Ahem, for those of you doing last-minute packing right now, we hope this helps!

1. Power banks

Yes, this is incredibly basic. But you don’t want to be the guy that rushes out of the house, travels all the way to the airport, boards the plane, then realises you forgot to bring a portable charger for your 10-day trip. 

You’ve worked hard to earn your holiday; don’t waste your first spending at your destination on unnecessary items you could have prepared prior. Also, if you’re bringing power banks, remember that you can now only bring a maximum of two on flights departing from Singapore.

They must also be placed in your carry-on baggage, and cannot be checked in at the airport. You are also not allowed to use or charge your power banks during your flight. Lastly, if you’re flying to China, only power banks with the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark are allowed. 

2. eSIM

This is usually the item many travellers think about last, or only when it hits them that they can’t access the Internet at their holiday destination. However, having mobile data is so important in our ever-connected world. 

Many of the services we need to access through our phone during our travels also require mobile data. So don’t leave it to the last minute; purchase an eSIM before you fly and simply activate it when you land. That’s one thing less to worry about.

If you need recommendations for a good eSIM, we have found Airalo to be reliable and fuss-free. Download the Airalo app on the App Store or Google Play, and you’ll be able to browse eSIM packages that cover more than 200 countries worldwide. 

The data roaming plans range from 1GB to unlimited data and are available in 3-day packages all the way up to 30-day packages. The package prices are also reasonable, especially considering how simple Airalo is to use. 

In fact, we currently have a couple of promo codes that will get you 16% off (Code: CGNEW) if you’re a new user, and 12% off (Code: CGALL) if you’re not. Simply click the respective links, purchase your eSIM, and make sure the codes are applied at checkout.

​If you’re ever in doubt about how Airalo works, don’t worry. Upon your purchase, you will also receive clear and straightforward instructions for quick installation. Just make sure your device supports eSIM installation and that your Data Roaming option is turned on in the eSIM settings after activating it at your destination. You’ll be good to go in no time!

3. Travel adapters 

Before heading to the country of your choice, make sure to do some research on its standard wall sockets. Then, before your trip, purchase the travel adapters you will need to plug in your chargers to those power sources.

Just like power banks, bringing along the right adapters will ensure your devices are charged up for the day. In fact, you need these to charge your power banks too! So, don’t forget to pack one for your trip, or a few if you want to be a great travel companion.

Speaking from personal experience — you never know who else on your trip might need it. 

4. Vacuum compression bags

This is a real travel hack — especially for those of you constantly struggling with luggage space. We are all too familiar with that feeling of starting a vacation with relatively light luggage, but ending with one that is bursting at the seams. 

Most of the time, this is the result of all your used clothes packed into plastic bags, plus all the goodies and souvenirs you got during the trip. Vacuum compression bags (paired with good packing skills) are a lifesaver that helps to alleviate this issue.

These bags usually come with a pump that sucks out all excess air, ensuring that your packed clothes take up as little volume as possible. They come in different sizes and can also be purchased at quite an affordable cost, depending on where you buy them from.

5. The right clothing

This one’s a given, and most of you are probably over-prepared in this department. But it never hurts to have a friendly reminder, right? If you’re heading somewhere cold, pack something warm. And if you’re heading somewhere warm, pack something cooling.

Singaporean guys, this is your time to shine with your UNIQLO wardrobe too. Show them the power of AIRism and HEATTECH. Just make sure you grab the right piece for the right climate. And bringing along a windbreaker or waterproof jacket will never be a bad choice. 

6. Camera (with sufficient storage)

What’s a holiday if you can’t keep the memories? If you didn’t take a photo, did it really happen? For those of you who own a camera, now is the time to sharpen those photography skills and take vibey pictures of your trip and of your friends.

But even if you don’t have a dedicated camera, we all have cameras in our pockets these days. Yes, I am talking about your iPhones and your Samsung Galaxies. Smartphone cameras have come a long way since their initial inception. 

With the right lighting and editing, photos taken on your phone can even compare to shots taken on digital cameras. The most important thing, no matter which you use, is to make sure you clear up space for all the new photos you’re going to take.

You don’t want to have to stand in the middle of a public space, clearing your iPhone storage, just so you can continue taking photos of the scenery in front of you (speaking from personal experience again).

7. Headphones

This seems like common sense, but we’ve all left home without our headphones or earbuds before. Going on a train ride without music is already a pain sometimes, but imagine a long flight where you can’t tune out of your surroundings just because you forgot to bring along your audio devices.

If you’re someone who plans to listen to music or watch your downloaded Netflix shows on the plane, remember to pack your in-ears or headsets!

8. Small bag (to keep valuables close)

No matter where you’re travelling to, and for how long, one thing you will always need is a small bag. This could come in the form of a crossbody bag, a sling bag, or even a tiny backpack. 

Having one allows you to navigate the airport and explore your destination comfortably without extra weight, while still carrying your passport, boarding passes, cash, and other valuables safely.

If you can, definitely invest in an anti-theft bag, which will usually feature cut-resistant fabric and lockable zippers. 

