Singapore souvenirs, mementos and leaving gifts – what should you buy?
Whether you are looking to buy gifts for friends abroad from curry pastes to batiks (check out the 12 best souvenir spots in Singapore here), the perfect leaving gift (from beautiful Singapore photographer prints to coffee table books), or even mementos for yourself for when you leave Singapore, here’s our list of Singapore goodies to put on your shopping list!
Read More:
12 Best Singapore souvenir spots to shop
Best Singapore memento coffee table books
Why we like it: If you are looking for stunning photographs of Singapore, Jason Denning is your man. Jason’s double long exposure panoramic shots result in eye-catching images that can be hung up as framed prints, or ordered on canvas or even as rolled up prints (perfect for taking abroad as gifts). Check out his limited edition Singapore collection – we have our eye on The Shophouses 2 which captures the pretty shophouses on Joo Chiat Place – or the Singapura of the magnificent MBS skyline in black and white. If you can’t decide on one image Jason has collage options available too called Fragments- 2 to 4 prints presented together to capture different scenes of Singapore.
Where to find: www.jason.photography
Cost: $136 upwards
Why we like it: Singapore’s most iconic culinary dishes like Chilli Crab and Nasi Lemak are artfully recreated on these melamine Recipe Plates. The dish ingredients and directions together with pretty illustrations are on the dish making it a perfect memento of what Singapore is perhaps most known for – its great food!
Where to find: Online at redrepublic.sg
Cost: $16.90
– Andrea
Why we like it: Shiok Sia! Sketching Singapore’s Favourite Street Food by Anita Ryanto is a delightful book. It’s beautifully illustrated in watercolour paintings of Singapore’s local food – from Roti Prata to Laksa and Chilli Crab – the lovely artwork will transport you back to the delicious hawker centres of Singapore. There’s also one book on Singapore’s kueh, savoury snacks, drinks and other shiok! desserts to add to your collection too,
Where to find: naiise.com
Cost: $20
– Beate
Why we like it: My family, near and far are big foodies so it’s always good to load up on these packets of asian pastes when venturing overseas. Specifically the Padang Rendang, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa and various yummy curry pastes. There is NO MSG, NO Preservatives or Artificial Colouring in any of their products. Added bonus is the lightweight thin packaging which means you can even slide them into the edges of your suitcase.
Where to find: Most supermarkets
Cost: $2.85 per packet
– Andrea
Why we like it: This beautiful book Find and Seek Singapore, tells the story of a small boy who arrives in Singapore and experiences all that this little red island has to offer through pretty illustrations. It is written in simple verse and makes an adorable parting gift for friends with kids who are leaving Singapore. It’s also a cute pressie for family and friends who have visited the island.
Where to find: Find and Seek Singapore
Cost: $15.99
– Beate
Why we like it: Because it’s batik! Batik silk scarves, batik handkerchiefs, batik table-runners, and batik coasters are so specific to Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia and they make such a unique present.
Where to find: Toko Aljunied at 91 Arab Street
Cost: from $30 upwards
– Nadia
Why we like it: The Indian Spicebox Kit (in gold or silver) includes 9 organic spices packaged with a lovely cookbook. It’s unique, spicy, flavorful, colorful, gorgeous packaging and each kit feeds 10 street children a hot meal (do we need any more reasons!?).
Where to find: Redmart, Naiise, The Providore, Amazon US and www.indian-spicebox.com, ships worldwide
Cost: $100
– Amy
Use code SASSY for 20% off at www.indian-spicebox.com!
Why we like it: Pandan cake is a light, fluffy, green-colored sponge cake flavoured with the juice of Pandan, originating from Southeast Asia – a truly different looking cake that is light and super tasty! Bengawan solo also sells Kueh slices which are easier to transport.
Where to find: Bengawan Solo
Cost: $15
– Emilie
Why we like it: These enamel mugs with blue rims are so Singaporean from back in the day. You can often find them with red Roosters or the iconic Good Morning slogan on them.
Where to find: Tiong Bahru (look for shops selling them on the streets) or redrepublic.sg
Cost: around $10- $12.90 each
– Namita
Why we like it: Plusixfive, A Singaporean Supper Club Cookbook is a cookbook based on the Singapore Supper Club in London, plusixfive (which takes its name from Singapore’s international dialling code). This cookbook showcases Singapore food and stories about plusixfive’s signature dishes, plus guest recipes from the likes of Momofuku Seiōbo head chef Ben Greeno and The Straits Times food editor Tan Hsueh Yun.
Where to find: Online
Cost:$44.90
– Beate
Why we like it: Peranakan culture is very unique to Singapore and Malaysia, and the colors and patterns of Peranakan tiles and ceramics are soooo pretty. I’ve given everything from soap dishes to tea sets in shades of pink, yellow, blue and green.
Where to find: Rumah Bebe on the East Coast; Lim’s at Holland Village; Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
Cost: $30+
– Kate
Why we like it: Eck&Art do minimalist architectural vintage-style travel prints highlighting Singapore’s unique architectural styles. We like that some posters have neighbourhood names like Holland Village or Bukit Timah so these make great mementos if you leave Singapore. Prints come rolled up in cardboard rolls so they are easy to transport abroad.
Where to find: www.eckandart.com
Cost:$80
– Beate
Why we like it: It’s a really good quality tea in amazing packaging
Where to find: TWG stores islandwide (they even have them at Changi)
Cost: Paris Singapore tea is $25 for a box and the Singapore breakfast tea is $40
– Namita
Why we like it: Creative kids will love Scribolo a huge (145 cm wide by 58 cm tall) Singapore colouring poster that comes handily rolled up and is easy to lay out and get colouring with markers. Beautiful ink-drawn illustrations with Singapore’s iconic landmarks make this a sweet gift to inspire creativity in kids.
Where to find: www.scribolo.com
Cost: $32
– Amy
10% discount with promo code SASSYXMAS, valid till 15 December 2017!
Colorful, portable, and a fun and engaging way to remember Singapore’s landmarks and key locations, this Singapore-themed Monopoly game is a wonderful Singapore souvenir or gift for friends and family of all ages.
Where to find: You can order online or purchase at Colony Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799
Cost: $68
Lead image sourced via Channel Newsasia
Peranakan ceramics image by Thow Kwang
