After the hubbub of Chinese New Year, Valentine's Day come rolling after. Bacha Coffee launches their signature brews to celebrate the occasions. We start with something that isn't edible but from the aroma, it's kinda tempting though. It's the Fleur du Maroc Scented Candle, a sweet seduction of orange blossoms, a cheeky kick of zesty citrus, and a grounding touch of cracked cocoa. It's like capturing the Moroccan sunshine in a jar.
Housed in a pink glass so chic it deserves its own Instagram post. Whether you're celebrating with friends or enjoying a romantic evening in, just pair it with your favourite brew and you've got a recipe for the ultimate cooosy vibes.
For that person who's always that indecisive (or just plain indulgent), there's the Coffee Hour Candle Gift Set. This is a trio of candles—Fleur du Maroc, Song of Saba, and Out of Africa—offers a scent for every mood. Need some zest? Go with Fleur du Maroc. Craving richness? Song of Saba's Arabica coffee and vanilla notes got you sorted. While Out of Africa's salted caramel and forest nuts will do the nutty trick. Packed in a stunning gift box, it's practically begging to be unwrapped.
Now we come to the coffee. Here we have the Coffee Trails Taster that consists of six exceptional brews with Raw Sugar Candy Sticks for a touch of sweetness, while the Coffee Crossroads Gift Set brings a refined selection of Single Origin coffees.
(BACHA COFFEE)
For the "coffee connoisseurs," there's the Coffee Discovery Gift Set and Coffee Route Gift Set offering Single Origin coffee options.
(BACHA COFFEE)
If you've got that lucky person to spoil, the Twins Hills Taster ups the ante with Ethiopia's Sidamo Mountain Coffee, Caramelo Morning Coffee, Coffee Blossom Honey, and Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans. It's indulgence in a box—no barista required.
Bacha is available in-store and online
"Is your figure less than Greek? Is your mouth a little weak?" Love isn't about perfection—it's about cherishing the quirks, the laughter, the way they make the world feel just right. Like the song itself, the best gifts aren't about grandeur but the thoughtfulness and knowing exactly what makes your Valentines smile. For the one who makes your heart sing, here's a list as timeless and tender as My Funny Valentine itself.
If you're looking for a gift that captures the depth of your love, why not choose a romance novel (heartbreaking or not...)? Giovanni's Room is a love letter straight to the heart. Author James Baldwin's hauntingly beautiful novel is as heart-wrenching as it is powerful, capturing the complexities of love, longing, and identity. Filled with passion and heartbreak, at its core, the book is a testament to how deeply and fiercely we can love. Give this to your lover, not just as a story, but as a reflection of how much love you hold for them.
“Somebody, your father or mine, should have told us that not many people have ever died of love. But multitudes have perished, and are perishing every hour—and in the oddest places!—for the lack of it.” The love between the two protagonists isn't defined by labels like "homosexual love" or "same-sex love"—it's simply love. Baldwin reminds us that love doesn't need qualifiers to be real; it just is.
Get a copy at Kinokuniya
The Smokehouse (Whisky Smoker)
For the partner who already knows his way around a good whisky, why not turn up the heat—literally? The Smokehouse Whisky Kit transforms an ordinary whiskey into a smoky masterpiece. It comes with an oak smoker top, wood chips, and a torch. Just add a pinch of wood flakes, light it up, and let the magic happen. Perfect for crafting an Old Fashioned for Valentine or giving his go-to bourbon that extra edge—if he loves whisky, he'll really love it with a little smoke.
For the one who believes love sounds better on vinyl, the AT-LP60XBT Fully Automatic Wireless Belt-Drive Turntable is the perfect gift. Combining the charm of analogue with the ease of modern tech, this sleek turntable offers all the classic features of the redesigned AT-LP60X, plus the freedom of Bluetooth connectivity. It's not just about playing records—it's about setting the perfect soundtrack for your Valentine's Day love story, one record at a time.
Suggested first vinyl: "High" by The Cure. Because what better way to say I love you than with the words, "And when I see you happy as a girl that lives in a world of make-believe it makes me pull my hair all out to think I could've let you leave."
