NYLON’s Booster Gift Guide 2021: The Cool Parents

For mom, dad, and baby — or toddlers, children, and even your precious pet. We’re counting them all in a list of gifts perfect for all kinds of parents. From an aesthetic playmat that doesn’t clash with their homes, to custom bedtime books and made-for-kids backpacks, these will hopefully make the sweet parenting life a whole lot easier.

CANON POWERSHOT PICK
— $649, available at Canon authorised dealers. 

This looks like a CCTV camera, but it’s actually an 11.7MP compact camera for taking home photos. It has voice-activated controls and you can customise your shooting preferences through the app. What it’s good for: it has facial recognition software for that perfect focus on the face every time. Just place it on the table and the camera will automatically scan the scene and capture candid photos or videos without you having to operate it.

LOLLIBLY DUAL-SIDED TERRAZZO PLAYMAT
— $259, available at lollibly.com.

This one’s an investment they don’t even know they need — a dual-sided playmat that’s equally classy and cute, that blends in to their homes rather than create more clutter. Designed in collaboration with local blogger Drea Chong, one side features a terrazzo print in soothing colours, while the other sees a Habitat Playmat design that takes their little one on an adventure through the woods.

MUNCHKIN SHHH… PORTABLE SOUND & LIGHT SOOTHER
— $24.90, available at authorised dealers including fairprice.com.sg.

Studies have shown that babies prefer some form of noise over complete silence when they sleep — after all, a mother’s womb is said to be a loud but comforting place. This device helps deal with fussy babies by presenting three specific sounds. A shushing noise helps to calm down an upset child; a soothing, steady heartbeat lulls them into a calm state; while white noise eventually helps keep them asleep. There’s a timer, nightlight, and it’s extremely portable too.

WONDERBLY BEDTIME FOR YOU CUSTOMISABLE BOOKS
— $39.99, available at wonderbly.com.

There are story books, and there are customised story books, clearly on a different tier because the child (and parents!) gets to experience the thrill of seeing their name and likeness in this beautifully illustrated bedtime story. A meaningful gift, surely.

SANRIO HELLO KITTY STAINLESS KING FOOD JAR WITH FOLDING SPOON
$69, available from Thermos Singapore’s official store on Shopee.

This essential food jar comes in a vivid red, blue and white, featuring the most famous cat in the world. It has a bigger capacity of 0.71L (compared to previous versions of Thermos Food Jars), with its lid doubling up as a bowl, and it also comes with a useful folding spoon.  

LEGO DUPLO DELUXE BRICK BOX
— $67.99 (on sale from $84.99) at toysrus.com.sg.

Every child will appreciate this big box of building bricks; they are larger than your normal LEGO pieces, and this set includes windows, flowers, a car, balloons, gifts, a cake, and numbered bricks from 1 to 5. 

THE PAPER BUNNY KIDS BACKPACK
— $49, available at thepaperbunny.com.

Instead of them lugging their child’s items all over the place, have them trick their kid into wanting to take ownership of their stuff, with this little cutie. The Paper Bunny nails the sunny colours and functional design of this water-resistant nylon backpack, which comes with adjustable padded straps, plenty of pockets inside and outside, and even a chest velcro fastener to prevent straps from slipping off. Toys, water bottle, that little pet rock they’re currently attached to, these all fit in here.

UNIQLO JWA BENJAMIN BUNNY LONG SLEEVE SWEAT SHIRT
— $59.90 from Uniqlo.com.

Every little baby loves bunnies so wear them printed on a soft, comfy sweat shirt. Available in both Beige and Blue versions.

URBAN LI’L DISNEY EUCALYPTUS ROUND 
— $45, available at urbanlil.com.

We can see this taking up prime space in the nursery or living area. Urban Li’l is here with a collection of adorable wooden plaques adorned with Disney characters — Winnie The Pooh, Elsa, Olaf and more — in customised pieces laser-cut from premium plywood. Read our feature for more Disney-themed decorative pieces and Christmas ornaments.

KĀI COFFEE, WINE  & WATER TUMBLER
— $29.90, available at iamkai.co

Exactly what a parent needs. Coffee in the morning to fuel them through school drop-offs, water for hydration throughout the day, and wine to wind down with. How else are they going to get through the stresses of parenthood?

BAGGU PUFFY GLASSES SLEEVE
— $24, available at sg.urbanoutfitters.com.

You know the feeling when you’re digging for your pair of sunglasses — the one cool thing you own — in a huge bag of toys, teethers, and extra nappies? Good luck. You can make it easier though with this puffy sleeve, in a bright shade with extra padding.

SIDERSONLINE RAINBOW TAKE IT EASY REVERSIBLE SHOPPER TOTE
— $39.90, available at sidersonline.com.

A reminder to take it easy, perhaps, and a great thing to stow in their already massive tote bag — in case they need more storage space. The dual-sided tote sees a neutral pink shade on one side, and a full-fledged rainbow design on the other, which they can rock depending on their mood.

PRADA CRYSTAL-STUDDED PET COLLAR
— $595, available at Prada boutiques. 

We’re acknowledging the pet moms and dads here. Spoil your kid silly with this crystal-studded number from Prada, with sparkling crystals atop the luxury brand’s enamelled triangle logo.

SWATCH X PEANUTS CHOMP! WATCH
— $223, available at Swatch stores and swatch.com.

Swatch has teamed up with Peanuts for a series of watches this season, and this one’s the most special. A bold mirror dial is at the centre of the design, that comes with a red bio-sourced case and red silicone strap that features panels from original Peanuts Christmas comic strips. It features a classic image of Snoopy on his doghouse too, and is packaged in a fun dog bowl design.