NDP fun packs ranked

When we look back at some of the most memorable NDP moments, we think of the parachuting Red Lions, the iconic F-16 fighter jets, and of course, the fireworks. But no one can deny that these parades would be incomplete without the NDP fun packs.

Since their introduction in 1991, attendees have started looking forward to what the fun pack will look like each year and, more importantly, what’s inside. In celebration of our nation’s upcoming birthday, let’s revisit some fond memories of the various NDP fun packs over the years.

9. The total defence-inspired NDP fun pack (2024)

Remember commemorating Total Defence Day in school? The NDP 2024 fun pack, inspired by the 6 pillars of defence, came in 6 different designs. Each one was hand drawn by 40 student artists, showcasing artworks that uniquely represent Singapore.

Image credit: Ministry of Defence via Facebook

The “shopping” bag was made lightweight and foldable, making for a handy reusable bag after the parade. It included drawstrings to allow for an expandable storage space, and was made using eco-friendly materials to promote Singapore’s efforts towards sustainability.

As for the goodies inside, they were pretty standard, with assorted snacks, hand clappers, temporary tattoos, and, of course, a mini Singapore flag.

Design: 2/5
Contents: 2/5
Nostalgic factor: 2/5

8. The chicken rice fun pack (2021)

Image credit: @wowdealssg via Carousell

For a lot of Singaporeans, there’s only one thought that crossed our minds when we first laid eyes on the NDP 2021 funpack. That’s right, it’s chicken rice – specifically dabao-ed chicken rice.

Image adapted from: @Frunguper via Reddit, Si Yan Zai Chicken Rice via FoodPanda

Inspired by Singapore’s hawker culture, the backpack closely resembled the brown wrapping from takeaway meals we usually get at these stalls. In the interest of sustainability, the bags and everything inside them were made using biodegradable materials.

Although we wouldn’t call it the most fun pack since there were only 4 items inside, it did serve well as a patriotic survival kit. Plus, we applaud the move towards encouraging Singaporeans to go green.

Design: 2/5
Contents: 1/5
Nostalgic factor: 3/5

7. The “I can see everything” NDP fun pack (2016)

Screenshot from: NDPeeps via Youtube

Not only was the 2016 NDP fun pack cute, but the waterproof exterior was a bonus feature. So even if you got wet, you could rest assured that your goodies stayed dry.

The main highlight of the pack had to be the huge red scarf that came within. It made us all want to stand up for Singapore while holding it above our heads.

Image Credit: Choo Yut Shing via Flickr

Pros: Unique translucent design; cool and trendy.

Cons: You’re pretty much giving everyone a free tour of what’s in your bag. If you decided to use it after NDP, you would be likely to feel just a little too exposed.

Design: 3/5
Contents: 2/5
Nostalgic factor: 1/5

6. The daily backpack (2019)

Image credit: Zero Waste Singapore via Facebook

If you’re thinking simple yet stylish, then the NDP 2019 fun pack has to be the winner. We think that this fun pack was one of the most fashionable bags over the years.

Some interesting items were the reusable bamboo straws that doubled as clappers – that’s not to mention the thick booklet of discount vouchers included in every bag.

Design: 3/5
Contents: 3/5
Nostalgic factor: 1/5

5. Mix and match (2014)

Image Credit: Choo Yut Shing via Flickr

The NDP 2014 backpacks came in 6 colour combinations and added pops of colour to the NDP show. Included were clap banners to hype up the performances and adorable SG-themed badges that you could pin to the bag.

The combinations were all kinds of flashy, but the yellow and pink combination had to be the crowd favourite. Who wouldn’t want their very own free, neon-hued JanSport bag? Apart from the usual fun pack inclusions, there was even an LED bracelet that would light up in time with  the tempo of the NDP music.

Design: 4/5
Contents: 2/5
Nostalgic factor: 2/5

4. The fun box in a bag (2010)

Image credit: Sharon via Blogspot

Dubbed the “Fun Tote”, the NDP 2010 fun pack came in 7 different designs by local artists. Plus, the goodies in the fun pack weren’t just thrown inside; no, they were neatly packed into a red box.

