So, you’ve conquered the hawker centres, marvelled at the Gardens by the Bay, maybe even navigated the MRT like a seasoned local (go you!). Your Singapore adventure is drawing to a close, and the age-old question looms: what treasures do you bring back to prove you were actually here, besides an enviable tan and a slightly expanded waistline?
Forget the generic keychains destined for the back of a drawer. You need gifts with personality, stories, and that unique Singaporean flavour. We get it – finding souvenirs that scream “thoughtful” rather than “last-minute airport grab” can feel like hunting for a mythical creature (almost as elusive as a parking spot in Orchard Road on a Saturday!).
That’s where we come in. As your friendly neighbourhood explorers (hello from Indie Singapore Tours!), we’ve pounded the pavements, tasted the treats, and chatted with the creators to curate the ultimate list. Get ready for 30 genuinely cool, quirky, and quintessentially Singaporean gift ideas, categorised for easy browsing. Plus, we’ve sprinkled in our top-secret “Local Pro Tips” – little nuggets of wisdom that’ll make you shop (and gift!) like a true insider. Let’s find those perfect souvenir, cenderahati, 伴手礼, நினைவுப்பொருள், recuerdo, お土産, 기념품, तोहफ़ा, pasalubongs!
Edible Singapore – Taste the Lion City
Kaya (Coconut & Egg Jam)
This luscious green (pandan-infused) or brown (caramelised) spread is the heart of a Singaporean breakfast. Slathered on toast with a slab of cold butter, it’s pure comfort. Bring home a jar (or three!) for a sweet taste of local mornings.
Local Brands:
- Ya Kun Kaya Toast
- Toast Box
- Glory Food (Supermarket staple)
Local Pro Tip: For the shiok factor, toast your bread till crispy, add cold butter slices first, then the kaya. Don’t mix! Texture is key.
Another Pro Tip: Green or Brown? Green (Nyonya) kaya has a fragrant pandan kick. Brown (Hainanese) kaya boasts deeper caramel notes. Try both!
Pandan Chiffon Cake
Light, fluffy, and unmistakably green thanks to the fragrant pandan leaf juice. This airy cake is a national obsession and travels surprisingly well for a day or two. Hand-carry this cloud-like confection for maximum freshness.
Local Brands:
- Bengawan Solo
- PrimaDéli
- Swee Heng Bakery (Neighbourhood favourite)
Local Pro Tip: Buy it as close to your departure time as possible. While delicious, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Look for one with a good ‘bounce-back’ when gently pressed.
Bak Kwa (Barbecued Meat Jerky)
Sweet, smoky, savoury slices of barbecued pork (or sometimes chicken/beef). It’s dangerously addictive. While traditionally a Chinese New Year treat, it’s available year-round. Vacuum-packed options are perfect for travel.
Local Brands:
Local Pro Tip: Locals queue for hours for famous brands during CNY. Skip the frenzy and buy off-season. Ask for a sample – fattier cuts are often more tender and flavourful!
Gourmet Salted Egg Snacks
The snack that launched a thousand cravings! Crispy fish skin or potato chips coated in creamy, savoury salted egg yolk, curry leaves, and chilli. It’s a modern Singaporean flavour explosion.
Local Brands:
- IRVINS
- The Golden Duck Co.
- Fragrance Foodstuff (Also known for Bak Kwa)
Local Pro Tip: Check the expiry date – fresher is definitely better for maximum crunch and flavour intensity. These make surprisingly good crumbles over salads or even pasta!
Spice Premixes (Chilli Crab, Chicken Rice, Bak Kut Teh, Laksa)
Want to recreate Singapore’s iconic dishes back home? These premixes are your secret weapon. Just add fresh ingredients, and voilà – hawker centre magic in your kitchen! Perfect for foodie friends.
Local Brands:
- Prima Taste
- Seah’s Spices
- Anthony The Spice Maker (Artisanal blends)
Local Pro Tip: Hainanese Chicken Rice mix is great, but the real secret is the chilli sauce and ginger paste. Look for bottled versions of those too for the full experience!
Local Kopi Powder/Beans
Forget your fancy espressos for a moment. Singaporean ‘Kopi’ is traditionally brewed using a cloth filter (‘sock’) and features Robusta beans often roasted with butter or margarine and sugar, giving it a unique, bold flavour. Grab a bag of powder for an authentic brew.
Local Brands:
- Nanyang Old Coffee
- Heap Seng Leong (Iconic coffeeshop, might sell powder)
- Supermarket brands like Owl or Gold Kili
Local Pro Tip: To order like a local: ‘Kopi O’ = Black coffee + sugar. ‘Kopi C’ = Coffee + evaporated milk + sugar. ‘Kopi’ = Coffee + condensed milk. Specify ‘Kosong’ for no sugar, ‘Siew Dai’ for less sugar, ‘Ga Dai’ for more sugar!
