Things to Buy in Singapore: A Local's Shopping List
Singapore is a shopping paradise — but the real trick isn’t finding things to buy; it’s knowing what’s actually worth bringing home. From kaya jam that tastes like a hawker breakfast to Peranakan-inspired keepsakes that tell a story, this is your curated Singapore shopping list of the best things to buy in Singapore for gifts, souvenirs, and treats to enjoy long after you’ve left.
Whether you’re a tourist planning what to buy in Singapore or someone shopping ahead to send gifts home, this guide focuses on authentic, travel-friendly picks you can find (and ship) with ease.
🌏 Can’t carry it all? Everything here can be ordered online and shipped worldwide — handy if you’ve run out of luggage space or already flown home.
Food and Edible Gifts
Edible souvenirs are the most universally loved gifts from Singapore. They’re shelf-stable, deeply local, and make instant hits with friends and family.
Kaya (Coconut–Pandan Jam)
Kaya is a fragrant coconut-and-egg jam scented with pandan, a staple of Singapore’s kopitiam breakfast culture. It’s sweet, creamy, and unmistakably Singaporean — perfect spread on buttered toast.
- Who it suits: Foodies, breakfast lovers, anyone who enjoys unique spreads.
- Bringing it home: Choose smaller jars for carry-on; unopened jars keep for months. Many online shops ship worldwide.
Bak Kwa (Barbecued Pork Jerky)
Thin slices of sweet-savoury barbecued pork, glazed with soy and spices. It’s a Lunar New Year favourite but enjoyed year-round.
- Who it suits: Meat lovers and snackers who like savoury-sweet profiles.
- Bringing it home: Vacuum-packed packs travel well, but check your country’s meat-import rules before flying — some destinations prohibit meat products entirely.
Local Snacks: Salted Egg Fish Skin, Pineapple Tarts, and More
Salted egg fish skin crisps are crunchy, umami-rich, and wildly addictive. Pineapple tarts — buttery pastry with jammy pineapple filling — are a festive classic. You’ll also find local-flavoured chips and popcorn in supermarkets and airport shops. Our Nyonya kueh lapis is another shareable, gift-ready treat.
- Who it suits: Snack enthusiasts, party hosts, kids-at-heart.
- Bringing it home: Most are sealed and shelf-stable; great for checked luggage or shipping.
Coffee and Tea: Kopi and Specialty Blends
“Kopi” is local coffee brewed with a sock filter and often condensed milk. Look for ready-to-brew packs or instant mixes to recreate kopitiam flavours at home. For tea lovers, specialty blends and gift tins — like our TWG cotton teabag gift — make elegant presents.
- Who it suits: Coffee and tea drinkers, home baristas.
- Bringing it home: Beans, ground coffee, and tea tins are travel-friendly; gift sets are common.
Cooking Pastes and Sauces: Laksa, Chilli Crab, Sambal
Instant laksa paste and chilli crab sauce let you recreate iconic dishes anywhere. Sambal belacan adds a spicy, savoury kick to rice and noodles.
- Who it suits: Home cooks and adventurous eaters.
- Bringing it home: Sealed jars and sachets are easy to pack; many e-shops ship internationally.
Local Design and Souvenirs
Skip generic trinkets and opt for keepsakes that reflect Singapore’s multicultural heritage and contemporary design scene.
Peranakan-Inspired Ceramics and Textiles
Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture is known for vibrant colours, intricate motifs, and beadwork. Look for mugs, plates, and fabric pieces with heritage patterns — ideal for home décor or fashion accents.
- Who it suits: Design lovers, collectors, home stylists.
- Bringing it home: Ceramics are best shipped; textiles pack easily.
Merlion Keepsakes (Done Right)
The lion-fish hybrid is Singapore’s symbol. Choose well-made Merlion items — art prints, quality figurines, or designer accessories like our Merlion metal keychain — over mass-produced knick-knacks.
- Who it suits: First-time visitors, families, collectors of city icons.
- Bringing it home: Small items are travel-friendly; larger pieces ship better.
Art Prints and Stationery
From skyline illustrations to neighbourhood maps and local typography, Singapore-made prints and notebooks make thoughtful, lightweight gifts.
- Who it suits: Creatives, journalers, anyone who loves wall art.
- Bringing it home: Flat-packed prints and books are easy to ship worldwide.
Batik and Textiles
Bold, hand-dyed batik fabrics and scarves reflect the region’s craft traditions. They’re wearable, giftable, and rich in colour.
- Who it suits: Fashion-forward travellers, gift shoppers.
- Bringing it home: Foldable and lightweight; great for luggage or shipping.
