Shopping for Christmas gifts is fun, but if you’d like to do things differently this year, why not go the home-made route? Handmade gifts are special because they’re more meaningful, more personal, and often less expensive than something that’s store-bought. Most of the time, they’re also useful to the receiver in some way and environmentally friendly.
And the good news is that you don’t have to be a cooking or crafting genius to make your own gifts, as our ideas demonstrate. And SAFRA members get discounts too!
1. Flavour-infused oils
Your foodie relatives and friends will appreciate a bottle of infused, flavoured oil. You can easily make these up using good-quality extra virgin olive oil and your choice of flavourings, like basil, garlic, red chilli, pink peppercorns, mustard seeds and citrus peel.
Ryan’s Grocery has all you need to create your own infused oils. The Pukara Estate range of olive oils ($21.90 per bottle) comes flavoured, but you can make them more delectable with the addition of extra herbs and spices.
SAFRA members, shop online at Ryan’s Grocery and get 15% off your first order with code RGSAFRANEW, or 10% off with code RGSAFRA10. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/ryans-grocery
2. Fresh blooms
Fresh flowers make wonderful gifts and if you’re feeling creative, try crafting your own arrangement. Go for hardy, long-lasting flowers, like roses, carnations, lilies, orchids and chrysanthemums.
If you prefer something that’s already put together, check out Angel Florist for its beautifully made bouquets.
SAFRA members and 11B holders enjoy 20% off at Angel Florist with minimum $100 spend before GST, and 10% off with minimum $80 spend before GST. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/AngelFlorist
3. Framed memories
If you have a favourite photograph of your loved ones, turn it into an extra special gift by framing it. For a more personalised touch, you can add special effects or captions to the photo before printing it out.
Lazada offers an extensive range of photo frames. We like this ornate one in antique gold (above left) and this one bordered with a natural shell material (above right, available in three sizes).
Got more than one favourite picture? A photo collage laid out on thick board is also a fun idea.
SAFRA members 11B holders get up to $10 off your Lazada purchase with no minimum spend. Go to safra.sg/promotions/lazada-23 for more details.
4. Relaxation kits
Encourage your loved ones to take time out by giving them a bag containing everything they need to relax. There are countless items you can include, but you can start with, say, a bottle of wine, a fragranced candle and a book. If your budget allows for it, you can even add a voucher for a spa treatment.
Other ideas for the gift bag: a healthy snack, gourmet teas, chocolates and a luxurious hand cream.
Pick up a pack or two of handcrafted Renew Artisan Snacks, which retails for $7.90 each. Available in a variety of flavours like Sweet Sambal, Earl Grey and Briyani.
SAFRA members, receive 20% off and enjoy free delivery on all snack orders on Renew.sg (minimum $30 spend). For more information, go to safra.sg/promotions/renew-snacks-garage
5. Scented scrubs
Salt- or sugar-based scrubs make for a great gift idea, because they take just minutes to create and can be customised according to your loved one’s skin type and needs.
Simply place two or three handfuls of fine sugar or salt into a sterilised glass jar. Then, mix in several drops of essential oil – like peppermint for its energising properties, lavender for relaxation, or eucalyptus for its uplifting scent, and, if you like, some dried flower petals. Seal the jar tightly and you have a pampering treat for the hands or body.
6. Edible gifts
Most people adore home-made confections, so if you’re a keen home baker, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to whip up a batch of cakes, cookies and other baked goodies for your loved ones. Delicacies like peppermint-flavoured chocolate fudge, icing-topped fruit cake and Santa-shaped cookies will get everyone into the spirit of the season.
If you’re not much of a cook, you can still make your own edible gifts by putting together DIY treat kits, like a hot chocolate one with chocolate drinking powder, marshmallows, a fancy stirrer and a mug; or a breakfast one, with pancake batter mix and toppings like chocolate chips.
Want to splurge for your hot chocolate kit? Try the Legendes Gourmandes Hot Chocolate Mix, with praline and marshmallows, for $11.95 or the decadent Whittard 70% Cocoa Hot Chocolate for $30.
7. Mini indoor garden
For loved ones with a green thumb, you can’t beat a veggie- or herb-growing kit. Try putting together your own, with packets of seeds, small pots and soil. Otherwise, there are a few local companies that make it easy for Singaporeans to grow their own herbs and greens at home.
The Super Farmers Microgreens Starter Kit – Local Vegetables, $45, has everything one needs to grow micro kang kong, chye sim and kalian.
Or try the Everything Green Starter Kit: Micro Herb Grow Bags – Set of 3 for $10. Varieties include Green Basil, Garden Cress and Mizuna Mustard.
8. Donations for a cause
Thanks to SAFRA’s Let’s Gift for a Reason 2023, you can do your part to make Christmas more joyful for people in need.
Let’s Gift for A Reason started in 2016 to extend assistance to the underprivileged during the year-end festive season. Last year, Let’s Gift for A Reason helped more than 5,000 beneficiaries with the support of NSmen and their families.
There are two ways to help: Make an online donation to sponsor a gift for someone in need or fun activities for underprivileged children. Or, grant the wishes of beneficiaries by visiting any SAFRA club to adopt a wish from the wish board.
Visit safra.sg/whats-on/lets-gift-for-a-reason-2023 to find out more.
Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details.
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