Posted by ‘Tis the season to be jolly! We’re less than a month away from Christmas and it’s time to finalise your shopping list for your loved ones. From statement concrete home decor pieces to one of the best homemade sambals in town, we’ve got you covered with our list of favourite homegrown labels.
SERENI & SHENTEL
Makers of handmade headbands, hair clips, turban twists, pinwheels and bowties for men, this made in Borneo label has an array of shiny, pretty, and fashionable accessories which are brilliant gift ideas for your family and friends. Check out their holiday gift sets or get your creative juices flowing and create a customised headband to make yours a one-of-a-kind gift.
PHOTO SOURCE: SERENI & SHENTEL
KANOEWEAR
Fashionistas will love you for giving a gift from this label. Shop their latest range, the Klassik Batik collection which showcases fun free sized frou skirts, flowy dresses, and pom pom off shoulder tops made from 100% soft cotton batik. Each online purchase comes in a signature calico drawstring bag to keep the tailored pieces in tip-top condition.
PHOTO SOURCE: KANOEWEAR
CHIYO
Design a customised kaftan for the women in your life. These handmade and free sized kaftans are bright, comfortable, and exude boho chic without being OTT. You can pick a combo of two colours and add either mini pom poms or tassels to adorn the pieces. It’s the perfect gift for friends who are expressive through fashion as the brand personifies being sui generis in this day and age.
PHOTO SOURCE: CHIYO
WANDERLUST + CO
From dainty earrings to statement bangles, Wanderlust + Co has got some of the trendiest fashion accessories and costume jewellery in stock. In tune with the season of giving, they’ve put together gift sets as part of their holiday shop this year. We love how their attention to detail is so on point, from the quality and designs of their jewellery, to the prettiest looking packaging.
PHOTO SOURCE: WANDERLUST + CO
THE APOTHECARY MALAYSIA
This one’s for the modern man (and women) of your life. The brand debuted as a men’s solid cologne business but soon diversified and made ranges for his and hers too. Sleek packaging, fine craftsmanship, and unique scents; they’ve got you covered in the extra special gift department. Grooming has never been so cool and convenient!
PHOTO SOURCE: THE APOTHECARY MALAYSIA
PESTLE & MORTAR CLOTHING
Established in 2010, Pestle & Mortar Clothing is a household name for fashion-forward Malaysians. They started off with just a small number of t-shirts in their collection and they’ve now expanded to creating seasonal favourites to choose from. You can’t go wrong by grabbing a few of their trademark KL Reverse tees as a gift for your favourite people this Christmas.
PHOTO SOURCE: PESTLE & MORTAR CLOTHING
LOVE, LUSIE
Spoil your loved ones with some scrubbing goodness! Lovingly handcrafted by the Love, Lusie duo in Sabah, Borneo; the scrub base contains a special ingredient called Tuhau (akin to kimchi by the Koreans) and does wonders for your skin. The mixes come in jars or travel sized packets so they make brilliant gifts or stocking fillers for those who love trying out beauty products.
PHOTO SOURCE: LOVE, LUSIE
WUNDERBATH
Quirky handmade bath favourites and cosmetics brand, Wunderbath promises to enchant receivers of their products with glee. Using non-toxic chemicals and natural formulations, each handcrafted soap and bath bomb tallies as a crowd favourite and one purchase is never enough. Choose from their affordable unisex Christmas gift sets (under RM100), bath bombs, or spoil yourself silly with a WunderLippie in mint mocha frappe or chocolate lava flavour for that cheeky Christmas kiss under the mistletoe!
PHOTO SOURCE: WUNDERBATH
SO.LEK COSMETICS
Looking for affordable yet great quality cosmetics to give as gifts? Survey the range from this local cosmetics brand. From lip creams in soft pinks and nude hues to alluring deep crimson, they’ve got it all. Their Lentik by So.Lek mascara also gets a worthy mention, so do check that out too. The packaging is pretty neat so you don’t need to do much, a nice bow will do!
PHOTO SOURCE: SO.LEK COSMETICS
SYED FAIZAL BEAUTY
Created by notable Malaysian makeup artist, Syed Faizal, comes this eponymous cosmetics brand. Making waves in the beauty industry, his products are all the rage now. The highlight item to purchase is the eyeshadow palette thanks to its attractive packaging, texture, and overall top quality product. Make your purchases via beauty portals or follow them on social media to find out where their next pop up stall or market appearance will be.
PHOTO SOURCE: MYSMINK
BUIH & CO
Bath time and home pampering sessions will never be the same again! Give your friends and family the sweetest surprise this Christmas, with these sugar-based bath products. We love how this fun brand markets their whipped sugar scrubs with the cutest names: ‘Peach Please!’, ‘Mr. Green’, and ‘Wind Spirits’ are some of our favourites. Don’t forget to also check out their lip sugar scrubs for smaller gifting ideas.
PHOTO SOURCE: BUIH & CO
VELVET VANITY COSMETICS
Another local cosmetics brand to be proud of. This 100% vegan and cruelty-free brand have been around since its inception in 2016, in Malaysia. Why not buy a bundle order which comprises of either two, four or 9 liquid matte lipsticks in attractive popular shades such as dark pinks, orange tinges, nudes, and reds; so you can give one each to your girlies. That’s so fetch!
