The best gifts often have a story behind them. These could take many forms: an item that holds sentimental value, a reference to an amusing inside joke, or an object that serves as a meaningful reminder. Most times, these gifts are personal, and are testament to the connection that one has with their recipient.
“To me, the idea of ‘little luxuries’ is key to gifting. Something a loved one would enjoy but would never get for themselves—this requires attentiveness,” muses local musician Linying. “The best gift I’ve received was a Bob Ross bobblehead from my sister-in-law at the height of my COVID-19 painting phase. It is a palm-sized figurine with a tiny button and speaker that plays a selection of his best quotes.”
As we find ourselves in the season of giving, Vogue Singapore speaks to four local creatives to discover the meaning behind the most memorable presents they’ve given and received—as well as the items they would love to be gifting this year.
Jewellery designer Nadine Ghosn shares, “The best gift I’ve received is a pair of heart-shaped earrings from someone special in my life, reminding me of the power of love and kindness. The best gift I have given is one that money cannot buy. It was a meaningful video made for a family member, composed of interviews and moments with people whose lives they touched.”
As for Bessie Ye, founder of local fashion label Rye, the most unforgettable gift she’s received was from her mother. “It was one of her favourite rings. Now, it is my favourite ring to wear and holds such significance to my everyday style. As for the best gifts I’ve given, I find that it’s always something I’ve made or designed from scratch, such as a dish, a piece of clothing or an accessory. And a handwritten card is a must.”
Rounding out the quartet of creatives is Chingyi Chua, co-founder of Art Again, an online marketplace for pre-owned art. She shares, “The best gift I’ve given so far is a black-and-white photograph by local photographer Lim Kwong Ling, who was actively photographing life in Singapore in the 1970s. He did a beautiful show with Objectifs in 2019, when he turned 87, and I purchased one of the photographs for a friend’s housewarming. The best gift I’ve received was a handmade pearl necklace from my gallery associate, alongside a handwritten birthday note.”
Below, they share their best gift ideas for the holidays this year—forming a curation that is as gorgeous as it is thoughtful.
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Nadine: The Daily Rabbit Whippy vase
“This is a beautiful vase, perfect to receive flowers.”
Available at The Daily Rabbit, US$58
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Nadine: Nadine Ghosn Pencil bracelet
“This Pencil bracelet allows a hidden message to be engraved, making it a timeless piece of jewellery that can be customised for all tastes.”
Available at Nadine Ghosn, $33,640
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Nadine: Hermès ash tree stool GM
“The Hermès Petit H collection is a meaningful one because it makes use of excess material to create new, one-of-a-kind furniture.”
Available at Hermès, US$4,975
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Chingyi: ‘Shophouses 1’ by Ong Kim Seng
“Kim Seng is one of Singapore’s most prominent watercolourists. His keen eye and technique bring a realistic depth to his paintings of old and new Singapore. The seller, who acquired this painting from Kim Seng directly, used to take classes from the artist in the 1990s and often admired him painting en plain air.”
Available at Art Again, $1,600
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Chingyi: Chishin Kobo Nambu Tekki incense holder, from Aa Furniture
“I recently discovered Aa Furniture for home-related gifts that would suit anybody of most ages. This contemporary cast iron incense holder sits beautifully on its own.”
Available at Aa Furniture, $85
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Chingyi: Daisy Toh sake cups
“Daisy’s coloured porcelain sake cups make a delightful impact on one’s drinking and dining experience.”
Available at Daisy Toh, $300 for a set of 5
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Bessie: Loewe Oregano bar soap
“Adding something visually chic in the bathroom is always a good idea.”
Available at Loewe, $90
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Bessie: Rye Macrame messenger bag
“The essentialists will appreciate something functional, practical and fun at the same time for a year-end resort retreat.”
Available at Rye, $99
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Bessie: Gohar World apron with lace appliqué hands
“Something humorous and fun to wear when hosting holiday dinners.”
Available at Gohar World, US$148
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Linying: Kate Mitchell speckled tumbler
“I unabashedly admit that Kate Mitchell’s speckled tumblers are one of my (multiple) obsessions. The perfect circumference for craft ice, and a vessel through which all beverages look 10 times as appealing.”
Available at Kate Mitchell, A$65
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Linying: Armitano Domingo Oíd el Concierto lockbox
“This is a lockbox adorned with gilded dancing snails on one face and a singing toad on another. Need I say more?”
Available at Armitano Domingo, US$3,200
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Linying: Meret Oppenheim Traccia
“This is my dream table. I felt it, fervently and irrevocably, the moment I laid eyes on it in a design magazine. I just know there’s someone out there, reading this right now, thinking, “This is the perfect gift for…”. Well, send their number my way. We need to be friends.”
Available at Cassina, €2,435
The December ‘Carouse’ issue of Vogue Singapore is available for sale online and in-store now.