Pek Sin Choon Tea
Always a highlight on our Traditional Taste Tour! Step into one of Singapore’s oldest tea merchants in Chinatown. Pek Sin Choon supplies tea to countless Bak Kut Teh stalls. Their traditional Chinese teas, like Iron Goddess (Tie Guan Yin) or Narcissus (Shui Xian), are aromatic and full of character. Their packaging is beautifully old-school, and makes for a great conversational piece or keepsake.
Local Brand:
- Pek Sin Choon (Located at 36 Mosque Street – a must-visit!)
Local Pro Tip: Don’t be shy! Chat with the staff. They can recommend teas based on your preference (light vs. strong, floral vs. roasted) and explain the unique characteristics of their blends, especially those favoured by Bak Kut Teh masters.
Artisanal Chocolates with Local Flavours
Move over, Swiss chocolate. Singaporean chocolatiers are creating magic with local twists like Laksa, Chilli Padi, Pandan, Kopi, and even the notorious Durian. A sophisticated and adventurous edible gift.
Local Brands:
Local Pro Tip: For the truly daring, get the Durian chocolate. For the less brave but still adventurous, Laksa or Malty Boba flavours are surprisingly delicious conversation starters.
Nyonya Kueh (Packaged)
These intricate, colourful steamed cakes and desserts are a feast for the eyes and palate. While best fresh, some shops offer beautifully packaged selections suitable for gifting (consume quickly!). Think Kueh Lapis (layered cake) or pineapple tarts. Try some of these delightful treats on our Ugly Food Tours which explores the Traditional Tastes of Singapore.
Local Brands:
- Bengawan Solo (Airport outlets are convenient)
- HarriAnns Nonya Table
- Kim Choo Kueh Chang (Also known for dumplings)
Local Pro Tip: Kueh Lapis Sagu (rainbow layered glutinous rice cake) and Ondeh Ondeh (pandan balls filled with gula melaka) are crowd favourites. Pineapple tarts are less perishable and travel better.
Wearable Wonders – Singapore Style
Batik Fabric or Scarf
Traditional wax-resist dyed fabric, often with intricate floral or geometric patterns. Found abundantly in Kampong Glam and Arab Street, you can buy fabric by the metre or ready-made scarves, shirts, and dresses. A colourful slice of Southeast Asian heritage.
Where to Buy:
- Shops along Arab Street & Haji Lane. Special shoutout to Toko Aljunied (explore!)
- Tokko Nusa (Online/Physical presence)
- Gypsied (Modern interpretations)
Local Pro Tip: Look for genuine hand-drawn (‘tulis’) or stamped (‘cap’) batik for higher quality and artistry, rather than printed versions. Feel the fabric – good batik often uses comfortable cotton or silk. Exploring Kampong Glam for these is a sensory delight, something we often include in our cultural explorations at Indie Singapore Tours!
Modern Kebaya
The traditional embroidered blouse gets a contemporary update. Brands like Kebaya by Ratianah offer stunning, wearable pieces that blend heritage with modern style. Perfect for adding a touch of Singaporean elegance to any wardrobe.
Local Brand Spotlight:
Other Local Brands:
- Explore boutiques in Haji Lane
- Binary Style (scarves often complement)
Local Pro Tip: Pay attention to the intricate embroidery (‘sulam’). A well-made modern kebaya is versatile – dress it up with a skirt or down with jeans. The kebaya has recently been inscribed by UNESCO as an intangible world heritage. Every stich tells a story, in our Conversations with the Kebaya Girl that we curated for Singapore Heritage Festival 2025, we explore a bit more about what this traditional dress means for Singapore and for SouthEast Asia.
Contemporary Batik Wear
Move beyond traditional wear. Local designers are using batik in fresh, modern silhouettes for dresses, shirts, jumpsuits, and even accessories. Yeomama Batik is a great example of vibrant, wearable batik fashion.
Local Brand Spotlight:
Other Local Brands:
- Gypsied
- Minor Miracles (Prints often inspired by local motifs)
Local Pro Tip: Look for modern cuts and unexpected colour combinations. These aren’t your grandma’s batik pieces (though those are lovely too!). Great for making a unique style statement.
Singapore Motif Apparel
Wear your love for Singapore, literally! Find clothing and accessories adorned with quirky illustrations of HDB flats, shophouses, the iconic dragon playground, local foods (like curry puffs!), or vibrant Peranakan tiles. Fun, stylish, and instantly recognisable to those in the know.
Local Brands:
Local Pro Tip: These designs are great conversation starters! Knowing the story behind the Dragon Playground or the different styles of shophouses adds an extra layer of appreciation.
RISIS Orchid Jewellery
Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid, immortalised in gold. RISIS pioneered the technique of plating real orchids, creating unique and delicate jewellery pieces like pendants, earrings, and brooches. A timeless and elegant Singaporean souvenir.
