Singapore Souvenirs
Non-tacky Singapore gifts that you won't want to give away
Tuesday, 28 Aug 2012
The ultimate tourist trap: buying tacky souvenirs in Chinatown.
Don’t get us wrong, we’ve found some great stuff there, but nobody really wants a box of Merlion chocolates, Merlion keychains, or shirts with “I HEART SG” on it.
Whether you’re a just in town for 3 days tourist, a been here for 5 years expat (who has an upcoming trip home), or a born and bred local, we’ve got the souvenirs that will score you major points with the world.
First row, left to right:
Make a political statement with GOODSTUPH x Fabrix Singappore & Co. Carryall Tote Bags in Lee & Sons (Red) and Marshall & Low (Blue), or wear your National Day pride all year round in a Chinese calendar-inspired tote bag, available at the National Museum, Singapore Art Museum, and Asian Civilisations Museum* for $23.
Second row, left to right:
We’re a proud nation of foodies, so we’re really digging this mooncake-shaped paperweight ($14.40). Apt for the season too!
Those familiar with parking rites and rituals in Singapore (i.e. paper coupons laid out on your dashboard) will appreciate this cleverly designed six year journal – you simply punch out the numbers of the entry dates the same way you do with a parking coupon.
Need something for the kids? These Kueh Tutu erasers (a local treat, $8) are both practical and cute – plus, nobody will have them! Bragging rights.
Third row, left to right:
Cheeky cheeky: a tote bag ($17.60) featuring our favourite museum in copy designed to look like our local danger signs? We’ll take two!
We love our Baggu bags, but we love supporting local even more. Get eco-conscious chic with these re-useable Merlion Shoppers ($9.60) inspired by our iconic Merlion plastic bags.
And a rare treat for kids – these increasingly hard-to-find plastic balloons ($14.40) are a local fave with both kids and adults – simply follow the instructions to enjoy!
If you’re a true foodie, wear it loud and proud: our choice of poison is a sweet treat, the Unisex Ice Kachang Tshirt ($29). Other options include Nasi Lemak, Katong Laksa, Chilli Crab, and Lontong. YUM.
*Note: many of these souvenirs are available online or at the National Museum, SAM, or ACM. We rang them up to check stock availability and have been told that they’re currently sold out of many products, but new shipment’s docking next month. Call up the museum to be sure!
