Under S$30 Secret Santa Gift Ideas That Don’t Look Cheap

Secret Santa is a Yuletide tradition that many offices and families honor every year. What is meant to be a fun gift-exchange activity can be stressful because of the tiresome shopping involved. Whether you have to purchase presents for co-workers you do not know very well or you struggle with finding gender-neutral gifts within your budget, this list can give you Secret Santa gift ideas.

It is never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts and how much budget you would need to allocate for them. Grab a chair as we have put together a list of gifts with a S$2 to S$28 budget.

#1: SUSTAINABLE WOODEN KITCHENWARE

Working alongside artisans that use sustainable materials, Monkey Loot is a Singapore store supporting the development and continuation of cultural legacy in Southeast Asian countries. Their items are handcrafted by artisans using zero chemicals and 100% natural ingredients. Moreover, these items are polished with Beeswax.

Image Credits: monkeyloot.com

Due to its authenticity, items will not be exactly the same. Who does not want to be gifted with a unique piece? You can choose to buy the Sapa Teakwood Cutting Board / Platter / Tray for S$28 or the Seda Sapodilla Wood Coaster Set for S$16.50.

#2: CALMING TEA SET

Give the gift of tranquility amidst the busy holiday season with a DIY tea set. Your loved ones or co-workers will appreciate the organic range of Pukka teas which offer soothing flavors like Chamomile, Vanilla & Manuka Honey, or Turmeric Gold. These teas retail for about S$9.20 at FairPrice.

Complete your tea set by purchasing teacups for a little over S$2 at Daiso. There are a lot of assorted patterned teacups to choose from at Daiso.

#3: FIVE-PIECE COOKWARE SET

If you are looking for a gift that is perfectly suited for foodies and cooking enthusiasts, you can never go wrong with a cookware set. IKEA’s ANNONS five-piece cookware set (S$18.90) includes three different sized pots and two glass lids. It is made from stainless steel, which makes it durable and easy to clean.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

#4: HOLIDAY SKINCARE GIFT SET

Looking good on the outside radiates on the inside. If you are looking for a skincare gift set that can complete your recipient’s skincare routine, search no further than Sephora’s Holiday Vibes Mini Mania Skincare Gift Set (S$22.40). This set includes six essentials for a complete skincare routine. This set completes your routine from cleansing, makeup removal, moisturizing, and radiance.

The set includes the triple action cleansing water, all day hydrator, overnight glow mask, ultra-glow serum, brightening eye cream, and clean skin gel. What’s more? It comes with a pouch made with 30% recycled plastic.

#5: SOOTHING SLEEP ESSENTIAL PACKSET

Thanks to the Cath Kidston Magical Woodland Sleep Essential Packset, you can give others the gift of a good night’s sleep. Featuring its two products – the lavender-infused sleep spray and calming lavender rollerball gel. These products help create the perfect aroma for a peaceful slumber. This gift set retails for S$23.90 at Watsons.

#6: JEWELERY DISH

Bored of normal-looking jewelry dishes? Artists from eatandsip.co created jewelry and dishes that feature one-of-a-kind designs. Its ring dish (S$24) is made from speckled clay and fired to 1250 degree Celsius. Expect curvy forms, bright eye-catching colors, and good artisanship.

Image Credits: eatandsip.co

The watercolor jewelry dish (S$24), on the other hand, is slip-casted by Louise Martiensen in Sydney. This plate is made from white porcelain with a wash of ceramic paint applied to its surface. It mimics a water-color paint effect, with a clear glaze on the surface.

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How to Handle Dishonest Employees

It is challenging to maintain a perfect record of accomplishment of hiring the right people. Occasionally, a bad apple slips into the basket. You can end up with an unpleasant employee in your team. Whether this employee is difficult to work with or is dishonest, having this type of an employee is any employer’s worst nightmare.

The simple answer to how to handle dishonest employees is to get rid of him or her. However, you have to resolve matters following the established rules and principles.

#1: GET UNQUESTIONABLE PROOF OF THE DISHONEST BEHAVIOR

If you are someone mediating a case of dishonesty, your first step is being absolutely certain that the act took place. You should look for evidence while using legal methods and fully respecting privacy laws. Another employee’s words are not strong enough evidence to conclude that you are dealing with a case of dishonesty. You need to cover all the bases.

#2: BE DATA-DRIVEN

It is easier to detect dishonest and corrupt behavior when everything is measured and tracked. Expenses need to be closely tracked. Accountability can also be put in writing such as having an Equipment Accountability Form. Apart from receipts and expense sheets, you can perform a background check on the employee in question.

