22 quirky and unique items that make for great Christmas gifts

The festive season is usually a period that sees never-ending gift exchanges, so we totally get how it can be hard to come up with something original. That said, you’d be surprised at how a small twist on a generic (and otherwise blah) gift can show your loved ones that you’ve put time and effort into the gesture.

From home décor to portable turntables and monthly subscriptions, we’ve rounded up some Christmas gift ideas that fit the bill of quirky and unusual. Any of these presents will surely make you stand out from the crowd this holiday season and keep you in your loved one’s thoughts throughout the year.

Unusual gift ideas

Mini agate paper weight

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Jazz up their work desk with this mesmerising agate paper weight that comes with a 22-karat gold coating for a gleaming touch.

The Mini Agate Paper Weight retails for S$57 per piece on Urban Outfitters, but it’s currently going for S$44 at the time of writing.

Bubbi homemade soaps

Bar soaps are all the rage now, thanks to its highly sustainable appeal. We’re currently crushing on the homemade ones by local soap maker, Bubbi.

Not only are they cold-processed and vegetarian, they’re also made with unique ingredients and come in a variety of scent combinations – there’s even one series featuring the signature scents of The Westin, Shangri-La, and Ritz Carlton hotels!

Bubbi homemade soaps are priced from S$9 onwards online.

Typo Pen Holder – Astronaut

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Pen holders are probably one of the most boring items you can buy as a gift, unless you get the cool-looking ones from Typo – just look at how fun this astronaut pen holder looks!

Not limited to just desk use, this can easily double as makeup brush storage on your vanity.

Other styles like dachshund, cockatoo, koala, orca, and camera are also available.

The Typo Astronaut Pen Holder retails for S$14.99 online.

Crosley Tourmaline Cruiser Bluetooth Record Player

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Hop on the analogue bandwagon and go back to playing your favourite vinyl LPs on this stylish vintage-inspired turntable by Crosley.

It comes with built-in stereo speakers and to cater to digital kids, it’s also Bluetooth-enabled.

Crosley Tourmaline Cruiser Bluetooth Record Player retails for S$101 on Urban Outfitters.

Taste Beauty Cup Noodles Lip Balm

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Got a noodle lover in your list? Take his/her love of noodles to the next level with this vanilla-flavoured lip balm modeled after the iconic Nissin Cup Noodles carton.

Taste Beauty Cup Noodles Lip Balm retails for S$6 on Urban Outfitters.

Claus Porto Confetti Guest Soap Box

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Housing 15 miniature bars in pretty pastel hues that are designed to resemble a box of macaroons, this box of delightfully fragranced soap made with 100% vegetable oils and shea butter will blend in perfectly in the bathroom of those who love to host.

The Claus Porto Confetti Guest Soap Box retails for approx. S$33 (US$24.98) on Net-a-Porter.

Initial Personalised Pocket Watch

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To give a dapper dresser a gift that will never go out of fashion, look no further than this elegant and classic personalised pocket watch that’s designed and engraved by artisans in the UK.

Initial Personalised Pocket Watch retails for S$71.26 on Gifts Less Ordinary.

Embroidered Kanken bag

Put a smile on a carefree giftee with this ready-made handcrafted present that’s functional and pleasing to the eyes.

Got your own Kanken bag? Reach out to the folks at Deerfolks to do a customisation instead!

The ready-made embroidered Kanken bag retails from S$169 at Deerfolks. Customisation is also available, enquire more via the contact form or refer to the price list here.

Typo Box of Socks – Care Bears

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Bring out the nostalgia with this cute set of socks that’s guaranteed to rock your giftee’s socks off.

The Typo Box of Socks – Care Bears retails for S$29.99 online.

Typo Canvas Cushy Cushion – Retro Mobile Phone

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Couch potatoes will surely appreciate a plush cushion that’s equal parts comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Typo Canvas Cushy Cushion – Retro Mobile Phone retails for S$29.99 online.

Group Partner Leaves Boy Pot

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For those who appreciate a little cheeky humour in their home, you’ll do well to check out these planters that’ll prove to be quite the conversation starter.

