There’s a reason people say gift-giving is an art—and a delicate one, at that. It takes a certain level of attentiveness to identify the interests and preferences of your recipient, and then creativity and skill to translate that into the perfect gift.
Our top tip? Begin by considering what your loved one wants, rather than what they need. Should you find yourself at a loss, however, our holiday gift guide has you covered. With a careful curation of the most luxurious design and lifestyle gifts on offer this year, this is a list that has a little something for everyone—handily divided by budget for ease of shopping.
First up: little luxuries. At under $100, these are not gifts that scream opulence and extravagance. Rather, they are small, thoughtful indulgences that bring joy to a loved one—items that they would enjoy, but might not purchase for themselves. Think playful glassware, an artisanal candle or a hand-bound notebook.
For more traditional luxury gifts, look to our selection of items under $500. Here’s where you’ll find the likes of exquisite spirits and designer trinkets—each with a stylish and creative twist.
Finally, for those special people in your life that you’d like to show your appreciation for, consider our curation of gifts under $1000. From impressive gadgets to gorgeous homeware from luxury fashion houses, these items will surely put a smile on the faces of your loved ones.
Below, peruse Vogue Singapore’s festive gift guide for the best lifestyle gifts to gift this season. Don’t forget a handwritten card, and you’re all set for the holidays.
1 / 30
Under $100: Glossier You scented candle in Orange Blossom Neroli
Glossier’s newest launch is a scented candle named after its best-selling fragrance—fittingly, since it carries the same inimitable blend of perky pink pepper and cashmere-soft musk, filling your home with crowd-pleasing comfort. A minimalist take on the usual festive candle gift, this is a perennial scent you can burn all year round.
Available at Glossier, $74
2 / 30
Under $100: 'Bao' by Erchen Chang, Shing Tat Chung and Wai Ting Chung
Since its humble beginnings as a food stall, Taiwanese restaurant Bao has become somewhat of a London institution. In its first cookbook, the restaurant reveals the secret recipes behind 100 of its most beloved dishes—from the traditional steamed buns of its name to soul-warming beef noodles—making it the perfect gift for your foodie friend who likes to experiment in the kitchen.
Available at Finnish Design Shop, $73.70
3 / 30
Under $100: Fazeek striped coupe glass
Known for its quirky designs, Melbourne homewares and lifestyle label Fazeek has a covetable range of sculptural drinking vessels on offer. Our pick is this striped lilac and green number, just festive enough for holiday hosting.
Available at Fazeek, $99
4 / 30
Under $100: Tanchen Studio 0/0 Bag in coral and fuschia
Ingeniously made by local design studio Tanchen, this wine (though it can be used for groceries, tumblers and pretty much anything else) bag is crafted from woven elastic cords, which stretch to reveal and take on any object’s shape. Fully functional with just the right amount of whimsy—a design lover’s dream.
Available at Tanchen Studio, $65
5 / 30
Under $100: Soho Home Morning, Noon, Night triple coloured vinyl
Curated by Soho House’s head of music, Dom Chung, this 18-track, three-disc vinyl journey is a genuine reflection of a day at Soho House, whether it be downtempo morning tracks by artists such as Serpentwithfeet or the contemporary sounds of Róisín Murphy. Put this on to bring a little bit of Soho House’s unique vibe into your own home.
Available at Soho Home, $84
6 / 30
Under $100: Smythson Panama Stop And Smell The Roses textured-leather notebook
Add a dose of luxury to your desktop. Bound using fine cross grain leather, the gilt-edged pale blue pages of this notebook will capture your moments of literary genius (or your never-ending to-do list).
Available at Net-a-porter, $84
7 / 30
Under $100: Owala Freesip in Neo Sage, 40 oz
What could be better than the gift of hydration? Elevate your loved one’s water bottle game this year with the hyper-functional Owala. Leakproof, insulated and offering two drinking methods—a straw and a larger opening—this sage green and flamingo pink colour way is chic enough to be an accessory in its own right.
