Thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for your SO
It’s that time of year again when you’re going to be bombarded with gift ideas left, right, and centre. Whether you’re scrolling through TikTok or walking through the mall, it’s pretty much unavoidable. But if your better half’s love language is gift-receiving, then you could use all the help you can get.
Here are some thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for your SO that you can easily pick up from the 3 malls in Bugis Town based on their interests and personality.
1. Adventure-seeking – Backpacking & camping essentials
If your partner has been going on and on about how they want to camp overnight at Pulau Ubin or climb Mount Rinjani next year, get them a gift to spur on their adventurous side.
Image credit: @outsidesg via Instagram
If you’re looking for camping accessories, then head to Outside where you can find all the essentials for a perfect date in the outdoors. We’re talking tents, foldable chairs, a cooler box, and even hiking shoes.
Boarding Gate also has travel accessories like portable ceramic cups in festive designs.
Image adapted from: Boarding Gate, Sttoke
When it comes to outdoor activities, a handy backpack is essential. Boarding Gate has plenty of options ranging from compact 20L packs to extra-large packs that can accompany them on longer treks to say Mount Everest Base Camp. These are weather-resistant, come with padded straps for extra comfort, and some are even equipped with anti-theft tech.
Outside
Location: #02-10B, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
Boarding Gate
Location: #03-10A/10B, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
2. Skincare fanatics – Essentials & pretty gift sets
With the UV index going bonkers in SG, we’ve all had to become acquainted with skincare products; at the very least to protect our skin with sunscreen. If you’re in the early stages of a relationship and don’t know your SO that well yet, the gift sets from these stores are a safe bet too.
At Kiehl’s, you simply need to request for your purchases to be wrapped if you want to.
Image adapted from: @thebodyshopsg, @kiehlssg via Instagram
The Body Shop and Kiehl’s are 2 go-to stores to get all your skincare essentials. The former is known for its edelweiss serum and ginger shampoo, while the latter’s star products are the dark spot solution and retinol micro-dose serum.
Perhaps what makes this most apt for a Christmas pressie is the pretty festive packaging that the gift sets come in. The Body Shop even has an advent calendar if you’re thinking of giving your SO something she can surprise herself with every day while counting down to the 25th.
The Body Shop
Location: #01-26/26A/27/27A, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 10am-9.30pm, Daily
Kiehl’s
Location: #01-13, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
3. Gamers & Pop Mart lovers – Movie-inspired gifts
Image adapted from: @gamemartz_official via Instagram
Fans of Naruto, One Piece, and Super Mario will be delighted to receive a Christmas gift featuring their favourite characters. For all things games-related, make a pit stop at GameMartz. They stock games for PlayStation and Nintendo Switch owners such as the highly anticipated Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Hogwarts Legacy.
Image credit: Pop Mart
As for people who go gaga over collectibles and cute art toys, ActionCity is the place to go. Their collection features products from Sanrio, Disney, tokidoki, and plenty of other pop-culture merch that they’ll love. There are also holiday-themed Pop Mart figurines available right now.
Image credit: CapitaLand
And if you’re keen to feast your eyes on larger-than-life Pop Mart Disney figures, head over to Bugis Square and Bugis+ Level 2 Atrium where the pretty installations are on display.
GameMartz
Location: #03-24B, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
ActionCity Plus
Location: #01-HylamSt-K4, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
Pop Mart
Location: #01-HylamSt-K3, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
4. Artsy types – Customised accessories & cute clay models
As for partners who will appreciate something more personalised, giving them a custom-made accessory or an item they can keep on their work desk may just do the trick. In this way, they will constantly be reminded of what a great boyfriend or girlfriend you are.
Image adapted from: Couple Lab Facebook, @nbcstationeryandgifts via Instagram
Couple Lab, as the name suggests, is perfect for matchy-matchy jewellery. You can get couple rings engraved with your own message or a necklace with your couple hashtag as the nameplate. If you just want to make them feel special then perhaps buy a pair of earrings set with their birthstone.
Those who want to get crafty can get art supplies from NBC Stationery and Gifts. Here you’ll find everything you need to create a personal Christmas card. If you don’t have artsy fingers at all, you can still find ready-made gifts like cute clay models and Studio Ghibli-themed merch.
Couple Lab
Location: #02-53/54, Bugis+
Opening hours: 11am-9.30pm, Daily
NBC Stationery & Gifts
Location: #03-05A, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 10.30am-9.30pm, Daily
5. Beauty junkies – Cult favourites & limited edition products
Beauty junkies can never have enough makeup products. And the joy from unwrapping a gift that reveals a cosmetic goodie they’ve been eyeing can’t be beat. Plus, there’s usually limited edition makeup that only launches during the festive season.
In Bugis Town, there are multiple shops in the directory to get beauty products but if you’re looking specifically for MAC and NARS stuff then you’re in luck.
Image adapted from: @narsissist, @maccosmetics via Instagram
Just make your way to the NARS boutique store to get your hands on the limited edition holiday collection for 2023. The theme this year is shimmer and shine featuring products like a glittery eyeshadow palette and a glowy liquid blush set.
MAC Cosmetics also has its own standalone store where you can get your hands on their best-selling items including their Studio Fix fluid foundation and matte lipstick. As for the holiday-exclusive items, you’ll find a metallic highlighter and a 12-colour eyeshadow palette with shades of winter blues and purples.
NARS
Location: #01-15/16, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 10am-9.30pm, Daily
MAC Cosmetics
Location: #01-17/18, Bugis Junction
Opening hours: 10am-9.30pm, Daily
Head down to Bugis Town to get your Christmas gifts sorted
Image credit: CapitaLand
The Christmas jingles playing at every mall are a clear indication that the holiday is fast approaching. If the bottom of your tree is looking a little empty, it’s time to get started on gift shopping. And if you want to come across as a thoughtful partner, then start thinking about which Christmas gift from Bugis Town will make your SO the happiest.
Visit Bugis Town this Christmas season
Bugis Junction
Address: 200 Victoria Street, Singapore 188021
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Bugis Junction
Bugis+
Address: 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Bugis+
Bugis Street
Address: 3 New Bugis Street, Singapore 188867
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Bugis Street
This post was brought to you by Bugis Town.
Cover image adapted from: @thebodyshopsg via Instagram, CapitaLand, @maccosmetics via Instagram