Key facts for Singapore
Christmas is a recognized public holiday and a common year-end gifting moment for businesses.
How companies in Singapore give year-end gifts
Singapore is a multicultural business hub with several gifting seasons. Christmas is a public holiday and the year end is a common time for corporate hampers and branded gifts to clients, partners and staff, particularly among international firms. Lunar New Year, close behind, is equally or more important for many local companies, which send gift boxes and give red packets (hongbao). Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali are also marked with greetings and gifts to the relevant communities. English is the business language, so English cards are standard. Choose halal-certified food for Muslim recipients and avoid alcohol in gifts to them. The public sector and many listed companies have strict gift policies, and the Prevention of Corruption Act applies to both public and private sectors, so modest, branded gifts are the norm.
Gift occasions in Singapore
Christmas
year-end hampers and gifts to clients and staff
Lunar New Year
major gifting season among Chinese communities and businesses
Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr)
greetings and halal hampers for Muslim partners
Deepavali / Diwali
gifting occasion among Indian communities
Good practice
- Send Christmas gifts by mid-December; plan a Lunar New Year wave in January.
- Use halal-certified food for Muslim recipients.
- Keep gifts modest and branded; check recipients' gift policies.
- English cards are standard.
Avoid
- Avoid alcohol for Muslim recipients.
- Avoid clocks and sets of four for Chinese recipients.
Design and wording
Christmas designs are acceptable; neutral 'Season's Greetings' suits mixed teams.
Gift policies
The Prevention of Corruption Act covers both public and private sectors; public servants must generally decline or declare gifts.
Delivery to Singapore
Ships from Poland by courier; GST (9%) applies to imports and is quoted in advance. Food imports for commercial use require licensing with the Singapore Food Agency.
Planning dates for Singapore
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for Singapore
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
Plush & merch calendars
A merchandise advent calendar distributes your branded items across 24 doors: socks, pins, stickers, small plush and treats, each carrying your logo.
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in Singapore?
Yes. 25 December is a public holiday and a common time for corporate gifts.
Do we need halal products for Singapore?
For Muslim recipients, halal-certified food is recommended and alcohol should be avoided.
Is GST charged on imported gifts?
Yes, GST applies to imports and is quoted in advance.