Plus, you have the option to top up a small fee to get the pot filled with either a Monstera Adansonii or pencil cactus plant!.

Group Partner Leaves Boy Pot retails for S$100 on Eat and Sip.

Aesop Post-Poo Drops

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Toilet business: it’s just something we don’t like to talk about even though all of us do it.

But we know you’ll like this clever scent that Aesop has especially designed to refresh a bathroom.

Its dreamy herbaceous aroma and prototypical beauty packaging aside, the formula – like all Aesop formulations – is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in sustainable packaging so it makes for a good present to gift the eco-conscious too.

Aesop Post-Poo Drops retails for S$39 at all Aesop boutiques and online.

Perfect Fit Puzzle Sphere Light

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A spherical lamp that comes in the form of a jigsaw puzzle which can be assembled without glue and can even be activated by touch and sound (clapping of hands)? Get this to totally please a nerd.

Perfect Fit Puzzle Sphere Light retails for S$29.90 at TANGS.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Four Drams Mystery Box Set

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Surprise the whisky enthusiast with this Singapore-exclusive bundle of festive deliciousness that features four mini drams of whisky ranging from single malts to blended malts.

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Four Drams Mystery Box Set retails for S$128 on Temple Cellars, but it’s currently on sale for S$105 at the time of writing.

Team Green Games Station Football Machine Jigzle

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We can already picture in our head how this plywood-based model would make an eye-catching centrepiece in a sports fanatic’s home.

Other wooden game station options you can check out include the Clown Tooth Knockout and the Koinobori Kendama, both retailing for S$24.90.

Team Green Games Station Football Machine Jigzle retails for S$35.90 at TANGS.

Renova 6-Roll Toilet Paper Gift Set

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Give an essential gift with a twist, all thanks to this gift pack of quality toilet rolls that come in six trendy colours.

Trust us, your giftee won’t be able to wait to use it in the WC.

Renova 6-Roll Toilet Paper Gift Set retails for S$28 at TANGS.

One-of-a-kind subscription services

A book subscription

Send them a handpicked book every month with the help of local independent bookstore, BooksActually.

Not only will your recipient get a curated selection of new releases, bestsellers, and cult-favourites (shipping is included in the fee, by the way!), he or she will also get to enjoy special member discounts when shopping at the bookstore.

Plus, there’ll also be a welcome gift in the form of a sturdy BooksActually Tote Bag when you sign up your giftee for the membership.

The BooksActually Super Membership is priced at S$238 for a one-year membership. Click here for more information or to sign up for the membership.

A wine or sake subscription

Taste the best of Australia, New Zealand, France, Italian, Spanish, and even Japanese with this zero-commitment booze subscription that sends you two different bottles every month (delivery included).

If you want, you can even take a look at their premium packages to tickle your taste buds with award-winning premium wine.

The Wala Monthly Wine/Sake Subscription is priced at S$88 for the Discovery packages and from S$158 for the Indulgence packages. Click here for more information or to sign up for the subscription.

A luxury watch subscription

For the watch enthusiast in your list, you can consider signing him/her up for a monthly subscription from Acquired Time which allows your giftee to loan and try out an assortment of luxury watches before jumping the gun.

The Acquired Time monthly subscription starts from S$175, click here for more information.

A flower bouquet subscription

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House plants and flowers have become trendy again, especially among those living in the city.

For the special recipient, sign her up for this weekly subscription that sends over eight surprise seasonal flower bouquets for the price of seven.

The Ask A French/Flowers Flower Lover Package is priced from S$1,323. Place your order here. Another flower subscription option you can consider is Flower Addict.

A Nespresso subscription

For the coffee lovers, you can’t go wrong with a Nespresso subscription that not only lets you try any any Nespresso flavours you want but also lets you have a machine for only a buck!

The Nespresso subscription ranges between S$36 and S$86, click here to learn more.

A stationery subscription

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Those into arts and crafts will especially appreciate this subscription that offers freshly designed, themed stationeries such as notepads, journals, writing utensils, and even greeting cards every month.

The My Paper Box Monthly Personalized Stationery Subscription Box is priced between S$13 and S$28. Click here to subscribe or get more information.