Christmas Gift Guide 2023: 10 Best Gifts For Everyone In Your Life From Family & Friends To Colleagues

Christmas Gift Guide 2023: 10 Best Gifts For Everyone In Your Life From Family & Friends To Colleagues

Lifestyle Shopping
By Karmen on 14 Dec 2023
Digital Editor

The gifting season is upon us, and to make your shopping journey a little easier, we've cherry-picked 10 gifts for everyone in your social circle from family and close friends to colleagues.

#1 Perfume Creation Workshop at Maison 21G

Perfume Creation Workshop at Maison 21GPhoto from Maison 21G

When that friend or family member says they don't want anything for Christmas, they might actually mean it. After all, the best gifts are often intangible, like shared experiences. If you'd like to go above and beyond for this special someone, gift them a Perfume Creation Workshop by Maison 21G.

Picture this: a 60-minute private session in a luxurious, vintage apothecary-inspired space, and the thrill of exploring an impressive range of over 30 natural scents. With expert perfume designers on hand to guide you through the whole process, you’ll choose your scent combination and play perfume chemist as you blend them to create a one-of-a-kind treasure. Even the bottle can be customised with your preferred design along with your name or initials.

Yet, beyond the exquisitely personalised perfume lies the real magic of this gift - a fun and pampering time, new perfume knowledge and fond memories.

Priced at $180 per person,  Maison 21G’s Perfume Creation Workshop includes a 30ml Eau de Parfum bottle per guest. Guests can also add on a free flow prosecco or champagne to enhance the experience. The workshop can be booked online at shop.maison21g.com and is available at all Maison 21G boutiques including Marina Bay Sands and Takashimaya Shopping Centre.

#2 Dear Diary Co. Personalised Jewellery

Sweetheart Lovela LOCKET Necklace and Reminiscence NecklacePhoto from Dear Diary Co.

Unboxing a beautiful piece of jewellery will always be a delightful experience, but what makes a gift feel truly sentimental and special is a personalised touch. Dear Diary Co. has the answer. This homegrown label specialises in demi-fine jewellery that can be personalised with an engraved name, initials or message.

One of their best-sellers is the Sweetheart Lovela LOCKET Necklace ($78.90), a heart-shaped mother of pearl shell locket pendant that actually opens. Inside it is an even smaller heart with a custom engraving. For something with a whimsical sheen, go for the Reminiscence Necklace ($78.90) featuring a natural moonstone pendant in three dreamy colours and a "secret" engraving at the back of the pendant.

The older folks in your life would adore the MAHJONG Bracelet ($88.90) with a 'hu' (meaning 'win' in Mandarin Chinese) tile charm surrounded by sparkling flowers. Finishing this masterpiece is a removable tag with engraving and a mini fan and heart charm on each end. Shopping for Gen Z-ers instead? The best-selling Jadore Opal Bracelet ($48.90) will be right up their alley. This sleek, tennis bracelet-inspired piece has a bar of opal and a short row of bling with a heart-shaped engraved tag.

MAHJONG Bracelet and Gift BundlePhoto from Dear Diary Co.

Complete the gift with thoughtful additions like the Limited Edition Mini Jewelry Organiser ($20.90) perfect for travel, or the Dear Diary Christmas Candle ($28.90 – $34.90) to cosy up the home with a festive scent. The latter comes with a free LED light with purchase of two or more candles.

Finally, there will be a 10% off discount on Gift Bundles ($28.90 – $165) which includes jewellery, a candle and more all beautifully presented in a collectible gift bag. Shoppers who make a purchase of $120 or more at Dear Diary Co.'s pop-ups will also receive this cute basket bag for free.

Dear Diary Co.
Shop online or at pop-up stores: Orchard Gateway / Novena Square 2 (till 17 December, 11am-10pm) | Orchard Central (18 - 24 December, 11am-10pm)
Facebook | Instagram

#3 TK TrichoKare Scalp Purifying Therapy

Kristy relaxes while experiencing the Photodynamic TherapyPhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

We all have that one loved one who is too busy taking care of everyone else and need a little treat. There's no better way to treat them right this festive season than with a luxurious hair and scalp treatment! Cue TK TrichoKare's Scalp Purifying Therapy, an award-winning scalp and hair treatment we've raved about endlessly, and for good reason.