Crossbody Baby Heart Tote Bag
(COPERNI)
What better way to wear your heart on your sleeve—or rather, in her hands—than with a bag? The Baby Heart Tote, crafted from soft, tactile Italian leather, is as charming as it is versatile. Designed with an integrated arched shoulder loop, it can be effortlessly hand-held, taking her from a casual daytime look to an elegant evening ensemble. Available in red, pink and black—this little beauty might just steal her heart.
Diamonds by the Yard® Pendant and Earrings Set in Sterling Silver
Elsa Peretti®
(TIFFANY&CO.)
A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but if you really want to win her heart, diamonds are a girl's best friend... Ms Monroe sung it best and this offering from Tiffanny & Co might be what she was crooning about. The dazzling Diamonds by the Yard® set pairs a delicate diamond pendant with matching earrings, both crafted in sterling silver. If you're looking to impress on Valentine, skip the flowers and bring the sparkle—because nothing says "I adore you" quite like a little luxury.
Baies (Berries) and Roses DuoClassic Candles (Valentine’s Day Edition)
(DIPTYQUE)
Set the mood with a gift that lingers in the air—the Baies (Berries) and Roses DuoClassic Candles (Valentine’s Day Edition) are the perfect pair—fruity and floral, fresh and romantic. The tangy green notes of Baies meet the soft, floral tones of Roses. Like intertwining hearts. This limited-edition duo burns in perfect harmony, filling the room with a romantic ambience. It's a scented declaration of love—for that special someone, or even yourself because self-love—even on a day like Valentine—deserves just as much glow.
When it comes to V-day, chocolates are (almost) as iconic as roses—so of course, we had to explore the most luxurious options. Enter Giorgio Armani’s Dolci line (Italian for sweets), a decadent collection offering everything from artisanal jams to chocolates.
This season, they’re releasing a special tin box of chocolates containing two limited-edition pralines, milk chocolate with hazelnut rittlea and white chocolate with salted pistachio. The box itself is nothing to sneeze at either, featuring geometric shapes reminiscent of Japanese architecture em-bossed onto its casing. It even comes with a grosgrain ribbon to complement that bouquet you’re getting for your partner.
The Dolci pop-up cart will be available at the Giorgio Armani Takashimaya storefront till the end of February 2025.
When was the last time you've seen someone wearing oval-shaped sunglasses? Probably only in sepia photographs. Modelled after the '90s, these Oliver Peoples Sirry frames are constructed of lightweight titanium that threads delicately between that line of fashion and vintage charm. A custom filigree is also etched along the arms of the frame to really drill home that retro flair. Good for the fashion-savvy partner, or anyone who hates the sun.
I struggle to remember the last time I truly appreciated a packaged gift, one that someone else had carefully thought about, selected and wrapped for me on a special occasion such as my birthday or Christmas. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. It’s just that as a grown adult, I have everything I need, and when I don’t then I have the means to buy it myself.
Like most children, I loved the idea of presents when I was under the age of, say, 16. At that point in life, you have no control. You have to wait to get the things that you want, be it a new toy or a trip to a theme park. Then, when you get to hold your own money, things change. You’re in charge. You eye up a new record (as I did circa 1999) and know that with a little budgeting, it’s yours in a matter of weeks. No need to wait for mummy to dangle it over you if you behave. Of course, there are things I cannot afford that if someone were to gift them to me I would absolutely lose my mind.
A sports car perhaps, parked outside my flat with a bow on it. Realistically, that isn’t going to happen. I’m not from a pedigree of folks who hand out gifts of that value, and if I were, I’d prefer to choose the vehicle myself. Nobody knows exactly what trim and upholstery you’re going to want inside.
What I want, what I really, really want, is time with the gift giver, assuming they’re an important part of my life. I want to go Japanese whiskey tasting with them, go to an immersive theatre show, or as a grad gesture, take a trip together. It’s how I divvy gifts myself too.
My mum is retired, and she’s someone who has given me gifts in some form all my life. In the last two decades, I’ve slowly weaned her off doing so. She used to be horrified, saying things like “I can’t NOT get you a 30th birthday present?”, but now she’s come to understand. Sure, for “good luck” on my 40th she gave me a small hongbao, but I ended up spending the money on her anyway. We went out for afternoon tea. When it comes to me buying gifts for her, I do what I can to spoil her but only by way of experiences. She has enough clutter in the house as it is. Due to age, she’s not so good at travelling, so a Virgin Voyage cruise around Europe is the easiest thing to do together next year. It’s something she’ll look forward to for many months, relish while on board, and the memories afterwards will live on and on. The same can’t be said for a handbag… and besides, she’s got plenty of those.
