anna s asked:
I am staying with my relatives in Singapore over Christmas and I want to buy them a gift (perhaps one for all family) – but I am finding it hard to think of ideas. I have so far thought of some traditional ‘english’ gifts from home such as miniature jams and biscuits or a hamper of food goodies…? What kind of things could I buy which are not breakable, and not too expensive…??
I am staying with my relatives in Singapore over Christmas and I want to buy them a gift (perhaps one for all family) – but I am finding it hard to think of ideas. I have so far thought of some traditional ‘english’ gifts from home such as miniature jams and biscuits or a hamper of food goodies…? What kind of things could I buy which are not breakable, and not too expensive…??
buy some food only found from where you are from. Singaporeans like that
It depends a lot on the ethnic culture of your relatives. If Chinese don’t forget that bottle of XO at Duty Free. I like to bring back good cheeses, smoked meats or fish like herring. You will make the very happy if you just take them out for a sumptuous meal. I would suggest Pepper Crab at the junction of Joo Chiat Place and Jalan Eunos, (be seated by 5:00 pm if you don’t want to que), or the Ancient Chinese Food in Sempang Bedok. Both are very reasonable, The Ancient Chinese Food has more variety and easy parking. (It’s also 2 Bus Stops from Tanah Meriah MRT) Your relatives may not have tried it which would make it even better.
One box ( 6 bottles ) Essence of Chicken + one box ( 6 bottles ) of Brid-Net Drink . this will be good for a family ( young and old ). cost as 16.9o + 36.oo SGD or less.
cash is always welcomed.
A combination of yours and the answerer Caretaker’s ideas and present it as a hamper for the family? (Basket and wrap can be bought locally – even at Changi airport when you land, to save you the packing and they’ll wrap it for you on the spot.)
I might add: Traditional UK sweets like mint cake, different types of licorice, fudge, butter toffees, jellies, wine gums, etc?
If you’re coming around Christmas, Christmas pudding and cakes?
Caretaker, I’m astonished by your powers of observation. You put some of us Singaporeans to shame. The prerequisite Duty Free XO is funny and dead on – though more confined to the older, Chinese educated ethnic Chinese. I prefer single malt Scotch myself.
I would tread carefully on taking them out to dinner though – being food supremacists that we are, they probably wouldn’t take too kindly to being told where to eat on their home turf, lol.
I would instead ask them for their suggestions, go along with it, then discreetly pay at the cashier or stall-holder just before the end of the meal to save yourself from the traditional tug-of-war for the bill. Though the latter activity in itself may be alarming, therefore interesting, to observe as a foreigner if you haven’t before. Consider it part of your tourist experience.
All the answers here are great answers. All won’t go wrong. But you need to be careful. There are many more chinese-speaking households who dont like cheese. so cheese might be out. Very few of us can appreciate or keep cheeses to snack with crackers.
I love the pepper crab at joo chiat, and indeed it is 100% the best but they close early at 6-7pm it can already be sold out. They open late too, i think around 5pm? not too sure…prepare for a super looong wait for the crabs.
I’d go with Mr. L’s suggestion to buy stuff only available from your country. Food is our favourite and specialty chocolate, snacks, souvenirs, t-shirts will be welcomed.