Let’s face it: Christmas is expensive. And it can be difficult to fill stockings for your loved ones with meaningful things that aren’t just cheap plastic rubbish that you know they’re going to throw away or wind up collecting dust someplace.
So, to get you started this year, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of affordable conscious gifts that are less wasteful, more useful, and environmentally friendly, and that will make your loved ones, your wallet, and the Earth very, very happy. We’ve got something for everyone. Most importantly, you’ll be able to create memories with your loved ones this holiday season, clutter-free, consciously, and affordably!
Experiences
Concert Tickets
This is a bit tricky, as concert tickets nowadays are just too expensive even for general admission. However, concert tickets don’t have to be reserved for famous acts! Maybe there’s a local up-and-coming artist in your city that’s having a live performance, or an international artist is touring and happens to stop by your city. OneRepublic will be having a concert in Singapore on February 28th, 2023, with tickets starting at $98!
Escape Room passes
Looking for hands-on activities with friends or family? Escape rooms are just the thing for you. Themed, extremely immersive, and with elaborate plots that make you feel like a movie character, these games aren’t just for fun; you’ll need to use your critical thinking abilities to pick out clues that will help you continue and reach the exit! There are quite a number of escape rooms to pick from across the island, and they are usually no more than $40 per person max, with some as low as $22. Did we mention some places give significant discounts to students as well?
Rock climbing and bouldering gym passes
IMAGE: via The Rock School/Facebook | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: People rock climbing
These are not your average boutique gym passes. Rock climbing and bouldering are gaining popularity these days, and quite obviously! They’re a great way to build your upper-body strength and stamina while also doing something fun and unique! Passes are generally affordable, with some starting at $17.
Consumables
Edible hampers
IMAGE: via The Whole Kitchen | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Festive Christmas biscuits in their transparent plastic wrapper
This year, The Whole Kitchen has come up trumps with a delicious selection of wholesome festive treats. It’s created a range of edible presents (our top picks include the Ginger & Spice Vegan Gift Set and Share a Little Goodness Hamper), all of which are packed with healthy, yummy nuts, biscuits, and more. Look out for its seasonal festive flavours, including gingerbread almonds, cranberry pistachio and chocolate hazelnut biscotti, and rock salt and rosemary nut mix. Whatever you choose, it’ll come in a reusable glass jar or eco-friendly packaging. Shop here.
Haldy® Sugarfree Turmeric Mints
IMAGE: via Haldy | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Three tins of Haldy Sugarfree Turmeric Mints
Haldy Sugarfree Turmeric Mints offer a delightful, revitalizing, and convenient way to incorporate the golden goodness of turmeric into your daily routine. The mints come in premium ‘Patented’ packaging that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally friendly and recyclable. The sleek and chic design of the packaging, smaller than a credit card, houses approximately 40 mints per pack.
What sets Haldy apart is its distinction as the world’s first breath-mint formulation of its kind. It is infused with curcumin extract and manufactured in a facility certified by both the FDA and B.R.C.G.S., ensuring the highest quality and standards. Their Haldy Designer Mini + 6 Mints is on sale now for $30!
Coffee
IMAGE: via Bettr Coffee | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Coffee beans in a roastery
Founded in 2011, Bettr Group, Southeast Asia’s inaugural certified B-Corporation, brews more than just coffee. Specialising in professional beverage education, retail and wholesale specialty coffee, and expansive event services, they also run islandwide coffee bars. You’ll be spoilt for choice for gifts under $100 at Bettr Coffee for the coffee enthusiast in your life! They even have a coffee subscription; whether you prefer beans, capsules, or cold brew bottles, they’ve got the product and plan for you!
Classes
Cooking classes
IMAGE: via Little Green Kitchen | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: GRILLED TOFU CROQUETTES WITH TOMATO SALSA
When it comes to gifting class passes to loved ones, this is a no-brainer. Who doesn’t love food? Cooking class passes are the way to go this holiday season if you know a certified foodie or someone who desperately needs to learn how to cook. Little Green Kitchen along Upper East Coast Road dismisses the misconception that vegetarian cuisine is dull with a variety of lessons that include nutritious desserts, gluten-free cooking, and classic Thai favourites. Classes are $95 per session, with a 10% discount if you sign up for six or more.
