*Produced by SilverKris for Lemongrass & Aubergine*
Just like that, Christmas is almost upon us. The festive lights and decorations have already started going up along the Orchard Road shopping belt, and soon, shops everywhere will be playing Christmas music. It’s also that time of the year when people start stockpiling presents for upcoming gift exchanges. If you are feeling stuck on what to get your nearest and dearest, don’t fret – local home decor brand Lemongrass & Aubergine has put together a nifty gift guide to help inspire you.
Founded in 2007 by Frenchwoman Sonia Greig, this whimsically cheerful store stocks a wide variety of homewares and home decor items imported from Europe, including French names such as Sabre and Bruno Evrard. Since January 2013, Lemongrass & Aubergine has also been designing and selling its own range of Singapore-themed kitchen towels, aprons, placemats and cards, in collaboration with fifth-generation French brand Tissage-Moutet. The collection features local imagery including tropical fruit, black-and-white bungalows as well as traditional dresses such as the cheongsam, kebaya and sari.
“As an avid traveller, I hope to bring my passion for roaming the world to the products I carry in store,” says Sonia. “We only bring in brands that have a good mix of tradition and modernity, and that will add beauty and warmth to people’s homes.”
Here are seven gift ideas for the different people in your life.
For your best friend… Scented candles
Scents are usually a very personal gift because everybody has their own tastes, but who knows your BFF better than you? Lemongrass & Aubergine carries a wide rage of natural essential-oil based candles, with fragrances ranging from fresh-cut gardenia to pink rose and peony blossom. For Christmas, try the festive Christmas Spice Pomander, which is redolent with aromas of bitter orange, brandied ginger, cinnamon bark, vanilla and honey. The clean-burning soy and paraffin blend is formulated so that the fragrance evenly fills the room, and each candle comes in a hand-blown art glass vessel.
For your mom… Gourmet box
She’s always been the adventurer and explorer of the family, always saying “yes” to new flavours and experiences. Even though international borders remain closed, let her taste buds roam the French countryside with this box filled with gourmet goodies such as basil-flavoured olive oil, truffle olive oil and a decadent mushroom and truffle cream, perfect over a bit of toast or sautéed with pasta.
For your co-worker… Reindeer-inspired linen napkins
They’ve always got your back in meetings and client presentations. Now, you can return the favour by giving them a head-start for Christmas party preparations with these reindeer-inspired linen napkins designed by the Lemongrass & Aubergine team in Singapore. Oh, and why not pick up a set of Singapore-themed champagne glasses while you’re at it?
For your dad… Cocktail set
He gave you your first drink when you were a teenager and till today, nobody does a mean Old Fashioned or Negroni quite like your dad. Shower him with affection with this sleek 12-piece stainless steel cocktail set that includes a shaker, muddler, strainer and a double-sided jigger.
For your boss… Champagne glasses
2020 has been a tough year, but with your supervisor’s guidance and support, you’ve pulled through. Express your gratitude with celebratory glassware – choose from stylish gold-plated glasses to commemorate the festive season or go for classic flute-style glasses that are finished with an elegant copper exterior.
For your spouse… Cappuccino milk frother
They are your partner through thick and thin, keeping you company when you have to pull an all-nighter for work or when you’re both caring for fussing kids. Powered by love (and probably a lot of caffeine), they are there for you no matter what. Show them your thanks with this eco-friendly milk frother that pumps out perfectly frothed milk in just 10 seconds. Made of 100% recyclable materials and without plastic, this is the perfect gift for sustainability-minded folks. Complete your gift with these beautiful ceramic coffee cups accentuated with golden angel’s wings.
For your child… Christmas pendants for their Advent calendar
Originating in Germany in the 19th century, Advent calendars have since evolved to be an exciting way to count down to Christmas. Traditionally, the Advent calendar comes with tiny flaps that open to reveal an image, a poem or daily devotions, but now includes treats such as puzzles, games and even small gifts such as candy and miniature toys. This version from Lemongrass & Aubergine comes with 24 adorable hanging decorations ranging from gingerbread men to Santa Claus himself.
With its convenient location at Cluny Court, right next to Botanic Gardens MRT, you can easily drop in and pick up your gifts in one fell swoop. Even better, check out their online store and have the gifts delivered right to your doorstep. Happy shopping!
Lemongrass & Aubergine is located at 501 Bukit Timah Road, #02-26 Cluny Court; Tel: +65 6463 0752