Secret Santa gifts
Go for a walk around town and you’ll see that Christmas has arrived in KL – bright Christmas trees in malls, carollers singing merry tunes, and a bunch of holiday sales. Even if you haven’t been out of the house, you would’ve surely noticed the sudden influx of new WhatsApp groups created just for the upcoming parties and gatherings with friends.
But Christmas parties aren’t just about sipping on mulled wine and gorging on freshly baked gingerbread cookies. Gift exchanges like Secret Santa are a must too. In this jolly season of giving, we’ve rounded up some great Christmas gifts that won’t end up unused and collecting dust on your friend’s shelves.
For things to do in KL, check out these articles:
- Thrift shopping in KL
- Affordable yoga classes
- Salons for a Korean perm
- Hike to gorgeous waterfalls
- Hauntu – immersive haunted house
1. Malaysian-inspired socks from Apom
Imagine this: you only have 15 minutes before you need to leave the house for work, but you’re still in your jammies and have no clue what to wear. You’re tempted to just throw on a simple tee and jeans, but the look screams #basic. Here’s where a pair of bold statement socks can bring your look from regular girl-next-door to IG-worthy-OOTD.
Pop Pop Crackers-themed lemon yellow socks with a red cuff
Image credit: Apom
Apom’s Pop Pop Socks go for only RM29.90. Instead of buying similarly-priced statement socks from mainstream brands in malls, these Malaysian-inspired designs will defo rake in more compliments than run-of-the-mill avocado or kitten prints.
It also doubles as a Chinese New Year gift since no CNY gathering is complete without kids running around with Pop Pop Crackers.
For a simple colour palette, go for these “Mahal bro” and “Buaya Danger” socks in white and red.
Image adapted from: Apom
Anyone will get a good laugh after receiving a pair of Mahalbro socks. Funny pun aside, it’s also a good reminder to anyone thinking of picking up smoking, because ciggies are mahal giler. The Buaya Danger pair may seem ordinary, but those who get the joke would immediately understand that the phrase refers to all the gatal boys out there.
Get them here.
2. Nostalgic pins from Pantun Pins
We spot the Malaysian version of M&Ms and White Rabbit candy amongst other local-inspired pins
Image credit: @pantunpins
We always say that we don’t have enough clothes, but what we actually mean is that we don’t have any new clothes. Thankfully, it’s a problem that these quirky pins from Pantun Pins can easily solve. You’ll be surprised at just how much a little pin can do to change your look.
Drinks in plastic bags – just the way we Malaysians like to have them.
Image credit: @pantunpins
You can get these pins for RM30/pc, and they’ll last as long as any jewellery piece you own. If your friend is particularly clumsy or forgetful, get them a small jewellery box to store the pins.
You can even use them on the straps of your canvas bag
Image credit: @pantunpins
Get them here.
3. Pocket-friendly bath bombs and soap from Wunderbath
Image adapted from: Wunderbath
Before Lush landed in Malaysia, everyone who wanted a bath bomb would get them from Wunderbath. The brand first caught the eye of shoppers with their cute af designs – think karipap, ketupat, and even cheeseburger soaps.
This holiday season, Wunderbath has come out with a Christmas range. Check out Mr. Snowie Bath Bomb (RM22.90) and Pinecone Soap (RM13.90), both affordable yet adorable picks that any friend would be happy to get.
Get them here.
4. Teh Tarik and Gula Melaka chocolate from Cocoraw
This box of handmade truffles (RM18, U.P. RM20) has been infused with teh tarik.
Image credit: Cocoraw
With Cocoraw’s The Teh Tarik chocolates, you can now get your favourite kopitiam drink in mini chocolate bites. The local chocolatier is currently having a Christmas promotion, so you can get up to 11% off on their products. This means that the teh tarik truffles are only going for RM18 (U.P. RM20).
A local take on salted caramel – salted gula melaka.
Image credit: Cocoraw
A good 90% of us are fans of salted caramel, so it’s not a stretch to say that we’ll love Cocoraw’s The Salted Gula Melaka (U.P. RM20) just as much. The smoky, dark gula melaka perfectly complements the Belgian chocolate, while the pinch of salt melds all the flavours together.
Get them here.
5. Bespoke tea blends from The Tea Republic
Image credit: The Tea Republic
You’re either on team coffee or tea – unless you’re one of those rare ones who just prefer plain ol’ H20. If your friend happens to be a tea drinker, their gift is probably a no-brainer. But in order to make your gift extra thoughtful, you should get your tea from a speciality shop.
Enter The Tea Republic, a brand that caters to the Malaysian palate. Browse through their online shop and you’ll notice that they don’t just carry the regular green and oolong teas. Their Christmas special Noel Sparkle (RM55) tea set contains special festive blends such as Gingerbread Gem, a chai made with gingerbread spices and vanilla, and White Diamond, a white tea infused with rose petals and jasmine.
They also have local flavours like serai and kaffir tea (RM55/can)
Image adapted from: The Tea Republic
Get them here.
6. Christmas scented candles from Lilin + Co
Image credit: @lilinandco
There’s nothing quite like indulging in a good scented candle in the name of self-care. When Christmas comes around, brands roll out festive scents perfect for putting you in a festive spirit – think sugared fruits, gingerbread, and even pine trees. Lilin + Co has just the candles to spruce up your living space so that it smells like Christmas the second you open the door.