If you found this list useful, make sure to bookmark this article and check back before your next holiday! 

For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood. 

This post contains partial sponsorship.

The post 8 Travel Essentials you must never forget to pack appeared first on Confirm Good.

If you’re in the same boat, then here are our 10 practical, easy-to-find gifts priced below S$30 for your santee.

1. Ez-Link Charms 

People are switching to cashless methods, especially adorable charms outshining Apple Pay or bank cards. 

Popular designs like Sanrio sell out fast, but we found great options for your santee—Harry Potter (S$16.90) and Hermione (S$16.90) are up for grabs. 

Perhaps your santee prefers Japanese cats in costumes dominating Singapore—well, good news! There’s one Mofusand (S$14.90) design charm still available. Be sure to get it before it’s sold out! 

Alternatively, you may check SimplyGo’s social pages for any upcoming new designs.  

SimplyGo Ez-Link Charms
Facebook | Instagram | Website 

2. Power Banks

Is your santee hard to reach because their phone keeps dying? Gift them a power bank, starting with the CCC Portable Power Bank (S$9.40). It has 2,000 mAh with a built-in cable and multiple colours. 

Next, check out the Vention CCC 3C Powerbank (S$18.99), with both Type-C and Lightning cables. It’s perfect for sharing among friends or families. 

Our top pick is the Lucky Duo Small (S$21.99), which attaches directly to the phone, without the hassle of messy wires. 

3. Portable fans 

Singapore’s weather may be cold now, but don’t forget how unbearable the heat can get over the months. 

In order to ensure your santee doesn’t get heated in tough situations, check out this JisuLife Mini Fan (S$17.90), a useful, handheld fan for all occasions. 

Alternatively, if your santee doesn’t go out often, the JisuLife Portable Table Fan Life (S$19.90) might be more suitable. They can simply place it on their desk while working through the week comfortably. 

JisuLife
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website 

4. Sephora 

Missed the Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) sale? Don’t worry—Sephora still has Holiday Limited Edition sets under S$30. 

Try the Mini Cleansing Set (S$24), including a cleanser, remover, and facial brush suitable for all skin types and genders. The Cherry Lip Set (S$28) offers hydrating lip masks, moisturiser, and lip butter. 

Or gift them the Bath Bomb Set (S$18), featuring a candy cane, a Christmas pine tree and a non-edible Gingerbread man. 

Sephora
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website 

5. Tarte Cosmetics

If your santee loves makeup, go straight for Tarte Cosmetics—a staple brand in many daily routines. 

You can opt for either the Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer (S$22) or the Maneater Waterproof Mascara (S$24). Both are reliable products that are sure to help your santee with her annual make-up restock. 

Tarte Cosmetics
Instagram | TikTok | Website 

6. Judydoll 

Not feeling the Sephora sets or Tarte options? Here’s Judydoll to the rescue.

Although Judydoll is unavailable in Sephora, their products are easily found on Shopee or their official website. Some noteworthy products include their Eyeshadow Palette (S$16.90) and Waterproof Lipstick Tint (S$15.90). 

Judydoll
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Website 

7. Water Bottle 

Perhaps your santee has not been consistent with their hydration this year. Encourage them by gifting them a reliable water bottle. 

For hot beverages, we recommend the Thermos JNL-356 Stainless Steel (S$28). Whereas for cold beverages, opt for the Owala Free Sip Insulated Stainless Steel (S$24.99). 

Whatever you may get, make sure to observe their drinking habits in 2026.

8. Support Wearables

If you end up with a santee that has a history of surgeries, injuries, and ailments, we recommend getting them wearable supports. 

Just like our colleague Ash, who’s survived multiple injuries, we were planning to gift him a Knee Guard (S$5.34) or Wrist Guard (S$9.80). With these guards, his joints might be more protected whenever he exercises. 

9. Crocs

December is the perfect time to refresh your Crocs. If your santee has been using the same Jibbitz all year long, these sets make great additions. 

Choose from the Colourful Mickey Friends (S$26.95), the Le Sserafim (S$29.95) or the Sanrio Friends (S$26.95)—each bundle includes five unique pieces. 

Can’t pick one? Get all three, mix and match, and gift them a curated set of Jibbitz to make their Crocs feel brand new. 

Crocs
Facebook | Instagram | Website 

10. Accessories 

If all else fails, browse accessories on Shopee or Lazada. From bag charms to keychains, hair clips and other trinkets, there’s bound to be something your santee will love. 

For santees with long hair, the Sanrio Claw Clip (S$2.47) comes in characters like Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Pochacco, and more. 

For something unique, choose Eyewear Chains (S$3.16) that match their style and give them a new look for the new year. 

If you’re still unsure which of the 10 gift ideas to choose for your santee, you can always go with a gift card or a GrabFood/GrabTransport voucher. Whatever you decide, your santee will appreciate it. 

For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.

The post Impress your santee with these 10 gift ideas under S$30 for your Secret Santa exchange appeared first on Confirm Good.