Stuck for gift ideas for any occasion? Check out this new online gift shopping platform. If there’s a birthday or anniversary coming up, or you need a housewarming (or leaving!) present for a friend, or even something for Chinese New Year, Lanos is an online gift platform featuring unique and elegant gift ideas curated from around the world to suit all budgets. The items come beautifully wrapped (worthy of unboxing on your Instagram!), with a personalised message; plus, you get free next-day delivery on local orders above $100. Sweet!
We caught up with CEO and founder SONAL KHIMJI to find out more.
Congrats on Lanos! What inspired you to launch the online gift shopping platform?
Starting Lanos has been like a dream come true for me. I’ve always wanted to create something meaningful and fun. After a three-year career break, and when my son left Singapore for university, I decided to become an entrepreneur. I used my experience to source beautiful items from suppliers overseas, and curate them onto a gifting platform. And so Lanos was born.
My vision was to create a socially responsible platform that empowers creators, craftsmen and artisans. I look to collaborate with small and medium-sized manufacturers, female entrepreneurs and low income workers who are skilled at creating beautiful “giftable” products, but lack the reach to an overseas market.
What makes the gifts on Lanos different?
We set out to offer unique, elegant yet affordable gifts with the convenience of online shopping, next day delivery and gorgeous gift wrapping – great for last-minute buyers or those needing inspiration or gift ideas.
We curate gifts that have a powerful story behind them. This adds so much more depth to the gifting experience for both the sender and receiver, while also honouring the creator behind the gift.
What types of gifts do you offer?
Our collections currently comprise the following five sections:
- Home décor – great as housewarming gifts
- Gifts for girlfriends and self
- Yoga accessories
- Gifts for newborn babies
- A collection of extremely rare and exclusive gifts
Our aim is to keep curating exclusive gifts in limited stocks, to maintain uniqueness. We love finding new suppliers and adding exciting items to the Lanos collections; there’s always something new being added to the platform.
How do you curate gift ideas to list on your online gift shopping platform?
We’re tend to look for gifts that have any of the following criteria:
- unique in some way and not easy to find in local malls;
- beautiful, elegant and yet affordable enough to meet gifting budgets;
- made by skilled entrepreneurs, craftsmen or artisans; or
- supportive of a cause and have a powerful story behind them.
What’s your favourite item on your website?
Definitely our electric, eclectic and eccentric hand-crafted bohemian clutch bags from our current collection. Each clutch is a unique and exclusive piece with embroidered patches. I also love our extremely, soft, airy and super thin Cashmere shawls.
Can you give us a sneak peek on any exciting ideas coming up?
Based on popular demand, we’re currently working to add a fantastic men’s collection to Lanos; keep a lookout for it!
Need gift idea inspiration? Order your next gift via the Lanos website, follow @lanossg on Facebook and Instagram. For special requests or corporate or bulk-order enquiries, WhatsApp 9876 5363.
