{"id":17521,"date":"2026-07-22T15:00:49","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T07:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/?p=17521"},"modified":"2026-07-22T15:07:16","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T07:07:16","slug":"singaporean-souvenir-gifts-national-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/singaporean-souvenir-gifts-national-day\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Best Singapore Souvenir Ideas Your Overseas Friends Will Love"},"content":{"rendered":"
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There\u2019s more to Singapore souvenir shopping than Merlion magnets and \u2018I Love SG\u2019 shirts. If you\u2019re looking for something that your overseas friends will truly enjoy, there are plenty of thoughtful ways to take a piece of the Little Red Dot home. From delicious local snacks to uniquely Singaporean keepsakes, we\u2019ve got insider information on some of the best souvenirs from Singapore for you. So, skip the generic gifts and make room in your suitcase for keepsakes your loved ones will actually treasure!<\/p>\n

Best Singapore souvenir: Food and drinks<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Kaya jam<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"kaya
(Credit: Killiney Mart)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Whether you call it <\/span>coconut jam<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>kaya<\/span><\/i><\/a>, this fragrant and pandan-rich spread deserves a spot on our list of best souvenirs from Singapore! Made from <\/span>coconut milk<\/span><\/a>, eggs and pandan leaves, <\/span>kaya<\/i><\/b> jam<\/b> goes well with toast, <\/span>which is<\/span> a breakfast dish that many locals enjoy. Share the joy and bring back a bottle of Killiney Singapore Kaya Coconut Jam for your overseas family and friends to enjoy this delectable local spread.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Bak kwa<\/span><\/h3>\n
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(Credit: Fragrance Singapore Official Store [cropped])<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n
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\nBarbecued pork jerky, or Bak Kwa<\/b><\/em>, is one of the best Singapore gifts for your overseas friends if they like unique snacks. My favourite is the Sliced Tender Bak Kwa from the local brand Fragrance. Expect a sweet yet smoky flavour that\u2019s seriously addictive. Try it on its own or with bread and pork floss for a whole new experience! Also, you won\u2019t have to worry about shelf life. The bak kwa<\/em> is freshly grilled and safely packed for maximum freshness, so it can make the journey home without issues. If you\u2019re interested in hitting the streets of Singapore in search of the best bak kwa<\/em> stores<\/a>, check out our guide!<\/div>\n
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3. Durian puffs<\/span><\/h3>\n
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(Credit: Four Seasons Durians Official Store)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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As divisive as it may be, it\u2019s undeniable that Singaporeans are obsessed with<\/span> durian<\/span><\/a> (it <\/span>has even been incorporated into The Esplanade\u2019s design). Although the pungent smell of the <\/span>fruit<\/span><\/a> can be overpowering for newcomers, you can ease them in with <\/span>durian puffs<\/b>!<\/span> Durian puffs<\/span><\/a> are one of the best <\/span>Singapore souvenirs, thanks <\/span>to their creamy texture and crisp choux that inevitably leave you wanting more. On top of that, its bittersweet flavour profile is sure to win your foreign friends over! While you\u2019re in Singapore, why not <\/span>go all out and <\/span>go on a <\/span>durian tour<\/span><\/a> to give every variant a try? <\/span><\/p>\n