It's the ultimate pampering session that includes a detailed scan of the hair follicles and consultation, followed by an indulgent, tailor-made treatment including steps like hydrogen suction to clear the pores, a scalp mask to detoxify, a nutrient-rich ampoule, and infra-red light therapy to boost hair regeneration. The result is a refreshed and rejuvenated scalp that allows hair to grow stronger and healthier.

This treatment is a gift for everyone and anyone as it caters to all, addressing various scalp concerns such as thinning hair and hair loss. Even for those who aren't aware of their scalp issues, this session offers valuable insights into their scalp health.

Best of all, this gift won't break the bank! A full 2.5-hour session is available at a trial price of just $40 nett with our promo code "GirlstyleXTK" that has been extended to 31 January 2024. Book sessions online or via WhatsApp.

#4 Casa Blanca Watches

Classic White Watch | Rose Gold Mesh Strap and Victoria Rose Gold WatchPhoto from Casa Blanca

It's hard to find a gift that will impress someone who has everything, but Casa Blanca's timepieces might do the trick. Modern, timeless and versatile, watches by this local brand have sleek silhouettes and jewellery-like detailing that make them fashion pieces with a practical use. And for all their luxury, these watches are reasonably priced under $130.

Something classic for your sister or bestie is the Classic White Watch | Rose Gold Mesh Strap ($75). This stunning piece is minimalist at first glance but reveals elegant details up close including a white marble face contrasted with rose gold dials and a delicate mesh strap reminiscent of a bracelet. Another universal darling is the Victoria Rose Gold Watch ($99), a charming vintage-inspired watch with a leather strap and natural zircon crystals adding a touch of glamour. It also comes in a 7-Link Bracelet strap for the best of both vintage and modern worlds.

Besides watches, Casa Blanca also does dainty jewellery best. Pieces like the Satellite Chain Necklace ($48), Bar Necklace ($48) and Bold Square C Hoop Earrings ($52) will add a sophisticated oomph to any ensemble.

Satellite Chain Necklace ($48), Bar Necklace ($48) and Bold Square C Hoop EarringsPhoto from Casa Blanca

Casa Blanca's accessories make extra-thoughtful gifts for the eco-conscious as the brand is mindful of its carbon footprint, packaging items in second-hand bubble wrap, brown paper and reusable gift boxes.

Casa Blanca
Shop here: thecasablanca.co
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#5 Cloudy Bay Wines

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023Photo from Cloudy Bay

Dads are notoriously hard to shop for, but you can't go wrong with a good bottle of wine! This festive season, impress your old man with Cloudy Bay's two new and distinct vintage expressions in Singapore - Sauvignon Blanc 2023 and Te Koko 2021. Both embody fresh and fruity undertones and has that quintessential character of New Zealand's wine.

The former has an inviting aroma with ripe honeydew melon, passionfruit, citrus, and a delicate hint of fresh blackcurrant leaf. On the palate, it's concentrated and elegant, featuring those fruity flavours at its core balanced by a refreshing sea air quality.

The latter has been through gentle pressing and settling for 24 hours, before undergoing a slow and steady fermentation initiated by indigenous yeasts. The result is complex layers of peach, preserved citrus and toasted nuts, complemented with saline minerality for a fresh palate-cleansing finish.

Sauvignon Blanc 2023 retails for $52 at Cold Storage while Te Koko 2021 will be available at The Oaks Cellars for $104.

#6 GODIVA Chocolates

GODIVA Feel The Magic Of Christmas collectionPhoto from GODIVA

Who doesn't love gourmet chocolates, especially when it arrives as a gift? And when it doubt, you can count on GODIVA's presentable and delicious gourmet chocolate gift sets to delight just about anyone. This year, GODIVA has brought out a Feel The Magic Of Christmas collection that features their most ornate packaging yet. The designs are inspired by fairy-tale joy, featuring elegant castles, fireworks, pine trees, stars and teddy bears. Completing each set is the brand's ribbon bow so it's all ready to gift at once.

Standouts include the adorable cottage-shaped Holiday Tin G Cube 15 pcs ($42) and the gingerbread man-shaped Holiday Keepsake Carré Tin 10pcs ($38). In the tins and boxes are decadent morsels of truffles and chocolates including three new festive creations: Pecan Pie Chocolate Truffle, Passionfruit Coconut Rice Pudding, and Pumpkin Pie Chocolate Truffle.

For an office gift exchange on a budget, go for the Holiday Novelty with G Cube Truffle ($8), a truffle-filled tree ornament shaped like a Christmas stocking. Have someone special worth splurging on? Gift them the Holiday Chocolate Luxury Box ($338), a luxe red fabric box with Swarovski embellishments that holds 42 GODIVA chocolate pieces.

