With a little more than a week to go before we gather with our loved ones and celebrate Christmas (and shortly after, the New Year) together, it’s safe to say that we’ve finally reached the “Now or Never” stage in getting our holiday preparations in order.
Speaking of which, if holiday gifting isn’t your strongest suit and you’re still struggling to find the perfect presents to surprise your friends and family with, fret not because we have more than a few last-minute recommendations you can easily add to cart in time for 25 December. Scroll on for our list of festive gift ideas, sorted in alphabetical order.
Time waits for no man, but we’d like to think that this timepiece is patiently waiting for the right woman to rock it with style and confidence. Give the gift of time to a fellow #girlboss whom you admire greatly with this Hanover Rose Gold Stainless Steel Watch (SGD136.65/~USD102). Its minimalistic design and sleek mesh band makes it perfect for any occasion.
The only things that ought to be sparkling this festive season: Your Christmas tree, your glass of wine and last but not least, your beautiful lids. The Soft Glam II Mini Eyeshadow Palette retails for SGD48/~USD36 and has eight richly pigmented eyeshadow shades for you to play around with.
It’s hard to say no to ice cream, and even more so if they’re by Ben & Jerry’s. The brand’s classic Chocolate Chip Cookie flavour (SGD13.90/~USD10) is a sure-fire hit during festive gatherings with its delicious chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough and creamy vanilla ice cream. Try taking festive feasting up a notch by serving this with fresh-out-of-the-oven brownies. Delicious!
Clean up any happy spills with these delightful “Soup of the Day —Champagne” paper napkins, which come in a set of 20 for SGD12/~USD9. These napkins will go beautifully with your cutleries and all the scrumptious delicacies that you’ve lovingly prepared for your guests.
Refute all “pics or it didn’t happen” remarks from your jealous peers with this palm-sized photo printer, which easily prints out photos from your smartphone anytime, anywhere. Priced at SGD219/~USD164, this printer has a built-in rechargeable battery, while its dye-sublimation technology ensures that all photos are printed in high-quality. A must-have with all the selfies you’ll be taking as you and your loved ones ring in the New Year.
Champagne on your lips, champagne on your feet. This shimmery pair of heeled sandals are rendered in a soft, glittery champagne finish and they offer a touch of contemporary elegance to your holiday ensembles. Dance the night away in these beauties, which retail for SGD53.90/~USD40.
Rise to the occasion with the French beauty brand’s all-new Rose de Mai Cleansing Balm. Retailing at SGD154/~USD115, this silky and nourishing balm will help to remove all traces of dirt, makeup, sunscreen and more. Some of the star ingredients found in this beauty include rosehip oil, hyaluronic acid and raspberry stem cell extracts.
Who doesn't wish for a filmstar-esque glow this festive season? We know we do. This Filmstar Bronze And Glow Palette Mini (SGD55/~USD41) is an excellent stocking stuffer for your friend who loves rocking a healthy glow on the daily, with its Light Flex Technology that captures and reflects light just where you want it to flatter any skin tone.
We all have that one friend who wishes to look glam 24/7, even when she’s working on her weekly sprints at the park. Pamper her with these designer Stretch Mesh Daymaster Sneakers and she'll be bound to squeal in delight. Priced at USD825/~SGD1,103, these Made-in-Italy shoes feature a super-flex rubber sole, branded tubular laces and a pull-tab at the back.
If your only wish this Christmas is to achieve a youthful and contoured complexion, then it’s time that you treat yourself to the Bear Mini, an adorable facial massager that will help you firm up your skin and better define your facial features. Priced at SGD299/~USD223, this device comes with five intensity levels and is available in two colours: Lavender and Pearl Pink.
Never Ganni give up on sweats, at least not until life returns to normal in the near future. This comfy lounge-ready lilac sweatshirt is made from a fully recycled blend of cotton and polyester and boasts a big smiley motif. A #stayhome style essential that’s yours for USD166.78/~USD222.
Happiness is sweetest when shared, and sharing of desserts with your family is no exception. Tuck into fancy parfaits, colourful cocktails and other sweet treats using these Kubic Dessert Spoons, which are designed to be highly resistant to corrosion and wear. Each set is priced at SGD53/~USD39 and contains six spoons.
Let dull skin be a thing of the past by arming yourself with this Vitamin To Glow Vitamin C Trio Pack (SGD52/~USD39). This neon-happy kit contains three Vitamin C-infused products: A Bright Side Up brightening serum, a Plush Party buttery lip mask and a Say You Dew moisturising gel and cream. Use this trio religiously and you’re set to shine (the good kind!) for many days to come.
Cushion the blow that 2020 has brought many of us with this Sommarbinka cushion (SGD5.90/~USD4), which features colourful flowers against a jet black fabric. Use this as a comfortable neck roll or a lumbar cushion for your lower back, especially if you and your beau are planning to spend the rest of the evening in front of the television binge-watching the latest holiday flicks.
