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13 Singapore Souvenirs

13 Singapore Souvenirs

13 Singapore Souvenirs

Are you looking for some Singapore souvenirs that perfectly capture the essence of the Lion City?

We’ve put together a handy guide to popular souvenirs and gifts from Singapore, where to buy them, and their approximate costs.

From iconic Merlion keepsakes to the aroma of orchid perfumes, these souvenirs offer a tangible piece of the city’s rich culture and history.

So, read on and bring a piece of Singapore home with you!

Remember, whenever you’re shopping for souvenirs, it’s essential to consider the cultural significance of the items and support local artisans and businesses where possible. Additionally, be sure to check customs regulations to ensure you can bring these items back to your home country.

1. Merlion Souvenirs

The Merlion, a national icon of Singapore, is a mythical creature with a lion’s head and a fish body. The lion represents Singapore’s original name, “Singapura,” or “Lion City” in Malay, while the fish body symbolizes the city’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. Souvenirs featuring the Merlion range from small keychains and refrigerator magnets to larger statues, all perfect for remembering your visit.

2. Orchid Perfumes

Orchids are the national flower of Singapore, and the city-state is renowned for its breathtaking orchid cultivars. Local companies create orchid perfumes using extracts from these unique flowers, resulting in fragrances that truly capture the essence of Singapore. Each scent is an aromatic reminder of the country’s stunning botanical gardens and green spaces.

3. Singapore Sling

The Singapore Sling is a world-renowned cocktail invented at the iconic Raffles Hotel in 1915. This gin-based cocktail includes pineapple, lime, and grenadine, among other ingredients, creating a fruity and enjoyable drink. Pre-mixed Singapore Sling souvenirs, often in beautifully designed bottles, allow you to savour this classic cocktail back home.

🍸 Purchase A Raffles Singapore Sling Cocktail Pack 🍸

4. RISIS Orchid Jewellery

RISIS, a well-known Singaporean jewellery brand, creates unique pieces using real orchids coated in 24k gold. These exquisite pieces, from necklaces and earrings to brooches, elegantly encapsulate Singapore’s national flower, making them a truly unique and valuable memento.

5. Kaya Jam

Kaya is a traditional coconut milk, eggs, and sugar jam. This delicacy is often served on toast, creating a sweet and creamy breakfast enjoyed by locals. Jars of Kaya jam make great gifts, offering a taste of Singaporean food.

🥪 Ya Kun Kaya Toast Voucher Available 🥪

6. Bak Kwa (BBQ Pork Jerky)

Bak Kwa is a Chinese savoury-sweet dried meat product similar to jerky. This delicious snack is often associated with Chinese New Year festivities in Singapore but is enjoyed year-round. Bak Kwa is usually barbecued over a charcoal fire, imparting a smoky flavour that adds to its unique taste.

7. Singaporean Tea

TWG, a luxury tea brand established in Singapore, offers a wide variety of high-quality teas. Some unique blends, like the Singapore Breakfast Tea, incorporate local flavours like pandan and pineapple. These teas offer a flavorful memory of your visit to Singapore.

8. Laksa Paste

Laksa is a beloved Singaporean dish—a spicy noodle soup with a rich tangy coconut milk base. You can bring home packets of laksa paste, including all the spices and flavours you need to recreate this iconic dish in your kitchen.

9. Local Design Items

Singapore’s vibrant and diverse design scene reflects the country’s multicultural heritage. Local designers produce a wide range of products, from fashion and accessories to home decor and art. These items often incorporate traditional Singaporean motifs, offering a stylish and modern way to remember your visit.

🛍 Join A Food Factory Shopping Tour 🛍

10. Peranakan Wares

Peranakans, also known as Straits Chinese, are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay archipelago, including Singapore. Their unique, vibrant culture is reflected in traditional wares, like intricately patterned tiles, kebayas (traditional blouses), and beaded slippers. These items offer a glimpse into this unique Southeast Asian culture.

😍 Join A Peranakan Heritage Tour with Peranakan Tile Painting 😍

11. Tiger Balm Products: Tiger Balm

 

Originating in Singapore, Tiger Balm is a world-renowned brand providing a range of herbal ointments, balms, and liniments. Used for nearly a century, these products are highly effective in providing relief from various aches, pains, and other ailments. The balm comes in a distinctive hexagonal jar, and its potent herbal aroma is instantly recognisable. As a practical and historical souvenir, Tiger Balm products embody a piece of Singapore’s history in healthcare innovation.

12. Souvenirs from Gardens by the Bay

Gardens By The Bay

Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit destination in Singapore, famous for its stunning SuperTree Grove and climate-controlled biomes. The gift shop offers a range of botanical-themed souvenirs, including DIY plant terrarium kits, orchid-scented toiletries, and flower-inspired accessories. They also sell beautiful prints and postcards featuring the Gardens’ most iconic sights. These souvenirs commemorate your visit to this remarkable attraction and reflect Singapore’s commitment to urban greenery and sustainability.

🌸 Buy Gardens By The Bay Tickets 🌸

13. Keychains or Ref Magnets

If you are gifting to a lot of people, then keychains or refrigerator magnets are recommended. There are various designs, relatively affordable and small enough to easily fit in your luggage. Every time you see these items, they serve as a pleasant reminder of your trip to Singapore.

Where To Buy Souvenirs In Singapore

Here’s a table with suggestions on where you can buy these souvenirs and their approximate cost in Singapore dollars (SGD) as of 2023. Prices may vary depending on the specific shop and the quality of the product.

SouvenirWhere to BuyApproximate Cost (SGD)
Merlion SouvenirsSouvenir shops, Changi Airport$3 – $30
Orchid PerfumesSingapore Botanic Gardens shop, Singapore Memories Store$15 – $128
Singapore SlingRaffles Hotel Gift Shop, Changi Airport$30 – $90
RISIS Orchid JewelryRISIS stores$130+
Kaya JamSupermarkets, Ya Kun Kaya$5 – $10 per jar
Bak KwaBee Cheng Hiang, Lim Chee Guan$30 – $40 per 500g
Singaporean TeaTWG Tea Salons$16 – $60
Laksa PasteSupermarkets, Mustafa Centre$5 – $10 per packet
Local Design ItemsDesign Orchard, Naiise, Haji LaneVaries widely
Peranakan WaresPeranakan Museum shop, Kampong Glam, Little India$10 – $200
Tiger Balm ProductsPharmacies, Supermarkets$5 – $10 per jar
Gardens by the Bay SouvenirsGardens by the Bay Gift Shop$10 – $100
Singapore Keychains or Ref MagnetsMarkets in Bugis Street, Chinatown, Little India, etc.<$1 each

Please note that these prices are approximations, and the cost may vary. Additionally, these items may be available in many different stores around Singapore, not just the locations mentioned here. Always compare prices and consider the quality of the products when making your purchase.

Final Thoughts On Singapore Souvenirs

Remember, the best souvenirs are the ones that mean something to you, that spark a memory, or that you’ll actually use. The joy of travel comes from the experiences you have, the people you meet, and the memories you make – souvenirs are simply a way to hold onto a piece of that joy once you’re back home.