End-of-the-year shopping seems to swing one of two ways—a no-holds-barred rush to complete all your Christmas shopping in time; or a capitalist guilt-induced effort to reform into a sustainable shopper after a whole year of mass retail. Don’t let the shame of either bring you down. This December, look forward to craft bazaars, green marketplaces, organic food fairs and everything in between. After all, you can reset your budget next year.
Etsy Craftivist (Dec 1)
For all you Etsy addicts, the Etsy Craftivist SG market is back. This is the highly anticipated third edition, and remains an encouraging space for our burgeoning local creatives and crafters. The emphasis is on bespoke products, so don’t be shy to request for more than a little customisation (which the vendors will gladly deliver). Merch you can snap up include paper crafts with embroidery, personalised engraving on metals, and tote bags with hand-drawn designs—all handmade and #MadeinSingapore.
Where: Capitol Singapore
New2U Bazaar (Dec 1)
Everyone’s favourite thrift store is opening its doors again for another blow-out sale. Come early when doors open at 10am, to fight the wolves and sort through heaps of pre-loved clothes, designer bags, shoes and more. Everything’s for a good cause, so you can shop totally guilt-free.
Where: New2U Thrift Shop (SCWO), 96 Waterloo Street
The UP Market 2018 (Dec 1)
It’s not too late to get into the upcycling lifestyle. Head down to The UP Market organised by the Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) for a day of sustainable shopping, where up to 30 booths will be selling handmade upcycled products given a new lease of life. May you leave with some great buys, but also a greener awareness and appreciation for repurposing your trash.
Where: HDB Hub at Toa Payoh, 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh
Foods and Goods (Dec 1-2)
Clear your belly for a feasting and shopping affair by the RedMart folk and The Working Capitol. The weekend marketplace will offer a huge selection of artisanal foods, specialty goods and gifts, bringing together some of the island’s best brands. Get your grub from the likes of Sasha’s Fine Foods, Agora Products, and Sidecar Sausages, and wines from Straits Wine Company and Oak & Barrel; there will even be a beer garden by Pacific Beverages and pop-up cocktail bars by EC Proof and Diageo.
Where: The Working Capitol
Ethos Books Festive Sale (Dec 1-2)
Dive headfirst into Ethos Books’ annual festive book sale, which will feature best-selling titles, local classics, and their newest pocket-sized series orbit—at prices from $2 to $30. The room will be stocked with books, fresh coffee from Kaki Kopi Geng, and literary programmes including a special After Dark segment. It’s the perfect time to plan your 2019 reading list, or pick up a meaningful present for a bookworm friend.
Where: Meeting Room, Centre 42
The 1880 General Store (Dec 3-9)
Finally, you too can shop where the movers and shakers of Singapore come to gather. Private members club 1880 is opening its doors to the public for a one-day, special edition festive shopping pop-up—The 1880 General Store will showcase a curated marketplace championing local businesses and passion projects from 1880 members. Browse homegrown brands like Mmerci Encore for artisanal aromatherapy products, designer handbags from House of Sheens and dainty fragrances from perfume label Scent by Six. For the alcohol lovers, pick up craft beers and artisan wines from Peng Wine, The Drinkery, The Mad Tapper and more. That said, you’ll have to RSVP to [email protected] to enter; the store will remain open only to members from Dec 4-9 after.
Where: 1880, 1 Nanson Road
The Great Green Marketplace (Dec 6)
Pick up sustainable gifts at The Great Green Marketplace, held in conjunction with the launch of WeWork’s newest space at 8 Cross Street. There are also a ton of eco-friendly workshops to take part in, like making reusable beeswax cling wraps and DIY concrete planters; plus spiked punch from the GoGreen Bar.
Where: WeWork 8 Cross Street
MAAD (Dec 7)
Original works only at the next Market of Artists And Designers (MAAD). Happening from 5pm till midnight, come meet some of the island’s most dexterous crafters, artists and designers as they hawk their handmade creations—ranging from ceramics to literature, fine art and accessories. There’ll also be an ongoing exhibition and beer for the thirsty.
Where: Red Dot Design Museum Singapore
Sustainable Christmas Fair (Dec 8)
Winestone and The Expat Fairs are coming together for a sustainable shopping extravaganza, spotlighting small businesses, artisans and social enterprises who prioritise sustainable living. Stock up on environmentally responsible gifts for Christmas—from fair-trade organic produce and chocolates (Luvcacao) to artisanal, slow fashion pieces (The Maker Journal), to toxin-free, hand-poured soy wax candles (Diadem Candles) and even eco-friendly cleaning products (ETL No.9). Afterwards, grab a drink at Winestone, which is granting a 25% meal voucher for every dine-in visitor on the day.
Where: Winestone, Mercure Singapore on Stevens
A Green Christmas Pop Up (Dec 8)
It’s another green pop-up, this time by Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro featuring local crafts, sustainability projects and authentic Swedish cuisine. Splurge on local brands like The ZeroWays, Bamboo Straw Girl, Our Bralette Club, Soaprise and others; each vendor has committed to set aside a sum of the proceeds for selected charities and a not-for-profit organisation.
Where: Fika Swedish Cafe & Bistro, 257 Beach Road
Loewen Garden Christmas Market (Dec 15)
You won’t want to miss the last Loewen Garden farmers market of the year—there’ll be enough food, drinks and Christmas vibes to carry you through to the next one in 2019.
Where: 75E Loewen Road