With long-time friends, we had fun exchanging gifts back at university, but 20-odd years on, we’ve run out of ideas. Rather than keep on at it we choose celebration over obligation. Shopping and gifting something the other person may not like is a waste of time. I’d rather we followed Michelle Yeoh to the Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park for some life-changing omakase (because anything Michelle does is cool). In our busy lives, it’s an excuse to do something special together instead of a quick gift exchange session during an office lunch break. The experience is the gift, so effort has to be exercised, and late-night Izakayas like The Aubery always lead to stories because, well, Japanese highballs…
In the post-pandemic era, we’re focusing on connection. TikTok’s #underconsumption movement boasted over 39 million views worldwide. Perhaps we’ve had enough of stuff. Those things were not enough for us while we were locked up. Given the rising cost of living and the close proximity of Chinese New Year to Christmas (next year it falls on January 29th), I won’t be surprised if spending on gifts sees another decline in 2024.
Don’t get me wrong, I do have things; nice things. I just bought them myself over the years, and often during a sale. My Lavazza coffee machine. My Sustainable Rituals electric toothbrush. My Gentle Monster sunglasses (OK, they’re fakes from Kuala Lumpur, because I don’t trust myself with expensive sunnies). Yes, I sound like an old Beyoncé record, but it’s true and I don’t need someone else to get me these (somewhat luxury) essentials. I try not to purchase things I don’t need, and the things I do need are bought to my exact specifications because only I know exactly what I want.
For instance, there’s a store near me called Runners Need which puts customers on their treadmill to get their gait analysed and thus, have them fitted with the perfect pair of running shoes. Now, how is anyone going to surprise me with something that fits better than that? I was never gifted an item of clothing I truly loved and felt comfortable in.
If you’re seeing sense in what I’m saying, then consider switching things up next Christmas, Lunar New Year, or an upcoming birthday. How about skipping the store-bought items between us salaried adults, and doing something with the giver or receiver that you’ll all remember for years, possibly decades, to come? It could be a family holiday abroad, filled with adventure and new challenges. Or for the boys who have everything, how about getting together and donating your valuable time to helping a cause that matters to the group? Less shiny toys will be wasted in the process, and your hearts will be full. I couldn’t think of a better way to do December.
We love Christmas—it's got great food, ambience, and even better movies. That is until the holiday crunch hits and you start panicking. Suddenly, you're that person—sweating in overcrowded malls, frantically scrolling online at midnight, contemplating whether your cousin really wants another scented candle. No one wants to go through that, and we don't want to see you go through that either. We're here to help. This is our curation of carefully selected presents—thoughtful without trying too hard, luxe without breaking the bank—that's guaranteed to earn you serious style points. This is Esquire Singapore's ultimate gift cheat sheet.
When it comes to fountain pens, there are luxury writing instruments in the market that are at the forefront but when you're shopping for a whole village, dropping a band on a single gift just isn't practical. Enter the LAMY Studio Fountain Pen, a mid-range luxury alternative that imposes modern aesthetics like its matte finishing and propeller-shaped twisted clip onto the classic writing instrument. Its smooth nib glides effortlessly across the page, making journaling, note-taking, or correspondence a luxurious experience. Good for the discerning writer, creative, or someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship.
(SKIMS)
Boxers? Yeah... they might sound "boring" but let's face it—they're very, very essential. However, who says essentials can't be stylish? SKIMS Stretch Boxer Briefs has been designed to move with you, these aren't your average boxers—they're lightweight, breathable and crafted from soft stretch fabric that feels like second skin. Available in three neutral shades, they're effortlessly chic and far more refined than those loud, bright red alternatives. Trust us, these are the upgrade his wardrobe didn't know it needed.
