7 Nostalgic Shops In Singapore To Buy Vintage-Inspired Souvenirs

Take a trip down memory lane.

By Hayden Ng - published 7 Oct 2024

Are you expecting a visit from your overseas friends or co-workers soon? Or are you going overseas and would like to bring a slice of Singapore to your hosts? Whether you’re looking for old-school snacks or vintage home decor items, these nostalgic shops have plenty of old-time gift ideas for you and your guests that are quintessentially Singaporean, and definitely not run-of-the-mill.

1. Wheniwasfour

This multi-label store specialises in uniquely Singaporean items that will make locals reminisce about their childhood days (which explains their brand name). From school jotter book-inspired keychains to totes inspired by the classic Milo plastic bag, Wheniwasfour has many cute items that will make the perfect keepsake or souvenir.

Wheniwasfour is located at 231 Bain street, Bras Basah Complex #04-41 Singapore 180231. Visit its website for more information.

2. Cat Socrates

Fall in love with the homely vibes and feline friends at this hidden lifestyle store in the heart of Tiong Bahru. Besides children and adult books, you’ll find plenty of gift ideas at Cat Socrates, from Singapore-themed magnets and wall calendars to Singlish coasters and colourful postcards. With so many unique items to marvel at, you won’t be short of ideas on what to get for anyone on your gifting list.

Cat Socrates is located at #01-14, 78 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 163078. Visit its Instagram for more information.

3. Treasure At Home

Located within a factory building, Treasure at Home is an antique store that specialises in vintage furniture, glassware and collectibles that will remind you of Singapore’s earlier kampung days. The owners Wak and Yana started the store in 2003, after years of amassing antiques that will add a touch of Singaporean nostalgia to any space.

Treasure At Home is located at #06-13B Kapo Factory Blk B, 80 Playfair Road, Singapore 367998. Visit its Instagram for more information.

4. Tatsu Maker Works

Specialising in linocut printing (a technique that involves producing a print by carving the artwork in a lino block), American printmaker John Mathis creates limited-edition prints and apparels that feature some of the iconic stalls and coffee shops that represent Singapore’s food culture. Some of these stalls include 328 Katong Laksa and Chin Mee Chin, all of which are familiar names for local foodies.

Tatsu Maker Works is located at #02-02A, 451 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427664. Visit its website for more information.

5. By My Old School

Rebecca Wong and her dad share a common love for all things vintage, and over the years, their collection expanded. Eventually, they decided to open a store named By My Old School in 2011. Book an appointment to enter this treasure trove, and you’ll find that the father-and-daughter duo has painstakingly put together all sorts of old-school items, ranging from posters and phone cards to kitchenware and cookbooks.

By My Old School is located at #03-24, Blk 115A Commonwealth Drive, Singapore 149596. Visit its Instagram for more information.

6. Hai Seng Porcelain

Back in the old days of Singapore, rooster kitchenware served as a permanent fixture and could be found in most households. Today, these retro utensils, enamel plates, thermal flasks and tingkats (traditional tiffin food carriers) can still be purchased. Find all these and more vintage-looking kitchen essentials neatly stacked on the display aisles of Hai Seng Porcelain. The charming designs and bright hues will make dining even more enjoyable and Instagrammable.

Hai Seng Porcelain is located at 4 Sago Lane, #01-109 Singapore 050004. Tel: 9845 2730. Visit its website for more information.

7. SnacKING Retro Biscuits

Besides classic snacks and sweets that most Singaporeans will be familiar with (think cow ear biscuits and eyeglass chocolates), you’ll also uncover nostalgic toys at SnacKING Retro Biscuits. Travel back to your stress-free childhood days with toys such as Five Stones, paper chess, as well as card games including Donkey, Happy Family and Old Maid.

SnacKING has multiple locations. Visit its website for more information.