logo

Robb Recommends: Christmas gift guide edition

By Robb Report Singapore 22 December, 2023

From thoughtful trinkets to tech treasures, find the special present for that special someone on your list

Unwrap joy and spread holiday cheer with our curated selection of festive delights.

Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Mask. Photo by La Prairie

La Prairie Platinum Rare Haute-Rejuvenation Mask

This two-step night treatment rejuvenates and replumps the skin, embodying La Prairie’s Science of Haute-Rejuvenation. The needle-free breakthrough using patented Macro-Infusion Technology enables the delivery of large biomolecules, enhancing the efficacy of key ingredients like Platinum Multi-Peptide and Cellular ComplexTM.

La Prairie

Serpent Bohème ring. Photo by Boucheron

Boucheron Serpent Bohème ring

This iconic s-motif ring offers a touch of softness. To complement the light of the 18K rose gold, the collection’s emblematic twisted ring is set with a pear-shaped drop of 1.35 carats rose quartz.

Boucheron

Nautilus. Photo by Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe Nautilus

The ladies’ Nautilus features a quartz movement in a 32 mm rose gold case and bracelet. The bezel sparkles with 46 diamonds, complementing the alternating polished and satin finishes on the case and bracelet. Water-resistant up to 60m, Caliber E 23-250 S C powers the date aperture and sweep seconds, ensuring precision and reliability.

Patek Philippe

Eve 01. Photo by Gentle Monster

Gentle Monster Eve 01

Inspired by celestial elements, the black acetate frame features a modern oval silhouette, ensuring versatility with any outfit. The signature BOLD symbol on the temples adds a unique touch to the design. With softly-curved temples and flat tips, the sunglasses exude a bold aesthetic. Detailed measurements include a frame front of 147.7mm, frame side of 146.8mm, lens width of 51.6mm, lens height of 35.7mm, and a bridge of 22mm.

Gentle Monster

Roku Gin. Photo by Suntory

Roku Gin

The harmonious blend of botanicals, including cherry blossoms and green tea, makes a classic home bar addition. Its unique flavor profile offers a journey through the four seasons of Japan, making it a delightful and culturally rich choice for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship and a touch of elegance.

Roku Gin

Bubo chocolate
Both the Twinkle Stars and Red Velvet Xmas Bauble are filled with chocolate balls. Photo by Bubó Barcelona

Bubó Barcelona’s Christmas collection

It feels a little like a cop out, but if you are stumped for ideas and everything else on this list isn’t doing anything for you, chocolate is usually a safe bet. Adding to the city’s collection of fine chocolateries (Läderach, Royce and even the homegrown Mr Bucket) is Bubó Barcelona, a chocolate atelier from Spain. Since 2005, it’s been doing good work with quality ingredients, making everything by hand and with love. The Gianduja and Macadam are both winners, and so is the Christmas collection of baubles, stars and a tree that will light up the table figuratively and literally. Available online only.

Bubó Barcelona

Resonant array. Photo by Aesop

Aesop Resonant

This year’s Gift Kits reflect on the brand’s affinity for scent and sound. The emotional impact of music is expressed in compositions by Kiala Ogawa and unique packaging. The kits, categorized by themes like ‘Majestic Melodies’ and ‘Rousing Rhythms,’ offer curated formulations for hands, body, and home. A limited-release gift box and online Gift Finder enhance the thoughtful gifting experience.

Aesop

Holiday collection. Photo by Tatcha

Tatcha holiday collection

Celebrate the Japanese art of gift-giving with these meticulously wrapped skincare sets. Drawing inspiration from timeless Japanese rituals, each set showcases traditional fabrics like furoshiki cloth. Each set, named with auspicious wishes, features curated skincare formulations housed in a decorative box adorned with symbolic patterns. From Dewy Skin Essentials to Prime & Glow Trio, choose from bundles that blend effective skincare with the elegance of Japanese tradition.

Tatcha

Holiday collection. Photo by Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury holiday collection

Charlotte Tilbury’s top picks can be comprehensively bestowed in enchanting advent calendar Charlotte’s Lucky Chest of Beauty Secrets, 12 makeup and skincare treasures including the globally loved Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray and Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand. Embrace self-care with Charlotte’s Magic Water Cream, a lightweight gel-cream moisturizer for a radiant complexion. Gift Hollywood skin with the transformative Hollywood Flawless Filter, capturing the radiant finish of red-carpet lights.

