Hello everyone, and welcome to another Singaporean article! On this shiok Sunday, I’ve taken the liberty of curating a list of gift ideas for Father’s Day. For those who are unaware, Father’s Day is in exactly two weeks (on the 20th of June) so if you haven’t already done so, you should definitely start thinking about what to get. In usual circumstances, it’s already hard enough to get a gift, but with it being P2HA now, getting a gift from home is even harder.
As such, I’ve rounded up a list of different gift ideas, most of which can be personalised to truly make your dad feel special. And with the exception of UNDONE, most of the brands mentioned below are mainly homegrown, so you will be supporting local businesses during these tough COVID times as well.
Watches:
1) UNDONE Watches
If you want to truly customise a watch for your father, UNDONE is your best bet.
My opinion: If you like customising your watches, you can’t go wrong with UNDONE. The UNDONE customisation tool is a breeze and a joy to use, and one really gets the satisfaction when strapping a custom made (to one’s design impetus!) watch on the wrist. Despite the custom made nature of most of their watches, UNDONE’s prices are fairly reasonable – prices (after promo code below) starts at just $204 USD/ ~$290 SGD for the Urban Chronograph when paired with a perlon strap. Overall, I find UNDONE watches great for not only meaningful gifts, but also an outlet for one to express their individuality.
Reviews: I have reviewed multiple UNDONE watches till date – I reviewed the UNDONE Aqua, the UNDONE Urban Vintage, the UNDONE Urban Tropical, the UNDONE Urban Ultraman, the UNDONE Urban Peanuts, the UNDONE Basecamp, the UNDONE Monopoly, the UNDONE Type XX, the UNDONE Zen Cartograph, the UNDONE Batman, the UNDONE Terra, and the UNDONE 4:20 Cali previously.
Where to buy: UNDONE’s web-store. UNDONE is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 10% off products on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.
2) Aries Gold
If you’re on a tight budget, Aries Gold watches provide stunning value at a sub-S$200 price point.
My opinion: Aries Gold is a brand that is often scoffed upon by watch enthusiasts, and I think that’s a shame. Personally, I sincerely believe that Aries Gold offers some of the best value propositions that you can get for ~S$200. Take the Diplomat pictured above for example – you get sapphire crystal, a Seiko NH35 movement, guilloche dial, and a metal bracelet for just S$186 (after promo code below). The design language is great as well, and with a wide catalogue, there’s bound to be something available for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned watch collector or someone looking to get his first watch, Aries Gold provides a lot for very little. Customers can also opt for a text engraving on the case back for a mere US$10, so you can personalise the gift for your dad.
Review: I reviewed the Aries Gold Jolter here, the Aries Gold Cruiser here, the Aries Gold Roadster here, the Aries Gold El Toro here, the Aries Gold Vanguard here, the Aries Gold Black Sea here, the Aries Gold Dreadnought here, and the Aries Gold Diplomat here. I also did an article on why I believe that they are one of the best watch brands under S$200 here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their web-store here. Aries Gold is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers can enjoy a crazy 50% off all products on their web-store. Simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy the discount!
3) H2 Hub
If your think your dad would prefer a more traditional watch from a “household brand”, then I would suggest getting a personalised Seiko watch from local watch retailer, H2 Hub.
My opinion: To me, H2 Hub makes for a great AD partner as they are an established homegrown brand with multiple locations in heartland malls, with a focus on affordable watches. Granted, H2 Hub does sell multiple fashion watch brands, but they also offer watches for the serious watch collector, thus catering to both segments of the watch market. In personal experience, H2 Hub has some of the lowest prices for Seiko timepieces in the market. In fact, I got my Seiko Cocktail Time “Irish Coffee” and my Seiko Cocktail time “Matcha” (pictured above) from them. And yes, you can still personalise the case back of the watch with text or image of your choice. I love my Seiko “Matcha” – the dial texture is simply amazing – and I’m sure your dad would too.
Reviews: I drafted a list of watches that I would get from H2 Hub here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their web-store. H2 Hub is also a partner of Wah So Shiok – readers enjoy 5% off all products on their web-store! Just quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy the discount.