SKIMS Stretch Boxer Briefs (Pack of 3)
Don't be overwhelmed by the sheer number of skincare brands that exist in the market, or fall into the folly of buying her something she already has. Keep it simple with natural solutions that Almora Botanica presents. Named after a remarkably biodiverse region in the Himalayan mountains, the brand harnesses its adaptogenic ingredients for their resilient properties. Not only are formulations devoid of synthetic additives and harmful chemicals, products are COSMOS-certified. This official standard is only achieved by adhering to strict environmental and ethical guidelines; where all claims are rigorously assessed from sourcing, production, packaging to fairtrade practices. The flagship SAPTA complex is a blend of seven natural cold-pressed oils; prepped for lighter and faster absorption. It's the ultimate Clean Girl Aesthetic.
(Charlotte Tilbury)
What's more challenging than guessing if she's had her hair cut? Buying beauty products for her. (And let's not even get into the shade, tone, or personal preferences—its complicated alright.) But the Charlotte Tilbury Iconic Hollywood Lip Trio Gift Set is here to save the day. With three luxurious lippies, it's designed to suit every woman's style. I'll spare you the names of the shades, but trust me, they're perfect for every occasion—date nights, casual days, and those fun night outs.
Charlotte's Iconic Hollywood Lip Trio Gift Set
(Charlotte Tilbury)
If you're still contemplating whether she'll like the shade, don't stress—because the secret to flawless makeup lies in the prep. Charlotte's Magic Water Cream Set, a product that sold out within hours of its launch and earned the title of 'Queen of Glowing Skin’. It moisturises and preps the skin for that perfect, radiant glow. And when she asks how you managed to find this gem, try not to look too smug.
Charlotte's Magic Water Cream Set
We all have that one friend who's been unhealthily obsessing over Wicked lately—this one's for them. You can now bring the magic of Emerald City into their home with the OZ Diffuser by DORS. With enchanting notes of refreshing citrus, jasmine, tonka bean and woods, it's ideal for creating a sophisticated, inviting atmosphere. But let's be real—this could smell like algae and damp wood, and your friend would still love it.
Gifting someone tea is always a safe bet. The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. Holiday Collection offers thoughtfully crafted blends to get you in the festive mood. There for Me warms the soul with black Ceylon tea and festive spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Creature Comforts soothes with a caffeine-free infusion of chamomile, passionflower, and rose petals. Love Letter delights with the sweet notes of strawberry, hibiscus, and creamy milk oolong.
We raved about the Dropout née CollegeHumor. It's a subscription-based streaming service that survived bankruptcy and a pandemic, offering a range of shows, sketches, and unscripted series. Moving away from its scripted content, most of their content are improvised. Popular Dropout programmes include Dimension 20, a tabletop RPG series led by Brennan Lee Mulligan and Game Changer, where each episode is a different game. We particularly are sweet on Dropout's latest series, Smartypants, where comics make their case via a powerpoint presentation. (In this video preview, Paul Robalino, presents how to improve the human body and it gets increasingly unhinged.) Dropout's subscription is cheaper than your other conventional streaming services and for that kind of price for that kind of quality comedy, it almost feel like you're stealing.
If you're planning on visiting a friend's house for the holidays, here's one way you can make the visit more spirited—literally. Designed to hang as ornaments on Christmas trees, the Brass Lion Gin Baubles come filled with one of three signature gins: Singapore Dry Gin, Butterfly Pea Gin, or Pahit Pink Gin. Perfect for the gin lover, jokester, or anyone who believes Christmas decorations should be drinkable.
There are a few bangers from Apple that we wanted to recommend (AirPods Pro 2; iPad Pro 4) but rules are rules. We'll gonnna go with the Apple Vision Pro. It's way ahead in its cutting-edge spatial computing tech and looks like something from the future. The intuitive user experience (eye-tracking and hand-gesture controls) distracts from the weight and with the recent VisionOS update, it allows for spatial photography and with Apple's commitment to immersive films and TV shows, movie night will never be the same again.
It's the second Friday of May. You're a couple of days away from turning up to Mother's Day dinner with a flower arrangement that (a) you didn't order in advance so it's pretty much an assortment of leftovers the florist managed to collate, and (b) you're kinda screwed, dude.