Available at Owala, $69.90
8 / 30
Under $100: Marimekko Oiva Räsymatto teapot
Depicting the texture of traditional rag rugs, this delightful teapot from Finnish design house sees the label’s usually colourful designs through a more minimalist—but still creative—lens. Featuring a beautiful wooden handle and knob, it is a well-suited gift for any stylish tea lover.
Available at Finnish Design Shop, $96.35
9 / 30
Under $100: Loewe Tomato Leaves bar soap
Not all bars of soap are made equal. This one from Loewe is infused with exfoliating particles of red algae, plus an integrated rope crafted in natural pre-washed linen. Our favourite scent bursts with the unique olfactory signature of tomato leaves—think earthy, juicy and unexpectedly feminine.
Available at Loewe, $90
10 / 30
Under $100: The Paper Bunny large packing cube in Sage Checkerboard
The globetrotter in your life will appreciate this practical yet stylish packing cube from The Paper Bunny. Made from water-resistant polyester and opening up into two roomy compartments separated by mesh pockets, it is ideal for efficiently utilising limited luggage space—key when it comes to carefree travel.
Available at The Paper Bunny, $49
11 / 30
Under $500: LOUIS XIII The Drop
There are few presents as indulgent as LOUIS XIII The Drop. A contemporary take on liquor as a gift, The Drop takes LOUIS XIII’s iconic cognac, infuses it with a dose of spontaneity, and unveils it in a chic pocket-sized format that lends itself to an opulent, epicurean lifestyle. To complete the gift, also pick up the accompanying leather bottle case. Available in five colours, it transforms The Drop into a wearable piece of luxury that can be savoured anytime and anywhere—perfect for your fashionable friend with a taste for the finer things in life.
Available at LOUIS XIII, $288
12 / 30
Under $500: Audio Technica Turntable
A pleasing sonic experience awaits. This turntable offers high-fidelity audio reproduction from any of your favourite vinyls. A neat addition to the living space, its walnut wood-veneered base sure to add a contemporary touch to any top shelf.
Available at Audio-Technica, $478
13 / 30
Under $500: Kartell Tea table lamp
Even a simple gift like a desk lamp should go beyond mere utility—be it in terms of design or materiality. Crafted to create a chiaroscuro effect when light refracts through it, this abstract Kartell Tea Table Lamp makes for a great conversation starter.
Available at Space Furniture, $330
14 / 30
Under $500: Assouline Barbie silk book
Coffee table books can be a true treasure to either the bookworm or interiors devotee. In line with the year’s Barbie-mania, this title explores the evolution of the Mattel doll and carries with it never-before-seen images and notable insights into the role Barbie has played in high fashion and pop culture through the decades.
Available at Farfetch, $147
15 / 30
Under $500: Hermès playing cards
Who’s got the best poker face at the table? This charming card set is elevated with silver edge detailing and a flurry of artful illustrations—an inventive showcase of the ‘Habits de cour’ design by Henri d’Origny, reinterpreted in two dashing new hues since its first release in 1997.
Available at Hermès, $250
16 / 30
Under $500: Jonathan Adler barware set
One that’s designed for the ultimate hostess in mind, this stainless steel and brass barware set combines the eclectic and tongue-in-cheek design attitude of Jonathan Adler with the simple need for a handy set of bar tools and utensils. Complete with a gold-tone finish, it’s a fitting addition to the kitchen mantles of anyone with style.
Available at Selfridges, $315
17 / 30
Under $500: Hay low trolley
Designed with a unique scalloped edge and hardy steel frame, this whimsical number stands as a great addition to the living space. Its utility runs the gamut too—it can be used as a side coffee table, mini dresser, or display shelf for all your trinkets.
Available at Selfridges, $400
18 / 30
Under $500: Mysoda Ruby 2 sparkling water maker
Free from electricity, this smart tabletop machine will instantly grant its users with a bottle of carbonated water. Match your choice of hue to your host in mind—its minimalist design and myriad variety of shades gives you the liberty to do exactly that.
