Souvenirs for a Nation

Dragon Playground Pet Hideout

S$42, from Paper Carpenter, papercarpenter.com

Furkids won't have to miss out on any National Day fun with this innovative toy. Made from recycled chemical-free cardboard and shaped like the famous dragon playground in Toa Payoh, your pet cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas can amuse themselves for hours playing hide-and-seek. The playground is assembled without any glue, so it is safe for animals.

Singapore Shoulder Sling

S$28, from The LampPost Project, lamppostyle.com

If you are heading out this National Day weekend, look the part with your Singapore Shoulder Sling. Since 2017, The LampPost Project has been upcycling National Day lamp post banners and flags into usable items.

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This year, it is launching the colourful Singapore Shoulder Sling, hand sewn by seniors and less privileged Singaporeans. All sales proceeds will be donated to the Singapore Association for Mental Health.

The Kizuna Table

From S$1,200, from The Table Guy, tableguy.sg

For the second year running, homegrown furniture startup The Table Guy launches a special item that's only available from National Day. This year, it's created the Kizuna Table, designed in collaboration with a cafe in Potong Pasir of the same name. Available as a dining table and wall console, the wood for the Kizuna Table comes from mahogany trees found in Singapore. The table top is made from offcuts, and assembled to create a unique marquetry-like pattern.

Orchid Saucer and Chopstick Rest

S$16.91 from Naiise, naiise.com

No NDP party would be complete without local food on the menu. As a fitting touch for the occasion, complete your table setting with this Orchid Saucer and Chopstick Rest. Made from ceramic, the saucer features a Vanda Miss Joaquim pattern that becomes more prominent when you pour soy sauce into it. The matching chopstick rest, meanwhile, is shaped like an orchid petal.

Singapore Durian Map Print

S$50, from Naiise, naiise.com

Local design firm Big Red Chilli is known for creating colourful maps of Singapore that will brighten up any bare wall. Even among its eye-catching pieces, the Singapore Durian Map stands out. Not only is it done in national colours, it features bright red durians of all sizes. Just for fun, make it a contest to see who can guess the correct number of durians on the map. The winner gets a durian for himself. Prize not included.

Singa the Lion

From S$88, from the Singapore Kindness Movement, kindness.sg

Aside from the Merlion, Singa the Lion is perhaps the next familiar national mascot. A one of a kind artwork of Singa by Vanessa Liem, winner of the 2019 UOB Painting of the Year (Singapore), Gold Award, Emerging Artist Category, is up for auction under the Singapore Kindness Movement's fundraising programme for the President's Challenge. Ms Liem portrays Singa as an artist and UOB Heartbeat volunteer who promotes kindness through art.

Eggshell Smart Diffuser with Orchid Island Essential Oil

S$129, from Scene Shang, shop.sceneshang.com

Fill your home with the scent of orchids this National Day, with the help of the Eggshell Smart Diffuser from Scene Shang. Using a smart app on the phone, switch the diffuser on before getting home. From now till Aug 31, a free bottle of the Orchid Island Essential Oil will be given for every purchase of the diffuser. The essential oil is made using a blend of orchid, cashmere musk, amber violet leaves, and lily of the valley.

Magic, the Legendary Language Changing Cup

S$38, pre-order from Supermama, supermama store.com

Remember when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong spoke to the nation about the Covid-19 pandemic? And how he would speak in a different language after taking a sip of water from a blue cup? See if you can do the same yourself with Magic, The Legendary Language-Changing Cup, which is inspired by that drinking cup. Even if it doesn't work, you can still enjoy looking at its decoration of Tembusu flowers and leaves, inspired by Singapore's national tree.

One Singapore 2020 Edition

S$120, from Supermama, supermamastore.com

Whether you are a collector or a foodie, the One Singapore plate from Supermama is a conversation piece on any dining table. Designed in Singapore and made by Japanese porcelain maker Kihara, each annual edition features different icons of Singapore. Besides the calendar icon for Aug 9, 2020, new icons include Jewel, the National Museum and the Asian Civilisations Museum. The plate is also available in a gold rim.

#GrafunktxOnlewo2020

From S$420, pre-order from Grafunkt, grafunkt.com

One is a homegrown furniture brand, while the other is known for creating fabrics featuring local icons. And now, Grafunkt and Onlewo have come together for Singapore's 55th birthday, to create a limited edition furniture line that brings Singaporean heritage to any home. The ottoman and stool feature a tile design that is often seen on seating at void decks and older housing estates. Some of the tiles also come in a floral design by Onlewo. The upholstered pieces will be made in white, teal and rose pink.