Hunting high and low for meaningful Christmas presents that would bless both your recipients and its makers?

Look no further, here are some of Salt&Light‘s picks for gifts that keep on giving, whether in terms of social or “faith-full” impact.

A scented and experiential Christmas: Hi-story.page

Fancy some unique scents livening up your home this Christmas? Social enterprise Hi-story.page has hand-poured candles infused with frankincense and myrrh essential oils, set in either natural non-toxic beeswax or soywax. Frankincense and myrrh were royal gifts offered by wise men to a King who was born to save mankind. When warmed up together, they produce a divinely calming scent – perfect for a restful time of year-end reflection as we meditate on the truth of Emmanuel, God with us. 

Each candle slow burns for up to 16 hours – perfect for a meditative festive season.

If you are looking for something experiential this Christmas, join Hi-story.page’s workshop to enter into the world of an Afghan refugee living in Indonesia. After all, Jesus Christ was Himself a refugee running from Herod when he was two years old. Discover this refugee’s culture and stories of resilience and share the Lord’s heart for people who are forcibly displaced.

Hi-story.page is a social enterprise founded by Christy Chew, whose family has been serving refugees and the poor in the Middle East and Greece for years. The social enterprise sells eco-friendly handmade products and offers skills workshops conducted by people from vulnerable communities, such as refugees and human trafficked survivors. 

How much: Candles: $12 for a travel-size candle (50g) or $25 for a 100g candle (inclusive of postage cost). “Windows into Afghan Refugee Culture” one-hour workshop: $30/pax

How to buy: Order here by December 15. 

Love is in the air: Salt&Light: Inspirational Stories of Faith in Love

You will be delighted by Salt&Light‘s latest book, Salt&Light: Inspirational Stories of Faith in Love. This collection focuses on God’s heart for us in marriage, relationship and singlehood. As you read, may you experience life-giving faith in your relationships, even through times of testing.

Over the years, the most-read stories at Salt&Light have been – overwhelmingly! – from our Relationships section. As you read these stories of human connection, our prayer is that you’ll take away a lesson (or 33) on how to relate with God and others around us. Stories of love, authored by the God of love. 

How much: S$15 (early bird price. Usual price: S$20)

How to buy: Preorder here. Only orders made by December 10 will be delivered by Christmas. For queries or for bulk purchases of more than 10 books, please email [email protected]

Look back to step forward in faith: Deror Jewellery 

A new year will soon be upon us. As you behold the upcoming days, does fear, dread, hope or courage arise?

Wear a piece of courage from the “Twelve Stones” series from Deror Jewellery, which symbolises stepping into the unknown with courageous faith. The Twelve Stones necklace and earrings are inspired from the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River in the book of Joshua from the Bible. The Twelve Stones serve as a sign and a memorial to the people to remember the great miracle they had experienced when Jordan River spilt into two as the Israelites put their feet into the water in faith.

The Twelve Stones necklace are beautiful memorial stones you can wear.

“You can trust Him and step into the journey He has called you, for He goes before you,” said Ami Tsoi, who started Deror (Hebrew for “freedom”) Jewellery. The former investment banker now uses her jewellery brand to tell stories of God. 

Other interesting pieces from her brand include the Apple of His Eye necklace that speaks of the intense love displayed in the Song of Songs towards God’s beloved people. 

Apple of His Eye Necklace.

How much: Twelve Stones Necklace – $121, Twelve Stones Earrings – $115, Apple of His Eye Necklace – $103

How to buy: Purchase on its website here.

Project Fearfully & Wonderfully Made: Singapore Christian Home

As supermarkets and retail shops do away with providing bags for purchases in a bid to reduce waste, why not gift your loved ones some upcycled sling bags this Christmas?

Singapore Christian Home, the only nursing home in Singapore that cares for medically vulnerable children and young persons, is partnering athleisure manufacturer Bodynits to recycle its leftover fabric that are typically discarded.

“When placed in the right hands, these fabrics can be upcycled into merchandise that are beautiful and of value. This parallels the lives of our children who are ‘discarded’ by society, often perceived to have no value. However in Singapore Christian Home, they can live lives of great significance,” said Moses Lim, 37, Head of Community Engagement & Development at Singapore Christian Home.

The sling bags – made of upcycled athleisure material – are trendy and colourful, and useful for carrying small items around. They come in different designs – drawstring or zip – and different colours.

The upcycled sling bags come in various combination of colours.

The colourful drawstring bags.

How much: Donate $50 and you get to choose a sling bag of your choice (from four options).

How to buy: Visit the Singapore Christian Home Booth at the Christmas In Queenstown event (2 Dundee Rd, Singapore 149454) from December 13 to 15, 2024. Or get it online here. 

Hand-drawn canvas pouches: Nicholas Tham

Nicholas Tham’s muscles may be are getting progressive weaker, but his message of joy and love still resounds in his artwork.

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder in which muscles in the body are progressively lost over time. Nicholas knows that he will eventually lose the use of his hands, which he now uses to draw.

Nicholas, 21, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and has been living in Singapore Christian Home’s ward for children and young persons for the past three years. In order to support his keen interest in drawing, the Singapore Christian Home, together with a volunteer, have collaborated with him to print his drawing designs on pouches. 