Dance classes
Everyone loves to get down and boogie; it’s a given (even if some say they don’t, they definitely do in private), and one of the best things about dance is the variety. From pole dancing to ballet, there are so many dance classes you can choose from. Another upside to dance classes is the sense of community they build. You’ll for sure leave with a new friend or two—or even 10! SLAP Dance Studio offers a huge selection of pole and aerial dance courses for all experience levels, starting at $15 per session. If you’re looking for something less adventurous, Singapore Ballet, previously Singapore Dance Theatre, offers adult classes for beginners and seasoned dancers alike starting at $25.
Art jamming
IMAGE: via Splat Paint House | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A person splattering paint all over a canvas
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience on a weekend to give to your loved ones, art jam sessions are definitely up there. Not only is it therapeutic after a long day or week, you’ll be able to bring back your pieces to display (or even gift) at home. Splat Paint House in Upper Thomson lets you loose and even recommends dressing in clothes that you don’t mind getting a little messy in. The starter kit ($46) comes with a canvas, paints, a syringe, and even a squirt bottle or water cannon for added fun.
Memberships
Gym memberships
This is by far the most obvious one. If you know a friend who frequents a gym or a family member who wants to try out going to a members-only gym, why not gift them a month or two (or up to you) gym membership? Anytime Fitness, dubbed the “7-11” of gyms because you can find one almost anywhere and at any time (pun intended! ), starts at $75–$95 a month, depending on the commitment period. The Gym Pod is a novel “container gym” idea that has spread around the island, with 42 facilities in both the heartlands and the city centre. It is ideal for people who prefer privacy and personal space, and prices range from $7.50 to $9.50 per entry.
Spin class membership
IMAGE: via CRNK it out | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A spin class studio
The trendiest-way-to-sweat award definitely goes to spin classes. Everyone and their mothers have been to one, and chances are, one of your loved ones would love a spin class membership as a gift! Revolution SG, with multiple locations around the central area, starts at $20, with their trial priced at $15 and CRNK at East Coast Road starts at $21. The great thing about a popular exercise activity is the variety of studios to go to! You’re spoilt for choices around the island when it comes to spin classes.
Fashion
Activewear
IMAGE: via Wild About | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Two women in gym wear
Because New Years is just a few days after Christmas and with that comes resolutions that start with going to the gym. And what better way to motivate someone to hit the gym than with new workout gear? Wild About makes sustainable activewear from eco-friendly fabrics with reusable packaging that is good for yoga, gym and dance. Their Gold Dust Bra starts at $95. Dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace authenticity, Wild About collaborates with local artisans, infusing every creation with love and ethics — which sounds just like our own New Year’s resolutions.
Ethical fashion
IMAGE: via OliveAnkara | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Three women in vibrant patterned dresses
OliveAnkara, as a slow fashion brand, operates from a place of curiosity and joy, celebrating the richness that diversity brings to the world. Its mission is to create well-crafted, vibrant designs inspired by traditional African fashion, with a focus on bringing joy and vibrancy to its creations. Their “Reversi” swimsuit tops and bottoms start at $60.
Sustainable clothes for kid
IMAGE: via IKKIKIDZ | IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Five toddlers pose for a picture in nature
Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about your bundle(s) of joy! Based in Singapore, IKKIKIDZ is intricately crafted to cater to the unique niches of our planet, where future game-changers find their footing.
Central to IKKIKIDZ’s ethos is the dedicated use of bamboo, specifically bamboo viscose, as its primary clothing material. Bamboo, a self-replenishing crop, surpasses hardwood trees by releasing 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere, solidifying its status as one of the most sustainable material sources. Through collaboration with artists, architects, and illustrators, IKKIKIDZ adopts a multidisciplinary approach, resulting in garments that transcend mere trendiness and coolness—they also convey meaningful narratives. IKKIKIDZ’s in2dwild collection is on sale now and starts at $28.