Bestie, fam, or whatever weird nickname you’ve been calling your friend since your schooling days, these are the people who’ve somehow stuck with you through thick and thin, the brother or sister you might be closer to than your actual siblings, the ones you’d trust with your deepest, darkest secrets; basically, your ride or die. They might not even want gifts — your presence is the best present and all that — but they totally deserve it. Here are some ways you can show your appreciation.
RAKUTEN KOBO CLARA 2E
— $219.90, available from www.kobo.com.
For the friend who loves to read books late into the night on their smartphone, this screen is so much better for the eyes. The Kobo screen is glare-free, and there’s so much more control over how a page looks. This version of the Kobo is also better for the earth; it’s made with 97% recycled plastic, including 10% ocean-bound plastic.
AURA FRAME DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME
— USD199, available at auraframes.com>.
Here’s a way to cherish major milestones and holidays without the hassle of printing out every single snapshot — a digital photo frame. These days, they’re designed to be as seamless an experience as possible, hence Aura Frames’ Mason model sports a colour-calibrated 9″ high-resolution display, and an app that allows you to instantly add photos and videos over WiFi. We like how its stone-inspired frame looks just like a standard photo frame too rather than a clunky tech product.
CIRCLEDNA DNA TEST
— From $279, available from circledna.com.
You and your bestie may or may not be related, but you can gift them the knowledge of their ancestry. CircleDNA now has gift cards starting from $279, and their tests include comprehensive insights into genetic risks, optimal diet and nutrition intake, and wellness.
GENTLE MONSTER SOUND NET 01 SUNGLASSES
— $481, available at Gentle Monster stores and online.
The best kinds of gifts are the ones on a friend’s “want” list, items they’d love to have but will never justify buying. Take these Gentle Monster sunglasses — they might be a little pricey for black acetate frames, though the sleek cat-eye silhouette and subtle starry inspiration make the pair timeless and chic across all kinds of occasions. They’ll get the utmost wear out of it, making the purchase highly worth it if you ask us.
BEYOND THE VINES POOFY POUCH
— $49, available at Beyond The Vines stores and beyondthevines.com.
Coming in at just under $50, this gift from popular local label Beyond The Vines is a versatile pouch that can store one’s on-the-go makeup, portable chargers, and random knick-knacks. We bet they can’t resist the cute and puffy nature of the pouch too, complete with contrast engineer blue lining on the inside.
BEOPLAY EX EARPHONES
— $629, available from bang-olufsen.com.
There’s nothing in the world like listening to the best version of music you love, which makes these high-quality earphones an amazing gift to someone you really like. The Beoplay EX is available in three beautiful colour combinations (like this Anthracite Oxygen version featured here), and it delivers deep and rich sound with Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling functions including a Transparency Mode.
NINJA BY YEOMAMA ACTIVEWEAR
— From $68, available from yeomamabatik.com.
For the active gal who’ll wake up at 7am on a Saturday morning for their spin / pilates / F45 / BFT class, here’s another piece of activewear to add to their weekly rotation. The Phoenix Rhapsody High Neck Sports Bra is ideal for high-intensity workouts, and features unique batik prints that makes it a great conversation piece.
SWEATY BETTY POWER HEADBAND 2.0
— $23, available at Sweaty Betty stores and online.
Whether they’re a hiking enthusiast, avid cyclist, or love the gym, here’s a highly-useful technical headband that keeps sweat off the face, while doubling up as a hair tie too since it’s able to keep one’s hair up in a ponytail.
COCONUT MATTER GIFT SET
— $145, available at the SocietyA store and online.
A close friend will definitely not be offended by this set of deodorants — and honestly, no one should be! No passive-aggressive messages here, as we’re all for Coconut Matter’s MOOD coconut-based natural deodorants that actually work by preventing odour-causing bacteria and soaking up sweat. These are made with up to 19 plant and mineral ingredients too, and honestly one of the better natural deodorants we’ve tried.
UNIQLO MINI DRAWSTRING BAG
— $19.90, available at uniqlo.com.
Small, discreet, affordable and very useful, this mini drawstring bag can store all the necessary on-the-go essentials and more. It’s available in six colours but we love the black.
IUIGA 5-IN-1 MILK FROTHER
— $69.90, available at IUIGA stores and online.
Say, you know they’ve already got a Nespresso machine or are into drip coffees — here’s a way for them to make cafe-grade lattes and flat whites at home. IUIGA’s 5-in-1 Milk Frother allows one to froth milk with just a press of a button, while you can also brew tea, coffee, milk tea and whisk drinks using the same device.
BELKIN 4-PORT GAN CHARGER 108W + BOOSTCHARGE USB-C TO USB-C CABLE 100W 3 METERS
— $163.90, available from Shopee.
Only someone you are really close to will understand and appreciate how useful this gift is. This charger has 2x USB-C and 2x USB-A ports, and can power up a phone, tablet and computer all at once.
LVLY FLOWER AND GIFT BUNDLE
— From $94.90, available from lvly.sg.
You’re gonna make someone’s day with one of these boxes of joy that include a bouquet of flowers with accompanying jar, and your choice of sweets, chocolates or wine. Just order by 5pm for same day delivery for Monday to Saturday, and by 2pm on Sunday.
EMPIRE MASSAGE CHAIR
— $1,399, available from empire.sg.
Have you also been getting those Empire massage chair ads on Facebook? It’s time to consider one for your bestie who needs it (let’s admit it, we all need one). Empire is possibly the most affordable model that actually looks decent and has all the functions needed in a massage chair.
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