American Moms/Dads in Singapore...What Items Do You Miss From Home?

[Surprise]

Hello from the U.S.

My brother, sister-in-law & family moved to Singapore about 4 months ago. They will not get back to the U.S. for a visit until next summer. Their children are 2 & 6.

I want to put together a surprise care package for my sister-in-law's birthday of things that she might not be able to get in Singapore. As it is intended to be a total surprise, I would love to get some suggestions from Americans on this forum (or expats who have lived in America) to help me appreciate what sorts of cool little American staples (make up, household items, kids' items etc.) just aren't readily available in Singapore.

Any suggestions gratefully received! THANKS!

[hmmmmm.....]

We moved here from the US over six years ago, so my list has shrunk quite a lot for a combination of reasons -- 1) more 'things' I used to get in the US are now available here (Splenda is one example) and 2) I guess I've found replacements. So I tend to buy pretty unexciting things in the US to bring back -- stuff like unscented deodorant (can't seem to find that here), large bottles of ibuprofen (can only get it from a pharmacist here and in small amounts), zicam for colds (can't get that one at all) and a handful of other fairly unexciting things. Mainly I guess I just miss the lower cost of food items, clothes, shoes, etc. back in the US as compared to here.

I suppose with younger kids, she might appreciate some summer clothes for them - it can be difficult to find decent stuff for a good price that doesn't have cartoon characters all over it for kids here. Not sure how much is still left in the US right now for summer wear though. But, really, I would think suggestions for your sister-in-law herself would almost need to come from her - can you ask your brother for some tips? (I'm guessing it's your brother she's married to) As an example, I like a certain brand and flavor of tea that I can get at Starbucks in the US but the Starbucks here don't stock that particular flavor, so I generally buy tons of the stuff when I'm back so I can have it here.

Good luck - sounds like a nice idea!

[scoobydoo]

To hmmmm,

Be careful with Zicam-you might google it.  There was a recall in the States because there were problems with it-I think it had to do with killing your sense of smell for one thing. 

[hmmmmm......]

To hmmmm,

Be careful with Zicam-you might google it.  There was a recall in the States because there were problems with it-I think it had to do with killing your sense of smell for one thing. 

That was only related to the nasal swabs, which they don't sell any more. No issues like that with the dissolving tablets.