Need a special Singapore souvenir to sum up your time here or gift to a loved one back home? We've got a list of unique and cool Singapore gift ideas sure to fit the bill!
We’re a pretty sentimental bunch here at HoneyKids. We love 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 pandemic and many changes over the past couple of years have 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 do you buy Singapore souvenirs that aren’t your usual tourist trap? We’ve put our thinking caps on to bring you unique Singapore souvenirs to gaze on fondly from far-off shores and evoke fond memories. Just order your Singapore gifts and goodies to slip into that shipping container!
The best Singapore souvenirs and unique gifts
1. 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 and top comfort while we daydream about dinner. What’s not to love? Inserts sold separately.
2. Singapore-inspired luxury candles
Scents are some of the strongest memory triggers, so what better way to look back on your time in tropical Singapore than with a scented candle? With fragrances like Singapore Orchid, Frangipani and Bamboo, TEMPLE Candles offers beautiful gifting options that are perfect for your home! TEMPLE Candles is known for their luxury home fragrances inspired by Singapore and the exotic Far East. Their candles are made from a proprietary blend of natural coconut wax, high quality essential oil fragrances and natural unbleached cotton wicks. Each fragrance is crafted in Singapore and beautifully bottled in faceted glass and packaged in signature boxes inspired by Singapore’s iconic black and white heritage architecture. Our top pick? The Special Edition Peony Petal & Fern Candle, made in collaboration with Singapore-based artist Louise Hill. The stunning floral pink packaging makes it an ideal addition to your mantle or bedside table.
3. Bracelets to rep your neighbourhood
Straits Lights 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 literally gifting a luxury accessory from Singapore.
4. Singapore-themed jewellery
Inspired by the Little Red Dot and designed right here in Singapore, The Place‘s bracelets are a unique and thoughtful Singapore souvenir and gift for kids and adults alike. Each bracelet features a delicate outline of Singapore on a soft and durable cord, or on sterling silver/gold vermeil, capturing the essence of the vibrant city-state. Perfect for young ones who have a special connection to Singapore, whether they’re locals or expats. The Singapore Map Bracelet is not just a keepsake, but a meaningful piece of jewellery that helps children cherish their memories of this incredible place. Map bracelets of other countries also available!
5. Traditional Peranakan pottery
Ooooh, we cooed with delight while looking for where to buy the best 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 unique Singapore souvenirs (see above!). The handpainted details are stunning, the quality is top-notch, and we thoroughly recommend getting them. From umbrella stands, vases, lamps and bowls to plates, pots and tiffin holders, you will surely find a beautiful gift from Singapore. And the range online is the tip of the iceberg – there are heaps more at the actual physical shop! Workshops are also available.
6. 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 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!
7. 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 unique Singapore souvenirs, how about the Monopoly Singapore edition with its local streets and landmarks? Pick one at one of our fave online toy stores – we found it at Toys”R” Us. If you don’t mind a pre-loved version, check out Carousell.
8. Dempsey-inspired table decor set
Singapore-based brand House of Happy‘s range of table decor sets are made from laminated synthetic paper and are reusable, pocket friendly and high on style! The best-selling Singapore-themed designs include Dempsey (inspired by black-and-white houses), Singapura, Botanique, and Sabrina, which are elegant and make such unique Singapore souvenirs! Plus points for being easy to keep clean, especially with little ones – just wipe down after use with a wet wipe or rag. No more worrying about stains and dry cleaning! That’s why we think they are one of the best souvenirs from Singapore. Each set comes with a table runner, placemats, coasters and white paper napkins with a matching napkin wrap.
9. 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.
10. Picture-perfect postcards
Sending postcards to loved ones overseas has been an age-old way of spreading cheer and keeping family in the loop. These Singapore-themed ones featuring illustrations of iconic locations are perfect for sharing with loved ones. They are relatively inexpensive, too, 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.
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 (a cool local brand) 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 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, 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. You’ve just found your answer if you’re wondering where to buy unique Singapore souvenirs.
13. Simply Singaporean pins
This one’s for the folks looking to jazz up their outfits. Stock up on these little colourful accessories from The Little Drom Store (another great shop for picking up Singapore souvenirs!) 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 is a Singapore-themed elephant from the ever-popular and awesome cause, 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. Batik merch (à la Singapore Airlines) and hawker-inspired tableware
The iconic batik prints worn by the cabin crew of Singapore Airlines are turned into practical Singapore souvenirs like resuable bags, umbrellas, and aprons here. But what we love best at Hyggerium is their little tribute to the local hawker culture with illustrations of food stalls on enamel mugs and pouches. The tongue-in-cheek SG Magnet – Signage perfectly demonstrates how Singapore is a “fine” city!
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 it has a definite wow factor!
17. Illustrated posters
What we love about these posters from When I Was Four is the bilingual design and the cute illustrations. Kiddos (and everyone else, really) can look at them and be motivated while also learning a new word! Other illustrations you can consider purchasing include the localised versions of the Keep Calm slogan, where you’ll pick up some colloquial phrases and retro food signages.
18. Beautiful batik clothes that you can wear anytime
Here’s a souvenir option that you can also proudly wear out and about for any occasion. YeoMama Batik‘s collection heavily features batik in various colours and patterns. You’ll definitely be the talk of the town when you turn up in these souvenirs from Singapore. Plus, you can get separate pieces for everyone in the fam, and everything will still go well together! Want more? Check out this article from our sister site!
19. Orchid-based perfumes
Capture Singapore’s essence in a bottle! Singapore Memories brings you fragrances inspired by our national flower, the orchid. It’s a whiff of local history from the bold Aranda 1965 to the timeless Singapore Girl. Explore their room fragrances – Therapeutic Orchids, Raffles Heritage, and the uniquely Singlish, Atas. Elevate your senses with the spirit of Singapore!
20. TWG Tea
Singaporean-owned, top-tier luxury tea brand TWG makes for a tasty souvenir. Since 2008, they’ve redefined sophistication with an unmatched collection of handcrafted teas and bespoke gifts; and even Tea Teddies for the little ones. Be spoiled for choice as you choose from hundreds of teas – plus their macarons are to-die-for!
21. Heritage-inspired jewellery
EDEN + ELIE makes beautiful jewellery with a modern Peranakan twist – their pieces are responsibly made, lead and nickel-free and heirloom worthy! You can find them online and at Design Orchard along Orchard Road, a fabulous multi-label store slash souvenir shop that houses many Singapore-based fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands.
Happy souvenir shopping, folks!