Singapore has a lot to offer in terms of shopping. You can find hundreds of traditional souvenirs such as T-shirts, magnets, trinkets and cups, and some really interesting things with a local vibe here. These items can become a great gift to your relatives or friends, or a sweet memento reminding you of your journey to enchanting Singapore.
Perhaps, the most original souvenir from the city is a silvered or gilded orchid flower. In fact, this flower is one of the country's national symbols and its subject of pride. This wonderful keepsake is made in a very original way: a recently cut flower is placed into a gold or silver solution. Electrolytic process covers each petal of the orchid with precious metal, turning it into an elegant adornment. Brooches are usually made from large flowers, while smaller orchids are used to make pendants or earrings.
Each orchid is different, meaning that every piece of jewelry is also unique. It is impossible find two identical flowers. They are sold in the gift store in the National Orchid Park, which is situated on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens of Singapore. Moreover, orchid bulbs, which are sold in glass flasks filled with a special preserving solution, are on offer there. You can grow a flower from it at home. There is no doubt that such a thing will be an excellent gift from Singapore.
Authentic souvenirs that are sold at a reasonable price are available in many ethnic districts of the city, including its bustling China Town. The majority of gift shops lies on Pagoda Street, where you can find Chinese silk ware, Malay battik, embroidered table cloths and napkins, mah-jong decks in stylized wooden boxes, black bamboo fans, fortune-telling sticks in leather cylinders, and Chinese porcelain. There are vintage items and reproductions of ancient crafts, as well as modern and designer things, on offer.
Tourists often buy Tiger balm, a popular medication that is made from various healing herbs. This balm was invented by a Chinese apothecary in the 1870s. It is used for temporary relief of muscular aches and pains, and helps deal with many other health issues. There are red (with a warming effect) and blue (with a cooling effect) types of the balm. It is sold in local stores, pharmacies, souvenir shops, and even press kiosks. Quite popular are local alcoholic beverages that contain spirited crawlers or insects. The locals claim that these drinks also have healing properties. You can purchase the beverages in Chinese folk medicine stores.
One more place to go during your souvenir hunt is Small India, one of the city's ethnic districts, where you can buy jewelry, sets of Indian spices, tea, Indian sweet treats, original accessories, and bright silken sari.
Also noteworthy is luxury tea from TGW. This company offers more than 800 sorts of this delicious drink. It is available in local tea stores and large shopping malls. Kaya jam, made from coconut milk, eggs and sugar, can be a great addition to a pack of tea. It is sold in the Ya Kun Kaya Toast shops, which are scattered all over the city. Several of these are situated in the Singapore Changi Airport.
A bottle of Singapore Sling, one of the most famous cocktails in the region, can be a great gift as well. It is a local claim-to-fame and one of Singapore's national treasures. This beverage is sold at the legendary Raffles Hotel, where its original recipe was invented. Moreover, the cocktail is available in many supermarkets and in the Singapore Changi Airport.
