If you’re looking to get your hands on some cool merchandise for your home or desk, why not shop for a good cause too with KrisShop Cares, a KrisShop concept store that showcases the creations of various special-needs communities in Singapore. Net proceeds from all purchases go to the platform’s respective partners. These include SPD, which caters to people with disabilities, and The Art Faculty, which works with people with autism. We’ve rounded up six adorable and functional products for you to buy.
1. Singapore Airlines Batik Notebook by SPD
If you’re looking for something a little extra special, consider getting your hands on this beautiful yet practical keepsake that’s the result of a special collaboration between Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SPD. As part of SIA’s sustainability initiative, trimmings from the iconic sarong kebaya uniforms (worn by SIA’s cabin crew) were used to craft the notebooks’ elegant and eye-catching fabric cover. Four colours, lined and plain, are available in A5 and A6 sizes. Made with 100gsm PH-neutral paper, the hand-bound journal is a gorgeous example of local craftmanship for a cause.
2. Double-Wall Tea Infuser by The Art Faculty
Keep your morning cuppa or afternoon pick-me-up warm with the Double-Wall Tea Infuser by The Art Faculty. Available in two designs – one that features a drawing of a samsui woman and the other decorated with sketches of tea leaves – these BPA-free infusers keep drinks warm for longer than a standard mug, while borosilicate glass protects your hands. Run by Singapore’s Autism Resource Centre, The Art Faculty retails items created by those with autism and related challenges. The artists earn royalties through the sales of their works.
3. Kueh Magnets by Tinkle Arts
If you’re looking for something sweet to accessorise your refrigerator with, check out these darling kueh magnets from Tinkle Arts that resemble colourful local glutinous rice desserts. There are six in total – including the bright red ang ku kueh magnet, the hot pink peng kueh magnet and the rainbow-hued lapis sagu magnet. Each of these items is handmade by the artisans of Tinkle Arts, a local social enterprise that serves less-privileged communities and those with special needs.
4. Limited Edition Journals by SPD
Jot down everything from grocery lists to daily diary entries in one of these elegant cloth-bound journals. Each notebook features a Japanese-inspired fabric design – the metallic-outlined cranes symbolise good fortune and longevity and are backdropped by a calming geometric pattern. You can take your pick from the dark blue, sky blue and red versions. Each journal comes either lined or plain, with 100gsm PH-neutral paper as your canvas. The notebooks have been crafted by SPD’s team of expert crafts people with physical disabilities.
5. Cushion Cover by Journey
A collaboration between a group of talented artists, the Journey cushion cover is a collective project inspired by Singapore’s many lush gardens and parks. The resulting design consists of stark white etchings of tree trunks and branches against a black background, perfect for jazzing up your living room or bedroom. Journey supports over 60 different artists from TOUCH Community Services, which organises an art programme for those with intellectual disabilities.
6. Neoprene Cases by The Art Faculty
For a functional carry-all that looks good, look no further than these pouches from The Art Faculty, an organisation that works with people with autism and related challenges. Made from a durable, water-resistant neoprene material, the case comes in two versions: the mermaid case features a pink mermaid pattern against a teal background, while the unicorn design has a white unicorn pattern against a cerulean background. The former was designed by the artist Tia, who enjoys rendering bright and happy illustrations of animals. The latter is the work of artist Jun-Yi, who enjoys sketching animals interacting with each other.
