Gifts to send to friends
Image adapted from (clockwise): @bakervsg, @craftsforgreen, @kikisreserve
From dates to dinners, Zoom has taken over our connections with loved ones this Circuit Breaker. It’s great for the most part, but we have to admit it comes with its fair share of, well, connection issues. It doesn’t compare to the thrill of real game nights, the intimacy of real dates or the novelty of finding a new cafe.
If you’re counting down the days to when we can switch from e-meetings to real meetings, here are 10 surprises you can gift your friends to show you still care.
Check out other things to do with friends:
– Food –
1. Cheer packs
Encourage your friends with the gift of dessert
Image credit: @bakervsg
If your friends have a sweet tooth, a Cheer Pack from Baker V might just be the perfect gift. It comes in 3 sizes – petite ($11), medium ($15) and large ($27), all topped with a free A6 postcard (worth $1.90) of your choosing. Each box comes with a mix of macaroons, tarts and cupcakes you can customise for each friend.
On top of the yummy sweet treats, the beautiful presentation also makes the cheer pack suitable for colleagues and relatives. Note that delivery will set you back $15, but quote <BV10OFF> for $10 off to offset the cost of your first order.
Price range: $11-27
Delivery fee: $15 islandwide. Free delivery for orders $100 and up.
2. Basque cheesecake
Image credit: @thekinscafe
Basque cheesecake has taken dessert tables by storm, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of a crisp burnt layer and the creaminess of cheesecake underneath is delectable and more than enough to make a friend’s day.
Although Circuit Breaker is in effect, many bakeries have delivery options to send it your friend’s way. The Kins’ Specialty Coffee’s signature Kins’ Burnt Cheesecake, for one, is available at $8 a slice. Islandwide delivery is free for orders above $35, so consider adding some coffee, sides or even pasta for a complete meal.
Image credit: @keongsaikbakery
Keong Saik Bakery also remains open with delivery and is great for both matcha or pandan cheesecake fans ($8). Preorder is required, so order early to make sure your friends get them on time!
For a halal option, Fluff Bakery is definitely comparable, but save it for special occasions as they only sell whole burnt cheesecake ($75). If that’s a bit much, send their signature bottled cookies (from $15) instead.
The Kin’s Specialty Coffee
Price range: $8-15
Delivery fee: Free islandwide delivery for orders $35 and up. Also available on FoodPanda.
Website
Keong Saik Bakery
Price range: $8-15
Delivery fee: Varies by distance. Also available on FoodPanda and GrabFood.
Website
Fluff Bakery
Price range: $20-80
Delivery fee: $10
Website
3. Brunch
Brunch makes for a great gift, no special occasion required
Image credit: @curiouspalette
Tired of hearing your friend complain about boring breakfasts or lunch? Since your friend can’t go to cafes, bring the cafes to them with brunch delivery.
Eggs, toast and bacon can be found at home, so take it up a notch by ordering something completely out-of-the-box like Curious Palette’s bake-to-order Hotcakes ($16.90) or The Forage Cafe’s grilled waffle sandwiches (from $15).
Alternatively, now that Mcdonalds is open again, send them a Big Breakfast or Hotcakes meal (from $6.90) to say “I’m thinking about you”.
Curious Palette
Price range: From $20
Delivery fee: $10 for orders below $30, $6 for orders above $30. Free delivery for orders $50 and up.
Website
The Forage Cafe
Price range: From $20
Delivery fee: $4-10 depending on region. Free delivery for orders $70 and up.
Website
4. Bubble tea
Image credit: I Love Taimei
Most of us have been deprived for so long that bubble tea is a no-brainer to perk up a friend’s day. However, it’s a rare find these days, and even those that can be delivered often have exorbitant delivery fees. We understand you’re reluctant to pay delivery fees that cost more than the drink – so why not send DIY bubble tea kits instead?
If you’re not sold on the idea yet, think of it as sending over 20 cups of bubble tea at one go. At only $2-$4 per serving, it’s actually quite a steal. There’s a whole variety of brands out there, so take your time to browse and pick from the best DIY bubble tea kits.
Price range: $2-$4 per serving. From $40 per set.
For a quick fix, check out these bubble tea shops that are still open for delivery.
