The best shops to get your Christmas shopping done in Singapore

When in doubt, give 'em cupcakes. Even if it's a little last minute, you're lucky Plain Vanilla will also be open on Christmas Eve. Choose from a dozen flavours ($3.90 each): chocolate hazelnut’s a bold, Nutella-fuelled prize crowned with more nuts; red velvet’s made with Valrhona chocolate and capped with a thick cream cheese frosting; and cookies and cream’s a chocolatey affair with smashed Oreos weaved into its frosting. There are also the seasonal cupcakes available – you’ll want to collect ’em all, we promise. 

The sustainable life can start at Christmas itself. From pretty woven baskets to a beautiful reusable rose gold straw sets, you'll find plenty of items here that would make thoughtful gifts for your friends and loved ones. An advocate for the zero waste, no plastic movement, The Green Collective strongly encourages shoppers to bring their own bags and also sell food items and Castile liquid soap without packaging. Go green this Christmas!

Everyone loves bath time, so here's a reason for them to never want to leave the bathroom. Aesop's range of shampoos, soap and skincare make for the perfect gifts. It doesn't hurt that it smells like heaven with their signature scents of geranium, frankincense, lavender, patchouli, bergamot and more. To more baths next year! 

Christmas is more than just a holiday at Marks & Spencer, it's an entire proper mood and state of mind. Every year for Christmas, Marks & Spencer never fails to roll out its extra special festive deals that you never have to shop-hop to get everything you need for the holidays. Their bath and body gift sets make for the perfect Secret Santa offering at parties. You can also pick up food and snacks like shortbread cookies, chocolates, mince pies, assorted wines and teas for your Christmas party or as a gift to your foodie friend. While you're at it, you can pick up your stand out festive outfit for the office or dinner party.

Housed in the iconic Tang Plaza on Orchard Road, the original department store can be a rather nostalgic place for many Singaporeans and on Christmas, it becomes quite the mecca for Christmas shopping. You'll find everything you need, whether it's Diptyque perfume for your mother or a spiffy tie for dad. TANGS also features a convenient in-house DHL service, which allows shoppers to mail packages overseas with minimal fuss – perfect for Christmas and other gift-giving holidays.

Deparmental stores really do transform to a Christmas wonderland over the holidays. More than just Christmas songs on repeat over the speakers, it's serious business when Robinsons begin their festive sales. Peruse the beauty and cosmetics section to score a great lipstick for the party or to get one for your beauty-obsessed friend. We dare you to leave the homeware section without getting something for yourself. Who can resist the pretty plates, kitchen jars, cups and saucers and more on display (and for sale!). 

If your Christmas aesthetics are more zen and minimalist than green-red-gold maximalist, a Muji Christmas will suit you best. While you can still pick up a checked flannel shirt that looks festive enough, this place focuses on practical products that you can use beyond the holiday season. Who needs reindeer socks and sparkly skirts when you can pick up sophisticated stationery, elegant crockery and simple shift dresses and shirts that will see you through the year?

When it comes to Christmas, it's always all right to amp up the over-the-top factor. Live it up at Takashimaya as you source for quality gifts for your loved ones. Browse through designer handbags, choose a Chanel lipstick, pick out some colourful Japanese bowls and saucers and stock up on luxury tea brand Kusmi all at once. Remember to take your time making your way around the muti-storey department store – the best Christmas gifts take time to pick. 

If you want to feel that Christmas is really here, all you have to do is step into Vanda Win, located on the third level of KINEX mall. Think red velvet ribbons, Christmas wreaths and trees, miniature reindeer ornaments, giant stockings, all the fairy lights you need and a wide range of tinsel and bauble – Vanda Win are very traditional about Christmas decorations, and that's not quite a bad thing. Occupying several units at KINEX, you'll find everything you need here for that classic and grand red, green and gold old-school Christmas vibe.

Bringing back the days of pen and paper, Kikki.K is doing an amazing job at making stationery great again. During Christmas, the festive range makes for the best gifts. From things like pastel coloured 2019 organisers to a cute eraser advent calendar, there is something for everyone. Located at ION Orchard, the store also sells other packaging accessories like Christmas ‘to/from’ sticker labels, colourful wrapping and snowflake-dotted ribbons.

Famous for their limited edition Christmas sets, Sephora is an easy place to shop for gifts. You'd find your favourite beauty brands like Fenty Beauty, Tarte, Kat Von D, Fresh, Urban Decay and more rolling out their Christmas specials as well. But if good skincare is what you are looking for, splurge this Christmas on new cult brands like Sunday Riley and Drunk Elephant to achieve amazing skin. New year, new face.