Image credit: @riuhinthecity
The Naughty or Nice collection comes in 2 scents you can choose from: Mulled Wine (RM65) and Blackcurrant & Plum (RM65). But it doesn’t matter which side of Santa’s list you end up on, because you’ll be tempted to bring home both scents.
They do have other non-Christmas scents like Burnt Fig & Cassis (from RM20) and Strawberries & Champagne (from RM20). They may not smell like Christmas, but they’re good enough to put you in a merry mood, nevertheless.
Get them here.
7. Solid colognes for men from Alwis & Xavier
Image credit: @alwisandxavier
Men may take mere minutes to get ready in the meaning, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care about their personal upkeep. Try telling your BGF – best guy friend – that he has a bad case of B.O. and watch him jump a mile away. So yes, they take these matters just as seriously as girls do.
The only problem though is that colognes often come in fragile glass bottles, so they’re not at all portable. It’s an especially big issue for busy men who spend 2/3 of the day outside of the house.
Image credit: @alwisandxavier
So, it’s no wonder that we’re seeing a rise in solid colognes compact enough to be tucked into a back pocket. These handcrafted ones from Alwis & Xavier are a favourite among Malaysian men who still want to smell good even after hitting the gym.
Image credit: @alwisandxavier
Their products are all priced at RM55, and they currently have 7 scents available. A safe pick would either be the Bulgarian Rose or the zesty Old Mandarin.
Get them here.
8. Essential oils from Altheo Apothecary to get you through the day
Image credit: @alth.eo
Mention essential oils and you’ll probably think of diffusers. You’ll need to fork out over a hundred ringgit to get your hands on an essential oil kit, which explains why most of us are unwilling buyers – even if they do promise an evening of relaxation.
However, Altheo Apothecary’s range of essential oils come in roll-on tubes for fuss-free application. That, and the super affordable price tag (from RM20) make these a steal.
Image credit: @alth.eo
And the best part is that they target whatever concerns one may have: anxiety, motion sickness, insomnia – you name it. If you’re looking to impress your friend and have them go “aww” at what an attentive friend you are, get them one of these nifty little things.
Get them here.
9. Handmade jewellery from Moosh
Santai Lava Bracelet (RM69) is made from natural lava gemstones.
Image credit: @moosh.store
Jewellery makes for a great gift, but the problem with it is that you have to know the person incredibly well to have a gauge of their personal taste and style. The last thing you’d want is to splurge on a gift for a friend, only to have them stash it away in the back of a drawer.
These chic beaded bracelets from Moosh will cast these doubts out the window as they are unisex and can suit any style or preference. They’re like the denim jeans of jewellery; everyone can rock them.
Image credit: @moosh.store
Beaded bracelets start from RM69, while single-beaded bracelets go for RM10-15.
The Howlite in this bracelet is a protection stone and the birthstone for Geminis and Virgos
Image credit: Moosh
Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, these bracelets supposedly have healing properties as well. Each stone or gem correlates to matters like relationships, courage, and protection. Whether or not you’re a believer, getting one of these bracelets for your friend is like sending well-wishes their way.
Get them here.
10. A build-your-own terrarium kit from Moon Shop Gallery
Image credit: Moon Shop Gallery
No minimalist space is complete without at least one terrarium as a decorative piece. But hipster trend or not, you’ve got to admit that they make pretty additions to your living space. You don’t need green thumbs to make one. Just get this terrarium kit (RM138) from Moon Shop Gallery.
Image credit: @moonshopgallery
It’s a bit on the pricier side, but hey, spending on our loved ones bring about a different kind of joy – it’s like buying your parents dinner for the first time. The end product is also easy to care for as terrariums are pretty low maintenance, so it makes for a thoughtful gift. Plus, your friend will remember you each time they spot the gift in their house.
Get them here.
11. Weekly planners from Summorieco for the busy bees
Image credit: @summorieco
If you’re a working adult, chances are everyone in your friend group are just as busy as you are. For friends who have to brave through back-to-back meetings on the daily, get them Summorieco’s Paperback Dateless Weekly Planner (RM25.99). That way, they won’t ever miss a meeting or deadline, and maybe they’ll finally find time to make it to your next gathering. Just remind them to jot it down on their brand new planner!
The weekly planner is perfect for those whose day-to-day tasks includes an endless loop of meetings.
Image credit: @summorieco
Get it here.
Christmas gift ideas
Growing up as Malaysians, most of us didn’t celebrate the holiday with a Christmas tree in the house, and neither did we wake up on December 25th to find presents under it. So Secret Santa or gift exchanges, in general, are ways to make up for our lost childhood. Receiving presents as an adult is just as magical and exciting as watching it happen to kids on American TV shows.
Christmas, or any holiday really, calls for a feast. Here are some ideas on where you can hunt for good eats:
- Dim sum buffets
- Authentic Korean food
- Authentic Malay food
- Spicy food in Malaysia
- Hawker eats around SS15
- Desserts in KL
Cover image adapted from: @alth.eo, @pantunpins, @moosh.store, and @moonshopgallery