The best Singapore souvenirs and gifts
1. Traditional Peranakan pottery
Ooooh, we cooed with delight when we were looking for where to buy Singapore souvenirs and discovered Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. This family business fires up the kiln several times a year (it’s Singapore’s oldest surviving dragon kiln) to create some absolutely stunning pieces. We’ve treated ourselves to a few colourful, authentic goodies from the Peranakan pottery range, as we couldn’t resist our own Singapore souvenirs (see above!). The handpainted details are stunning, the quality’s top-notch and we thoroughly recommend getting them. From umbrella stands, vases, lamps and bowls to plates, pots and tiffin holders, you’re sure to find a beautiful Singaporean gift. And the range online is the tip of the iceberg – there are heaps more at the actual physical shop! Workshops are also available.
2. Snacks that remind you of Singapore
With Singapore being a foodie paradise, you can never go wrong with a selection of uniquely local snacks as souvenirs. This curated snack box by SendThinks packs in all the flavours that you’ve enjoyed and loved, such as salted egg chips, kaya, and white rabbit candy. You can even customise the box with your own message – you’ll defo score some brownie points with the person you’re sending this to!
3. Bracelets that show off the city
You’ve heard of the phrase “wear your heart on your sleeve”, but do you know “wear the city on your wrist”? (Well maybe not yet, but you will soon…) Straits Scenes has captured some of the city’s prettiest corners – think shophouses and the city skyline – and turned them into bracelets. They’re made from the finest quality Japanese glass and 24-karat gold beads, so you’re definitely wearing a luxe accessory made in Singapore.
4. Singapore tote bag
How about this cool shopper bag for an affordable memento? Independent Market has some truly awesome Singapore-inspired gifts, and we’re big fans of the Let’s Jalan tote bag. It folds away into a dinky little pouch you can easily carry in your handbag… then voila! Instant memories of the Lion City, plus a handy-as-heck way to carry all your supermarket goodies. This reusable marvel means it’s easier than ever to ditch the disposables and reminisce at the same time. Top marks.
5. Singapore Monopoly
Who doesn’t love a board game? While Monopoly can cause us to get a tad competitive, it’s still got a special place in our hearts. So, if you’re looking for Singapore souvenirs, how about the Monopoly Singapore edition with its local streets and landmarks? Pick one up at one of our fave online toy stores – we found it at Toys”R”Us. If you don’t mind a pre-loved version, there’s one at Carousell.
6. Cushions for foodie fans
Presents with a practical use tick all the right boxes for us. So when we saw these cushions from Independent Market that celebrate local delights such as chilli crab and chicken rice, we were in our element. Fond memories of the best local food ever, and top comfort too while we daydream about dinner. What’s not to love? (Inserts are sold separately.)
7. Children’s books about Singapore
One for the kids: how about a gorgeous children’s book about Singapore? It’s something you can treasure every time you enjoy a story sesh with the tiddlies. We’ve pulled together our favourites in one handy read, so be sure to take a peek! The best news? If you’re stumped over where to buy Singapore souvenirs, this one’s easiest of all – check out these bookstores to get started!
8. Hanging ornaments
Not just for Christmas, we’re crushing on the beautiful handmade hanging ornaments by The Lion Rock Press. How cute would those tiny Singapore shophouses or mini tiffin holders look in your home?! So cute we can’t stop at just one. Head to The AC Boutique at Joo Chiat to shop in person (the boutique is the official Singapore stockist).
9. Picture-perfect postcards
When we came across these vintage, out-of-print Singapore postcards from The Postcard House, it got us thinking. Easy to post, easy to pack to bring home… and then simply whack in a few photo frames and Bob’s your mother’s brother! Gorgeous scenes of some of our fave hotspots and memories = awesome Singapore souvenirs to hang on your wall. Each postcard costs less than an item at Daiso, so you can buy these in bulk and distribute them to everyone back home. We love the designs available at Singapore Post too – the illos are to die for.
10. Traditional tile earrings
How about a souvenir of Singapore you can wear? Yep, we’re going heart eyes for these beauties from Lovely Strokes: gorgeous earrings that make us think of tiles on traditional shophouses. Bag yourself some bling and reminisce every time you wear them.
11. Good Morning mug
If you’ve been in Singapore for a long time, you’d be familiar with this iconic slogan on a dishtowel, spotted across many a hawker centre. This ceramic mug by Red Republic deftly interprets this nostalgic artwork, paying homage to the hardworking Singaporeans of yesteryears. What better way to sip your morning coffee than from this truly Singaporean mug? There’s no other better way, we say!
12. Singapore icons plate
Hang it on your wall or simply eat your sarnie off it… either way, this Supermama plate is on our wishlist. It’s part of the brand’s in-house porcelain collection, which is all designed in Singapore and made with Kihara, a porcelain label in Arita, Japan. This One Singapore 2022 Edition 24cm version will set you back a pretty penny, but we reckon it’s worth every cent. If you’re wondering where to buy Singapore souvenirs, you’ve just found your answer.
13. Simply Singaporean pins
This one’s for the folks who are looking to jazz up their outfits. Stock up on these little colourful accessories from The Little Drom Store that feature anything and everything that’ll remind you of this sunny island. We’re talking old-school trinkets, Singaporean snacks, iconic playgrounds, and even Singlish slogans! Let’s see if your friends can figure out what the phrases mean on your cute little pin.
14. Elephant Parade models
Also on our wishlist: a Singapore-themed elephant from the ever-popular and awesome cause that is Elephant Parade. There are so many unique and cool variations that it’s impossible to pick just one… Portraying old and new maps of Singapore, each elephant has been lovingly designed by artist Diana Francis. Don’t forget to head to Tangs Vivocity or Orchard to find the official stockists before you leave!
15. Peranakan-themed items
So you’ve gotten the Peranakan pots from #1. How about going a step further and getting other things with the oh-too-familiar Peranakan motifs? Coasters, magnets, trays, placemats… there are even yoga and floor mats with Peranakan designs on them! The possibilities are endless. Check out Cat Socrates either online or in its stores at Tiong Bahru or Joo Chiat to get these items.
16. Clare Haxby prints
Uber-talented British artist Clare Haxby is well known for her vibrant depictions of all things Singapore, inspired by the years she spent here with her own family. Choose from colourful, limited-edition prints of scenes such as heritage shophouses, vibrant neighbourhoods and the city skyline. Since Clare now lives back in Blighty, prints are posted from the UK, but the good news is that delivery is included in the print price (typically around $490). It’s a pricier goodbye gift, but has a definite wow factor!
17. Illustrated posters
What we love about these posters from When I Was Four is the bilingual design. Kiddos (and everyone else, really) can look at them and be motivated while also learn a new word! Other illustrations that you can consider purchasing include the localised versions of the Keep Calm slogan and food posters.
Happy souvenir shopping, folks!
