More Singaporeans choosing high-end gifts this holiday season

Channel NewsAsia 20 Dec 07;

SINGAPORE : More Singaporeans are choosing high-end limited edition presents this holiday season, thanks to a good economy and better bonuses.

At a Noel Gifts' warehouse, workers are busy preparing hampers and other gifts to meet rising demand.

Noel said it's getting 40% more orders than the previous year.

But instead of the regular hampers of sweets and cookies, well-travelled Singaporeans these days want something more.

Items on their shopping lists include things like whiskey jam, champagne mustard and limited edition wines.

"Knick-knacks like mugs and photo frames, useless stationeries as well as retro items, those are out. Retro is passé," said Winnie Tan, General Manager of Noel.

And it looks like this holiday season, a simple e-mail greeting card may just not make the cut. - CNA /ls