The City Nomads Christmas Gift Guide 2019
PUBLISHED December 2nd, 2019 12:24 pm | UPDATED December 10th, 2019 11:20 am
We know how it goes each December. Before the festive fun and feasting, there’s all the frenzy of Christmas shopping to get through! It’s always tough finding stocking stuffers to pamper your loved ones in style, but we’ve got you covered with our top picks in spirits, scents, and everything in between. Whether you’re shopping for the audiophile or eco-warrior, our Christmas gift guide has a lil’ something for everyone.
Smart Speakers, Sonos
Perfect for: Music junkies and home DJs
What a time to be an audiophile. Today’s best speakers combine state-of-the-art sound with smart control, and Sonos’ range is right at the cutting edge. Its speakers feature built-in Google Assistant, with Alexa set to be available for the Singapore market in the near future. These multiple voice assistants make it easy to start up a song, check the weather, and get answers to questions – all while grooving around the house. For the ultimate TV upgrade, the sleek Sonos Beam (S$699) soundbar packs quite the audio punch. For quality sound on the go, check out the weatherproof and drop-resistant Sonos Move (S$729); and for a mini but mighty home speaker, the Sonos One (S$329) is unbeatable. Plus, you’ll save S$40 off Sonos One when purchasing between 3 to 29 December 2019.
Available online at trysonos.sg, Challenger, and Harvey Norman stores.
Wireless Earphones, Klipsch
Perfect for: Those on the go
Know someone with endless calls to take? Pamper the busy bee in your life with a set of Klipsch’s T5 True Wireless Earphones (S$349), packed with no less than four mics for crystal-clear voice calls. These stylish earbuds boast snap-fit ear tips for maximum comfort and noise isolation, along with an all-new Bluetooth 5.0 chipset for increased signal and range. What’s more, with eight hours of battery life and an additional 24 hours from its sleek charging case, even the longest workday won’t ever have it running out of juice. Klipsch has just released a gorgeous edition of the T5 True Wireless in ‘Triple Black‘ colourway, so be sure to snag this beauty at a special price of S$319 between 3 to 29 December 2019!
Available online at tcacoustic.asia, Courts, and Takashimaya.
Handcrafted Tea Blends, A.muse Projects
Perfect for: Your tea devotee
Fact: when you’re a tea lover, there’s no such thing as too much tea. This rings especially true for local brand A.muse Projects‘ artisanal brews, which push the boundaries of a good cuppa in intriguing ways. Compatible with Nespresso® machines, the 100% Compostable Tea Pods (S$18 for a box set of 12) make teatime fabulously fuss-free – simply pop in a capsule and press a button for earl grey, peach green, or chamomile lavender goodness. In a spicy mood? The Prana Chai – Masala Blend (S$28 for 250g, S$111 for 1kg) yields a rich cup of black ceylon tea and Australian honey, infused with spices like cinnamon and star anise. But if you’re after That Perfect Secret Santa Gift (S$20), this power pack of Orange Mulled Wine Tea, a tea hook infuser, and a BREW pouch is sure to please.
Available online at amuseprojects.com.
The Greatest Christmas Tales, Scene Shang
Perfect for: The friend with new digs or home in need of spruce-up
Inspired by the Art Deco glory days of 1930s Shanghai, Scene Shang’s homeware and furniture will bring a pop of glamour to any home. Its festive collection The Greatest Christmas Tales is all bold geometries and mellow hues – think fish and butterflies flickering across hand-painted vases (S$69), and lacquer jewellery boxes in floral designs (S$229). For some natural textures that’ll vibe with any home look, try the Grass Weave Drum Stool (S$89/S$129) or the Braided Jute Round Rug (S$299). Have a pal you’re always spilling the tea with? Gift them some Quinteassential Tea (S$7.90-S$19.90), and a gold-trimmed LOVE 爱 Mug (S$32.50) to match.
Available online at shop.sceneshang.com or at Raffles Hotel, #02-09, 328 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 188719.
Limited Edition Gift Packs, Johnnie Walker
Perfect for: The tipsy tippler in your life. We all know (at least) one.
