6 sustainable Singapore-based brands to support this gifting season

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Christmas Photo Photo: Vladislav Murashko

It’s that time of the year when Christmas trees are brought out and decorated, families meet for sumptuous meals, and gifts are exchanged.

As Singapore eases its Covid-19 measures, some local businesses might still be feeling the pinch from nearly two years of living in a pandemic. This Christmas, consider supporting some of these local brands as you pick out your gifts.

From ideas for gourmands to that friend who perpetually lives in activewear, we’ve got something for everyone. Happy shopping!

ROA

ROA Photo: Roa

The vegan community in Singapore needs no introduction to ROA’s legendary vegan Midnight chocolate cakes. But here’s a thought: maybe gift it to a non-vegan friend and not tell them it’s vegan just to prove a point. After all, it tastes so good, that many can’t even tell that there’s no dairy nor eggs used in its make.

Such is the result after nine months of research and experimentation by ROA’s Chief Artisan Jane Tan. In fact, her labour of love has led the kitchens to use clever substitutions like psyllium husk and molasses instead of eggs and unrefined sugar, and avocados instead of butter. This festive season, look out for its log cakes, deliberately created for intimate gatherings of three. These are made with the same recipe as its lauded Midnight cakes though there are additional flavours like citrus and mint.

Little Farms

Little Farms Photo: Little Farms

If desserts aren’t quite your recipient’s cup of tea, then consider putting together a curated gift basket. Little Farms has a great collection of vegan items that you could put together in a customised hamper that comes complete with a bow for that Christmas touch. Choose from a selection of vegan gourmet snacks from cultured vegan butter to energy balls or even fresh fruit if your loved one is health conscious.

Outfyt

Outfyt Photo: @karina.yogawellness

If you have a friend who lives and breathes activewear, Outfyt will be your answer. The Singaporean brand offers minimalist apparel for women made with Econyl, a regenerated nylon fabric produced from abandoned fishing nets collected from the ocean.

The line was created by founder Stephanie Colby, who wanted to help women maximise their confidence when working out; each design is meant to accentuate each woman’s beautiful and natural form while also sporting sweat-wicking properties and UV protection.

Sigi Skin

Sigi Photo: Sigi Skin

Skincare regimes can be really over the top but local brand Sigi Skin wants to change all that and simplify your routine. The brand has nine skin care products, some of which have won awards. The Dream Capsule, for instance, is an overnight mask that uses the power of bakuchiol to reduce fine lines, hydrate your skin, and boost collagen production. The Morning Glow Physical Sunscreen is also another product to consider, especially in Singapore’s sunny climate. It contains avocado and acai extracts which enrich the formula with vitamin E and fatty acids to protect from UVA and UVB rays.

If you’re at a loss of trying to get individual products, fret not as there are kits available. The Stay Home Kit which comprises five products (the Kaleanser, Dew Potion, probiotic sheet mask Tea-Tox and the overnight sleeping mask, Dream Capsule) will make for a thoughtful gift at a time of pandemic-induced uncertainty.

Confetti

Confetti Photo: Confetti

Staying home during the pandemic has a whole new dimension as we find ways to entertain ourselves. Streaming shows and movies is surely one way and for that, your loved one will need snacks. Show them you care by getting these healthy, nutrient dense chips from Confetti. These are not just good for the body, they’re good for the planet too. The Singapore company crafts these tidbits from ugly vegetables which would otherwise be tossed out, and cooks them slowly under low temperatures to preserve its nutrient profile. The result is then tossed in a proprietary blend of spices for a bit of magic.

Zerah by Afterglow

Zerah Photo: Zerah by Afterglow

It’s hard to resist the sheer pleasure of dessert and Zerah, the plant-based patisserie by well-loved vegan restaurant Afterglow, ticks all the boxes to give to your loved one. Every item here is made from scratch and in small batches so there are no additives or artificial sweeteners, and of course, being vegan there will be no eggs or dairy either. These make for the perfect gift to bring to a Christmas meal, or if you prefer staying socially distanced, the eatery delivers too. Look out for the passion fruit lemon olive tart for its sour zing or go for the crowd favourite apple hazelnut praline tart which has a lovely crunch. For something lighter, order up the kaffir pear tart -- it is filled with a lemongrass pastry cream that sings of the tropics.

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