NYLON Holiday Gift Guide 2019: Captain Obvious

Mugs, ties, socks and vouchers… these are the painfully cliché gifts you can get (or receive) this Christmas. In case you’ve run out of ideas of what to get that friend of yours who said he/she wants “anything” then you’ve come to the right place. After carefully sorting through the different gift ideas, these are some of the most universally “well-loved and thoughtful” gifts that your santee would appreciate this festive season. 

 

1. YANKEE CANDLE CHRISTMAS EVE, $29.50

Available at Yankee Candle outlets and yankeecandle.com.

Everyone loves the smell of Christmas! While this could join the pile of “candles to use” that never actually get lighted, it could also be used right upon unwrapping. It’s a simple and fuss-free gift that you simply cannot go wrong with.

2. FRESHLY PRESSED SOCKS – SINGAPORE SERIES, $12 EACH [GIVEAWAY]

Available at freshlypressedsocks.com.

Socks have become that gift that’s frowned upon by all… but honestly, we don’t get it. Socks are the most practical gift ever! And always welcome! If you’ve ever mysteriously lost one side of a pair after it’s out of the washing machine, you’ll feel us. With cute graphics that pay homage to Singapore’s MRT lines, Gem Biscuits, and the nostalgic Dragon Playground, we think these unique designs are meant to be shown off. So, bust out those sandals already.

3. TYPO 2020 A5 WEEKLY BUFFALO DIARY, $16.99

Available at Cotton On

2020 is approaching its big debut. Have you planned your goals for next year? If you or your friend needs a little motivation to get organised, this weekly planner by TYPO will help you keep track of all your meetings, birthdays, and #futuregoals.

4. STARBUCKS HOLIDAY MERCHANDISE SET, $141.50 [GIVEAWAY]

Available at select Starbucks outlets islandwide.

Every Starbucks fan looks forward to their Christmas specials — goodbye Pumpkin Spice, hello Peppermint Mocha! As we all know, with holiday drinks come holiday merch! Cater to any Starbucks addiction with all-new adorable Christmas-themed merchandise.

 

5. T2 MERRY MORNINGS GIFT SET, $60

Available at T2 stores

Tea is universal. You can find a good cup of oolong in China, darjeeling in India, ceylon in Sri Lanka, and the quintessential English breakfast tea, of course. Surprise, they’re all variations of black tea. Make someone’s morning all the merrier with this set, which not only comes with loose leaf Christmas Breakfast tea (notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla!), but also a star infuser and limited edition bone china cup and saucer set.

6. GODIVA HOLIDAY TREE BOX WITH CHOCOLATE, $68

Available at Godiva stores.

For another gift you can’t go wrong with, more chocolates! But, you see, this is GODIVA we’re talking about. So, think premium. Their luxurious, hand-crafted signature truffles are presented in a nostalgic tin that’s shaped like a Christmas tree, and come filled with festive flavours such as cranberry, roasted almond and christmas cookie.

7. CRATE AND BARREL HOLIDAY BEARS COOKIE JAR, $50.80

Available at crateandbarrel.com.sg

To avoid any public displays of awkwardness during gift giving (can’t please everyone, honey), we say opt for a decorative kitchenware piece such as this seasonal printed cookie jar. Who knows? They might just invite you to their upcoming New Year’s Party.

8. FERRERO ROCHER T18 CUBE, $15.50

Available at major supermarkets and Redmart.

The most cliché of cliché Christmas gifts — chocolates. And Ferrero Rocher, at that. Don’t get us wrong, we love their chocolates and could easily down a whole box on our own, but we’re pretty sure you would find a nicely wrapped Ferrero Rocher box at every Christmas party. We aren’t complaining though — everyone loves chocolates, or at least know of someone who loves them.

9. GLASS TEA CUP AND WOODEN SAUCER: INSPIRATION, $22.90

Available at kikki.K outlets and online.

When you’re running out of gift options, an inspirational quote never fails. Remind your favourite person to follow their dreams with this adorable teacup and saucer set. Whether it’s with coffee, hot chocolate or eggnog, this little reminder will never get old.

 

10. URBAN OUTFITTERS LARGE SNOW GLOBE PICTURE FRAME, $18

Available online.

What’s Christmas without a snow globe? Even in Singapore’s tropical heat, a glass dome filled with snow and glitter will make any home a little more wintery. Customize one by including a favourite photo with your loved one — nothing beats personalization.

11. OLIVIA BURTON CELESTIAL WATCH, $219

Available at cocomi.com.

Over a cup of warm peppermint mocha, listening to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas”, with glistening fairy lights in tow… we might not have falling snow, but this is as “Christmassy” as it gets. Wait till you bring in this Olivia Burton timepiece though, of a deep starry night-inspired dial topped with iridescent details, upon a metal mesh strap. You will never want Christmas to end. 

12. CAPITALAND CAPITAVOUCHERS, FROM $5 ONWARDS 

Available at CapitaLand.com

Nothing screams ‘low-effort’ than a set of CapitaLand vouchers. We’re being legit. When it comes to finding a hassle-free gift that would suit anyone this Christmas, we’re certain that vouchers like these by CapitaLand is definitely one that tops the list in the cliche category. For one, your friend can get anything with that voucher, and more importantly, you can still claim credit for whatever that he/she is getting (provided that they actually use them before it expires, of course).

13. HERMÈS TIE 7 LET IT SNOW TIE, USD195

Available at Hermès

Search up “Best Gifts To Give To Your Male Friend” and you’ll be welcomed with a flurry of suggestions — one of which are, you guessed it, are ties. Whether it’s for your dad or your friend, this failproof (and fuss-free) gift is one that can never go wrong. 

 


For items with the ‘GIVEAWAY’ labels, we’re giving them away in our massive holiday gift guide contests — head over to our Facebook and Instagram pages daily to take part.

More of NYLON’s Holiday Gift Guides, coming soon — stay tuned! Click here to see our full list of gift guides.