Need to get a last minute gift? Check out these Christmas markets

Don't you hate it when Christmas season is approaching and you have no idea what to get for secret Santa gift exchanges or Christmas parties?

We suggest you head to Christmas markets to find the really good stuff - the gifts that are beautiful, useful, and often hand-crafted.

We rounded up some of the Christmas markets that you should visit this season. Read on to find out more.

1) Christmas Art Market by The Local People

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb54rQCBPOz/[/embed]

The Local People, as you might have guessed, throw markets for local crafts. You may have spotted them in alleyways, closed off roads, or the defunct Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. It's a certain kind of charm that's right up our alley (pun intended!).

But this Christmas, you'll find them at South Beach Ave. It's a lot bigger than the usual, with local music artists and a screening of Lulu the Movie in addition to the Christmas market that'll be brimming with locally designed and Singapore-made items.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BcUbXWtB4Nw/[/embed]

Expect all sorts of gifts to choose from, such as mystery books that have nothing but a sentence to describe them, handmade bags or local tea selections.

The tenants of South Beach Avenue will be chipping in with their own wares as well, with whisky gifts from Quaich Bar, organic products from Real Food and Christmas hampers from Caffe Vergnano 1882.

When: 15 - 17 December 2017, 12pm -10 pm

Where: South Beach Avenue, 26/ 36 Beach Road

More info: https://bit.ly/TLPSouthBeach

2) Christmas Village by Sphere Exhibits

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb513LYBJb2/[/embed]

The next time you walk down Orchard Road to view the Christmas lights, take some time to stop by Ngee Ann City, where you'll find a lovely Christmas market in addition to amusement rides, a Christmas Eve concert and fun mascots.

The offerings in this market are a little more mainstream. You'll find pop up stores by Tiffany & Co. fragrances, SK II, Starbucks. Consider getting a perfume with a bespoke engraving from Tiffany & Co. Fragrances for a more personalised gift. Also be sure to check out Royal Selangor for exquisitely crafted crockery, teaware, and drink accessories.

After you're done with gift shopping, head over to Jack Wills and Megafash for some retail therapy.

When: 1 - 25 December 2017, 11am - 10pm (the Christmas lights are turned on at 3pm)

Where: Ngee Ann Civic Plaza

More info: https://www.orchardroad.org/christmas/village

3) Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BcEKsnLAkMn/[/embed]

This is one of the most beautiful and biggest (57,000 square metres wide to be precise) Christmas markets this year. You're going to be spoilt for choice with over twenty types of gift and craft shops to choose from.

Some of the awesome gift ideas you can expect are limited edition nutcrackers from Cindy's Collection, insta-worthy porcelain crockery from Om Sweet Om, and hand painted carousels from Whimsical Fantasies.

You'll be well-fed too, with classic Christmas food options such as gourmet meatballs served with cranberry sauce by Sofnade and smoked turkey drumsticks by The Beast. Less traditional, contemporary options are available too. Check out the Dark Candy Floss by Swagpotion and Mentaiko Quail eggs by Easy Eggs from JAR.

When: 1 to 26 December, 4pm to 11pm.

Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Price: $4 - $10 depending on which dates you buy the tickets for, and if you purchase it online or the gate.

More info: www.christmaswonderland.sg

4) Christmas Market by Crate and Barrel

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb_0HOMB7la/[/embed]

Crate and Barrel is hosting it's very first Christmas Market this year. It's the place you need to go to snag last-minute home decor stuff and also crafts from The Paper Bunny (for pretty stationery), Bloom Room (for meticulously crafted flowers), and Mmerci Encore (for enticing aromatherapy), to state a few.

There's also a 20 per cent storewide sale for full-priced Crate & Barrel items as well as a Sure-Win Dip Box from which you can win merchandise and exclusive vouchers to use at the store.

When: 16 December 2017, 12pm - 6pm.

Where: Crate and Barrel ION and Crate and Barrel Gateway

More info: crateandbarrel.sg

5) Keepers PlayStore

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BbhYcybgN_X/[/embed]

Alright, we're bending the rules slightly with this one as Keepers PlayStore isn't a market, but a permanent store. But we do it only because its offerings are oh-so-gorgeous and great for gifting.

The store features the work of over 40 designers, artists, and craftsmen from both Singapore and overseas. Expect fragrances, skincare products, accessories, apparel and even children's clothes and toys.

If you wanna kick your gift shopping experience up a notch, sign up for one of the fun workshops where you can create or try various gifts instead of simply browsing for them. Try the Floral Magic workshop ($200, 9 and 17 December) in which you can make a fragrant and pretty wreath to showcase at home or gift a friend.

You can also go for a bucket bag making workshop or one where you can create origami paper balloons. We like how these workshops let you learn something new, and give you a chance to create a more personalised gift.

When: Email hello@keepers.studio or call them at +65 8749 6454 to check the workshop schedules

Where: #01-01 National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd, Singapore 188969.

More info: https://keepers.studio/

This article was first published on Her World Online