4. Pineapple tarts<\/span><\/h3>\n
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(Credit: Gin Thye Official [cropped])<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n
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What better way to convey your heartfelt greetings to your friends and family than the traditional Chinese pineapple tarts <\/b>snack? My favourite ones are the Gin Thye Pineapple Tarts, which come in fun shapes such as balls, rolls and flowers. Each tart features a rich, sweet pineapple filling wrapped in a thin, flaky crust. If you\u2019re looking for authentic Singaporean pastries, Gin Thye has been serving old-school favourites since 1964, so this is as traditional as it gets! Recognised by Singapore\u2019s National Heritage Board, this homegrown confectionery is your go-to for the best baked treats that will leave you wanting more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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5. Spice kits and instant food<\/span><\/h3>\n
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(Credit: Song Fa Official Store)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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While it\u2019s difficult to beat food that\u2019s prepared fresh in our <\/span>hawker centres<\/span><\/a>, spice kits and instant food options are decent options while you eagerly await your next visit to Singapore. The best part? It\u2019s super simple \u2013 just add pork ribs to <\/span>Song Fa Bak Kut Teh\u2019s Spices<\/span> and brew it for an hour, depending on how <\/span>gao <\/span><\/i>(thick) you\u2019d like the stock to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those who can\u2019t get enough of our mouth-watering chilli crab, snag a bag of the <\/span>Nissin Jumbo Seafood Chilli Crab<\/span><\/a> for some late-night feasting. <\/span>Convenient to pack and simple to prepare<\/span>, it\u2019s no wonder that<\/span> these instant favourites <\/span>are <\/span>among <\/span>the best Singapore souvenirs<\/span> for sharing a taste of home abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Salted egg snacks<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"salted
(Credit: IRVINS Official Store)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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While <\/span>salted egg<\/span><\/a> first originated in China centuries ago, it\u2019s hard to deny that it\u2019s a popular snack flavour in Singapore these days. The first <\/span>salted egg snack<\/b> that comes to mind is the <\/span>Irvins Salted Egg Potato Chips.<\/span> The potatoes are thinly sliced before being coated with real salted egg, aromatic curry leaves and chilli, creating their signature chips that seriously pack a punch. For something more indulgent, opt for the <\/span>Crusty Salted Egg Fish Skin<\/span><\/a> that\u2019s 100% preservative-free.<\/span> It\u2019s a<\/span> perfect mid-day snack that\u2019ll leave you wanting more! <\/span><\/p>\n

7. Soy sauce<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"soy
(Credit: Dish The Fish Official Store)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Soy sauce<\/b> may not be the first Singapore souvenir that comes to mind, but hear me out: It\u2019s one of the easiest ways to recreate familiar Singaporean flavours at home! I highly recommend Kwong Woh Hing, a homegrown brand that specialises in traditionally brewed <\/span>soy sauces<\/span><\/a> that will add a rich, savoury kick to everything, from stir-fries to marinades. Pick up a bottle for your overseas friend who loves to cook, so they can enjoy a little taste of Singapore whenever they like. Just remember to wrap it well and pack it in your checked luggage!<\/span><\/p>\n

8. TWG tea\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"twg
(Credit: Hola Mart)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Gift your overseas friends an elevated tea drinking experience by getting them a box or two of the classic <\/span>TWG tea bags<\/b>. TWG tea features premium blends with distinct flavour profiles that range from beloved classics to fruity flavours. My pick is <\/span>Breakfast Earl Grey, <\/span>a fragrant black tea that\u2019s scented <\/span>with bright bergamot notes<\/span>. TWG prides itself on creating only the finest teas of high quality with no artificial ingredients included<\/span>. It\u2019s the perfect excuse to catch up over a cosy <\/span>cuppa <\/span><\/i>even when you\u2019re miles apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Singapore souvenir: Collectables and unique memorabilia\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

9. Merlion souvenir gifts<\/span><\/h3>\n
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(Credit: Nom.Singapore)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Now, I know I said to skip the generic Merlion magnets, but let me explain. <\/span>Merlion souvenir gifts<\/b> may be a classic choice, but they don\u2019t have to be boring! If it\u2019s your first time in Singapore, why not bring home a cuter version of the famous icon? I\u2019d go for the<\/span> Nom Singapore Merlion Chou Chou Mini Keychain<\/span> that\u2019s soft, plushy, and you can easily clip onto your <\/span>bag<\/span><\/a>!<\/span> I know I would love to receive this as a gift to have a piece of Singapore with me wherever I go! <\/span><\/p>\n