Available at Finnish Design Shop, $275
19 / 30
Under $500: Missoni Home flower cotton rug
Surely your loved ones will appreciate the addition of a splash of colour to their bedrooms. Fun-sized and exuberant with its floral motif, this rug is equal parts playful and functional.
Available at Farfetch, $263
20 / 30
Under $500: Konica Big Mini BM-301 film camera
Point, shoot and memorialise it forever. Amid the renaissance of vintage film these last few years, we guarantee that this Konica compact camera will be a hit this festive season—creating laughter and capturing the best times together.
Available at Filem.sg, $450
21 / 30
Under $1,000: Fornasetti set of six Tema & Variazioni glasses
Only reserved for those with a wicked sense of humour—that being you and your motley crew. Gather round, pour a cuppa and raise a toast to the new year with these vacant expressions.
Available at Farfetch, $698
22 / 30
Under $1,000: AirPods Max
Hi-fidelity audio, check. Solid noise-cancelling system, check. A stylish accessory for the commute and beyond, check. These metallic green AirPods Max are bound to make someone really merry this Christmas.
Available at Apple, $806.45
23 / 30
Under $1,000: Bottega Veneta leather tray
Nothing says ‘I love you’ better than smooth, supple calfskin leather. Especially when it’s beautifully crafted into intricate trays like these ones from Bottega Veneta.
Available at Bottega Veneta, $860
24 / 30
Under $1,000: Nespresso Vertuo Creatista
The morning doesn’t begin before a good cuppa. With the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista, a quality cup can be procured right at home. Think barista standards with precision brewing and a steam wand to accurately froth your milk—all to achieve picture-perfect latte art.
Available at Nespresso, $764.10
25 / 30
Under $1,000: Louis Poulsen Panthella 250 table lamp
Danish designer Louis Poulsen’s Panthella 250 table lamp offers a miniature version of its iconic Panthella table lamp, which sees a beautiful rounded steel shade joining an aluminium base. A sleek, modern touch that will brighten up any office set-up, this will certainly please the design-inclined.
Available at Finnish Design Shop, $760
26 / 30
Under $1,000: Silky Miracle Black Tweed Detail silk robe
Silky Miracle ensheathes the gift of immense comfort in 100% Mulberry silk. And with this robe lined with sophisticated tweed details, moments of downtime will feel that much more indulgent.
Available at Silky Miracle, $923.85
27 / 30
Under $1,000: Fourth Street Set of three gold-tone candlesticks
Made out of brass, Fourth Street’s trio of candlesticks poses as a perfect addition to any dinner soirée. Breathing life into a room with their sculptural bodies and gold-tone finish, these gleaming pieces also make a good canvas for light to bounce off with ease.
Available at Net-a-porter, $893.10
28 / 30
Under $1,000: Burberry appliquéd checked wool cushion
You might recognise this motif straight from Daniel Lee’s debut collection at Burberry even as it sits comfortably within a cushy wool cushion. For good Christmas cheer, may we suggest a bright red hue to really brighten up a room?
Available at Net-a-porter, $674,17
29 / 30
Under $1,000: L'Objet Lapis porcelain teapot
If there’s coffee’s on the table, there’s no way we’re leaving out the tea cognoscenti. This L’Objet porcelain teapot is the epitome of luxurious living, as it boasts a 24kt gold handle and spout that complements the deep midnight body—designed to resemble the Mediterranean sky.
Available at L’Objet, $591
30 / 30
Under $1,000: Dior Carafe Transparent New Lily of the Valley
Call it functional, call it a collector’s item, this unique hand-blown glass carafe encloses an ethereal signature and one of Mr. Dior’s very own iconic codes: a sprig of green lily of the valley with white flowers. Keep this close at any table setting and it will undoubtedly be an instant conversation starter.
Available at Dior, $700
