Lunar New Year is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. If you're looking for unique and meaningful gifts for the seniors in your life, consider options that go beyond the usual hampers and cookies. Here's a list of thoughtful and personalised gifts that will make them feel cherished this festive season.
A baking kit for the homebaker
Instead of ready-made treats, gift your senior loved one a baking kit. It's a delightful way to encourage them to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the satisfaction of making a delectable treat.
Where to get it: Bakestarters has a baking kit for pineapple tarts that’s perfect for the Lunar New Year period, though it also has other kits for amateur bakers, complete with individually portioned ingredients and items like baking paper and paper loaf pans: https://bakestarters.com/
For those who want to involve the seniors and little ones for a family activity, try these kits for simple bakes: https://www.geniusrus.com.sg/baking-kits
Plants for the gardeners
Bring a touch of nature into their homes with indoor plants that symbolise prosperity and good fortune. Consider gifting a potted kumquat tree, to wish them happiness and a good start to the year. Alternatively, a resilient snake plant is not only easy to care for but also represents good luck.
Where to get it: Indoor plants can be found in plant and gardening shops like Far East Flora: https://www.fareastflora.com/
You may also want to consider a gardening kit, so they can have a mini-garden at home and is a therapeutic activity that they can do the whole year: https://www.super-farmers.com/
Alternatively, Garden City Fund has a Plant a Tree Programme that allows your loved one to plant a tree and help make Singapore even greener: https://www.gardencityfund.gov.sg/plantatree/
Treasured mementos for a hit of nostalgia
This festive period is the perfect time to give seniors something to reminisce about memorable family occasions. Create a personalised memory or photo book filled with photos and anecdotes. This thoughtful gift will not only evoke nostalgia but also serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and joy experienced over the years. Alternatively, you may also want to make a handwritten family recipes scrapbook, complete with short anecdotes about the recipes and pictures. Seniors cherish the gifts that we make ourselves.
Where to get it: From the layout, to the paper to binding, get professional help for your photobook: https://www.photobooksingapore.com/
An aromatherapy set to help them relax
Create a serene atmosphere with an aromatherapy diffuser set. Pair it with a selection of calming essential oils such as lavender or chamomile, offering the gift of relaxation and tranquility during the festive season.
Where to get it: From different scents to diffusers and other scent-sory devices, try Flo (https://floaroma.sg) or The Aroma Hub: https://www.thearomahub.com.sg/shop
A wellness basket for self care
Sure, people usually give hampers for Lunar New Year. But you can give more thought to yours by emphasising self-care. Fill it with items that promote self-care to ensure their well being this festive season. Add a heartfelt note for a more personal touch.
Where to get it: You can either customise your own, based on what you think your loved one likes, or get ready made ones from Noel Gifts: https://www.noelgifts.com/get-well-hampers
Eu Yan Sang’s Longevity Hamper includes teas, essence of chicken and honey: https://www.euyansang.com.sg/en/longevity-hamper-888842591528.html
An audiobook subscription for the readers
Gift a digital subscription for audiobooks or podcasts, providing entertainment and knowledge at their fingertips. Choose genres that align with their interests, allowing them to enjoy stories and insights in a convenient and accessible format.
Where to get it: Audible has an extensive collection of audiobooks and podcasts that your senior reader might want. Consider curating a list of audiobooks that they might like to have from https://www.audible.com/.
A cultural music playlist for the music lovers
Curate a playlist of traditional and modern music that holds cultural significance. Whether it's classic Chinese melodies or a mix of their favorite tunes, this personalised gift allows them to enjoy the festive spirit through the joy of music.
Where to get it: Make your own playlist of traditional and contemporary Chinese tunes at http://www.spotify.com
An art supplies kit for the artists
Encourage their artistic expression with a complete art supplies kit. Include sketchbooks, paints, brushes, and other materials, inspiring them to unleash their creativity and create beautiful works of art.
Where to get it: Make Your Own carries DIY art kits designed in-house. Choose from calligraphy, painting — even wire lamps and terrariums: https://makeyourown.sg/collections/diy-kits
Your senior loved one might want to try arts and crafts with the kiddies in the family. Choose from any of these craft kits to get them going: https://papermarket.com.sg/collections/diy-craft-kits?page=2&grid_list=grid-view
In the end, whatever you gift them, they will surely cherish the warmth and joy that being together as a family brings — whether at Lunar New Year or any other occasion. Here’s wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year!