You need to find out if the employee in question has a history of dishonest behavior or if this instance is an isolated case. You can contact any of his or her former employers to get a wider perspective.

#3: ASSESS THE IMPACT IT HAS ON YOUR ORGANIZATION

After examining the facts and realizing that you are dealing with dishonest behavior from an employee, the next step is to evaluate what the consequences are for the company. Realistically, evaluating the potential impact of this situation can help you make a plan on how to handle it appropriately.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH THE EMPLOYEE

Once you are certain that dishonest behavior took place and you have investigated the impact it can have on the organization, you need to openly discuss the matter with the employee in question. Such a discussion can reveal the motives behind the employee’s behavior and even resolve the entire issue in situations when the damage was minimal.

#5: SET CLEAR CONSEQUENCES FOR THE DISHONEST BEHAVIOR

Set clear consequences for the dishonest actions, starting from a probation period up to termination. Knowing there are clear and well-defined consequences can help you take action and move ahead. I am not saying that it is easy to do, but it is a crucial step to making things right.

#6: ENCOURAGE OPEN FEEDBACK AND TRANSPARENCY

Build a culture that encourages transparency and openness. Workplace transparency is open communication between leaders and employees. Leaders shall commit to openly sharing expectations, mistakes, setbacks, feedback, revenue, and other metrics.

If a team member thinks something seems out of the ordinary or something seems off, he or she should bring it up and comfortably escalate the matter to the manager.  Leaders can lead by example through giving constant feedback or constructive criticisms. 

Sources: 1 & 2

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Having a Credit Card is Not a License to Spend

Convincing yourself that you are not spending real money is easy when you charge for items on your credit card. Technically, you are correct! You are not spending money, in fact, you are borrowing money.

Using your credit card means that you will have to pay the bill eventually. The promise of small minimum payments can entice you into thinking that these purchases are bargains. Unless you pay back the purchase immediately, you will not feel the pain of the bill for another month.

Be responsible with your credit card by treating it like cash and swiping only what you know you can pay back in full. You can reap its benefits by using your credit card in the following situations.

#1: GROWING YOUR REWARD POINTS

Many credit cards provide reward points for certain categories of spending like groceries, gasoline, air fares, and restaurants. When earning thresholds are reached, points can be redeemed for travel, shopping, and more. Choose a card that best suits your spending patterns.

#2: PAYING RECURRING BILLS

As long as you make payments on time, recurring payments will keep that line of credit open so you can continue to maintain or boost your credit score. Any recurring payments you have such as subscription on Spotify or Netflix can be paid through your credit card.

#3: SHIELDING YOU FROM EMERGENCY

Are you ready for unexpected expenses? When this happens, you need some time to cushion the blow. You can use your credit card in case of an emergency, including fixing, changing your tire or repairing a broken window. Be sure to repay more than the minimum on your credit card payments to avoid unnecessary interest.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: SHOPPING ONLINE

Senior Industry Analyst at CreditCards.com once said: “Chip-enabled cards are very good at deterring in-person fraud but that doesn’t help you online, and that’s where most of the fraud has gone.” You can use your credit card when shopping online instead of shopping with your debit card.

Check your browser and shopping apps to ensure that your debit card is not saved on any of these platforms. You can either add your credit card information or delete all your card information to make it harder for you to overspend online.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Set Up Your Money Goals Like a Boss

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

The first step is usually the hardest. However, you need to take the first step to live your best financial life. The longer you wait to establish your personal budget, the farther away your goals will be. Start by setting your money goals. Money goals include savings, investment, or spending targets that you hope to achieve over a given timeline. Money goals can give you a clear idea of why you are saving your hard-earned money.

Setting money goals is one thing but transforming these dreams into reality is another. Begin by giving your money a “job”.

#1: MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU

In the office, you have to accomplish tasks and finish them in the future. The same holds true for your money goals. What kind of life do you foresee for you and your family? Let money work for you!

Money goals are savings, investment, or spending targets you hope to achieve over a given timeline. Money goals do not have to be set in stone as you will revise them throughout your life.

#2: CATEGORIZE EACH MONEY GOAL

There are diverse types of money or financial goals. You can categorize each money goal as short-term, mid-term, and long-term. Short-term goals typically take six months to five years to complete. These goals include taking a vacation or purchasing a new washing machine.

Mid-term goals are accomplished within a period of five to ten years. It includes paying off your credit card debts and finishing a degree. Lastly, long-term goals take more than ten years to finish. It includes buying a new flat or saving up for your children’s education.

