Water cooler gossip and pantry rants are back, which sound like exciting things until they aren’t. There’s the ‘rush hour’ commute for one, and the idea of your boss monitoring every minute of your extended lunch break and then having you make up for it in OT hours. Or, you know, just general, no-reason ennui. Then again, the office can also be a special place where you get to forge genuine, close bonds with your colleagues-turned-friends, and boy do we miss those lunch breaks. So if your friend or loved one is lamenting about back-to-office life, here are some good gifts.
This one’s for the OL who’s never caught without her trusty umbrella, the angsty friend who just needs some room to rant, the neat freaks, the desk buddies, the reliable ones who always deliver above and beyond, and heck, even that one friend who’s always borrowing your phone cable without ever returning it back.
KATE SPADE NEW YORK MANHATTAN BOLD ZEBRA BOUCLE JACQUARD TOTE
— $680, available at Kate Spade New York stores.
Straight from Kate Spade’s holiday collection, here’s a stylish tote you can tout to those CBD lunches — one that’s far from basic. Stand out from the OL crowd with a bold but neutral piece (yes, animal prints are considered ‘neutral’) that’ll transform your everyday blazer-and-pants get-up into something worthy of an editorial fashion photoshoot.
ZENYUM ZENYUMBRIGHT INVISIBLE WHITENING STRIPS
— $49.90 for a pack of 14, and $79.90 for a pack of 28. Available at zenyum.com.
Frequent coffee drinkers would know the woes of stained teeth, so here’s a fuss-free and wallet-friendly solution — these whitening strips by Zenyum are designed for discreet teeth whitening on-the-go, as they dissolve in just 15 to 20 minutes after placing them on. Your colleague gets to use them at any part of your day for a set of dazzling pearly whites.
GLENFIDDICH PERPETUAL COLLECTION
— From $80 each, available exclusively at Singapore Changi Airport Lotte Duty Free shops.
You and your colleagues work hard at the job, you stay late, you also party hard — add a good whisky to the mix. Glenfiddich’s new Perpetual Collection comprises four expressions, all different and each full of character and coming from Vats that have never been emptied — hence the name perpetual (cos it’s in perpetual motion).
THE FRAGMENT ROOM VOUCHER
— From $38, available at thefragmentroom.com.
A whole new meaning to break room huh. For that permanently angsty colleague who will never be done with their endless rants, sometimes the solution isn’t about getting smashed but to actually smash… things like plates and glass bottles and vases and other breakables. In a safe environment. Away from the office. The Fragment Room presents that very opportunity, in a ‘rage room’ where everyone’s allowed to release all pent-up frustrations.
HVALA MATCHA WHISKING SET
— $158, available at hvala.com.sg.
If they’re up for a bit more zen, it’s time they upgraded their matcha latte skills. This set from tea cafe Hvala consists of a matcha whisk, traditional tea scoop and bowl, and a tea caddy so they can whip up a proper matcha drink at their desks. Bonus: this process is highly cathartic as well.
HUAWEI MATE 50 PRO SMARTPHONE
— $1,548, available from Huawei’s official store on Shopee.
Complete your friend’s back to the office look with a smartphone that shows just how serious they are. Huawei’s latest mobile packs incredible productivity and photography features, plus you can’t get more sleek than the black and silver finishes.
SWATCH CHRISTMAS EDITION
— $156, available at Swatch outlets.
Cheer yourself up with this very festive timepiece. This holiday edition from Swatch has playful details like bells on the strap, golden fringing on the sides, festive lights surrounding the dial, and of course there’s mistletoe. It’s going to be a great conversation starter back at the office.
BYND ARTISAN METROPOLITAN WORK PAD
— $150, available at Bynd Artisan stores and online.
This one’s for the friend whose desk is always spotless at the end of the work day. Made of high-quality leather, the Metropolitan Work Pad is a sleek leather mouse pad that also has space for a mug and phone stand, so everything’s kept neat, tidy and within arm’s reach. You may even personalise it in-store!
ORBITKEY X STAR WARS DESK MAT (DARTH VADER)
— $132, available at orbitkey.asia.
What’s a regular guy supposed to do when the Galactic Empire (not a euphemism at all!) is breathing down their necks? Join the rebels, or give in to the dark side. This limited edition collaboration desk mat will let them show their true colours, while also holding cables in place and keeping loose papers — or secret blueprints — out of sight.
COURANT CATCH:2 WIRELESS CHARGER
— $125, available at thepaperbunny.com.
Here’s another way to keep one’s desk neat. A multi-device wireless charging station that’s sleek and charges up to two devices at once. Great for those who love their wireless earbuds for the long commute home, the culprit who’s always borrowing your phone cable, or to share with your desk mate.
THE BREVITĒ EVERYDAY BACKPACK
— USD129.99, available at brevite.co.
No one wants to lug an ugly laptop backpack on the MRT train. Easy on the eyes, we’re most impressed by its functions. Its outer shell is made of weather-resistant material that’s able to withstand even ketchup spillage, it holds a lot without looking like it does, while there are various hidden pockets and zips for easy access; a side zip allows one to access the bottom of the backpack to do away with rummaging, for instance. There’s also a separate compartment for your ID pass or small knick-knacks, while the water bottle pocket is expandable for intense hydro homies.
NODSPARK NAIL WRAP
— $15, available at nodspark.com.
Know someone who’s so busy they’ve got no time to even book that manicure appointment? Nodspark’s nail wraps enable all of us to have polished nails in just ten minutes, and this Misty Marble Glitz certainly adds a touch of class and zen to an otherwise frenzied work day. They’ll never know!
You must be logged in to post a comment.