GODIVA's Feel The Magic Of Christmas collection is available online and in boutiques at Takashimaya, Suntec City, Raffles City, Bugis Junction and Jewel Changi Airport.

#7 BreadTalk DIY Cookies Set

BreadTalk DIY Cookies SetsPhoto from BreadTalk

Something that'll keep the little ones entertained and satisfy their sweet tooth at the same time is BreadTalk's latest collection of DIY gingerbread cookie sets ($13)! Each kit comes with gingerbread cookie pieces, colourful chocolate pipings and sprinkles - everything needed to transform the spiced cookies into works of art.

There are a few cute designs to choose from including DIY A Letter to Santa Claus that has a postcard-like cookie and smaller cookies that look like a stamp and wax seal. For a more classic option, there's the DIY Gingerbread Cookies Set which comes with cookies shaped like a Christmas Tree, Gingerbread Man and BreadTalk's mascot dressed as Santa.

BreadTalk's DIY Cookies Sets are available at all BreadTalk outlets island-wide.

#8 XMAS KOI Card Gift Set

BB Bear Phone Stand and XMAS KOI Card Gift SetPhoto from KOI

Bubble tea is the nation's unofficial favourite beverage, so everyone must have at least one bubble tea lover to shop for this festive season. A gift that's guaranteed to put a smile on these boba enthusiasts' faces is the XMAS KOI Card Gift Set ($15 or $23, worth $25 and $55 respectively). Curated by the bubble tea brand, this set comes with a scented card that can be used as a tree ornament, and a Christmas-themed gift card containing vouchers for free drinks, toppings and more.

To take your gift to the next level, add on the BB Bear Phone Stand ($10) that features the bear mascot with a smooshed face standing on a gift box. It comes with a Xmas Edition Eco Cooler Bag that can be used to keep bubble tea nice and cold to enjoy later.

KOI's XMAS merchandise and gift card are available at all KOI Thé & Express outlets while stocks last.

#9 Bubble Tea-Inspired Eyewear

Lenskart x PlayMade EyewearPhoto from Lenskart

An unlikely but brilliant duo, Lenskart and PlayMade, has created a collection of bubble tea-inspired eyewear. Think delicious-looking colours, bubble tea icons and gradient designs reminiscent of Playmade's drinks.

The eyewear is also playfully named - Brown Sugar Fresh Milk, Mango Pink Cactus, and Pink Cactus Smoothie. Every purchase from this collection comes with a free charm set. Use is as a glasses chain, hand it across your bags for a cute look, or use it as home decor!

Along with the launch, PlayMade will also be introducing a limited edition Mango Pink Cactus with two special toppings: pink cactus foam and juicy mango pearls.

The exclusive Lenskart x PlayMade eyeglasses are priced at $148, and are available at all Lenskart outlets in Singapore (except IMM and Toa Payoh), and online at lenskart.sg while stocks last.

#10 Character-Themed Wireless Charging Stands

infoThink Spider-Man Series Wireless Charging StandPhoto from infoThink

The Marvel fans in your friend group or family would be in geek heaven with this infoThink Spider-Man Wireless Charging Stand. The charging pad is designed to look like the superhero's spider suit, and lounging by the charging phone is the man himself as a cute 3D figurine that doubles as a night light. To switch on the LED light or adjust the brightness, tap Spider-Man on the head!

It supports up to 10W wireless fast charging and is compatible with any mobile phone or tablets that meet the Qi wireless charging specification. That includes iPhones 11 to 14, Samsung S6 to S10, Nokia, LG, hTC, Google, AirPods and AirPods Pro.

thecoopidea X Sanrio PALLET Wireless Charging PadPhoto from thecoopidea

If your friends and family prefer cute characters over Marvel superheroes, go for these adorable Sanrio-themed ones by thecoopidea. It comes in four kawaii designs, each featuring a different Sanrio character: Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll and Little Twin Stars. This wireless charging pad delivers fast charging and every one comes with a Type-C cable. It's compatible with iOS and Android Wireless Charging Devices and supports 10W / 15W wireless fast charging.

Shop the infoThink Spider Man Series Wireless Charging Stand on shopee.sg for $58.21, and thecoopidea X Sanrio PALLET Wireless Charging Pad on shopee.sg for $57.50.

Looking for gifts for beauty and fashion lovers? Check out our other gift guides: