shopping singapore Archives

8 Best Buys from DON DON DONKI Singapore

From City Square Mall and Orchard Central to Jewel Changi Airport and Jurong Point, DON DON DONKI stores have won over Singaporeans with its affordable snacks, beauty products, and quirky knick-knacks.

I still remember when my sisters would head there every weekend to stock up on Japanese goodies and Pokemon merch. With irresistible deals and that catchy jingle, it’s hard not to get drawn in. On that note, here are eight top picks you should check out on your next visit!

#1: RYUKYU LEMON SOUR

This isn’t your typical lemon sour. Made by Nanto Sake Brewery, it features Awamori (a traditional rice liquor) mixed with Okinawa’s famous shikuwasa lime juice and sweetened with sugarcane. Containing 8% lime juice and no artificial sweeteners, this 5% ABV drink is a tangy, effervescent delight straight from Okinawa. A can starts at S$2.50.

#2: SWEET POTATO

DON DON DONKI’s signature sweet potato is a fan favorite and for good reason. At about S$3 a piece, it’s hot, creamy, and absolutely delicious. The long queues and enticing aroma speak for themselves so, don’t skip this one!

#3: FINO PREMIUM TOUCH HAIR MASK

Pamper your hair with the Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask (S$15.90). It repairs and smoothens hair, leaving it soft and fragrant. Key ingredients like royal jelly and PCA provide deep hydration and strengthen your strands, making it a must-have for luscious locks.

#4: BLENIOR HAIR REMOVAL WAX STRIPS

For just S$13.90 for 52 pieces, this pack of Blenior wax strips is a convenient way to stay silky smooth. Enriched with moisturizing aloe vera, these strips are gentle on the skin and promise up to four weeks of smoothness.

#5: MEGA BEEF BOWL

Craving gyudon at home? The Mega Beef Bowl (S$6) is your answer. Pre-marinated in onion and sweet soy sauce, this beefy treat is ready in just seven minutes of boiling. Serve it over rice to have a quick, satisfying meal after a long day of work.

Image Credits: shopee.sg

#6: BOURBON ALFORT CHOCOLATE BISCUITS

These chocolate biscuits (S$2.90) combine fragrant digestive cookies with rich milk chocolate. Shaped like tiny sailing ships, they’re ideal for snacking. Personally, it’s my sweet complement to a bowl of ramen.

#7: S&B GOLDEN CURRY ROUX

Recreating Japanese curry at home has never been easier with the S&B Golden Curry Roux (S$3.90). Available in varying spice levels, this product lets you make a comforting curry dish for any occasion.

#8: ANDEIKO FROZEN CREAM PUFFS

These frozen cream puffs (S$12 for 12 pieces) are the perfect way to cap off a meal. The fluffy pastry is filled with smooth, mildly sweet cream and comes in four flavors: Matcha, Custard, Chocolate, and Strawberry. Share them with loved ones or enjoy them all yourself!

Image Credits: shopee.sg

Whether you’re after snacks, beauty essentials, or a little slice of Japan, DON DON DONKI delivers every time. Which of these will you try first?

Sources: 1 & 2

Disclaimer: Prices listed above are based on the website’s information at the time of writing and are subject to change.

Is Daiso Creating Products as Minimal as Muji?

The trusty two-dollar lifestyle brand Daiso Singapore is going to increase its prices by May 1, 2022. From May 1 onwards, it will be charging GST.

Daiso posted a sign informing its shoppers that “we always strive to keep our products as affordable as possible. To continue improving the quality of our products, there will be a price change. All prices will be exclusive of GST from 1st May 2022.”

Let us compare how much you will pay in the coming years.

2022: At the current GST rate of 7%, you will pay S$2.14 for each Daiso product from May 1, 2022 until Dec 31, 2022.

2023: When the GST rate increases to 8%, you will need to pay S$2.16 per product.

2024: When the GST rate increases to 9%, you will need to pay $2.18 per product.