Trust us when we say that your whisky-loving buddies will appreciate this simple yet useful and chic drinking accessory. Affordably priced at SGD5.90/~USD4, this Borosilicate Glass is big enough to fit a large ice cube, thus making it perfect for those who enjoy having their whisky served on the rocks.
Does your friend have a weakness for all things gold and shiny? If so, these Anagram Asymmetric double hoop drop earrings (SGD490/~USD366) are guaranteed to put a smile on her face. These made-in-Italy statement-makers feature the Spanish luxury brand’s signature Anagram filigree cube alongside its engraved lozenge.
Elevate your bestie’s shower experience with this Snow Fairy Gift Set (SGD75/~USD56), which contains a bath bomb, a shower gel, a body conditioner and a bubble bar. Its sweet, candyfloss scent is just what she’d appreciate after she’s had a long, stressful day at work.
Life is far from a beach, but that doesn’t mean we can’t remind ourselves of the good ol’ times. Transport yourself to your favourite coastal destination — whether it’s Boracay or the Bahamas — with the Replica Beach Walk Eau de Toilette (SGD107/~USD127). This mesmerising scent features notes of bergamot, lemon and coconut milk, to name a few.
The last thing you’ll want lurking in the background of your holiday family photos is a bare and lifeless Christmas tree. Dress it up with lovely ornaments, such as these mouth-blown baubles that produce a magical colourful effect with their iridescent finish. These are priced at SGD15.90/~USD12 for a pack of three.
Fail to plan = plan to fail. So you’ve decided to swear off fatty foods and sugary sweet drinks for good, but find it tough to keep the details of your meals in check. Add this peach-coloured meal planner to cart; it's designed with weekly planning pages within.
Fitness first, feasting later. Stick to your New Year’s “Fit & Fab” resolution with this Ocean 2-in-1 Yoga Mat (SGD68/~USD51), which features a layer of microfiber suede yoga towel that’s infused in a natural rubber base. Plus, its combination of anti-slip and cushion properties are bound to impress any longtime Yogi or aspiring fitness junkie.
Still on the hunt for the perfect holiday dress? We’ve got you covered. This Ether embellished tulle mini dress is made from frothy recycled tulle that’s decorated with beads and crystals which are arranged in the shape of celestial motifs. Plus, it also comes with ruffled sleeves and a tonal slip for coverage.
Eat, drink (gin) and be merry with this cheeky set of 2 Gin Glasses. Well-suited for drinking games with your closest buds, these ‘Naughty or Nice’ festive favourites (SGD22/~USD16) make great presents as well. Fun moments are pretty much in the bag if you were to break these out during your next gathering — just ensure that these glasses are always kept more than half full!
As far as we’re concerned, we could always stock up on more sanitising essentials so that we protect ourselves and our loved ones. This tiny yet mighty sanitiser (SGD14.90/~USD11) is a natural cleanser and disinfectant that will help keep your yoga mat smelling fresh and divine. We like how it’s designed with anti-bacterial and fungal fighting properties too.
For the close family friend who’s incredibly fond of baking and the likes of it but isn’t a fan of the potential mess that comes after each cooking expedition, consider giving her this smart device, which is priced at SGD549/~USD411. This state-of-the-art Airfryer is built with Smart Sensing Technology that allows it to adjust time and temperature during cooking to ensure your dishes are perfectly cooked, time after time.
Is your soul sister a K-culture addict just like you? If you’re nodding your head in response to this question, it’s time to gift each other these Mystic Bronze Samsung Galaxy Buds Live (SGD288/~USD215), so that you can enjoy rich audio quality every time you stream your favourite K-pop tunes and K-dramas on the go (or even at home).
One hardly frowns at the sight of fresh, gorgeous blooms, let alone if they come with a skincare kit. This floral-bouquet-meets-beauty gift set includes Re:Erth’s Festive Mini Starter Kit, a mini collection of four minimal steps to gently pamper your skin.
If your bestie or sister is the sort who loves spending quality time on her daily beauty routine, then she’s likely to fall in love with this 100 per cent pure mulberry silk scrunchie. This pretty hair accessory, priced at SGD19/~USD14 each, will hold her hair back and help her prevent hair breakage while she concentrates on applying her favourite serums, acids and moisturising creams.
Ready for your glow-up? Pick up this limited edition Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow (SGD19/~USD14), which combines the perfect mix of pearl and glitter to lavish your peepers with incredible lustre and shimmer. The product’s formula is lightweight and glides on effortlessly — with minimal fallout at that.
Love and celebrate your curves in this vibrant The Missing Piece x Pinksalt Tyler toga two-piece swimwear (SGD169/~USD126). This colourful printed piece is designed with ruffle detail at the shoulder area and the bottoms feature several panels to help support the tummy area.
Dream, believe, achieve. For the close friend or colleague who believes in the power of manifestation, surprise her with Ted Baker’s Dream Catcher Journal (SGD55/~USD41). This journal is built with 192 pages so there’s plenty of space for her to jot down her milestones and goals.
(Cover photos from: Canon, Charlotte Tilbury and Naiise)
Now, discover what it's like to celebrate Christmas in a non-traditional way.
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