Spread some joy and love this Christmas by supporting Nicholas’ artistic and entrepreneurial journey.

The pouches come in two designs: Love and Joy.

How much: $10 per pouch. Two designs to choose from: Love or Joy. All proceeds will go to Nicholas. 

How to buy: Visit the Singapore Christian Home Booth at the Christmas In Queenstown event (2 Dundee Rd, Singapore 149454) from December 13-15, 2024. Or pre-order it online here. 

A different kind of bauble: The Commandment Co

Have yet to deck out your Christmas Tree at home?

Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with The Commandment Co’s (started by former advertising agency designer Edwin Lim) wooden baubles that carry God’s promises. Each ornament is thoughtfully crafted and engraved with an inspiring scripture verse, reminding us of God’s unwavering faithfulness and love. As you adorn your tree this holiday season, let these promises inspire hope, joy, and trust in His perfect plans for you.

Deck out your Christmas tree with a different kind of bauble this year.

These versatile baubles are perfect for your Christmas tree, as wall décor, or as heartfelt gifts to loved ones. Featuring classic wood with vibrant details, these blend seamlessly into any festive setting. Let these promises not only dress up your home this Christmas but also guide and uplift you into the year 2025 and beyond.

How much: $6.90 each. Three or more at $6 each.

How to buy: Shop online here or visit its store at Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain St, #04-41.

Seek and you will find: Toby’s Trove

Looking for fun presents for the kids this festive season? Head over to Toby’s Trove for its Seek and Find book series, which contain Bible stories on The First Christmas or from the Old and New Testament. 

Each seek-and-find activity book features eight different stories and contains more than 450 hidden things to find and count! Little ones will learn key truths about God’s character through the biblically faithful illustrations and retellings of Bible stories. With over 50 things to count on each spread, these books will bring your family hours of fun as you explore the truths of God’s word.

The Seek and Find series for children.

Adults who wish to steep themselves in Scripture or offer loved ones in their lives refreshing biblical truths can check out the Daily Strength and Daily Joy devotionals.

Each contains 365 devotions arranged canonically from Genesis to Revelation with short introductions to each Bible book. The devotions are written by pastors and counsellors for either men or women.

Daily devotionals for each day of the new year.

Located in the heart of Katong, Toby’s Trove, started by a couple, boasts a collection of carefully curated Gospel-centred resources, children’s titles, as well as gift items from local brands such as Hello Little Chompers, A Small Small World, Tickle Your Senses and more.

How much: Seek and Find book series ($18 each, 4 different titles in the series), Daily Strength or Daily Joy ($32 each)

How to buy: Purchase online here or visit its store at Roxy Square 1, 50 East Coast Road, #02-45.

Carry your Dim Sum: SABRINAGOH‘s Shumai bag

Drawstring bags are all the rage these days. Sabrina Goh, 40, the award-winning fashion designer of her eponymous label SABRINAGOH, offers her take with the Shumai Bag Collection. The design of the bags mimics the delicate folds of the Shumai (aka siew mai) from your dim sum table, and comes in a variety of trendy colours.

The Shumai Bag collection.

Your foodie and fashion forward friends would love to this accessory. Lightweight and sturdy, it is also sustainably made from 100% cotton.

How much: $79 for a regular-sized Shumai bag, $74 for the junior size and $69 for a mini one. Christmas bundle deal: purchase three Shumai Bags and save 30%, plus, get a gift bag (worth $6). 

How to buy: Get it online here, or at their retail stores at Raffles City, Great World, Tangs Orchard. 

Was Jesus Really Born on 25 December?: The Treasure Box SG

With the festive season becoming so commercialised over the years, the Christmas story is fast becoming the greatest story never told, say the Foongs who started The Treasure Box SG.

Thus, father-son duo Elvin and Nathan Foong have come up with a Christmas storybook that explores questions about the season, such as “Why do we put up Christmas trees?”, “How did Santa Claus come about?”, “Where and when was Jesus born?”

Titled Was Jesus Really Born on 25 December?, this is a heartwarming story about a pair of siblings who discover the true meaning of Christmas as they celebrate with their family. The book answers common questions that children have about Christmas in an engaging and lighthearted way. It encourages readers, both young and old, to think more deeply about what they know about Christmas.

This is a great gift for families with young children to read and enjoy together, for the curious mind or for pre-believing family and friends who have yet to hear the Good News about Jesus.

The Treasure Box’s Christmas storybook answers common questions that children have about Christmas.

If your children have further questions about the Christian faith, no fear. Get a copy of The Treasure Box’s 2025 Family Devotional Wall Planner, which is filled with short and simple devotionals each week to spark meaningful conversations and reflection.

Each month, families can use the planner to explore key questions about the faith, such as “If God is everywhere, why do we need to go to church?” and “If God is good, why does He allow bad things to happen?”

Start the new year well with a family devotional wall planner.

How much: $42 for the 2025 Family Devotional Wall Planner (Salt&Light readers get S$5 off with the discount code SALTLIGHTWP), $24 for the Christmas storybook. Bundle price available.

How to buy: Purchase online here. 

RELATED STORIES: 

How a Christmas market in church opened the door for this father and his daughter to receive Jesus