Its elevated prices do not stop there!

Image Credits:instagram.com/standardproducts_official

Daiso will soon debut its premium concept Standard Products inside its Jurong Point outlet. Based on the photos we have seen from the Standard Products’ catalog, you can expect dinnerware, bath essentials, and stationery in muted shades.

Like Muji, but less pricey

According to its website, Standard Products sells items ranging from stationery to tableware. It first launched in 2021 in Japan, and it will soon open its doors in Jurong Point around the end of May.

It was a hit with Japanese shoppers as it resembled the famous brand Muji, with its minimalist layout, neutral-colored goods, and clean ambiance. Prices will be cheaper as it starts from 100 yen (S$1.09), with some items going up to 1,000 yen (S$10.70).

Image Credits:instagram.com/standardproducts_official

When it comes to its products’ quality, they are bound to be more premium than Daiso’s regular collection. Better materials were used.

More Standard Products to come

Apart from its offerings in Japan, Singapore is the second country to launch the brand, said its spokesperson. It remains unknown if Daiso Singapore will roll out more Standard Products specialty stores across the country, but judging by how we love Muji, it seems highly likely.

Image Credits:instagram.com/standardproducts_official

What are you most excited about Standard Products? Are you ready to brave the queue? See you soon!

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

3 Tips To Conquer Singapore’s Holiday Shopping

The Holiday Season should not be the primary reason to live out as a Crazy Rich Asian while shopping. Yes! Buying gifts can show how much you love or appreciate a person. However, you do not have to be a big spender or an impulsive buyer to offer meaningful gifts. Take it as a challenge that you can cheerfully give without regrets!

Be a smart shopper this Yuletide Season with these tips.

#1: GOT MY BUDGET LOCKED DOWN

One’s daily or monthly budget rarely includes Christmas gifts and New Year tokens. Instead, these short-term expenses come at the end of the year. The seemingly convenient placing of this expense may lead to mindless or unthoughtful spending. You might as well go all out due to the year-end sales in Orchard Road, right? Wrong! You will realize the impact of your yuletide expenses as the new year chimes in. It is not ideal to start 2019 with a financial shock!

Set a reasonable amount that you can spend on shopping for gifts. Remember that the price tags do not dictate the value of the gifts!

#2: KEPT MY EYES PEELED FOR THESE STORES

Do you know what Popular Bookstore and Muji Singapore have in common? They both house some of the most useful yet affordable items that you can find! Keep your eyes peeled with aesthetically pleasing and inspiring gift ideas such as journals, organizers, bottles of aromatherapy, and travel bags.

Who knows? The book you picked can just spark personal development! My personal favorite is Malcom Gladwell’s “The Tipping Point”. Or, the envelope organizer you gave can ignite one’s financial discipline.

#3: SET A SPECIFIC DATE FOR SHOPPING

Whether you are shopping virtually online or physically in stores, only shop when you made time for it. Allotting a specific date and time for shopping can help you avoid impulsive purchases. You see, smart shopping entails plenty of calculation and decision-making. You need to put careful thoughts on what you are going to buy and to whom you are buying it for.

Amp up your savings by considering these local bazaars:

A. Bugis Junction Christmas Market

Imagine being in the center of the biggest Christmas bazaar in Bugis! You will overwhelmed by different food, retail, and carnival game booths. Get your phones ready because there will be some Instagram-worthy opportunities courtesy of the place’s magical lights and vibrant colors. The Christmas Market runs until December 30 from 12 nn to 9 pm.

B. The Great Christmas Village

Back by popular demand, the Christmas Village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza will run until December 26. It includes amusement rides, a Santa House, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus, and other retail booths. Festivities start at 11:30 am daily!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Happy Holidays from all of us at Money Digest! 🙂

Hack Your Way To A New Wardrobe

WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN BY THE NAKED EYE

What do tank tops and plain shirts have in common? For starters, you typically use these underneath a polo or a blouse. Others can barely see these types of clothing so, why bother with an expensive brand? Stick to purchasing basics in department stores such as John Little. Save the designer labels for the items that you show off!

