The best souvenirs you’ll bring back from holidays

Singapore, Singapore - October 15, 2016: Souvenir in gift shops at Little India, Singapore during Deepavali day

Travel itself might be the lifeblood of our industry, but souvenirs are the real-life keepsakes that keep our memories alive.

Whether it’s a piece of jewellery handmade by locals, market spices and sarongs, or a piece of art unlike anything you’ve ever seen before, souvenirs are the best way to preserve your travel experiences.

So we’ve rounded up some of the best bits of art and design souvenirs you can nab in the incredible city of Singapore, rich with cultural communities, urban jungles and history that spans far beyond our own.

Here’s  things to pick up when you next get a chance to travel to Singapore.

1. Accessories from Little India

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Visit the vibrant Little India Arcade, a row of shophouses full of brilliant finds like saris (traditional South Asian garment) and lavish accessories. Then, take a stroll around Tekka Centre for a variety of affordable clothes or spend some time getting lost in Mustafa Centre, the one-stop department store for anything and everything.

Where to buy: Little India Arcade at 48 Serangoon Road, Tekka Centre at 665 Buffalo Road, Mustafa Centre at 145 Syed Alwi Road

2. Cheongsams from Chinatown

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Show off your silhouette with flair by adding an elegant cheongsam (traditional silk dress worn by Chinese women) to your wardrobe. Swing by any of the many shops in Chinatown and browse through off-the-rack selections going at affordable prices.

You could even get one custom-fitted – imagine a cheongsam finished with fine workmanship and the most luxurious of fabrics to call your very own.

Where to buy: People’s Park Complex, Chinatown Point, Yue Hwa Chinese Products Emporium

3. Batik material from Arab Street

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For the fashionistas among us, put together your own signature Singapore look with Batik fabric.

Browse the many libraries of batik materials along Arab Street, where fabric ranges from machine-printed to hand-stamped (Pro tip: the price tag varies accordingly).

Where to buy: Toko Aljunied, Batik Emporium, Bian Swee Hin & Co at Arab Street

4. Jewellery

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Singapore has a vast array of incredible jewellery that makes the ultimate keepsake of your travels. Get arty and artisanal with Carrie K., a local jewellery label that makes sleek statement pieces for men and women.

Whether you’re looking for sterling silver electroform bowties, or made-to-order pave diamond rings, Carrie K. is bound to have something to your taste.

Where to buy: National Design Centre. 111 Middle Road, #02-03, Singapore 188969

5. Old-school Singaporean tableware

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Recreate that authentic Singapore dining experience with some old-school Singaporean tableware.

Think glass mugs like those used to serve up iced milo or Tiger Beer in hawker centres, porcelain kopi (coffee) cups and saucers, and enamel bowls embellished with intricate illustrations – these vintage trinkets will make the perfect colourful addition to your dining table or china collection.

Where to buy: Hai Seng Porcelain at 4 Sago Lane, or BooksActually at 9 Yong Siak Street

6. Capture Singapore festivities in a gift box

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A giftware shop showcasing contemporary Singapore culture, Supermama is the place to find a variety of carefully curated items. The shop, which has the vibe of a fun and inviting art gallery, is known for its contemporary giftware line.

Their minimalist designs incorporate common local sights such as HDB flats (public housing apartment blocks) and construction cranes that may not make it into the usual travel photo galleries or tourist guidebooks.

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