It wasn’t just any normal, boring box though – it lived up to its Fun Box moniker – printed with  classic board games such as Snakes and Ladders, bringing back forgotten childhood memories.

Design: 3/5
Contents: 2/5
Nostalgic factor: 3/5

3. Wah! So colourful (2009)

Image Credit: NDPeeps

In 2009, we bade farewell  to the typical shades of red and white with the NDP 2009 fun pack. The fun pack was a reminder of just how colourful and diverse Singapore is, and we were presented with literally every shade of the rainbow. The bags were a huge hit that year thanks to their versatility. You could sling them across your body, remove the front flap for a tote bag moment, or swap them for endless colour combinations.

Goodies included a cute heart lightstick that you could wave during the parade. An iconic year if you ask us.

Design: 4/5
Contents: 2/5
Nostalgic factor: 3/5

2. The DIY bag (2007)

Image adapted from: H55 Studio

The NDP 2007 fun packs basically screamed, “We’re the Power Rangers!” The bags that year were designed so people could use them even after the parade. Unzip the panels for a smaller bag, or leave the panels attached and stuff it to the brim – the possibilities were endless with this one. The range of colours also had owners swapping and trading colours with each other to nail the perfect colour combination.

The goodies that year were extra memorable, including cartoon animal visors and even a mini fan with LED lights on the blades, projecting words like “NDP @ Marina Bay” and “Happy Birthday”.

Design: 5/5
Contents: 3/5
Nostalgic factor: 3/5

1. The time machine (2015)

Image credit: BQ-T via Flickr

Singapore turned 50 that year, and the NDP 2015 fun packs were simply the cherry on top. With 50 different tote bag designs, it was oh, so exciting to see which one we’d get. The bags were stuffed with nostalgic games and snacks such as the figure 8 chocolate candy and Old Maid card games. Among the goodies, the Singa Lion figurine and the country erasers were hot favourites.

Image credit: typicalben

SG50 easily tops our list by putting the fun in the fun pack. And the nostalgic factor is clearly on point.

Design: 3/5
Contents: 4/5
Nostalgic factor: 5/5

Bonus: Multi-themed NDP pack (2025)

Let’s talk about what we can expect this year.

There are 7 different designs for the NDP packs this year, and each one based around 7 different themes that are core to Singapore’s identity: Multiculturalism, Resilience, Openness, Boldness, Care, Contribute, and Future.

Image credit: Ministry of Defence via Facebook

Collaborating with 41 artists from SG Enable and ART:DIS, the packs feature diverse artworks from 41 different artists with disabilities.

Each design represents its theme with splashes of colour and culture, featuring iconic foods like ketupat, as well as uniquely Singaporean architecture like HDB blocks and the Gardens by the Bay. The packs, while all distinct, are a reflection of what aspects make Singapore strong and unique. They’re also an expression of hope for our country’s future.

What’s inside the NDP fun pack 2025?

The NDP goodies bag includes a foldable fan, wet wipes, a bucket hat, sunscreen, along with various snacks and drinks from local brands like FairPrice Truffle chips and Yeo’s soy milk.

Where should I collect my NDP fun pack?

The NDP fun packs will be handed out at the National Education Shows, NDP Preview Shows, and the National Day Parade on the 9th of August. NDP packs are available for on-site collection at Heartland or Bay celebration sites for registered visitors. Additionally, participants at Pledge Events can also collect their packs on-site.

Ranking of NDP fun packs over the years

And there we have it – the final ranking of our favourite NDP fun packs that left us as proud Singaporeans. It has become a tradition that we look forward to every year, and we seriously can’t imagine what NDP would be like without them. Definitely a lot less fun-packed.

For more National Day content, check out:

• • NDP music video locations
  • Ranking NDP songs
  • Guide to NDP 2025

Cover image adapted from: @wowdealssg via Carousell, Choo Yut Shing via Flickr
Last updated by Adriel Ang on 10th July 2025.