THE OLD BECOMES NEW AGAIN

Image Credits: pixabay.com

When my partner and I were out of activities to do, I convinced him to experience a hunt at a nearby thrift store. Flea shops and thrift stores sell gently used or preloved clothing at incredibly cheaper price tags. Many of these stores offer holiday sales too! I once bought a Zara skirt for S$4. What a steal!

You can purchase an entire outfit for under S$30 at Singapore thrift stores such as New2U Thrift Shop, PraiseHaven Thrift Shop (under Salvation Army), and Something Old Something New. Remember that used clothes must be thoroughly cleaned or sent to the laundromat.

IT’S FREAKY FRIDAY

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are not comfortable with raiding a stranger’s wardrobe then, try swapping clothes with your friends or family members. I am not saying that you must take advantage of your friends or relatives but, you should tap into each other’s resources to save money. Furthermore, you are contributing to less waste too.

Allow your loved ones to freely choose which clothing items they like from your unused or underused pile. You can do so every quarter or every month. For instance, you may switch your summer clothes every March!

THE SIMPLER, THE BETTER

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In 1970, a London boutique coined the term “Capsule Wardrobe”. A Capsule Wardrobe consists of 30 to 37 pieces of clothing that you always wear. It is the minimalist way to downsize your wardrobe and boost your savings. It teaches us to focus on staples and to skip the trends.

A leather pants may be prevelant at Forever 21 or H&M but, constantly keeping up with trends such as this one can poke a hole in your wallet! Purchase items that you can still use in a few years time.

Sources: 1 & 2

Smart Ways To Spend Your Money At MINISO

Marketing itself as a Japanese lifestyle and fast fashion brand, MINISO has a variety of products from stationary to kitchenware. It is taking over Singapore’s commercial scene for years now. Its global effect is widely prominent too!

On that note, here are 4 affordable items that you can score at MINISO:

#1: WATER BOTTLES

MINISO has no shortage of stylish, functional, and cheap water bottles. From bold neon patterns to muted natural hues, you name it and they have got it! They even have a minimalist bottles with inspiring quotes. Finding a bottle that freshens and motivates you may aids your performance throughout the day.

Image Credits: miniso.ca

Among its wide selection of bottles, the one wrapped around with a soft silicone is a standout. Its unique design protects your hands from warm drinks. Nonetheless, these water bottles fit in most cup holders. Feel free to drink your favorite beverage while you are on the go!

#2: NOSE STRIPS

I am attracted to flawless and smooth skin. Thus, I became an avid fan of deep cleansing. I cannot fully describe my obsession with nose strips. My partner and I frequent different Japanese and Korean brands just to find the most efficient one. During our search, we chanced upon MINISO’s Volcanic Mud nose strips (about S$2.5). This type is primarily made for men. However, we were drawn by its adhesive prowess. One strip can help you to achieve a silky smooth nose.

Challenge your friends or family members as you compare who has the less black heads or white heads. Personally, I always lose!

#3: TRAVEL-SIZED BOTTLES

For jet-setters, a set of reusable bottles from MINISO (i.e., less than S$5) is one of the best presents that you can ever give. You can transfer different liquids such as shampoo, essential oils, and hand cream.

Image Credits: carousell.com

The “cosmetics packaging” set was the most useful thing that I received last year. As a makeup junkie, I was able to transfer my setting spray in a smaller container instead of bringing a 500 ml spray bottle. Imagine carrying that weight on a daily basis!

#4: SCREEN PROTECTOR

Most gadgets kiosks sell tempered glass phone protectors for S$10 and beyond. That is crazy! You can snag a cheaper deal (S$3.90) at MINISO. The only downside here is that you would have to put the screen protector by yourself.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If this is something that you are comfortable with then, you can immediately purchase now.

Sources: 1, 2,3, & 4

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