As Singapore reverted back to Phase 2 Heightened Alert (July 22 to August 18) due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, many local businesses have been hit hard over yet another round of restrictions.
Kill two birds with one stone during this trying period by supporting local businesses, while simultaneously sending some love in the form of care packages to your friends and family. Here’s where to find specially curated treat boxes and gift sets around the island.
Nomad’s Soiree
Who doesn’t love brunch? While all your fancy champagne brunch plans will have to be put on hold, there’s no reason why you can’t spoil your pal with one from the comforts of their own home. Get them the Brunch Soirée (from $23), which comes with either a tamago sando or a chicken croissant, as well as a mini grazing platter to accompany the mains. Not only are they delicious, these boxes are also extremely Instagrammable and will make the perfect surprise on a sleepy Saturday morning. Don’t forget to pop out the champagne with some OJ for the mimosas.
Pantler
With Phase 2 (HA), Pantler brings us The Heightened Appetite Box, available in small ($30) and large ($50) sizes. These lovely sets contain a delightful assortment of goodies ranging from maple doughnuts to Florentine squares to spiced fruit pound cakes. It’s guaranteed to brighten up anyone’s day, especially those with a big sweet tooth.
Pro-tip: Enter the promo code FREEDEL for complimentary delivery to your selected recipient(s).
Chye Seng Huat Hardware
No stranger to the local coffee lover community, Chye Seng Huat Hardware has a specially curated box that will be the perfect start to anyone’s day. Choose from three different packages (from $38), which includes its signature banana cake loaf, two bottles of cold brew, and more treats. These boxes are sold out at time of writing, a testament to how popular they are. But hang tight — we’re sure they’ll be back soon. Free delivery will be thrown in for orders above $70.
Fossa Chocolate
Know someone with a sweet tooth? The Chocolate Gift Set (from $70) from local artisanal chocolatier Fossa Chocolate will be sure to make them smile. The single-origin set is perfect for discerning connoisseurs who enjoy delicate flavour profiles, while the artisan set is great for thrill-seekers who love bold flavours. Can’t decide? Get a mix of both. Enjoy free delivery on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday for orders above $50.
Konditori
One of our favourite indulgences while travelling through Europe is, quite possibly, a good ol’ pastry. While we still can’t travel (though we can daydream), Konditori, nestled along Bussorah Street, brings a taste of Europe to sunny Singapore.
Its Box of Treats ($55) feature an assortment of freshly-baked breads and viennoiseries. All items will be carefully hand-picked and lovingly wrapped in a box, and a text will be sent out to you when it’s ready for collection. Don’t forget to get a croissant for yourself on the way out — you’ll thank us later for this top-notch reco.
Parallel Coffee Roasters
Our hearts go out to Parallel Coffee Roasters, who have been hit with a closure notice before the new restrictions, and had to suspend operations once again a few days after reopening. In light of these circumstances, Parallel Coffee Roasters will be offering 50% off all of its products to help tide them through this tough period (this goes to paying their staff as well), including its weekly coffee-subscription plans for the rest of July. Surprise a loved one with some cold brew coffee, which comes in packs of six (from $23) or 12 (from $45). We’re sure this gift will come in handy especially for all those WFH mornings.
www.parallelcoffeeroasters.com
Handmade Heroes
This isn’t a food-related item, but hear us out on this one. While we all have family and friends in Singapore who live to eat, there are also those who merely eat to live. If food may not be up their alley, we’re positive they’d appreciate this: local vegan beauty brand Handmade Heroes’ care package. It contains all of its best-sellers in one beautifully wrapped box, such as the Super Duper Nourishing Body Scrub in Rose Petals and Beauty Warrior Face Mask in Australian Pink Clay. If self-care is something they live and breathe for, this will be the perfect gift for them.
