Whether you’re ready to dive into the Christmas present shopping with festive fervour in November, or prefer to buy online at the last minute with an eggnog by your side, there’s a bunch of brilliant local companies in the Lion City offering unique gift options for all your favourite people. Here’s where to find quirky curiosities, eclectic art and vintage-inspired goodies with a Singaporean twist.
For Unique Art Pieces
The Artfool Soul
Art always makes a great gift, whether it’s for others or yourself. Australian expat Nicole Duffell is an illustrator based in Singapore creating vibrant prints with a local flavour that bring feel-good vibes into everyday life.
Describe your artwork …
It reflects who I am, my inner world (which runs like a cartoon for the most part!), and my life experiences. I grew up in rural Australia, which fuelled my love of nature and animals. Additionally, I’ve been lucky enough to travel as a professional musician for many years, so I have a passion for jazz. Both of these elements come through in my pieces.
What makes your work different?
I come from an entirely analog drawing background, having worked as an illustrator and cartoonist before the advent of the digital art world. I try to maintain this organic approach. I still use the old grid system to draw portraits when needed, then scan the drawings into Adobe programmes to finish them digitally with colour.
How do you produce your art?
It starts organically as a pencil sketch on paper. I’m not a painter, so I love that I can now complete drawings digitally. I like to print in limited editions, signed and numbered on sustainably sourced archival paper. I will also have a collection of hand-drawn original work available by year end.
Where do you get your inspiration?
There’s a story behind every drawing I create. My biggest influences are the “golden age” illustrators from the late 1800’s to the 1930’s. Singapore has been my home for nearly 25 years and I love everything about the island – the people, food, cultural mix, greenery – all of which plays a part in my work. I view everything in life as art and see colour in the most mundane things, which inspires me to draw everything.
Why does your art make a great gift?
These days we live in a cookie-cutter, throwaway world with AI in the mix, which I do not use in my art. I believe it’s a true gift to have something thoughtfully human-crafted (and that supports a small business). I put my heart and soul into every drawing and I adamantly use sustainably sourced materials, packaging and paper whenever possible so that each creation reflects my best efforts and contributes a little to taking care of our planet. I also donate some proceeds to local animal welfare groups.
What’s your personal favourite piece?
I participated in a local six-piece limited-edition “Comfort in Nostalgia” collection. (See far left). My submission features kids eating noodles – my favourite comfort food – along with fun objects from my childhood and items I’ve fallen in love with while making a home in Singapore.
Any tips for shopping for art?
Don’t be afraid to buy prints! A good print is made on gallery paper, which is fade-resistant for over one hundred years. Singapore is scattered with numerous small galleries full of locally produced art, and art prints are becoming more accepted in mainstream galleries. Look for locally made art for ease of shipping, support local small businesses (we are ever-so-grateful!), or commission an artist to create something truly personal – the options are endless!
theartfoolsoul.com
nicole@theartfoolsoul.com
the_artfool_soul
For Sporty Types
South Beach Boardies
Kirsten Lopez, from South Fremantle, Western Australia, is the Founder & Director of South Beach Boardies, a clothing store selling better-for-the-planet beachwear such as boardies, rashies, bucket hats, and women’s bathers (with actual bottom coverage!).
Tell us about South Beach Boardies …
All items are made from recycled plastic bottles, organic cotton t-shirts and towels, and eucalyptus shirts. Everything is small batch with big bold prints so you know you’re not going to be wearing the same stuff as everybody else.
Do you design everything yourself?
Most of the stock we sell is our designs – South Beach Boardies beachwear and Freostyle beach towels with pockets – but we also carry a range of other small sustainable Aussie brands including Vasse Virgin, Avocado Zinc, Wash Block, Alchoholder, Sunbather, Backslap, and Frank Green. There’s a range of educational kids toys, and games and books too.
What makes you different?
Being a small family business means that we can make sustainability and ethics the most important part of any business decision. Also, being a small-batch manufacturer gives me freedom in designing. We make some really wacky designs knowing they don’t have to have mass market appeal. I particularly love designing for the Singapore market as people here are generally less conservative in their print choices than they are in Oz.
What’s the history behind your store?
I grew up on the beach in Western Australia and on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. As a very active watersports lover and the mum of four beach boys, getting quality boardies that last has always been important to me. I’ve also seen over my lifetime the huge increase in plastic pollution and over-consumption. I wanted to create alternative clothing encompassing quality that lasts, is ethically made and affordable for families to buy.
What will be popular buys from South Beach Boardies this Christmas?
