What to Buy Before You Leave Singapore

I've lived in Singapore 13 years now and I have a lot of long-timer friends here, too. But lately, many are repatriating, primarily because their kids are graduating and it's time for the next chapter of their lives. .Many of them work hard at offloading unwanted items, especially if they're retiring or downsizing. At the same time, lots of people want to take a piece of Singapore with them. You'd think after all this time here, you'd have everything you want, but truth is, people have often put off buying those very Singaporean items. So now that you're leaving, what should you buy to remind yourself of all your wonderful time here on the Little Red Dot? Here are a few suggestions:

JEWELRY Take home a piece of Singapore! Strait Lights pieces are truly unique: glass beads arranged to reflect different parts of Singapore using the island as their muse (she also has gorgeous candles and prints). The Place has really cool bracelets that are maps of different countries. Why not sport Singapore and other countries that mean something to you! Forbidden Hill makes beautiful bangles with changeable silks so you can match any outfit. All this jewelry makes a great laving gift, too! CLOTHES Singapore has some pretty cool clothing stores. A visit to Haji Lane always turns up cool pieces. Simone Irani designs some truly iconic silk outfits you won't find anywhere else in the world. A Raft of Otters has fun pieces of clothing (and cool things for your home, too - like the biggest collect of Elephant Parade!). Actually, just about all the stores at Tanglin Mall have something special, pieces you likely won't find back home.

CHILDREN Kids will want a piece of Singapore, too. Kinokuniya has a selection of books for kids all about Singapore. HoneyKids put together a great list of these so no need for us to rehash them for you here. LEGO also makes some really fun Chinese New Year-themed sets which you can buy all year long. Older kids can build Marina Bay Sands. iShopChangi has plush Merlions, too. Or how about a shophouse jigsaw puzzle?

HOME GOODS

SuperMama has some pretty special, one-of-a-kind items for your home including the One Singapore Plate. This year, in honor of the 60th birthday, there is even a stunning gold plate. Wow! You can't go wrong with a piece from Raffles Boutique with iconic posters, stuff to deck our your bar or interesting tidbits for your home. Singapore Trading Post also has lots of cool things. My favorite? The giant wine bucket. Cat Socrates has all sorts of neat pieces like plates inspired by Peranakan tiles. Cluny Court also has a bunch of cute stores with items for your home. Missed the Christmas pop-up and wish you'd bought Singapore Santa ornament? No worries. Reach out to Iggy's Crafts via Facebook. She also has all sorts of other nice Singapore-themed items. Think mahjong tile wine glass markers or fabulous tableware. Brighten up your room with a bespoke lampshade from The Lampshade House. My friend Beatrice does the most amazing papercuts of Singapore buildings and can incorporate your name into it. So cool! The Art Faculty is a special place that features items made from artwork from their special needs students. FURNITURE

While you may be dumping your IKEA pieces and that bulky sofa of yours, you might just want to take home some special Asian pieces. Two of my favorite places are Laura Lee Antiques and Just Anthony. Each has truly gorgeous antiques and reproductions. I also love that they support our George Washington Ball every year and are big supporters of charity. You can feel good buying a piece here!

RUGS

AAS has worked with Hedger's Carpets for years and years. The quality of their rugs is second to none and they have show-stopping pieces.

This is really just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many places with special items to bring back with you when you leave Singapore. May you find that one special item to remind you of your time in the Lion City.