5. Cocktails
Image credit: @kikisreserve
Speaking of drinks, we can’t forget our drinking buddies. Bars and entertainment outlets won’t be opening for some time, but you can relieve the good times by sending them a drink or two from your favourite cocktail bars.
Even Atlas Bar, ranked the 8th best bar globally, now delivers its signature cocktails in bottles (from $18). Send your pals drinks like the ATLAS Martini that you can upsize for added booze. For a more personal touch, Kiki’s Reserve offers customised drinks and bottles (from $26), all wrapped beautifully. We’re sure your friends will be touched when they see their names on a bottle made just for them.
Atlas Bar
Price range: From $18
Delivery fee: $15. Free delivery for orders $100 and up.
Website
Kiki’s Reserve
Price range: From $26
Delivery fee: $15. Free delivery for orders $150 and up.
Website
– Gifts –
6. Matching accessories
Get matching accessories to show the gift of friendship
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but needless to say, we can’t send our girlfriends diamonds. But we can get close by surprising them with accessories, and for much, much cheaper. In fact, you can get earrings for $2 a pair, necklaces from $5 and even wristwatches from $20 on Lazada. Since they’re so affordable, consider getting a matching one for yourself too! It’ll make for a cute #twinning moment.
If you’re looking for something more bespoke, consider stores like Arva with artisanal pieces going from $18.90. Sift & Pick also offers accessories from $30, with an ongoing 12% off promotion for DBS Card members valid till 30th June 2020.
7. Activity kits
A DIY terrarium makes for a therapeutic activity and a thoughtful gift
Image credit: @craftsforgreen
Activity kits are a great way to bid boredom goodbye this Circuit Breaker. It’s the perfect surprise for friends who are looking for something productive to do at home, especially now that school holidays have rolled around.
If you know your friend isn’t great at DIY projects, help him or her start with simple projects like DIY terrarium kits (from $20) from Crafts For Green. Perfume making is also an easy option with Mixology kits ($188) from fragrance designer Oo La Lab.
Image credit: @naked.works
For more experienced friends, challenge them with an embroidery kit. This full set (from $52) from Naked Works comes with a loop, canvas and thread – as well as a virtual tutorial on how to create this masterpiece.
8. Skincare
If your friend offhandedly mentions how bad her skin is getting, surprise her with a care package of skincare products to help. It won’t break the bank either, with products like the Innisfree volcanic colour clay mask ($13) or Etude House Moistfull Collagen Deep Mask Sheet ($4.90).
For friends who are more environmentally conscious, get them soap bars (from $11.90) from local enterprise Bamboo Straw Girl. These vegan-friendly soap bars combat oiliness, nourish the skin and are minimally packaged to avoid wastage.
Your friend will be glowing – not just from the package, but from knowing that she’s well cared for.
Check out our article on how to correctly apply skincare products.
9. WFH care packages
A WFH care package is a thoughtful gift filled with knick-knacks your friends will appreciate
Image credit: @sttokeofficial
Working from home can take its toll, so send over thoughtful items to help your pals out. Instead of racking your brains over what to buy, get them the Work from Home Care Package ($67) from Naiise. It comes with a Sttoke reusable mug, weekly planner, a savoury snack from The Golden Duck, a cat cable organiser and a mosaic tile rubber coaster.
10. Flowers
Even during Circuit Breaker, you can get gorgeous bouquets from webstores like Windflower Florist
Image credit: @windflowerflorist
If all else fails, you can always fall back on a bouquet to brighten up a friend’s day. Flowers delivery options are aplenty online, serving a range of budgets and needs. You can look online for the best deals on fresh flowers, or join telegram groups like Bengs Flowers where florists sell leftover or extra bouquets at lower prices.
That said, while fresh flowers are vibrant and beautiful, they wither quickly. Do opt for preserved flowers or plants to grow if you want to send something that will last longer.
For loved ones who prefer food over flowers, check out these edible bouquets.
Things to deliver to friends
While waiting for Circuit Breaker measures to be lifted, we hope you’re staying in touch with friends and family through digital platforms like Zoom or Skype.
In the meantime, consider sending a gift or two to cheer your friends up in this time of isolation. More than just for the Instagram stories, you’ll be surprised at how a small gesture like this can really go a long way in making someone’s day.
For more activity ideas: