30 Christmas gifts for S$10 to S$25 at unexpected stores from Daiso to Don Don Donki

It's that time of the year when the walkway linking Wisma Atria to Takashimaya becomes clogged with shoppers with their lists of names. But what if the perfect gift for your Secret Santee (or anyone, really) was closer than you think?

We know how it sounds, buying a Christmas gift in – gasp – Popular Bookstore. But if you're on a modest budget, you'd be surprised by what it can get you if you know where to look.

From retailers in the heartlands to our favourite Japanese departmental stores, here are 30 Christmas gifts we uncovered in their unsuspecting aisles.

UNDER S$10

1. Coffee mill

This coffee mill from the Threepy section at select Daiso stores may be a basic tool for seasoned baristas, but it's a must-have for those ready to upgrade from capsules. To make it even more personalised, add a bag of artisan coffee beans from their favourite roastery.

Price: S$9.50

From: Daiso

2. USB cup warmer

This nifty gadget is a game-changer for coworkers who are constantly brewing a hot drink only to have it go cold. This USB cup warmer will keep their morning cup of joe toasty, aromatic and flavourful, so they can power through emails without reheating their drink in the microwave.

Price: S$9.50

From: Daiso

3. USB fan with ice pack pocket 

Our handheld fans are no match for Singapore’s escalating heatwave, which is why we could all benefit from a USB fan with an ice pack pocket. Consider getting one for colleagues who return from the hawker centre post-lunch looking like they've just stepped out of a sauna and for family members who start sweating profusely right after showering.

Price: S$9.50

From: Daiso

4. Collapsible laptop stand

We all know someone who's constantly working on the move, and while we can't improve their work-life balance, we can help improve their terrible posture with this collapsible laptop stand – a practical gift that says “I’ve got your back”.

Price: S$9.50

From: Daiso

FROM S$10 TO S$20

5. Water-resistant speaker

From catching up on podcasts in the bath to those tone-deaf shower serenades that drive everyone else up the wall, a water-resistant Bluetooth speaker takes the fun to new places. And if you're the diplomatic housemate at your wit's end, this could be the hint they'll (hopefully) understand.

Price: S$10.58

From: Daiso

6. Sewn-in fabric pouch

We adore gigantic tote bags, but what we don't adore are those false alarms when tiny yet precious items, like jewellery and earbuds, go missing. With these sewn-in fabric pouches to keep them handy, your secret Santa recipient can avoid those hourly anxiety jolts.

Price: S$11

From: Hands (Suntec City)

7. Blackhead remover vacuum

Shopping for a beauty junkie? Give them a spa-like experience in their own bathroom with this battery-operated blackhead remover vacuum – an upgrade from the traditional nose strips, featuring three levels of suction power and three types of suction heads.

Price: S$11.90

From: Miniso

8. Thermos soup container

Unless your Secret Santee uses a tingkat, they probably avoid soupy meals for the sake of convenience. With this thermos soup container, you can help them bid farewell to the messy untangling of soup bags while they savour their beloved laksa.

Price: S$12.74

From: Daiso

9. 2024 organiser

Say what you want about the analogue days of yore, but some people prefer paper organisers to Google Calendar. This lightweight diary gets the job (the job being planning when to take leave in 2024) done without taking up too much space in their bags.

Price: S$12.90

From: Hands

10. Aroma diffuser

Skip the gamble of reed diffusers and essential oils – this aroma diffuser is the safest bet when you're uncertain about one’s scent preferences. This minimalist piece will seamlessly blend into anyone's home, just in time to welcome guests over the festive season.

Price: S$13.90

From: Japan Home (Compass One)

11. Cooling cushion

Our swivel chairs may have been loyal companions in our work-from-home journeys, but the sweaty cushions are not a vibe. This cushion promises a cooling surface and additional bum support, and is destined for a prime spot in your Secret Santee’s home office or car.

Price: S$13.90

From: Don Don Donki (Suntec City)

12. DIY hair cutters

That budget Barbie whose special talent is cutting their own hair will appreciate these contraptions, which claim to be easier to use than scissors and promise “natural-looking” bangs and waves. (Remember to indemnify yourself from negative results.)

Price S$14.90-17.90

From: Don Don Donki

13. Engraved pen

A personalised writing instrument lends an air of gravitas, even if all one did with it was fill out arrival cards on a flight. At Hands, you can choose from brands like Pentel, Pilot and Parker, and have selected pens engraved at no additional cost.

Price: From S$11.80

From: Hands

14. Eco-friendly foldable bags

Your Secret Santee will never have to pay for a plastic bag again with one of these. The Motteru bags (S$15.10) are available in solid colours that complement any wardrobe, while the patterned Shupatto series, which folds down to a compact 4cm by 6cm bundle, adds a touch of personality.

Can't decide? Grab a few, and let recipients exchange designs among themselves.

Price: S$15.10-18.60

From: Hands (Suntec City)

15. Diatomaceous earth bath mat

It's a big word, but it simply means this bath mat is crafted from stone. Not just any stone, but diatomite, which has millions of micropores that facilitate rapid water evaporation. The result? A highly absorbent, easily washable, and naturally deodorising bath mat that dries faster than its fabric counterparts, elevating the bathroom aesthetic and experience.

Price: S$15.90

From: Don Don Donki

16. Wireless mouse

We know what you're thinking – a wireless mouse isn't the flashiest gift. Will your Secret Santa recipient jump for joy? Probably not. But will they get more use out of it than another mug, scented candle and box of chocolates combined? You bet.

Price: S$15.90

From: Popular Bookstore

17. 100g Umbrella

If you've ever spent good money on a hideous brolly, no thanks to our unpredictable climate of late, you'd appreciate this compact alternative. And considering that lightweight umbrellas can cost up to S$100 in department stores, you’d be getting maximum bang for your buck.

Price: S$16.90

From: Don Don Donki (Suntec City)

18. Coffee pot dripper set

There are two types of people in the world: Those who prefer their morning cup of joe quick and dirty and those who consider watching it fill at a glacial pace "a meditative experience". This coffee dripper set from Daiso is designed for the latter group, and pairs nicely with the coffee mill (S$9.50) if your budget allows.

Price: S$17.06

From: Daiso

19. Hot sandwich maker

Designed for use over a gas stove, this hot sandwich maker will turn ordinary breakfasts into an indulgent cafe-worthy experience, complete with toasties, paninis and hot pockets. Because, let’s face it, melted cheese makes everything better.

Price: $17.06

From: Daiso

20. Wireless charger

It’s one of those things we want but often go without because the wired one at home works perfectly. That makes it an ideal Christmas gift, especially for minimalists looking to declutter and that person who refers to their war zone of a desk as “an organised mess”.

Price: S$17.06

From: Daiso

21. Compact humidifier

A humidifier may as well be a gag gift in our climate, but it can work wonders for those who struggle with morning sinus issues after sleeping in the AC. Plus, if your Secret Santee has a winter vacation planned, this travel-sized version will be a lifesaver in dry climates.

Price: S$17.06

From: Daiso

22. Self-watering planter

Know someone who can’t keep a plant alive? Give their morale a boost with a self-watering planter that relies on ceramic animals with absorbent “tongues” or “tails”. And for those value utility over aesthetics, the mint or basil Egglings (S$9.70) will add zest to their cocktails.

Price: S$18.40

From: Hands

23. eWriter

This reusable writing board is designed for those who occasionally write or draw on their devices but can’t justify, say, a S$200 Apple Pencil. Whether you’re playing Pictionary on games night or creating mind maps at work, erasing is a breeze with the press of a button, and its slim replaceable battery ensures a cord- and charger-free experience.

Price: S$19.90

From: Hands (Orchard Central)

24. Blender cup

For the Secret Santee who has been chugging one too many Nutri-Grade C drinks, your gift could be their last-ditch attempt to fulfil their New Year's resolution to eat (and drink) clean. Every health enthusiast needs a blender, so why not give them a compact and portable one?

Price: S$19.90

From: Japan Home (Chinatown Point)

25. Earbuds

Admittedly, these are not headphones for audiophiles. But if your Secret Santa recipient hasn't made the switch from wired earphones or could use a spare pair in the office, these might be the best way to make the most of a S$20 budget.

Price: S$19.90

From: Miniso

26. Mini car vacuum cleaner

This handy device will help drivers who can't resist snacking behind the wheel keep those pesky crumbs and, worse, roaches at bay. Plus, it'll double as a keyboard cleaner and reach those nooks and crannies your robot vacuum at home just can’t reach.

Price: S$19.90

From: Japan Home

FROM S$20 TO S$25

27. Steam toast maker

A Balmuda toaster may be better suited as a housewarming gift, but this Christmas, this steam toast maker has you covered. Crafted from sintered pottery with excellent air and water permeability, it features a clever hollow design that allows steam to circulate.

Simply soak it for 20 to 30 seconds and place it in the oven with the bread. Your toast will be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – no manual misting required.

Price: S$20.80

From: Hands (Suntec City)

28. Silicon phone mount

Your Secret Santee deserves a more flattering angle when video conferencing on their phone, particularly when their webcam delivers the video quality of a potato or when their phone’s 5G outperforms their home Wi-Fi. With this, they’ll never have to precariously prop their phone against the screen again.

Price: S$21.80

From: Popular Bookstore (NEX)

29. Waffle maker

Buttermilk waffles are a delightful addition to every meal of the day, but a personal waffle maker brings infinite possibilities Think waffled French toast for breakfast, waffled paninis for lunch, and waffled mac and cheese for dinner, with waffled brownies to round out cheat day.

Price: S$23.90

From: Japan Home (Compass One)

30. Ice shaver

Forget the popiah and taco parties – a bingsu party will be one for the books. For the mixologists among us, this will unlock intermediate cocktails from piña coladas to margaritas. Now, that's a Christmas gift that might just earn you the title of Secret Santa of the year.

Price: S$24.90

From: Hands (Orchard Central)