Charlotte Tilbury

Holiday collection. Photo by Penhaligon’s

Penhaligon’s holiday collection

Delight in fragrant surprises at the House of Toys with Penhaligon’s festive offerings. Open the advent calendar to discover 24 scented surprises, from blooming rose to soft spices. Gift sets like Halfeti and Luna capture the spirit of festivities. Miniature collections, scented libraries, and trio candle sets offer playful variety. Limited edition ornaments and personalized charms add whimsy. Embrace fragrant excitement with engraved bottles and Ernest the Elephant’s exquisite gift wrapping. Cherish scents as you would childhood toys.

Penhaligon’s

Lismore Connoisseur set. Photo by Waterford

Waterford’s Lismore Connoisseur set

Elevate your tasting experience with Waterford’s Lismore Connoisseur set. Crafted from deep-cut crystal, the expertly designed decanter and two tumblers enhance the aroma and subtle notes of fine whiskey. It’s time to give your spirits the treatment they deserve – a classic collection for connoisseurs seeking perfection in every sip.

Selfridges

Bottled Negroni. Photo by Bar Termini

Bar Termini bottled negronis

From S$92

London’s Rome-inspired award-winning café bar has introduced its bottled tipples to Singapore, marking its first availability in an Asian market. Pioneers of bottled cocktails since 2014, the team uses sous vide cooking at low temperatures for an almost identical result to bottle aging. The four 750ml Negroni varieties offer a perfect balance of bitter and sweet notes. Il Diciotto, at S$40 for 500ml, presents a modern Italian Amaro with 18 natural botanicals, created by founder Alessandro Belometti for versatility in various settings.

Bar Termini

Rooftop bar. Photo by Roomers

Roomers Baden-Baden

Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage spa town, the luxurious 130-room property is part of the Autograph Collection. Designed by Piero Lissoni, the hotel offers contemporary rooms, sophisticated bars, an infinity pool, fitness center, and the renowned Pan-Asian restaurant Moriki. The 500 sqm spa, overseen by Dr. Barbara Sturm, features a hammam, sauna, steam bath, and rejuvenating treatments for a holistic treatment within the historical charm of Black Forest’s western fringe.

Roomers Baden-Baden

Dom perignon rose
Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2009. Photo by Harold de Puymorin

Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage 2009

This Christmas (or any day in Singapore, really), there’s no going wrong with a good sparkling rosé. It offers the festive quality of a spritz and the lip-smacking aspects of a still rosé, and it pairs well with plenty of food without being too serious about itself. A particular one we really love is the Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage from 2009, a warm year with the “perfect” August. Filled with a deep, orange-tinged pink hue that promises notes of truffle, hibiscus and rose hip, it is mouth-filling, lush, ripe and ready. Get it at S$592 from Crystal Wines or enjoy it with some delicious barbecue at Burnt Ends.

LVMH

Sion gloves. Photo by Loro Piana

Loro Piana Sion gloves

Indulge in winter luxury with the Holiday Collection’s exquisite gloves. The palms and thumbs boast incredibly fine suede, while the backs feature Cashfur—a blend of the softest silk and cashmere fibers, ensuring a uniquely fluffy texture. Blending sporty style with opulent materials, these gloves offer unparalleled comfort and a one-of-a-kind pleasant feel. Detailed with gathered cuffs, a leather logo strap, and outer side slits, they epitomize sophistication.

Loro Piana

The balvenie 27 Year Old
The Balvenie 27 Year Old ‘A Rare Discovery from Distant Shores’. Photo by William Grant & Sons

The Balvenie 27 Year Old

The brand The Balvenie speaks for itself, with its range of whiskies that rarely disappoint. Make The Balvenie 27 Year Old ‘A Rare Discovery from Distant Shores’ a gift for that special someone (you included) and you are done with good deeds for the year. An ideal choice for extra special occasions, this particular 27 Year Old is a great gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. The ex-Caroni rum cask finish (that’s seven years) makes this batch extra tasty, with muscovado sugar on the nose and a beautiful vanilla viscosity, treacle toffee and aged leather that coats the palate. Register your interest with the distillery here or purchase it for S$2,888 from 3Elixir.