Fashion and Accessories
Singapore’s boutiques and concept stores stock locally designed pieces that blend practicality with style.
Local Designer Bags and Small Leather Goods
Look for minimalist totes, crossbody bags, and cardholders by Singapore brands — often crafted with durable materials and clean lines.
- Who it suits: Urban commuters, minimalists, design-conscious shoppers.
- Bringing it home: Compact items travel easily; larger bags may benefit from shipping.
Jewellery with Local Motifs
Pieces inspired by orchids, shophouse tiles, or Peranakan patterns offer subtle, wearable souvenirs.
- Who it suits: Accessory lovers, gift buyers seeking something personal.
- Bringing it home: Small and sturdy; ideal for carry-on or post.
Beauty and Wellness
Singapore offers beauty and wellness items that make elegant, practical gifts.
Orchid-Inspired Fragrances and Skincare
Orchid is Singapore’s national flower; perfumes and scented products with floral notes are popular, pleasant, and widely available.
- Who it suits: Fragrance lovers, spa-at-home enthusiasts.
- Bringing it home: Perfume bottles are compact; check airline liquid rules for carry-on.
Tiger Balm and Medicated Oils
A Singapore household staple for aches, bites, and stuffy noses, the iconic red and white tins are compact and practical. Local medicated oils are go-to remedies for minor aches and insect bites too.
- Who it suits: Travellers, active friends, families, anyone who values handy wellness items.
- Bringing it home: Small tins and bottles are travel-friendly and widely available online.
Tech and Gadgets
Singapore is a reliable place to pick up globally compatible electronics and accessories, especially at major malls and official stores.
Universal Adapters and Power Strips
With travel-friendly plugs and surge protection, these are practical buys for frequent flyers.
- Who it suits: Digital nomads, business travellers.
- Bringing it home: Compact and durable; easy to ship.
Headphones, Earbuds, and Accessories
Official brand stores and authorised retailers offer competitive pricing and warranty coverage.
- Who it suits: Tech enthusiasts, commuters.
- Bringing it home: Carry original packaging for warranty; ship if needed.
Gifts for Kids
Local-Themed Plush and Toys
Merlion plush, animal mascots, and culturally inspired toys delight younger travellers.
- Who it suits: Families, teachers, gift givers.
- Bringing it home: Soft toys are easy to pack; larger items ship well.
Activity Books and Stickers
Look for Singapore-themed colouring books, sticker sets, and educational kits that introduce local landmarks and culture.
- Who it suits: Kids, classrooms, creative play.
- Bringing it home: Flat and lightweight; perfect for mailing.
What Is Worth Buying Versus What to Skip
Not every “Singapore” label means authentic or good value. Here’s a quick filter to help you decide what to buy in Singapore.
- Worth buying: Locally made food (kaya, bak kwa, pineapple tarts), heritage-inspired crafts (Peranakan ceramics, batik), design-led items (prints, stationery, jewellery), and practical wellness picks (Tiger Balm, medicated oils).
- Think twice: Mass-produced Merlion figurines with no provenance, generic “Singapore” T-shirts of questionable quality, and overpriced airport-only bundles when the same items are available in-city.
- Smart move: If you’re short on time, buy food and essentials at supermarkets or specialty stores in town, and use the airport for last-minute picks. For design and craft, seek out local boutiques and museum shops.
FAQ
What is Singapore famous for buying?
Singapore is famous for food gifts like kaya, bak kwa, pineapple tarts, salted egg snacks, laksa paste, and chilli crab sauce, plus design-led souvenirs such as Peranakan-inspired items, Merlion keepsakes, and local art prints.
What’s the best single thing to buy in Singapore?
If you must pick one, choose kaya. It’s uniquely Singaporean, widely loved, and travels well in sealed jars — making it the quintessential edible souvenir.
What should tourists buy in Singapore as souvenirs?
Tourists should prioritise shelf-stable local foods, heritage-inspired crafts, and practical wellness items. These are easy to pack, ship, and share, and they tell a clearer story about Singapore than generic trinkets.
Can I buy these online and ship them home?
Yes. Many Singapore-based online shops curate authentic souvenirs and food gifts and ship worldwide. With Unforgettable Singapore, you can browse a curated selection and arrange international delivery directly.
Are there any items I shouldn’t try to bring home?
Be cautious with meat products like bak kwa — some countries restrict imports. Always check your destination’s customs rules before flying with food.
If you’re building your Singapore shopping list, start with the categories above and focus on items that are authentic, travel-friendly, and meaningful. For a streamlined experience, browse Unforgettable Singapore — we specialise in authentic souvenirs and food gifts, and ship them worldwide, so you can check off your “things to buy in Singapore” list from anywhere.