9 great online stores to get your Christmas shopping sorted

It might be over a month before Christmas but it’s probably about time to get started with Christmas shopping. To save yourself the panic (and the likelihood of succumbing to gift cards), we’ve rounded up some of the best places to direct your mouse to.

From thoughtful, personalised gifts to home decor or fun, novelty ideas, browse these online stores and marketplaces for endless Christmas gift ideas and stocking stuffers all in one place.

1. Boutique Fairs

Originally a twice-yearly event, Boutique Fairs recently launched an online shopping platform, which includes labels you would have seen at its fairs at the F1 Pit Building.

Each feature brand is curated by fair founder Charlotte Cain, and showcases items that span across categories, from home decor, fashion, lifestyle products, F&B, children’s toys, and fashion.

Head to the Gift Guide section for recommended picks for women and men, by price points, and eco-friendly or socially responsible gifts.

There are gifts for the young’uns too, from clothes to a wooden letter train.

Visit its website for more information.

2. The Collective Market At Siri House

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If you have an eye for artisanal and unique accessories and home goods, make The Collective Market by Siri House your Xmas shopping destination.

The multi-concept Siri House at Dempsey – it’s altogether a lifestyle, social and dining space – has brought its retail arm online.

You’ll also find a well-edited curation of apparel, accessories, and books as well as traditional and contemporary handcrafted ceramics, sculptures and homewares from Thai and international brands like Beachdaze, Nimmind Studio, Thingg, Neighbour Crafts, Comfort Seoul, and Sur And Everything.

Visit its website for more information.

3. Naiise

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You’d likely not need an introduction to Naiise – this creative marketplace is a gateway to a deluge of quirky and novel finds, including food, fashion accessories, local-themed decor and accessories, customisable items (including home unit numbers!), and even wellness products.

And just in case you’ve left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, there’s a section that offers items shipped in one to two days.

Visit its website for more information.

4. Cat Socrates

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If you’re shopping for a cat lover, you’ll want to hit up retail store Cat Socrates. From wireless charging pads to coasters, cushions, postcards and plates, it’s got everything emblazoned with the most adorable feline prints.

There are other cool quirky finds too, including Singapore-themed decorative items, pots and planters as well as books.

The company has an online shop for easy browsing, but if you ask us, we’d much prefer to lose ourselves in its treasure trove of goods at its physical stores at Joo Chiat and Tiong Bahru.

Visit its website for more information.

5. Amazon

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Is there anything that Amazon doesn’t quite carry? For a barrage of gift shopping ideas, make a pit-stop at Amazon.

Got a movie buff on your to-gift list? Check out the Holiday Toy Store for collectible figurines (like this Iron Man helmet), toys and plushies. Or get the beauty lover in your life an indulgent skincare or grooming set.

For holiday decorations, there’s also a dedicated Holiday Fun segment that has all your festive supplies, from trees to Christmas stockings, ornaments and more.

Eschewing tangible gift ideas? Contribute to the less fortunate instead with the Amazon X Retail for Good Wishlist, where useful donations can be made to non-profits like Blessings in a Bag, Club Rainbow (Singapore), The Food Bank, and more.

You can also make purchases featured in the Children’s Wishing Well’s Gift Guides and have Amazon join in with a donation of $5 for every $50 spent.

Visit its website for more information.

6. The Art Faculty

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Spread the love and celebrate the gift of giving this joyful season by shopping at The Art Faculty.

Its selection of crafts and lifestyle products spotlight artworks by talented artists with autism from Pathlight School, and you’ll contribute to their income when you shop their creations.

Browse through its collection of beautifully crafted bags, homeware, stationery, and pouches – yep, including the dinosaur-motif pouch that Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s wife, Madam Ho Ching was spotted carrying to the White House a few years back.

Visit its website for more information. 

7. Gifts Less Ordinary

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As its name suggests, this online store carries unusual gifts that are also chic and functional, too.

Many of its gifts can be personalised, such as jewellery, accessory boxes and clothes to glassware and leather goods. You’ll have to order with time to spare, standard delivery often takes a couple of weeks to a month, or at least five days to a week for courier services.

Visit its website for more information.

8. Fleurica

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Love sending flowers with your gifts? New online gift marketplace Fleurica combines floral creations from artisanal florists together with Singapore-inspired gifts such as spice paste and sambal gift boxes, chocolate, alcohol and textiles by local brands. Shop them as a gift set or as a la carte options.

It also has Christmas offerings coming up so watch this space.

Visit its website for more information.

9. Sift & Pick

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This local e-commerce platform stocks independent brands from all over the world including South Korea, Japan and Europe.

Find stylish bags and clutches, beauty products and artisanal craft products, and more from brands like Marhen.J, Anodds, Inne Studios and Mood Sunset.

Visit its website for more information.

This article was first published in The Singapore Women's Weekly.