The Balvenie

Ophidia duffle. Photo by Gucci

Gucci Ophidia duffle

From the Ophidia Cruise 2024 Collection is a small but mighty duffle crafted in Blue and Black GG Supreme canvas. Accentuated with black leather trim and palladium-toned hardware, these pieces showcase the iconic Double G with a zip closure and one interior zip pocket for effortless organization. With a detachable key holder, lock, and personalized Liftboy ID tag, these bags combine style and functionality, as well as versatile handle carrying options.

Gucci

Mulled wine kit. Photo by Mr Bucket

Mr Bucket’s mulled wine kit

The chocolaterie’s own Christmas Bundle Sets feature thoughtful gifts, but the exclusive Mulled Wine Kit is a standout to get you in a festive mood instantly. If you’d like to enjoy it ready for you, savour it alongside complimentary hot chocolate at Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie’s Christmas Village in Dempsey Hill. Running until the end of the month, the enchanting atmosphere allows you to fully immerse in the season with the activities such as building your own Chocolate Christmas Tree and more.

Mr Bucket

Phinisi yacht. Photo by Celestia

Celestia Luxury Phinisi

The meticulously crafted 45-metre Phinisi yacht reveals an array of unparalleled experiences across the Indonesian archipelago. Fashioned by Cape Town-based interior designer Deirdre Renniers, this traditional Indonesian vessel has swiftly become the premier choice for cruising in the Coral Triangle—a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing 75 per cent of the world’s coral species. Celestia navigates through pristine locales like Raja Ampat, Komodo, and the Spice Islands, offers a luxurious and authentic escape from three to 14 nights. Its handcrafted accommodations and personalised service promise an unforgettable adventure

Celestia

Matcha Maker Starter Kit. Photo by Cuzen

Cuzen Matcha Maker Starter Kit

S$406

Gateway to a daily matcha ritual is this beautifully designed machine that not only stores but also grinds and whisks premium organic leaves. The Matcha Maker, equipped with a ceramic mill for grinding and a magnetic whisk for whisking, ensures a matcha experience of unmatched freshness. The emphasis on “freshly ground” guarantees that the tea’s finest qualities endure longer compared to pre-ground alternatives. The kit includes three four-gram packets of Matcha Leaf Blends, allowing you to savour each variant before making a subscription or additional purchase.

Cuzen Matcha

THE MACALLAN COLOUR COLLECTION
The Macallan Colour Collection. Photo by The Macallan

The Macallan Colour Collection

The Macallan Colour Collection marks the brand’s return of age-statement whiskies to travel retail, and travellers passing through Changi Airport can grab a 12, 15, 18, 21 or 30 Years Old. The launch shines the spotlight on The Macallan’s commitment to natural colour, with each single malt whisky aged in sherry-seasoned oak casks for that distinct character and deep natural hue. The 15, for instance, brings citrus, vanilla and baked peaches to mind, while the 30 dresses the palate with tropical fruit, almond and a touch of cinnamon. Adding more colour and character to the collection is US graphic designer David Carson, whose vibrant set of designs take inspiration from Jerez de la Frontera in Spain, where its oak casks are made.

The Macallan

The Apinex Spinner sports anti-theft features and a built-in weighing scale. Photo by Samsonite

Samsonite Bundle

S$350

Carefully curated from the Samsonite and Samsonite Red collections, the luggage brand’s exclusive Festive Gift Bundles are suitable for all. Ideal for extensive journeys, spontaneous weekend escapes, or ventures into the unknown, they endure the rigours of travel, resilient even against the toughest airline luggage handlers. In the spirit of sustainable giving, Samsonite has partnered with One Tree Planted, committing to plant two trees for every gift set sold. For the tech-savvy traveller, the holiday bundle is a marvel—a stylish Apinex Spinner luggage with anti-theft features, an interior power bank pocket and USB port, paired seamlessly with the smart and lightweight Venturo Laptop Backpack, featuring an integrated USB port for convenient on-the-go charging.