Local Brand:
Local Pro Tip: Each piece is unique since it uses a real flower. Compare a few if you can, to find the orchid shape and plating finish you like best. They often have collections featuring other local flora too.
Local Artisan Jewellery
Discover stunning pieces from independent Singaporean jewellery designers. Often inspired by local culture, architecture, or nature, these handcrafted items offer a unique and personal alternative to mass-produced accessories.
Local Brands:
- EDEN + ELIE (Intricate beadwork)
- Carrie K. (Modern heirlooms)
- Forbidden Hill (Interchangeable silk tassels)
Local Pro Tip: Check out artisan markets or multi-label stores like Design Orchard or Keepers (Online edit) to discover emerging designers. Instagram is also a great hunting ground!
Locally Inspired Sarong
A versatile piece perfect for the tropical climate. Look for sarongs featuring local flowers (like orchids or hibiscus), Peranakan tile patterns, or other Singapore-inspired designs. Use it as a beach wrap, skirt, scarf, or even a decorative throw.
Where to Buy:
- Shops in Kampong Glam, Little India
- Some museum shops
- Binary Style (often has scarf designs usable as small sarongs)
Local Pro Tip: Cotton or rayon blends are generally more comfortable in the heat than pure synthetics. A good sarong is lightweight but not too sheer.
Unique Singapore T-Shirt
Beyond the “I ♥ SG” basics. Look for T-shirts with clever Singlish phrases, artistic interpretations of landmarks, collaborations with local artists, or limited-edition designs from global brands with a Singaporean twist.
Local Brands/Retailers:
- Statement (Curated streetwear)
- Limited Edt (Sneaker collabs often have apparel)
- Check museum shops for artist collabs.
Local Pro Tip: Look for quality fabric and an original design. Sometimes the coolest finds are hidden in unexpected places, like local skate shops or independent boutiques.
Category 3: Home & Lifestyle – Bits of SG Living
Peranakan Tiles (Reproductions/Inspired)
Capture the vibrant aesthetic of Peranakan culture with decorative ceramic tiles. Featuring floral motifs, geometric patterns, and bold colours, these make beautiful coasters, wall accents, or trivets. Original antique tiles are rare and expensive, but quality reproductions abound.
Local Brands/Retailers:
- Peranakan Tiles Gallery Singapore (Specialist)
- Aster by Kyra (Modern homewares with Peranakan influence)
- Museum shops (e.g., National Museum, Peranakan Museum).
Local Pro Tip: Mix and match different designs for a vibrant coaster set. Check if they have cork backing to protect surfaces.
Miniature Shophouse Replica
These charming replicas capture the unique architectural heritage of Singapore’s shophouses, with their intricate facades and five-foot ways. A delightful decorative piece for any shelf or desk.
Where to Buy:
- Arch Singapore (Known for wooden miniatures)
- Museum shops
- Some souvenir stores in Chinatown or Kampong Glam.
Local Pro Tip: Look for details! The best models capture the specific architectural styles (Early, Art Deco, Modern etc.) seen across Singapore’s historic districts like Emerald Hill or Joo Chiat. You can see these gorgeous shophouses in the flesh when you join us for any of our daily walks in the ethnic quarters.
Singapore-themed Notebooks/Stationery
Jot down memories or daily tasks in style. Find beautifully designed notebooks, planners, postcards, and pens featuring local motifs, Singlish quotes, or artistic cityscapes. Practical and pretty.
Local Brands:
- Bynd Artisan (Personalised leather goods)
- The Paper Bunny
- The Little Dröm Store
- Epigram Books (Often stocks local design stationery)
Local Pro Tip: Look for collaborations between local artists and stationery brands for truly unique designs. Makes a great gift paired with a nice pen!
Pewterware (Royal Selangor Singapore Range)
While Royal Selangor is Malaysian, it has a strong presence and offers Singapore-specific collections. Think elegant pewter Merlion statues, orchid-themed items, or plaques depicting the Singapore skyline. A classic, high-quality gift.
Brand:
- Royal Selangor (Check their Singapore-specific range)
Local Pro Tip: Pewter doesn’t tarnish like silver! It just needs occasional dusting or washing with mild soap. Great for a lasting, low-maintenance memento.
Singlish Coasters/Mugs
Inject some local humour into coffee breaks! Coasters, mugs, or even tea towels featuring popular Singlish (Singaporean English creole) phrases are quirky, fun, and practical. “Chope” a seat at the table with a unique coaster!
Local Brands/Retailers:
Local Pro Tip: Learn the meaning behind the phrases! “Shiok” means extremely pleasing, “Chope” means reserving a spot (often with a tissue packet!), “Can Lah!” is an expression of affirmation.
