Have your say and vote for your favorite in our global Facebook poll.
Gifts with Singapore flavor
A designer Merlion chair, personalized drawings and a book on Singapore kids' games: Whether you're visiting from overseas or living here, buy a little something from Singapore
Yes, it's the cheesy Merlion, but it at least it's on a Philippe Starck chair. Stop looking overseas for the best gifts -- there are some unique and worthy homegrown items right here that will fill any Christmas stocking, and support our economy.
And no, the list does not include a Merlion snow globe.
Now you see it, now you don't, but the Merlion helps.
Funky decor: Space
Kartell has made our kitschy Merlion cool by strategically placing it on the classic Philippe Starck chair.
The limited-edition design designed by Zheng Meisi won the recent Space-Kartell Student Design Competition.
There are only 50 pieces on sale.
S$599. Space Asia Hub, 77 Bencoolen St., +65 6415 0000; www.spacefurniture.com
The cover says it all.
For the kiddults: The Little Drom Store
The vintage-style book “I Don't Friend You” is a tribute to Singaporean memories.
It conjures up games that were commonly played on the void decks such as “Nehnee Nehnee Boo Boo, You Cannot Catch Me" and "Chi Ku Pak".
S$29. The Little Drom Store, 7 Ann Siang Hill, +65 6225 5541; www.thelittledromstore.com
A pretty souvenir for home, made right in Singapore's Chinatown.
Vintage homeware: Rose Citron
Brightly colored, mixed-matched hues, oriental-inspired prints mark the signature style of Rose Citron.
The locally produced products -- pillow covers, iPad slips, bags -- are handmade then sold in the Chinatown store.
Any piece adds a vintage, chic touch to any home or wardrobe.
Various prices. 23 Keong Saik Road, +65 6323 1368; www.rosecitron.com.sg
Commission Moof to produce a quirky etching.
Inspired, personalized art: Moof
Local artist Moof (Mike Foo) creates works that are whimsically simple.
His pen-and-ink drawings are quirky, irreverent and part of limited-edition sets of 20 archival prints.
He also undertakes personalized commissions via mike@woodsinthebooks.sg if you have something special in mind.
Woods In The Books, 58 Club St., +65 6222 9980; #02-32 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., +65 6337 3385; www.moofculture.com
We're not sure the military would approve but ...
Easy breezy menswear: IAMWHOIAM
Singaporean designer Tan Qiuwen launched her menswear fashion brand IAMWHOIAM in 2007 and she hasn’t looked back.
The Spring/Summer 2011 collection is a tribute to British Indian military uniforms with urban, utilitarian additions.
It's a look back at Singapore’s colonial past, although we're not sure the army would approve of such bohemian threads.
From S$160-S$1,190. Front Row Studio, #02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road, +65 6224 5501; www.frontrowsingapore.com
A little arm candy in the hue of Vanda Miss Joaquim.
Accessories for her: Tan & Brown
For an easy transition from day to night, these Tan & Brown clutches suit any style or age.
Based in Singapore, designers Olivia and Courtney Lennan use vibrant Asian hues, inspired by local icons such as the orchid (pictured), to modernize classic designs and styles.
S$568. From www.shopthemag.com
Customize the scent and label the bottle however you want.
For the bathroom: spa esprit
In case you worry you'll insult someone by giving them a bottle of shower gel, show him or her that you've put some thought into it.
Spa Esprit's Handwrite a Gift allows you to fully personalized your gift, from the concoction of the scent, the handwritten note and a fun gift wrap.
With more than 70 pure essential oils to choose from, you'll be able to blend an aroma that suits yours (and the recipient's) liking perfectly.
If you're clueless, stick to the failsafe soothing combination of lavender and geranium.
From S$35. Spa Esprit at House, 8D Dempsey Road, +65 6479 0070; www.spa-esprit.com
