With Lunar New Year just around the corner, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is encouraging the public to choose Fit notes or e-hong baos as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional new notes. Pre-booking of Fit notes for DBS, OCBC, and UOB customers begins on 7 January 2025. To make Fit notes more accessible, DBS, OCBC, and UOB are expanding the number of pop-up and branch ATMs dispensing them across Singapore.
Customers of DBS, OCBC and UOB (except those aged 60 and above, or persons with disabilities) who wish to exchange Fit or new notes at the bank branches must make an online pre-booking through the banks’ official websites or mobile banking applications. Details for the pre-booking and exchange schedule are as follows:
Please visit your bank’s official website for more information. To safeguard against phishing scams, banks will not send SMS messages with clickable links.
In addition to Fit notes, consider sending e-hong baos to share blessings and greetings with family and friends. E-hong baos have gained popularity for their convenience and now offer enhanced personalization features for Lunar New Year well wishes.
New year, new trends! With 2025 on the horizon, it’s time to embrace the it colorthat’s taking over the world of fashion, beauty, and home. Say hello to Mocha Mousse: a warm, grounding shade of brown with a soft pink undertone, crowned by the Pantone Color Institute as the Color of the Year.
Whether you’re styling it for a chic outfit or incorporating it into your home decor, Mocha Mousse is here to stay. Ready to start the party? Here’s our curated list of 15 must-buy items, all under S$250, that celebrate this timeless shade.
1. Maison Margiela REPLICA Coffee Break Eau De Toilette
Price: S$220.00, 100 ml
Picture this: a cozy winter day, warm coffee in hand, and the comforting hum of a bustling coffee shop. That’s exactly what this scent delivers! It’s a creamy, dreamy coffee experience in a bottle, which is ideal for days when you crave a little comfort.
Step into the new year in style! These mocha-toned mules are effortlessly chic, with a woven design that screams understated elegance. Perfect for your next celebration.
Add a touch of elegance to your home with this silent beauty. Featuring a wooden print and dome-shaped glass, this clock is perfect for creating a cozy, natural vibe.
4. Men’s Regular Fit Jacket in Dark Brown by H&M
Price: S$99.90
This classic jacket is your wardrobe’s new MVP. With its soft fabric and timeless silhouette, it pairs seamlessly with any outfit for an effortlessly cool vibe.
Stay hydrated in style with this mocha-toned water bottle. Durable, eco-friendly, and sleek. What’s not to love?
Image Credits: zalora.sg
Available at: Zalora
6. Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Rich Cocoa
Price: S$60.00
A lipstick that feels like a balm? Yes, please! This rich cocoa shade gives your lips a naturally stained effect while keeping them moisturized all day.
Add a natural, sun-kissed glow to your look with this versatile bronzer. Use it for sculpting cheekbones, jawline, temples, or nose to add an overall warmth.
14. Nescafé Milk Coffee Can Drink (Mocha)
S$7.87 (6-pack)
Your caffeine fix just got more delicious! This mocha-flavored coffee is rich, satisfying, and a healthier choice with less sugar. Let it be your 2025 workplace companion.
The holiday season is a time for joy, but it can also bring stress, especially when it comes to managing finances. With these seven budget-friendly tips, you can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank.
#1: SET YOUR LIMITS
Before you start shopping, establish clear spending limits. With credit cards offering easy access to extra funds, it’s essential to avoid impulse buys. Review your bank account to determine how much you can comfortably spend without affecting your bills or essentials. To stretch your budget, cut back on non-essential daily expenses, like your regular kopi or teh at the hawker centre. Stick to cash and your set limits to stay on track.
#2: BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR BUDGET
It’s easy to feel pressure to match the spending habits of others, especially during the holidays. But remember, everyone’s financial situation is different. Don’t worry if your budget doesn’t allow for extravagant gifts. Reflect on the most meaningful gifts you’ve received. Often, it’s the thought that counts more than the price tag. A heartfelt, simple gesture can be just as valuable.
#3: REDUCE GIFT-GIVING
Santa has a long gift list, but you don’t need one! If your list of recipients exceeds your budget, consider scaling it back. For those outside your immediate circle, try baking festive treats like kueh or cookies instead of splurging on expensive gifts. This allows you to share the holiday spirit without straining your wallet.
#4: RESIST THE TEMPTATION OF SALES
Sales are everywhere during the holiday season, but discounts only translate to savings if you actually need the item. Resist the temptation to buy things just because they’re on sale. Whether it’s the Great Singapore Sale or limited-time promotions, if it wasn’t planned for, it’s not a bargain. Stay focused on your budget and avoid falling for flashy sales tactics.
