Meaningful leaving gifts for friends or colleagues

The middle of the year is often a time of goodbyes, when families and colleagues set off on new adventures across the globe. At A Raft of Otters in Tanglin Mall and Joo Chiat, you’ll find a selection of leaving gifts for friends or colleagues to help them take a piece of Singapore with them, wherever life leads!

Meraki Lily – A perfect housewarming or leaving gift

Bringing the beauty of Singapore’s lush landscapes to the table, Meraki Lily’s Rainforest Collection features stunning salad bowls and platters adorned with tropical foliage. A perfect keepsake for those who love entertaining, these pieces serve as a reminder of warm gatherings and tropical dinner parties shared. Whether given as a leaving gift for a friend or to celebrate a new home, these homewares bring a touch of Singapore’s greenery to any table.

Lou Lauwerys – a botanical keepsake of Singapore

Singapore is renowned for its greenery, from the iconic Traveller’s Palm to the abundant tropical flora that thrives year round. Printmaker Lou Lauwerys captures these natural wonders in her exquisite limited-edition linoprints, handprinted in her Bukit Timah studio. A botanical linoprint is an ideal lasting reminder of Singapore’s natural beauty. You can frame it as a single statement piece, and also group it with others to create a striking gallery wall. Lou’s works are available unframed or ready to hang in solid wood frames at A Raft of Otters.

Layard Interiors – timeless sculptural gifts for friends

Leaving gifts for friends should stand the test of time, like the friendships they represent. The LINKS sculpture, crafted from travertine, symbolises connection and friendship. Its three interlocking links can be styled as a long chain or sculptural centrepiece. The piece reminds us that bonds remain strong, even across distances; it’s a sentimental keepsake for someone beginning a new journey.

The bronze interlocked ENTWINED sculpture, meanwhile, features four imperfect, organic links. These represent resilience, love and enduring relationships. Inspired by wabi-sabi, this striking sculpture embraces the beauty of imperfection – just like the connections we cherish.

MemoryBoards – a unique leaving gift of Singapore

MemoryBoards offers a beautifully curated range of leaving gifts that capture the essence of life in Singapore. From minimalist black-and white prints to intricate and vibrant collages, the collection extends beyond wall art. It includes lacquered trays and keepsake boxes, for example, plus smaller items like coasters, tea towels and placemats. All of them feature the brand’s original Singaporean designs, too. Perfect for bringing a slice of Singapore into any home, these designs celebrate the city’s iconic landmarks and culture. For an added personal touch, wall art can be customised with your own photographs to create a one-of-a-kind memento.

A Raft of Otters is at #03-102 Tanglin Mall and 420 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01.

8125 5725 | IG @araftofotters.tm

This article on meaningful leaving gifts for friends and colleagues first appeared in Expat Living May 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!

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