Every Chinese New Year, a pair of oranges is a must-bring when you go bai nian, as they symbolise good luck and prosperity. It’s also a CNY tradition when visiting – skip it, and you might earn a side-eye from the host.
But this year, you can swap the usual fruit for something a little more adorable: Carer Singapore’s jellycat-inspired handmade gifts. These CNY-themed decorations are handmade by the elderly who spend their days at the senior activity club, helping them stay active and creative.
Image credit: Carer
Carer is an app that helps busy adults care for their elderly loved ones. They can use the app to set reminders for appointments and medications, upload medical reports and invoices, and share them with other family members in real time.
Beyond the app, Carer also offers medical escort, home care, and activity club services for seniors. The activity club, in particular, runs workshops and craft sessions where seniors learn to make handmade gifts, from jellycat-inspired CNY decor to cookies and cakes.
Since Carer doesn’t receive government subsidies, every purchase from the gift store and part of the proceeds help fund these activities, keeping seniors engaged in their golden years.
Meet 橙可爱 (chéng kě ài) – a witty pun that roughly means “adorable orange” in English. These Premium Handmade Oranges are made using pipe cleaners, those fuzzy and flexible sticks you probably used in school craft projects.
Image adapted from: @sherlyn_carer via TikTok
Seniors and their carers make every piece, so no two oranges are the same. We also love that the leaves are all shaped differently, and that the seniors even took the time to protect each orange with a fruit foam sleeve. It’s clear these are made with love and a lot of care.
For maximum huat, grab a whole carton with 8 oranges for $148. But if you’re just looking for something small to bring for CNY visiting, get 2 oranges with a gift bag for $38.
Image adapted from: @sherlyn_carer via TikTok, Carer
Another must-have for CNY is pineapples – say hello to 旺可爱 (wàng kě ài), which means “adorably prosperous.” Like the Mandarin oranges, the Premium Handmade Pineapple is a team effort: seniors fold and shape the pipe cleaners, while carers handle the trickier bits, like using a hot glue gun to stick on the eyes and smiles.
Even if you’re not planning to display it for CNY, this little pineapple is perfect for rolling around your new BTO or home – a cute, zero-mess alternative to the real fruit.
Each handmade pineapple is priced at $98, and if you’re thinking of gifting one, you can snag a second pineapple for $90.
These handmade gifts have gone viral on TikTok, so better act fast. You’ll also get to enjoy free shipping on orders above $100.
Take note that all orders are processed within 7 business days, excluding weekends and public holidays. After all, good things take time, and these handmade gifts will definitely be worth the wait.
More viral products to shop:
Cover image adapted from: Carer, @sherlyn_carer via TikTok
There’s a limit of 2 pieces per item, so fastest fingers first.
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There’s also a cafe within the exhibition space to check out.
Includes light-ups and hands-on activities for the whole family.