Perfume:
4) Maison 21G
Maison 21G specialises in “tailor-made perfumes”, allowing customers to create their own unique scent at an affordable price.
My opinion: I love Maison 21G – they are undoubtedly one of my personal favourites on this list. Firstly, their Duxton road boutique is welcoming and beautifully designed. Secondly, I love their concept of “tailoring” a scent for yourself. As you guys know, I’m quite big on tailoring, and was immensely intrigued by the concept of bringing the same notion over to fragrances. How Maison 21G works is simple – they have over 30 different solo scents, and which customers can combine to make their own unique scent. According to the brand, there are over a hundred different combinations for customers to explore. My favourite has to be combining Tea Time with Terrific Tonka, as well as Cannabis Cloud with Ginger Game. Maison 21G also offers a perfume workshop, where participants can learn about the history and art of perfume making, as well as get the opportunity to bespeak their own scent.
Reviews: I chronicled my experience of attending a workshop at Maison 21G’s Duxton outlet here, their new ION outlet here, their home scents here, and their new Dual Crayon here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their online store here, or visit their lovely boutique over at 77 Duxton Road or ION Orchard. As Maison 21G is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, readers can quote the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK15” upon checkout to enjoy 15% off all products and workshops online!
5) Scent by Six
If customising sounds like too much of a hassle for you, Scent by Six is a great alternative.
My opinion: SIX burst into the local fragrance scene in 2016 with its initial trio of perfumes, the Tribeca, Puka and my favourite, the Biei. Packaged in a svelte black form factor – it looks more like a lip balm than a perfume bottle – the scents were meant to evoke the smells and vibe of the namesake locations. I found the concept of perfumes inspired by locations (which the founder had been to and loved) immensely intriguing. The scents are very unique as well, unlike anything I’ve ever smelt. The founder, Jason, actually worked at world-renowned fragrance house Givaudan for 4 years, and used that expertise to develop scents for his own brand. For those who desire a more exotic scent, SIX is definitely a good option to consider. The best part? Their perfume bottles are refillable, so you can simply buy a refill (at a much lower price) when you run out. Not only is it economically friendly, it’s environmentally friendly as well. Customers can also opt for engraving on the bottles, so it can be the perfect gift for your dad. My current favourite scent from them is the Hikaru, which immediately transport me to Japan.
Review: I reviewed Scent by SIX’s perfumes here, their perfume workshop here, and their latest scents here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their online store here, or visit their physical store at Bugis Junction and 313 Somerset. As Scent by SIX is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, readers can quote the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all products online!
Wallets:
6) Faire Leather
Faire Leather offers wallets that are simply packed with functionality – perfect for the busy gentleman on the move.
My opinion: Faire Leather Co is able to tap upon the decades worth of manufacturing capability of Tocco Toscano – ensuring that you get a quality product (likely crafted by the same craftsmen who have been making Tocco Toscano products for decades) at an affordable price. There’s a reason why they managed to raise over $400K on their debut Kickstarter project, making them one of the most funded Singaporean crowdfunded project to date. Personally, I love the ability of Faire to combine sleek, minimalist looks with ultra-functional utility. Take their Specter Bifold Wallet for example. Despite the minimalist look, it has a hidden card slot, a hidden coin compartment (!), and a quick access card slot with a pull-tab (seen above). Oh yes – you can add monograms as well, making them a meaningful yet functional gift for your dad! Form and function, at a price that won’t break the bank.
Price: The Specter Bifold Wallet is priced at $99. As Faire Leather is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off all online orders. Yes – that means that the Specter Bifold Wallet would only cost $72!
Where to buy: Interested readers can order from their web-store here.
7) Gnome & Bow
Is your dad more of a creative – perhaps someone who loves literary classics? If so, a Gnome & Bow wallet would be the perfect gift!
My opinion: Gnome & Bow is one of my favourite local brands. I love how they seamlessly weave literary elements of iconic fables into the design of their wallets. In particular, I love the patterned fabric lining that the brand uses, which gives their wallets a sartorial vibe. I’m a big fan of their new RFID collection, which protects credit cards and passports against fraud and identity theft. The new wallets are now equipped with discreet compartments for coins, keys, SIM card and pin when the need arises, which also flatten when not in use. In addition, all of their wallets can be personalised with monograms of your choice, making their wallets perfect as gifts too! As the icing on the cake, Gnome & Bow is including a complimentary greeting card with every purchase too. If you’re on a budget, Gnome & Bow is also currently having a sale on their older models! For more information, I reviewed Gnome & Bow’s wallets here.
