Any excuse to go shopping, says JO UPCRAFT. She trawls the Internet for her pick of the best online stores for everything from watches to jewellery, books and quirky finds. Take our money already!
Any excuse to go shopping, says JO UPCRAFT. She trawls the Internet for her pick of the best online stores for everything from watches to jewellery, books and quirky finds. Take our money already!
For: Gifts with a difference www.designmuseumshop.sg
Red Dot Design Museum's e-shop has a huge selection of design objects and gifts not commonly found in Singapore.
Among them are awesome stationer y and artworks, techie stuff, home and decor, apparel from the likes of Status Anxiety, and local heritage items such as quirky postcards, sketchbooks and Senz umbrellas.
Stocks are regularly updated, and deliver y by Singpost registered mail takes three to five working days.
For: Staying sane www.surviveasia.com
Surviveasia is one clever idea. Targeted at those living in humid countries (us!), its niche products make coping with the climate easier.
From skincare that won’t slide off your body to cosmetics with sticking power, and hair products that fight frizz and flop, the site aims to save your appearance, stop itchy mosquito bites, and reduce tropical weather-induced breakouts. Everything is organic, including a stellar range of baby products, and tried and tested by the team. Surviveasia even has a fab online chat service, so you can instantly start a conversation to get what you need. Delivery, usually $10, is free if your order exceeds $40.
For: Clothing, lifestyle, health and quirkiness www.megafash.com
Welcome to the equivalent of an online mall showcasing a mash-up of the new and unusual. Megafash focuses on regional brands producing everything from clothing and accessories, like cool Bello animal print T-shirts by a Thai designer and handcrafted Forrest wooden watches from Indonesia, to stationery and artworks, as well as nostalgic Singapore-style homeware. Free registered delivery for orders above $30.
For: A clean and green experience www.soaplah.com
Bar soap is big again.Singaporean Jeannie Chew launched Soaplah after suffering skin problems.The savvy 31-year-old markets her own handmade line of bar soaps (like Honey Frangipani,$12.90,and Peppermint Green Tea, $9.90),using only natural ingredients and essential oils to protect skin from harsh synthetic chemicals.Specifically targeting dryness,oiliness,sensitivity or ageing,Soaplah also has a wonderful range of clay scrubs and masks.Free delivery for orders over $40.
For: Snazzy, one-off accessories www.amadogudek.com
If you’re looking to complete an outfit with a standout piece, this site is just right. Its eclectic collection of necklaces, rings and earrings are designed by 28-year-old Elaine Tan, who fell in love with jewellery-making after stumbling upon a bead shop in Chinatown when she was young.
Crafted from eco-friendly, non-precious materials, her pieces will guarantee glowing remarks like “Ooh, where did you get that?” when you wear them. Local delivery by Singpost takes two to three days. Purchases can also be gift-wrapped and shipped overseas.
For: Good kids’ books www.closetfulofbooks.com
Bookstores may be a diminishing concept in the real world, but not in cyberspace. This site was founded in 2013 by book lovers Denise Tan and Kelvin Ng, who have read every single tome they stock to ensure your kids get the best reads.
The print-loving pair brings pop-up book fairs to schools (your child may have brought home a flyer at some point and asked for spending money), and sells a small selection online as well. There’s a little something for every age, from picture books to teen literature. It’s a good place to discover Singapore children’s book writers, too. Shipping within Singapore is free for orders above $35.
For: Fancy fragrances www.codedeco.com.sg
This elegantly designed site by founder and nose Gauri Garodia is filled with artisanal scents. Find your signature fragrance by clicking on the mood – “sparkling, beach, relaxed” or “dark, regal, vintage”, for example – that most appeals to you.
At around $200, these scents are not cheap, but that’s the price of exclusivity. Code Deco also has an online scent club you might want to check out, too. For $45 a month, it delivers three unique perfumes and a special edition – all selected to fit different moods and occasions – to you. The company currently only ships within Singapore.
