Hello everyone! In this article, I’ll be compiling my Valentine’s Day gift guide for 2022, comprising local brands that offer great, personalisable products.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, here are some great gift options for your special someone!
Watches:
1) Aries Gold
Watches are often sentimental items, with personalised watches especially so.
My opinion: Personally, I believe that Aries Gold offers some of the best value propositions that you can get for ~S$200-400. For example, the Roadster that I reviewed previously has a sapphire crystal, an uncommon Seiko Epson movement with a power reserve indicator, and is surprisingly affordable despite its limited edition status. Customers can also opt for engraving on the dial and caseback (either text or a picture) on the website, and enjoy 2 years of local warranty, making Aries Gold watches great options for gifts. If I was attached – I’m not, unfortunately – I’ll certainly consider making a pair of watches as a couple watch, with each other’s names on the dial.
Reviews: I reviewed the Aries Gold Jolter here, the Aries Gold Cruiser here, the Aries Gold Roadster here, the Aries Gold El Toro here, the Aries Gold Vanguard here, the Aries Gold Black Sea here, the Aries Gold Dreadnought here, and the Aries Gold Diplomat here. I also did an article on why I believe that they are one of the best watch brands under S$200 here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can purchase from Aries Gold’s web-store here. Use the code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 20% off!
Perfume:
2) Maison 21G
Maison 21G specialises in “tailor-made perfumes”, allowing customers to create their own unique scent at an affordable price.
My opinion: I love Maison 21G’s concept of “tailoring” a scent for yourself. As you guys know, I’m quite big on tailoring, so I’m immensely intrigued by the concept of bringing the same notion over to fragrances. How Maison 21G works is simple – the brand has 35 different solo scents, which customers can combine to make their own unique scent, with over a hundred different combinations for customers to explore. All bottles are personalisable as well with text and images of choice. Maison 21G also runs a Love Atelier workshop, which “has been tailored to bring loved ones together” – couples leave the workshop with 3 bottles of customised perfume! It’s definitely a date idea that’s just perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Reviews: I chronicled my experience of attending a workshop at Maison 21G’s Duxton outlet here, their new ION outlet here, their home scents here, and their new Dual Crayon here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can customise their own perfumes and book workshops on Maison 21G’s web-store here. For those interested, the promo code “M21GWAHSOSHIOK” will grant readers 15% off weekday perfume workshop bookings from Maison 21G online, as well as all other products on their webstore.
3) Scent by Six
If customising or attending a workshop sounds like too much of a hassle for you, then Scent by Six is a great alternative.
My opinion: SIX burst into the local fragrance scene in 2016 with its initial trio of perfumes, the Tribeca, Puka and my favourite, the Biei. Packaged in a svelte form factor – it looks more like lipstick than a perfume bottle – the scents were meant to evoke the smells and vibe of the namesake locations. I found the concept of perfumes inspired by locations (which the founder had been to and loved) immensely intriguing. The scents are very unique as well, unlike anything I’ve ever smelt. The founder, Jason, actually worked at world-renowned fragrance house Givaudan for 4 years, and used that expertise to develop scents for his own brand. For those who desire a more exotic scent, SIX is definitely a good option to consider. The best part? Their perfume bottles are refillable, so you can simply buy a refill (at a much lower price) when you run out. Not only is it economically friendly, it’s environmentally friendly as well. Customers can also opt for engraving on the bottles, making them perfect as a gift for your special someone. My current favourite scent from them is the Hikaru, which immediately transport me to Japan.
Reviews: I reviewed Scent by SIX’s perfumes here, their perfume workshop here, and their latest scents here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Scent by SIX’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off!
Accessories:
4) Faire Leather
One of my personal favourites, Faire Leather offers wallets that are simply packed with functionality – definitely a practical gift.
My opinion: Personally, I love the ability of Faire to combine sleek, minimalist looks with ultra-functional utility. I really liked the Neo Zip Around wallet that I reviewed last year – in fact, it’s still my wallet of choice. It’s made from premium materials, and I find the embossed green leather to be eminently striking. In addition, it’s jam-packed with functionality, with more than enough compartments for my everyday needs. At $125 (after promo code below), the Neo Zip Around wallet is a solid value proposition. Monograms are also available for a more personal touch.
Reviews: I reviewed the Faire Leather Neo Zip Around wallet and Hunt Laptop Sleeve here. I also reviewed the Spectre Bifold Wallet, Ross Everyday Clutch and Ross Daypack here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Faire Leather’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off!
5) Gnome & Bow
Is your significant other more of a creative – perhaps someone who loves literary classics? If so, they will love Gnome & Bow.
My opinion: I love how Gnome & Bow is able to seamlessly weave literary elements of iconic fables into the design of its products. In particular, I adore the Herringbone fabric lining that the brand uses (see above picture), which gives their wallets a sartorial vibe. I’m also a big fan of their new RFID collection, which protects credit cards and passports against fraud and identity theft. The new wallets are now equipped with discreet compartments for coins, keys, SIM card and pin when the need arises, which also flatten when not in use. In addition, all of their wallets can be personalised with quotes of your choice, making them great as thoughtful gifts. As the icing on the cake, Gnome & Bow is including a complimentary Valentine’s Day greeting card with every purchase too. If you’re on a tighter budget, Gnome & Bow is also currently having a sale on their older models, where items start from just $59.
Review: I reviewed the Gnome & Bow Hitchhiker Space Capsule Backpack here, the Porthos briefcase and Balsa duffel here, and its wallets here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Gnome & Bow’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off! Personalised orders must be placed by 6th February for delivery by Valentine’s Day.
Writing Instruments:
6) Cityluxe
Cityluxe is a homegrown purveyor of writing instruments, offering a wide variety of pens, inks, notebooks and more at attractive prices.
My opinion: As a writer, I believe that everyone should have a decent pen to write with. If your loved one doesn’t, this is perhaps the perfect opportunity to get them some fine writing instruments. And contrary to popular belief, good pens don’t have to break the bank. For example, Parker is one of the world’s most distinctive pen makers, probably second only to Montblanc. Everybody (with the possible exception of Gen Z tiktokers) has heard of Parker and its pens. The Parker Jotter I reviewed last year is a significant step up from the usual ballpoint pens, but unlike a fountain pen, it’s eminently convenient – one doesn’t have to worry about leakages, ink drying up, etc. In other words, it’s a perfect grab-and-go pen, and a great gift. Cityluxe also provides gift wrapping, greeting card services, and personalisable engraving on pens, making them a great place to buy writing instruments gifts from.
Review: I reviewed the Parker Jotter here, as well as a Leuchtturm notebook and a Monteverde fountain pen here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from Cityluxe’s web-store here. Use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off!
Conclusion
That rounds up my gift guide for Valentine’s Day this year! All of the above brands offer personalisable and functional products that will make for great gifts for your significant other. You will also be supporting homegrown brands as well. Do note that each brand has its own cut-off date for Valentine’s Day orders, so do be mindful of that when ordering!
P.S Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.S.S.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