Local Orchid Perfume
Capture the scent of Singapore’s national flower. Several local perfumers create fragrances inspired by various orchid species found in Singapore, often blending them with other tropical notes. A fragrant and sophisticated gift.
Local Brands:
- Singapore Memories
- Vanda Miss Joaquim (Often found in Gardens shop/tourist spots)
Local Pro Tip: Scent is very personal. If buying for someone else, opt for a smaller bottle or a sampler set if available. Look for scents inspired by the specific Vanda Miss Joaquim orchid for the national flower connection.
Quirky, Cultured & Cool – Unique Finds
Little Dröm Store Finds (Pins, Patches, etc.)
This beloved local shop is a treasure trove of quirky delights designed by Singaporean artists. Think enamel pins of kueh, patches of old playgrounds, keychains shaped like HDB blocks, and illustrated maps. Perfect for adding personality to jackets, bags, or pinboards. Our guides are also huge fans of their earrings (check them out when you are on our Free Walking Tours)
Local Brand Spotlight:
Local Pro Tip: Their items often sell out quickly, especially limited editions. Follow their social media for updates on new releases! It’s a great place to find gifts that feel truly contemporary Singaporean.
Miniature Merlion Figurine (The Nicer Kind)
Yes, it’s the ultimate Singapore icon, but steer clear of the mass-produced plastic versions. Look for higher-quality Merlion figurines made from resin, pewter, or ceramic, perhaps even stylized interpretations by local artists. It can be a tasteful keepsake! Check out the exclusive Merlion BEARISTA from Starbucks as well.
Where to Buy:
- Museum shops
- Higher-end souvenir stores
- RISIS (often has premium versions)
- Arch Singapore
Local Pro Tip: Consider the material and finish. A small, well-made Merlion is better than a large, cheap-looking one. Think desktop-worthy, not dashboard-destined.
Singapore Sling Kit/Ingredients
Bring the taste of the iconic Raffles Hotel cocktail home. You can find pre-mixed bottled versions or gather the key ingredients (gin, cherry liqueur, Bénédictine, pineapple juice – maybe grab some local artisanal gin!).
Where to Buy:
- True Heritage Brew (Premix)
- Raffles Hotel Gift Shop
- Some supermarkets (for individual ingredients)
- Local craft distilleries for the gin.
Local Pro Tip: The premix is easiest for gifting, but assembling the ingredients yourself (especially using a Singaporean craft gin!) shows extra effort for cocktail enthusiasts. Don’t forget the pineapple wedge and cherry garnish!
Local Craft Beer/Gin
Singapore has a burgeoning craft drinks scene. Pick up a selection of beers from local breweries or a bottle of gin infused with Southeast Asian botanicals. A great gift for the discerning drinker back home.
Local Brands (Beer):
- Brewlander
- Lion City Meadery (Mead, but craft!)
- Archipelago Brewery
Local Brands (Gin):
Local Pro Tip: Look for unique flavour profiles – beers with Gula Melaka notes, or gins featuring torch ginger flower or pandan. Check duty-free allowances before you fly!
Singapore Literature (SingLit)
Explore the Lion City through the eyes of its writers. From novels capturing the nuances of local life to insightful graphic novels, SingLit offers a deeper connection.
Spotlight: It is no secret that our guides LOVE The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye by Sonny Liew . It is a love letter to Singapore and our short (but extremely spicy) history. Many of us consider it a local masterpiece, blending history and fiction through stunning comic art.
Where to Buy:
- Epigram Books (Champion of SingLit)
- BooksActually (Online focus)
- Kinokuniya Singapore (Large local section)
Other Examples: Novels by Balli Kaur Jaswal, Cyril Wong’s poetry, Alfian Sa’at’s plays/short stories.
Art Prints by Local Artists
Bring home a piece of Singapore’s vibrant art scene. Find prints featuring local landscapes, abstract designs, or cultural commentary from emerging and established Singaporean artists. A sophisticated souvenir that supports local talent.
Where to Find:
- Kult Gallery
- Utterly Art (Check their exhibitions/artists)
- Gallery shops (e.g., National Gallery Singapore)
- Independent markets often feature artists.
Local Pro Tip: Look for limited edition prints for extra exclusivity. Consider the recipient’s taste – cityscape, abstract, figurative? Framing it back home makes it an even more special gift. One of our local favorite is artist Lee Xin Li and Pok Pok & Away. His illustrations for kuehs is often used as an opener for our kueh tours.
Phew! That’s a whirlwind tour of Singapore’s best souvenir offerings. We hope this helps you find those perfect, thoughtful gifts that truly capture the spirit of this amazing city. Happy hunting, and may your luggage allowance be ever in your favour!
Want to discover the stories and places behind these souvenirs? Join us on an Indie Singapore Tour where we explore the neighbourhoods, culture, and history that make Singapore so unique!