Johnnie Walker’s latest range of collectibles are as extensive as they are exquisite. Those still nursing that Game of Thrones hangover will love the quirky pair of Clynelish whiskies: A Song of Ice, a bottling as crisp and fresh as the north, and A Song of Fire, smoky and rich with red fruit notes. For that Scotch-swirling connoisseur, splurge on the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Glenury Royal (S$428) – a buttery, luxurious blend of rare malts from now-defunct Glenury Royal and other distilleries. And for an auspicious touch, check out the John Walker & Sons XR21 Phoenix Pack (S$179), a glorious blend of extra-rare whiskies aged 21 years and beyond.
Available at 1855 Bottle Shop.
Cat-Themed Jewellery, Alfie de Meow
Purr-fect for: The stylish cat lady or gentleman
Cats-only jewellery label Alfie de Meow is the last word in feline fashion. From sassy Meowlion earrings (S$22) to dainty cat-face rings to Cat in a Pocket (S$15) brooches crafted from eco-bamboo, this homegrown brand has everything you need to make a cat lover meow-vellously happy. Best of all, you’ll be shopping for a good cause – Alfie de Meow donates 10% of its sales proceeds to cat welfare groups such as CATSI in Singapore.
Available online on Etsy or at various stockists across Singapore.
Candle Gift Sets, Hush Candle
Perfect for: The scent lover, or the one who needs self-care
Scented candles are one of those timeless gifts – what’s not to love about a present that smells good and lifts your mood? Homegrown label Hush Candle gets the soothing vibes going with its organic soy candles, hand-crafted with therapeutic-grade essential oils. Breathe in the freshness of pine trees and Christmas spices with the Festive Gift Set (S$54), comprising a Christmas Woods room spray along with two candles of orange clove and cinnamon patchouli. You can also put together individual candle gift sets (S$20) or sets of three (S$57), featuring seductive scents like peppermint orange and sandalwood nutmeg.
Available online at hushcandle.com or at various stockists across Singapore.
Plant-A-Tree, Hanky Buddies
Perfect for: Your eco-friends
Hanky Buddies’ mission is to save the earth from paper and plastic pollution, one hanky at a time. Ditch the tissues and get hanky-panky with their funky designs, each priced at a pocket-friendly S$12.95. The Monochrome collection shows off abstract black-and-white patterns, while the Pop collection is for those who like it bright and flashy. They’ve even got hankies adorned with kueh and Merlions, so you can wipe your face the Singaporean way. The best part? Till 31 December 2019, purchase a hanky and 5% of your purchase will go to the “Plant-A-Tree” program by Singapore Environment Council and Garden City Fund.
Available online at hankybuddies.com.
Go Shopper Collection, Moleskine
Perfect for: Artsy-fartsy friends and DIYers
Know someone who can’t get enough of doodling? Let them celebrate their passion for creative with the self-customisable Moleskine Go Shopper (S$41), a resistant yet lightweight tote bag with a plain surface for drawings and words. Available in ruled and plain designs, the bag can be folded away when not in use – any surface crumple just builds up over time along with the contents they choose to put inside. Just like a Moleskine notebook (there’s a dedicated pocket inside to store one), it’s a personal and unique story about who they are.
Available online at at all Moleskine outlets and authorised retailers in Singapore.
Raw Honey, The Rare Honey Company
Perfect for: The one with a sweet tooth
Just in time for Christmas, The Rare Honey Company recently launched in Singapore with a, dare we say, sweet selection of pure raw honey from pristine Australian native forests. Cold-filtered and unprocessed, your giftee can use them for everyday enjoyment: for cooking, as a sweetener for beverages, or even as a condiment for breakfast! Choice picks include the high potency Super Jarrah TA20+ (S$42 for 260g) or for some variety, the Mini Collection Limited Edition Giftbox (S$45) that sees 65g mini jars of Coastal Wildflower, Creamed Karri, Jarrah, and Super Redgum honeys.
Available online at therarehoneycompany.com and by appointment at TRHC Honey Bar, 315 Outram Rd, #10-01, Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074.
Top Image: A.muse Projects