Samsonite

Vaporwaffle. Photo by Jean Paul Gaultier

Nike x sacai x Jean Paul Gaultier VaporWaffle

The inaugural appearance of the Nike x sacai x Jean Paul Gaultier VaporWaffle marked a groundbreaking moment at Jean Paul Gaultier’s Haute Couture fashion show two years ago. The second iteration maintains the distinctive features of the Nike x sacai sneakers, including the double tongue, double shoelace, and double swoosh. The reinvented style is available in a bold white version with a textured check pattern and a vibrant multi-colourway featuring red, green, yellow, and blue hues, subtly complemented by an orange splash along the midsole.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Follow Your Sun collection. Photo by Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot’s Follow Your Sun

From S$72

The iconic Arrow capsule collection introduces vibrant, iridescent colours, including groundbreaking pink hues. The sustainable capsule collection emphasises eco-conscious design, using recyclable tin plates and a sugarcane waste wedge for an hour of refreshingly cool champagne. With the option to select from two cuvées, Brut Carte Jaune and Rosé, enthusiasts can personalise Arrow boxes with dream destinations. The tailored elegance is brought further with each displaying the distance from your choice location to Veuve Clicquot’s cellars in Reims, France.

Veuve Clicquot

Gourmandises de Noël. Photo by Odette

Gourmandises de Noël by Louisa

From S$68

The three-Michelin-starred establishment has a dessert collection by chef Louisa Lim that’s perfect for gifting. The limited-time set features three exquisite petits gâteaux inspired by the artistry of French entremet desserts. L’Exotique draws inspiration from wintry snow with a medley of tropical fruits and Jasmine tea-infused chantilly cream; My Mont Blanc showcases winter ingredients like Ardèche chestnut and Corsican clementines; and finally, the Hazelnut & Chocolate Délice presents a decadent symphony of hazelnut praline and salted chocolate sablé.

Odette

Lundies House. Photo by The Aficionados

A trip to Lundies House

Hard to resist Scotland’s stylish stopover on the North Coast 500 for holiday season. Nestled in the coastal village of Tongue, this retreat combines Scandi aesthetics with Highland warmth. Originally a 17th-century manse, it now features vintage furniture, copper fittings, and a cozy ambiance. The living spaces offer a blend of simplicity and eclectic art collector charm. Bedrooms, including the Flora Room in the eaves, boast marble fireplaces, slipper bathtubs, and a Scottish-Scandi fusion.

The Aficionados

Ceramic Pop colourways. Photo by Dyson

Dyson Ceramic Pop

From S$699

The limited-edition range celebrating the brand’s 25 years in Japan comes in vibrant new colourways. Inspired by the G-Force vacuum cleaner from the 1980s, options include Blush Pink, Ceramic Topaz, and Ceramic Patina. Available for the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer (S$699) and Dyson Airwrap™ multi-styler (S$859), the ‘ceramic’ finish evokes the silky-smooth texture of unglazed ceramic.

Dyson

Quatix 7 Pro. Photo by Garmin

Garmin quatix 7 Pro

S$1,529 (suggested retail price)

Garmin’s latest comes as a cutting-edge marine-focused smartwatch with a 1.3″ AMOLED display and a durable sapphire lens. Designed for marine life, it offers up to 16 days of battery life, an LED flashlight, and is built to withstand the harsh marine environment. New apps like Trolling Motor Remote and Fish Forecast enhance the marine experience. With advanced navigation sensors, preloaded maps, and extensive activity tracking, this is style and function for both land and water.

Garmin

Z f. Photo by Nikon

Nikon Z f

S$3,299

With a full-frame sensor and Expeed 7 image-processing engine, the newest mirrorless camera excels in capturing still images and videos. The Z f encourages individual expression with a dedicated monochrome selector, offering settings like Flat Monochrome and Deep Tone Monochrome. Picture Control and Creative Picture Control functions allow users to customise colour expression, while superior AF performance, enhanced VR, and a Vari-angle monitor contribute to a versatile and creative shooting experience.

Nikon

Glenglassaugh
Sandend, 12 Year Old Single Malt, and Portsoy. Photo by Glenglassaugh Distillery

Glenglassaugh’s new core expressions

From S$114

The Scottish distillery undergoes a transformative revival, unveiling a rejuvenated portfolio and design aligned with Singapore’s tropical climate. The flagship 12 Year Old Single Malt reflects the distillery’s coastal style, drawing inspiration from Sandend Bay’s sand tides. Two new whiskies, Sandend and Portsoy, capture the coastal essence with tropical sweetness and maritime flavors. Future releases dating back to the 1960s and 1970s will further explore Glenglassaugh’s rich history, inviting enthusiasts to delve into its distinctive Highland coastal malt.

Glenglassaugh