Not to bring up an Asian mother trope, but we sure she's going to be nice about receiving a floral bouquet, before flicking through Facebook or her Whatsapp group chat with [insert aunty's name] showcase of the gift her thoughtful son got her. It's no competition, yes. But she definitely deserves something more.
Thankfully, there are plenty of last-minute Mother's Day gift options out there that you don't even need to sneakily get her sizes for. And we've scoured 10 just for you.
Adorned with the signature Visetos monogram, the Ella Boston Bag in Maxi Visetos epitomises timeless elegance and contemporary allure. Drawing inspiration from vintage travel trunks of Munich's golden era, this bag boasts a leather hang tag and a logo-engraved metal padlock, paying homage to its jet-setting heritage. Red roses? Nah.
How do you honour a mother's invaluable and nurturing love? Bulgari’s exquisite Diva's Dream necklaces might offer a radiant answer. Featuring signature shapes with mother of pearl inserts and vibrant malachite, these timeless pieces symbolise unconditional love—a perfect tribute to the extraordinary mothers in our lives.
Encased in a sleek, new design with magnetic closure, a Rouge Dior red lip never goes out of style. Its long-lasting formula ensures comfort, enriched with hydrating lip care for nourishment. There's a spectrum of shades in matte velvet and satin finishes—the matte velvet finish grants full, soft lips with a weightless feel, while the satin finish imparts brightness and shape. More than just a lipstick, it's also a small piece of luxury that she'll be able to carry with her wherever she goes.
We know we’ve been veering from the usual flower choices, but bear with us—these aren't your typical blooms. These exquisite origami flowers are crafted by Atelier Oï in collaboration with Louis Vuitton. It's a partnership that celebrates craftsmanship with creations inspired by emotional material encounters. Each leather petal reflects a story of love and care, reflecting the essence of maternal strength as well as the beauty of handmade artistry. If you want to get her flowers, get her these ones that won't wither after a week.
Made from the handpicked roses cultivated in the House's new Southern France atelier, Henry Jacques reveals its latest expression, Collection de l’Atelier. The limited edition collection features three distinct fragrances—Rose Soleil, Rose Trés Rose, and Rose Azur—in generous 30ml volumes to emphasise the rarity, preciousness and quality. Also available as a set of three, elegantly presented in a handcrafted chest. Limited to just 500 bottles, each a singular creation, this collection is an exclusive offering never to be duplicated.
Handcrafted in Italy from textured calf leather, the Rocking Horse Bag blends nostalgic charm with modern versatility. Featuring a unique "b" closure, it's a nod to the classic rocking horse toy. With an adjustable strap, it effortlessly transitions from shoulder to crossbody wear. Embellished with the iconic tartan-check pattern, this medium version in Lichen ensures versatility and ample space for your mother's everyday needs.
Just as mothers gracefully navigate the twists and turns of parenting, shoes likewise adapt to diverse terrains. Show your appreciation with a pair of Gucci slide sandals—a perfect nod to their resilience and elegance. Crafted from light blue denim, these slide sandals are adorned with an embroidered Gucci script and striped accents, merging style with comfort seamlessly.
Pamper mom with the La Mer Replenishing Moisture Collection Set. This limited-edition set comprises of La Mer's hydrating Treatment Lotion, transformative Eye Concentrate, protective Lime Tea Concentrate, and luxurious Hydrating Infused Emulsion and Crème De La Mer. With indulgent moisture in four simple steps, it's the perfect pampering solution for radiant, youthful-looking skin, suitable for all skin types.
Issey Miyake introduces L’Eau d’Issey Solar Violet. This new fragrance pay homage to nature's beauty, embodying the transformation of water after encountering the sublime. L’Eau d’Issey Solar Violet, crafted by perfumer Marie Salamagne, merges freshness with sensuality, featuring luminous violet and sunny pear notes. Dermatologically tested and suitable for sun exposure with proper protection, it makes a thoughtful gift as a celebration of the radiant spirit of motherhood.
The Dyson Airstrait Straightener revolutionises hair straightening with air, not heat. Its innovative design allows for simultaneous drying and straightening from wet, without hot plates, ensuring no heat damage. Featuring precise directional airflow and intelligent heat control, it safeguards hair's natural shine by measuring temperature 16 times per second. No more accidentally burning her fingers for mom.
