Singapore Souvenirs and What to Buy with Kids: Quick Family Answer
If you are wondering what to buy in Singapore with kids, focus on light, affordable, child-friendly souvenirs such as Merlion toys and magnets, Singapore puzzles and LEGO-style sets, local snacks in kid-safe packaging, colouring mats, and Singapore-themed stationery and books you can find in family-friendly areas like Chinatown, Jewel Changi, and major malls.[1][6]
This guide is a focused family companion to Homejourney’s main souvenir pillar article, "Best Singapore Souvenirs & What to Buy: Homejourney’s Definitive 2025 Guide" Best Singapore Souvenirs & What to Buy: Homejourney’s Definitive 2025 Guide . Here we zoom in on souvenirs specifically suitable for kids and families, with on-the-ground tips from a local parent perspective so you can shop confidently, safely and efficiently.
Essential Family Info: Where to Buy Singapore Souvenirs with Kids
Instead of one single venue, most families combine 2–3 easy, stroller-friendly areas in a day. Below is a quick reference for the best family-friendly shopping spots for Singapore souvenirs.
1. Jewel Changi Airport (Best with Tired Kids or Departure Day)
Why go: Air-conditioned, stroller-friendly, with play areas and a curated mix of Singapore souvenirs, snacks and kids’ shops.[1]
- Address: 78 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819666 (linked to all Changi Airport terminals).
- How to get there: Take MRT East–West Line to Changi Airport MRT, follow signs to Jewel via T1 link bridge. From T2/T3 you can walk indoors (10–15 minutes).
- Opening hours: Shops typically 10am–10pm; some F&B open later (check specific store hours on Jewel’s official website).
- Admission fees: Free to enter Jewel; attractions (Canopy Park, Manulife Sky Nets, etc.) are separately ticketed.
- Best time to visit: Morning 10am–1pm or after 7pm for lighter crowds.
- Recommended duration: 2–4 hours combining shopping, meals and Rain Vortex photos.
- Official website: Search "Jewel Changi" on the Singapore Tourism Board or Changi Airport official site for latest updates.
Kid-friendly souvenir ideas at Jewel (typical price ranges):
- Merlion plush toys, magnets and keychains: S$3–S$25[1][2]
- Singapore themed puzzles and building blocks (Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, shophouses): S$15–S$60[6]
- Local snacks in travel packs (pandan cake, cookies, kaya jam gift sets): S$8–S$35[2]
- Children’s T-shirts with Merlion or MRT prints: S$15–S$30
Insider tip (local parent): If you’re flying late at night, let kids enjoy the play zones first, then do a single, final souvenir sweep about 60–90 minutes before check-in to avoid meltdowns from walking back and forth.
2. Chinatown Street Market (Best for Budget-Friendly Souvenirs)
Why go: Huge variety of budget Singapore souvenirs (magnets, fans, tees, toys) and easy ways for kids to pick small gifts for classmates.[1][8]
- Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT (DT19/NE4), Exit A to Pagoda Street (1–2 minutes’ walk).
- Opening hours: Street stalls usually 10am–10pm daily (exact hours vary by stall).
- Admission fees: Free to walk around.
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon 4–7pm (cooler, still bright for photos).
- Recommended duration: 1.5–3 hours with kids, including snack breaks.
Kid-friendly souvenir ideas in Chinatown:
- Magnet and keychain multipacks: often 10 for S$10–S$12[1][8]
- Paper fans, pencil cases, coin pouches with Singapore or Peranakan prints: S$3–S$8
- Cute Merlion-building mini sets or small puzzles: S$10–S$20[6]
- Simple cheongsam or batik-print outfits for kids: S$20–S$50
Insider tip: Many stalls sell similar stock. I usually walk one full lane first, note a few prices, then circle back to buy so the kids can compare and learn to budget their own souvenir money.
3. Orchard Road & Major Malls (Best for Mid- to High-End Family Gifts)
Malls like ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura, and VivoCity have bookstores, toy shops and specialty lifestyle brands with Singapore-themed items, plus baby rooms and clean toilets — ideal for younger kids.
- Access: Orchard MRT (NS22/TE14) for Orchard Road; HarbourFront MRT (NE1/CC29) for VivoCity.
- Hours: Usually 10am–10pm.
Souvenir categories for families:
- Singapore picture books and colouring books (English + bilingual): S$10–S$25[6]
- Educational toys about Singapore history / landmarks: S$20–S$60
- TWG tea gift sets for parents + hot chocolate or cookies for kids: S$25–S$80[2]
Homejourney tip: If you fall in love with a particular neighbourhood while shopping, you can later explore long-stay options or investment units nearby using Homejourney’s property search Property Search and verified projects directory Projects Directory . This is especially useful for repeat visitors considering a second home or relocation.
What to Buy in Singapore with Kids: Top Family Souvenir Categories
Below are practical, kid-tested souvenir ideas organised by category, with typical price ranges and where you can usually find them. Always check current prices on-site as promotions and seasonal sales may change.
1. Fun & Educational Toys with a Singapore Twist
- Merlion building blocks & skyline sets: Buildable Merlion or Marina Bay Sands kits are hugely popular with primary-school-aged kids, priced around S$15–S$60, available at airport shops, tourist centres and toy stores.[2][6]
- Singapore-themed puzzles: 100–500 piece puzzles featuring the city skyline, shophouses or Gardens by the Bay; expect S$15–S$35[6].
- Colouring mats and activity sets: Reusable Singapore colouring mats with markers often cost S$15–S$30 and are great for flights and restaurants.[6]
Local parent insight: For younger kids (4–7), I prefer reusable colouring mats and simple block sets because they pack flat and don’t have many tiny choking-hazard pieces. For older kids, go for detailed sets with over 300 pieces.
2. Wearable Souvenirs: Clothes, Accessories & Practical Gifts
- Singapore T-shirts and caps: Look for breathable cotton with Merlion, MRT map or quirky “Singapore food” designs; usually S$10–S$30 for kids’ sizes.[1]
- Rain-ready gear: Compact umbrellas or rain ponchos with local prints (S$10–S$25) are both practical and very "Singapore" given our sudden showers.[1]
- Kid-friendly bags and pouches: Singapore skyline mini backpacks or Peranakan-print pencil cases; about S$8–S$30[1].
Insider tip: When buying T‑shirts for kids, check for soft tags and non-itchy prints. Some budget shirts have stiff prints that can be uncomfortable in Singapore’s humidity.