PHOTO SOURCE: VELVET VANITY COSMETICS
KARYA MATS
Time on the mat will never be the same again with this gem. Grab a few of these eco-stylish mats for your fitness-loving friends. They’re of amazing quality, made from earth-friendly natural rubber and have modern designs printed on them. They also have a ‘make your own mat’ feature on the website, which can take your Christmas gifting to another level. All you need to do is upload a working file and follow their instructions here.
PHOTO SOURCE: KARYA MATS
KRUA.ETC
Send some homeware love to your loved ones or even your own home. Curate stylish and modern kitchenware in a DIY hamper or gift box to make a gifting statement. What we like about this lifestyle brand is the range of products they’ve got. From colourful plates, chrome or rose gold cutlery, customised Mr and Mrs mugs, to sleek marble canisters, we want it all!
PHOTO SOURCE: KRUA.ETC
LILIN + CO
Trust us, after taking a whiff of their soy candles, you’d want to purchase one for yourself. Unpretentious, premium quality, minimalist packaging, and great price point; what more can you ask for as a gift idea? They’ve got the classic range which has comforting scents like strawberries and champagne, black tea and lychee, and burnt fig and cassis including the seasonal range which introduces creme brulee and tuberose for a limited time only.
PHOTO SOURCE: LILIN + CO
BINGKA
Staying true to their brand essence, where traditional meets contemporary living; Bingka brings some of the best lifestyle products to life. The founders of the brand created affordable and unique silkscreen-printed designs inspired by our lovely country and her diversity. The designs are printed on pouches, tea towels, and throw pillows to name a few. Our recommendation? Go for one of their bestsellers, the cap ayam pouch. It’ll definitely put a smile on the receiver’s face thanks to its quirkiness.
PHOTO SOURCE: BINGKA
MOWGLI STORE
Who knew storage baskets could look so chic and modern. Mowgli Store focuses on bringing eclecticism through their products and is the first Malaysian company to import the popular, #Baloobakul. The #Baloobakul has been given a fresh take as a modern-day woven storage and is coveted by millennials as a home must-have. Fill one up with some of the other products mentioned in this list to make it an unforgettable basket full of goodies!
PHOTO SOURCE: MOWGLI STORE
THE MAPHATTER
Roll up of these bright and happy posters to put a smile on one’s face upon receiving them. Apart from the cacti posters (mega trending!) and ultra-cool wrapping paper available in their popular range, also look out for the children-friendly world map doodle tablecloth. It’s a good present to give at family dinners to entertain kids as well as a weekend activity for the entire family.
PHOTO SOURCE: THE MAPHATTER
BENTUKBENTUK
Statement home decor like these concrete pieces gives the home some added je ne sais quo. Pick from marbled concrete hexagon coasters, trinket holders, and tri-square pots as gifts for those who like the comforts of their home and decorating. Follow the husband and wife team on social media to get news and updates about their workshops too!
PHOTO SOURCE: BENTUKBENTUK
MOSSERY
Stationery lovers will squeal at the sight of this label’s products. Practical and special, each Mossery notebook, sketchbook, and planner is created to spark joy and help one to organise their daily tasks in a fun and detailed manner. Why not plan ahead and create a bespoke notebook for someone you know? You can head over to their website and order a personalised one choosing between the two types of fonts available. The notebooks are so adorable, the corgi planner even sent the Jobstore digital marketing team in a tizzy!
PHOTO SOURCE: MOSSERY
FLINT & STEEL BORNEO
Grab your seasonal cards and notebooks from this Kuching label. All the fun graphics and designs are made in-house so you know your gift’s pretty original. Get a notebook and some enamel pins while you’re at it, there’s a handful to choose from! Looking to customise some of your gifts? Just send them an email and voilà!
PHOTO SOURCE: FLINT & STEEL BORNEO
PERKY PREEN AND CO
Inspired by everything pretty comes this stationery atelier. They’re bold with a hint of sweetness. Think of gold swatches, lavender and blush undertones or black with silver linings. Fans of Perky Preen and Co highly encourage new followers to grab their yearly planners, so that’s a hint as a gift idea! They’ve also got a personalised option so do drop them a line to get some done right away.
PHOTO SOURCE: PERKY PREEN AND CO
AMAZIN’ GRAZE
They’re healthy, tasty, and come in mega convenient sized packets! Choose from their Christmas 2017 range which has yummy flavours like Candied Fruitcake Granola, Frosted Cinnamon Nut Mix, and Gingerbread Crumb Granola. Can’t decide which one to give your amazing friends? We highly recommend the gift boxes so they can have a taste of all.
PHOTO SOURCE: AMAZIN’ GRAZE
REAL SAMBAL
Send some tastebuds in a tizzy with this hard-to-forget sambal! They’re usually available at pop up markets and events but you can drop them a DM to get more information about their year-end offerings. Pack up these hot babies for those who love creating magic in the kitchen (sambal pizza or pasta anyone?) or appreciate some added spiciness to their meals. Trust us, you will not regret it!
PHOTO SOURCE: REAL SAMBAL
There you have it, Jobstore’s Christmas Gift Guide 2017! Time to get your shop on and enjoy the festivities. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from us to you!