#5: TRACK YOUR SPENDING
It’s easy to lose track of your spending during the holidays, especially with the abundance of online shopping options in Singapore. Use a money-tracking app or your bank’s mobile app to monitor your purchases in real-time. This will help you stay within your budget and prevent any financial surprises come January.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
#6: CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
Before buying gifts, pause and reflect on why you give them. Are you doing it out of tradition, social pressure, or genuine excitement to share something meaningful? Understanding your motivations can help you set realistic expectations and avoid overspending on items that don’t truly capture the spirit of the season.
#7: MAKE PRICELESS HOLIDAY MEMORIES
Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that don’t come wrapped. Consider giving experiences that everyone can cherish. Ideas include:
Attending a Christmas service at a local church, like St. Andrew’s Cathedral or the Catholic Church of St. Teresa, to celebrate together.
Taking a festive stroll along Orchard Road to enjoy the Christmas light displays, followed by a homemade dessert in your home.
Gifting an annual pass to a local attraction like the Singapore Zoo or Jurong Bird Park for hours of fun at a reasonable price.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
This Christmas, focus on what truly matters: joy and meaningful memories. With these practical tips, you can celebrate without the financial hangover, all while enjoying the best Singapore has to offer this season of giving. Cue the songs of the season, including Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You and Rosé and Bruno Mars’ APT!!!
If you’re a fan of plush toys dangling from bags, you know that Labubu has set the gold standard. But guess what? It’s not the only cutie in town.
There’s a world of plushies ready to take center stage, each bursting with charm and nostalgia. Whether you’re reconnecting with your inner child or simply accessorizing with flair, these plushies are the ultimate feel-good companions.
#1: TEDDY LULU
First on the list is the irresistibly adorable Teddy Lulu by TOYZERO+. This minimalist yet charming little piggy is perfect for fans of understated cuteness. Small, squishy, and endlessly lovable, Lulu is dressed in the cutest teddy bear outfit. It’s a piggy in a bear disguise, and it’s pure perfection! You can snag one for as low as SGD 18 to 21 on Shopee or Carousell. Honestly, how can you not love this adorable combo?
The Manchao Naughty Animal Plush Pendant or Manchao Head adds charm and fun to any collection. These plush pendants are part of a blind box series, sold typically at SGD 20 to 30 each. Their playful designs make them ideal for accessorizing bags or keychains while appealing to a wide range of ages.
Meet Molly, the icon of quirk and charm. Created in 2006 by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong, Molly is instantly recognizable with her golden locks, piercing green eyes, and signature pout. From casual to cosplay-inspired designs, Molly has it all. Her plush pendants range from SGD 20 to a jaw-dropping SGD 1,900 for rare figurine finds.
Image Credits: POP MART
#4: LIILA’S ZOO
Take a walk on the wild side with Liila’s Zoo. These animal-inspired plushies (i.e., think lions, giraffes, and more) bring a splash of fun to your style. Whether you’re into playful designs or statement pieces, you’ll find one to love. Prices hover around SGD 22 to 35, making them a budget-friendly delight.
Created by Thai artist Molly Yllom in 2017, Crybaby is more than just a plushie as it’s an emotional journey. With its teary-eyed expression, this adorable creation symbolizes the healing power of tears. Perfect for those who seek a meaningful connection through art, Crybaby POP MART plushies can be found in price ranges from SGD 20 to 350, depending on the edition and rarity.
Image Credits: POP MART
#6: DORA
Who can resist Dora dressed as their favorite animals? The TNTSPACE Dora Animals Series plush dolls feature cute and fierce designs, from koalas and foxes to baby elephants and dogs. Retailing for about SGD 17 to 20 each, these cuddly companions are too adorable to pass up.
For those who love interactive designs, Nommi Loveliness Never Ends Series Plush is a must-have. Bulkier than most plush pendants, Nommi has eyes that move and can be customized for added whimsy. Whether you’re looking for a quirky vibe or a bold statement, Nommi’s plushies are a perfect fit, priced between SGD 20 to 50.
Where to Score These Plushies? Typically these plushies are sold on Carousell Singapore, POP MART stores, and Shopee Singapore. Please shop around to get the best deals.
Who says accessories can’t be cuddly? These plushies are more than just bag décor as they’re a way to wear your personality on your sleeve (or strap). Whether it’s the nostalgic Crybaby, the stylish Nommi, or the cheeky Teddy Lulu, there’s a plushie waiting to light up your day. So, go ahead and pick up a charm or two!
Last but not least, why travel the world when you can tee off at Hidden Castle’s indoor range?
Be transported to the fairways of Sentosa or the rolling greens of Tanah Merah Country Club, flawlessly re-created with leading KGOLF BGS2.0 simulator technology and high-definition graphics.
Let the smart mirror touch kiosk analyze your stance as you take your swing, tracking the ball’s spin with precision to help sharpen your game.
These all-in-one simulators let you do it all without leaving the bay.