10. Peranakan-inspired memorabilia<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"peranakan-inspired
(Credit: HOUZE Official Store)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Don\u2019t underestimate the ability of a few aesthetic pieces to elevate your living space and make it more homely! Rather than the usual table coaster, <\/span>Table Matters\u2019 Peranakan Cup Coaster<\/span> is the perfect Singapore souvenir for a dash of colour to enliven your dining area. For those who enjoy minimalistic home decor like I do, this <\/span>Classic Aromatherapy Burner <\/span><\/a>is a great addition to your living room that\u2019s sure to impress any visitors. While you\u2019re at it, have a watch of Mediacorp\u2019s latest drama \u2013 a spinoff of the famous Little Nyonya series that features various Peranakan items!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Singapore stamps<\/span><\/h3>\n
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(Credit: Wagon Store) <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Have a friend who loves collecting <\/span>stamps<\/span><\/a>? Help grow their collection with this <\/span>uniquely Singaporean gift<\/span>, and they\u2019ll thank you for it! With <\/span>motifs <\/span>ranging from the classic Merlion to olden-day designs like these National Day 1967 Singapore Postage Stamps, you\u2019ll be hard-pressed to find a <\/span>Singapore stamp<\/b> that your friends won\u2019t admire. Aside from stamps, postcards also make for some of the <\/span>best Singapore gifts for overseas friends<\/span>. Grab this set of <\/span>15-Piece Singapore Postcards<\/span><\/a>, so there\u2019s more than enough for everyone you\u2019d like to write to. If you\u2019re just collecting for yourself, this <\/span>Singlish Postcard Set<\/span><\/a> makes a fun personal keepsake, featuring <\/span>some of our favourite slang to remind you of your good times here in <\/span>Singapore<\/span>!<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Good Morning towel<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"good
(Credit: JIJI.SG Brand Store)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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For a Singapore souvenir that\u2019s practical, nostalgic and unmistakably familiar, pick up a classic <\/span>Good Morning towel<\/b>. You\u2019ve probably spotted this simple white towel at <\/span>hawker stalls<\/span><\/a>, coffee shops and old-school barbers. The bright red lettering of the Good Morning towel makes it easy to recognise. Sure, it may look humble, but that\u2019s exactly what makes it such a fun keepsake. It will give your overseas friends a glimpse into everyday local life, and best of all, they can actually use it!<\/span><\/p>\n

13. Tat Sing slippers<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"tat
(Credit: Tat Sing Slippers<\/a> \/ Instagram)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Not every souvenir has to sit on a shelf. If you\u2019re looking for something a little unexpected for your Singapore souvenir, slip a pair of <\/span>Tat Sing slippers <\/b>into your <\/span>suitcase<\/span><\/a>! These classic rubber <\/span>flip-flops<\/span><\/a> are simple, comfy and familiar to many Singaporeans. Their fuss-free design makes them easy to slip on for quick errands or lazy days at home. They make a fun yet practical gift for those who love retro finds. Just make sure you get the right size before flying home.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Tiger Balm\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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(Credit: Watsons Singapore Official Store)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Tiger Balm<\/b> is one <\/span>of the best souvenirs from Singapore<\/span>\u00a0that you <\/span>simply <\/span>can\u2019t miss out on. Loved by many Singaporeans, this ointment features a blend of herbal ingredients that provide effective relief from aches and pains (including those pesky mosquito bites). Other than easing discomfort, Tiger Balm creates a warm<\/span>, soothing <\/span>sensation when applied. Over the years, this popular brand has launched a few variations of its original Tiger Balm Ointment White, including <\/span>Tiger Balm Lotion Pain Relief<\/span><\/a>, and even bedtime products like <\/span>TIGER BALM Sensorial Therapy Lavender Relax<\/span><\/a>. As an affordable and practical option, <\/span>this is one of the best Singapore gifts for overseas friends and a must-add to your personal <\/span>arsenal of household remedies.<\/span><\/p>\n

15. Orchid-themed gifts\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"orchid-themed
(Credit: luckystoregoods1.sg)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Finally, <\/span>orchid-themed gifts<\/b> are a lovely way to bring a little piece of Singapore home.<\/span> The orchid is Singapore\u2019s national flower, making it a meaningful and iconic keepsake. <\/span>It comes in all forms, from jewellery and keychains to scarves and home decor. <\/span>I\u2019ve seen beautiful <\/span>keychains <\/span>sold in stores along <\/span>Haji Lane<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>with <\/span>some stores even <\/span>offering <\/span>the option of building your keychain from scratch. With options for every style and budget, they make a thoughtful gift for those who love <\/span>flowers<\/span><\/a> or botanical designs!<\/span><\/p>\n

Where to buy the best souvenirs from Singapore <\/span><\/h2>\n

Not sure where to begin your shopping spree? The best place to shop for Singapore souvenirs depends on what you\u2019re looking for, whether that\u2019s local snacks, affordable trinkets, or heritage-inspired gifts.<\/span><\/p>\n