The matchy-matchy bestsellers this year will be our Toucan and Penguin prints – they’re likely to sell out well before the season. A range of Singapore-inspired designs including Merlions, Tropical Fruits, Chinese Dragons and Maneki Neko Lucky Cats on surfboards will also be popular. Our Cubano shirt is great for Christmas parties or the big day itself, and our beach towels with pockets are a well-priced, fun and functional gift to have handy when unexpected people bearing gifts drop by!
Please share your personal Xmas shopping tip …
Start early and buy items as you find them so you don’t have a mad rush. This also prevents being disappointed when the item you’ve decided will be the perfect gift for someone has sold out already. I see a lot of disappointed people a couple of days before Christmas who’d hoped to buy a family matching set of boardies in a popular print, but they’re too late.
2 Fowlie Road, Sycamore Tree, #01-05, 428505
southbeachboardies.com
south_beach_boardies
For Fashion Fans
The Wyld Shop
Sydney native Kara Bensley-Austin stocks a fabulous collection of local brands and favourites from down under in her eclectic East Coast store, The Wyld Shop. Looking for a Christmas pressie for the girlfriend who already has everything? Head here.
Tell us about The Wyld Shop …
We offer a fun, colourful, curated mix of local and international fashion and lifestyle brands. Visit us for unique female clothing designs, trinkets and artisanal products from SG, Australia and SEA. We have a free-spirited vibe and aim to provide a friendly, enjoyable experience for shoppers.
How did your store come about?
It was a long time coming to set up a physical shop after a few years of running it online. I initially kicked off in 2011 with pop-ups and at fairs selling only a couple of Aussie brands alongside my “e-shop”. When I had my baby in 2015, I bit the bullet and opened a physical store. Thanks to my incredible customers, crew and supportive brands, we are still here nine years later.
Please share some of your brands …
Minkpink dresses, Le Specs sunglasses, Smilemakers massagers, Envet jewellery, Hair Beauty, Riau candles, Boomba double adhesive inserts, Postcard skincare, and Sista Co. fans. (To name but a few!).
Why do shoppers love you?
We are fun and friendly and have a wide variety of fashion and lifestyle goodies. We also have a very comfy couch, kids corner, and offer free Nespresso to all of our guests.
What should we be buying from you this Christmas?
Resortwear, kimonos and kaftans, tea towels, journals, creative greeting cards, fans, massagers, candles, lip balms, and jewellery.
Please share your personal Xmas shopping tip …
Start early to avoid the crowds, have fun with your shopping and don’t forget to treat yourself!
412 Joo Chiat Road, 427637
thewyldshop.com
@thewyldshop
Top Shops
- Cat Socrates
Cat Socrates is a wonderland of curiosities, stationery, and handmade journals. Not only is it excellent for locally inspired pressies, but it’s also a winner for Christmas-themed goodies such as cards, tree decorations, and New Year calendars. Sift through the shelves at their stores in Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat as well as online.
Various locations Yong Siak Store Joo Chiat Store
cat-socrates.myshopify.com - When I Was Four
The founders of this Singapore-based design studio aim to evoke childhood memories through design and handmade products. Head here for curry puff cushion covers, leopard balm socks, handy jotters, and Singaporean motif-inspired tees.
231 Bain Street, #04-41,180231
shop.wheniwasfour.com
- Eat & Sip
This local platform serves up a host of beautiful handmade homeware from small-batch artisans from around the world: think lace-designed plates, watercolour-painted dishes, and grumpy face tumblers.
eatandsip.co - The General Company
Look no further for a collection of artisanal creations crafted by contemporary artisans and designers. From personalised leather gifts to custom-made items like dishes, trays and planters, it’s the perfect destination for finding something really extra special.
thegeneralco.sg
thegeneralco
- Sojao
This local brand is famous for its organic cotton bedding, but its flagship store also features curated items not easily found elsewhere – artisanal candles and diffusers from Reminds Me Of, clean skincare from Wy, and handmade ceramics by local artist Lerae Lim.
251 Joo Chiat Road, 427505
sojao.shop - The Social Space
Not only is this place packed with lovely multi-label brands, it also gives back to the community. You’ll find a range of excellent sustainable gift ideas here, including pampering products, homeware, art, clothing, accessories and stationery.
Various locations Kreta Ayer Duo Galleria Potong Pasir
thesocialspace.co
- Independent Market
With locations across the city, this market stocks the likes of Singapore jigsaw puzzles, mooncake earrings, eye-catching notebooks, and much more, spotlighting the city’s local brands.
211 Holland Avenue, Holland Road, #03-01 Shopping Centre, 278967
independentmarket.sg - Wacky Wears
Wacky Wears stocks cool gift options for teens, focusing on everyday streetwear staples with positive affirmations. The tees and caps bear comforting slogans alongside slogan-clad tote bags and phone cases. Check out their social media for updates.
wackywears.co
wackywears
