Image adapted from: Joom, CherryAndOak
We Singaporeans are a practical bunch. When it comes to housewarming gifts, we don’t want to give friends purely decorative items that’ll just collect dust in a corner. Besides, functional items are always more thoughtful than angbaos and supermarket vouchers.
Here are 8 practical items under $50 that your friend won’t be re-gifting to someone else this Christmas.
Check out our other gift guides:
Image credit: Joom
When the tropical weather heats up, it pays to have a USB-powered mini-fridge ($25.31) right in your room so you don’t have to get up to rummage around in the kitchen. This one holds two cans, or a regular-sized bottle.
For those who prefer fighting fire with fire, this fridge from Lazada can also keep drinks hot. Just flip a button on the USB cable to change the setting.
Beauty junkies can also use this mini-fridge to store moisturisers or a jade facial roller, for the ultimate morning perk-me-up for the skin.
Get it here.
Image credit: Kirona Scent
Freshen up any room with the USB-chargeable Blanc Portable Diffuser ($19.90) from Singapore-based aromatherapy store Kirona Scent. Just 9.7cm wide, it offers seven LED light colour settings, allowing it to serve as a night light at the same time. Your friend will also breathe easy with its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
You can add one of their water-based botanical essential oils to your gift for $6. Place 5-7 drops on the absorbent pad in the diffuser to get it going. There are 56 fragrances available, from anxiety- and allergy-relieving Chamomile, to decongesting Eucalyptus and memory-boosting Rosemary.
Image credit: Kirona Scent
For something more understated without the colourful lights, go for the Arctic Mountain USB Diffuser ($24.90) with a marble design that makes it a classy table piece.
Press the button to release 5 hours of misty fragrance with the included bottle of essential oil. The diffuser will turn off automatically once it is done working its magic — perfect for those who need something to help them fall asleep after a long day’s work.
Image credit: TMall
No more sticking to sandwiches for breakfast when you have Kenwood’s 3-in-1 Multi-Snacker ($49.90) from Qoo10, which is a sandwich maker, waffle maker, and grill all rolled into one with its different plate attachments. With this handy appliance, you’ll be able to easily whip up grilled kebabs, griddled omelettes, burritos and more.
The non-stick surface is easy to clean, and the appliance has a safety latch and non-slip rubberised feet for peace of mind.
If your friend has a sweet tooth, you can add an optional plate attachment ($15) with taiyaki and doughnut moulds.
Get it here.
Image credit: Misty Daydream
Marble is making a comeback, especially in white or pastel shades on all sorts of items such as furniture, cutlery and stationery. If your friend is obsessed with the marble trend, they’ll love the Marble Mug ($13.90 each) from Misty Daydream which also comes with a wooden lid and gold spoon.
Image credit: Misty Daydream
These 350ml mugs are available in pink and grey, each with a unique swirly pattern due to the manufacturing process.
Image credit: Misty Daydream
For an additional $6, each cup can be personalised with a name in various fonts such as cursive brush strokes or bold capital letters.
Image credit: Misty Daydream
The same shop also has Crystal Egg Glasses with various shimmery finishes. Pick from glitter gold, glitter rose gold, glitter blue, gold-rimmed or iridescent shades – each is just $9.90 before name or monogram customisation. Perfect for wine or champagne for a home drinking session.
Image adapted from MISSY-A
This isn’t your grandmother’s mahjong set. Set up an overnight housewarming party with your mahjong kakis with an unabashedly pink Hello Kitty or blue Doraemon mini-mahjong set ($49.70 each with shipping). They each come with a portable case, tile racks, and matching table mat.
Image adapted from MISSY-A
Each tile is 20 mm by 14 mm, and the tablecloth is 45 by 45cm, so your festivities won’t take up too much space in a small BTO apartment. These mahjong sets will fit nicely on a coffee table or any table top, with plenty of room for snacks.
Get them here.
Image credit: Heyday
Bring the full moon right into your friend’s home with this moon-shaped mood lamp ($39.89 with shipping). Mounted on a geometric wooden base, it works as a night light or desk lamp that also doubles as an elegant centrepiece.
Image credit: CherryAndOak
3D-printed according to a NASA moon photo, it offers three colour settings and is easily charged with a provided USB cable.
Get it here.
Image credit: @t2tea
This stippled stone Scandi Teapot from T2 has a trendy yet timeless aesthetic that’ll match any home, even one that’s not Scandinavian-themed. The muted shades of white, blue and pink will easily blend in with any sort of decor.
Image adapted from T2
A large ($50) teapot holds 700 ml, while a small ($42) 500ml one is also available.
Get them and other variations here.
Image adapted from Shimmerzdust
Adulting means becoming a master of the kitchen, and even self-proclaimed noobs can whip up a quick meal in one shot with the Morries Electric Lunch Box ($35.37 including shipping).
Simply dump all your raw ingredients such as rice, vegetables, eggs or chicken into the heat-resistant stainless steel pot and leave them to cook. Once the lunch box vent starts releasing steam in 20-30 minutes, detach the cover with its handles and dig in. You can also pop in takeaway food for reheating in only 5 minutes.
Image credit: @sum2w
Having this “magic pot” on hand means there’s only one device to clean rather than multiple pots and pans, saving on time and hassle. Rest assured that it has been awarded the Singapore SAFETY mark as well.
Get it from Lazada here.
A utilitarian household gift that also looks easy on the eye will certainly warm the house and hearts of your friends. And perhaps these will provide some inspiration for your own dream BTO in future.
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