#3: SET A TIMELINE

You cannot achieve a goal overnight! Being specific helps make your goals more achievable.

If you have a toddler that is set to head into university by 2035, you must have a target date for your tertiary education savings goal. If you want to travel Europe for your 10th wedding anniversary, you must have a timeline that you are working toward.

#4: DO YOUR RESEARCH

Look for goal setting tips and resources online to stay on course. Money apps for goal tracking can be helpful too. Additionally, you can use old-school methods such as placing a vision board in your bedroom. Affix a collage of pictures that represent your money goals. If you see it, you believe it.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Having a tangible representation of the future you are working toward can help you stay motivated. Whatever method you choose, know that it will all be worth it.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Surefire Ways to Save Money as a Watch Collector in Singapore

Do you have a deep affection for luxury watches, but you cannot afford them at the moment? Do you feel that some of the cool timepieces you see seem to be out of your budget? You are not alone! One of the most challenging parts of being a watch enthusiast is reconciling with the fact that a lot of the products you desire are beyond your means.

Having said that, here are 6 ways to honor your budget as a watch collector. Through efficient use of time and resources, it is possible to be a timepiece aficionado while being relatively economical!

#1: SAVE AND SELL WATCHES

In some cases, watches that seemed more affordable ten years ago are now worth two to four times their historic prices. As a timepiece buyer, you need to be more considerate with your choices. You can either sell your unwanted watches or save up for your desired piece.

The majority of watch collectors are purchasing fewer watches and selling some of their pieces in order to fund their new purchases. Becoming skilled at selling unwanted pieces from your collection or trading watches can help you enjoy your luxury watches without needing to spend too much for them.

When it comes to saving money for a watch, a good example is Wayne Chan’s journey. Mr. Chan is a Singapore watch collector who worked odd jobs and saved up his ang paos to purchase a Rolex watch at the age of twenty-one. It was near the start of his first year in polytechnic when he set his eyes on the Rolex Submariner worth approximately S$11,000. He kept every cent from his CNY and birthday ang paos, his internship pays, and even took part-time jobs to save up for the watch. Today, Mr. Chan’s collection is worth about S$19,000.

#2: CONSIDER PRE-OWNED WATCHES

It is understood that if you do not want to pay full price for a new watch, you can opt for pre-owned ones. Pre-owned watches can be sold from the individual sellers or from dealers who compete to offer consumers the best prices.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Searching for pre-owned watches can be a great way to get the watch you want for less money, and often in a condition that you can live with. It may not come with the watch factory warranty, but you are getting much of the same experience in many aspects. You can start your search at carousell.sg and watchexchange.sg.

#3: INVEST IN CROWD FUNDING CAMPAIGNS

Investing in crowd funding campaigns is risky. Many campaigns deliver the product to the market on time and at the expected quality. However, there are some campaigns which deliver sub-par products and others which are never delivered at all. If something sounds too good to be true, it is.

Kickstarter has a selection of watch campaigns. For instance, manufacturers like Pebble took their ideas to Kickstarter to get investments when developing their products. Fitbit now owns Pebble. While Kickstarter may offer campaigns to suit to needs, do your due diligence before getting involved!

#4: LIVEN UP YOUR EXISTING WATCHES

Experienced watch enthusiasts will tell you that a budget-friendly way to spruce up your existing watches is to change their straps. Start by choosing a watch whose straps can be easily changed. Then, measure the width of the strap to know which strap or bracelet to buy.

Ideally, you can consult an expert to help you select the right straps. Alternatively, you can save money by asking for advice on watch forums or through social media platforms. Take pictures of your watch and ask other community members to suggest which types of straps go well with your watch.

#5: GO FOR JAPANESE WATCHES

If you are looking for new mechanical watches for under S$500, you can opt for Japanese watch makers such as Seiko, Orient, or Citizen. These makers provide quality watches while still maintaining their reasonable price tags.

Typically, the first watches of watch enthusiasts include these Japanese watches. These people find themselves keeping it or using it throughout the years.

#6: DO NOT FIXATE ON FUTURE VALUE

The best watches are works of art. You should purchase watches as you would purchase artworks, by acquiring the things that you love looking at for a long-term basis. Collecting luxury watches as an investment is fraught with risk as some of the most expensive watches depreciate drastically the moment you walk out of the store. In contrast, certain watches that were insanely unpopular before having gone on to provide incredible ROI.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

As Emilyn Lee, a Singapore watch collector, once said:

“I would never suggest we buy a watch just because it has investment value, because there are plenty of other things, we can put money in. I want to know more about the brand I’m connecting with, and what it’s trying to convey in its watches.”

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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