Price: Gnome & Bow wallets currently start at $139. As Gnome & Bow is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off all online orders. Yes – that means that Gnome & Bow wallets can be had for as low as $125!
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their web-store here.
Writing Instruments:
8) Cityluxe
Cityluxe is a homegrown purveyor of writing instruments, offering a wide variety of pens, inks, notebooks and more at attractive prices.
My opinion: I recently developed a love for fountain pens and journaling during this work-from-home period. Like many, I spent most of my WFH time in front of my computer, and I just wanted a break from the digital life. As such, I found myself spending more time taking on analog notes, putting pen to paper, planning my days and what I wanted to accomplish. The more I wrote, the more I grew to appreciate fountain pens. In many senses, fountain pens are exactly like mechanical watches. Sure, there are cheap ballpoint pens that will get the job done at a fraction of the price, but it simply doesn’t exude the same enjoyment as a fountain pen does. There’s a sense of class and workmanship to fountain pens that I really appreciate, and I’m sure your dad will too! Whether as a daily writer or just something special to sign cheques and documents, a fountain pen makes for a great, thoughtful gift. My recommendation would be the Monteverde Tool Fountain Pen, which is essentially the Swiss army knife of fountain pens featuring three rulers, built-in level, Philips and flathead screwdrivers, and even a stylus! It’s also currently on heavy discount, making it a great value proposition. Last but not least, pen engraving, as well as gift wrapping and greeting card services, are also available at just a small top-up.
Price: At Cityluxe, fountain pens start at $19.90, while notebooks start at $8.90. As Cityluxe is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off all online orders.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their web-store here.
Wine:
9) Asia Wine Network (AWN)
No matter your budget or your preferences, AWN has a wide variety of unique wines for you to choose from.
My opinion: I’m a bit of an alcoholic – all writers are to some extent, I suppose – and I personally get my wines from Asia Wine Network. They have a great selection of wines at affordable pricing, all of which are hand-picked by owner Roderic, and are awesome alternatives to those from NTUC/Cold Storage/Giant/etc. I’ll personally recommend the Finca El Camino Malbec, which is a stunning red packed with flavour that pairs well with all sorts of red meats. And if you’re on a uber-tight budget, AWN also has a fantastic selection of wines at bargain promotional prices here – I personally recommend the Eguren Ugarte Kame Muscat and the Bodegas Salentein Sauvignon Blanc-Chardonnay, which are steals at just $19. If you’re not sure what to get your dad, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine!
Review: I reviewed some of AWN’s affordable wines here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their web-store here. As AWN is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 10% off all online orders.
Bracelet:
10) Hoseiki
Last but not least, if your dad is a believer, why not get him a personalised feng shui bracelet?
My opinion: If your dad believes in feng shui, then I’ll heartily recommend Hoseiki. The packaging is eye-catching, the bracelet is well-made, and on a whole it looks modern despite being traditionally inspired. There’s also a free bazi reading included as well, thus allowing you to choose a bracelet specific to your dad’s birth date and hour. It’s also fairly priced as far as such feng shui bracelets go, making it a good choice for an auspicious gift.
Review: I reviewed Hoseiki’s bracelet here.
Where to buy: Interested readers can buy from their web-store here. As Hoseiki is an official partner of Wah So Shiok, simply quote “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 7% off all online orders.
Conclusion
That rounds up my list of gifts you can get your dad for Father’s Day! Most of the options mentioned above are customisable in some shape or form, so you can truly personalise your gift. With the exception of UNDONE, all the brands mentioned above are homegrown, so you will be doing our local economy a favour as well in these trying times. Do note that each brand has its own cut-off date for Father’s Day orders, so do be mindful of that when ordering!
P.S Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wahsoshiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
P.S.S If you haven’t already, do follow my social media channels on Facebook here, and on Instagram here!
P.S.S.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
