In this age of instant gratification, we have come to expect information at our fingertips. Thanks to the Internet, everything we need to and want to know is often just a few clicks away. When it comes to shopping, keeping up with our favourite brands and stores has never been easier than with the various social media platforms, including the omni-present Facebook.

From new arrivals to special limited period sales, checking your Facebook timeline can yield you unexpected retail gems. To help you sieve the must-know deals from the cyber white noise, here are the latest Facebook updates from some of our favourite stores at Mandarin Gallery!

Atomi
This well curated little shop condenses the best of Japanese design and presents you with an excellent selection of furniture, accessories and other knick-knacks from the land of the rising sun. Manned by a friendly husband-and-wife team, Nipponophiles will find much to love in this cozy little space.

As Seen On Facebook: Follow the Atomi duo’s live reports of their adventures at the Japanese design tradeshows in Tokyo, gain insight from their encounters with Japanese master craftsmen or simply check out what is new in-store.

Bape Store Singapore
There is always something exciting happening at the Bape Store. From Singapore-only limited edition merchandise to the latest collaborative collections, fans of the über cool Bathing Ape can constantly look forward to new things to covet.

As Seen On Facebook: To celebrate Halloween this year, the Bape Store will be giving you a treat (no tricks) with any purchase – hurry down to find out what it is!

hansel
This shining star of the local fashion scene always has something fun and cute up its fashionable sleeves. Specialising in sweet dresses and pretty knitwear, this is the go-to place if you are looking to inject a dose of quirky femininity into your wardrobe!

As Seen On Facebook: Flyaway Donkey, hansel’s AW11 collection, will be available at a pop-up store at Isetan Scotts, Level 2, from 4 November to 1 December. Enjoy 10% off a minimum purchase of 2 items or 15% off when you spend a minimum of SGD350!

Inhabit
Stuffed with racks of the trendiest of designer labels from all over the world, Inhabit is a treasure trove for the discerning fashionista who likes to add a little edge to their ensembles. The avant garde jewellery the shop carries deserves special mention for their uniqueness.

As Seen On Facebook: Fans of Alexander Wang will be both sad and delighted because although the brand will no longer be stocked at Inhabit, the designer’s earlier collections will be marked down as much as 95% at a special farewell sale!

.WoodWould..
This haven for lovers of paper goods is stocked to the brim with colourful stationery, greeting cards, design books and other pretty things. With Christmas breathing down our necks, here is a great place to start the gift hunting for all the parties you will no doubt be invited to.

As Seen On Facebook: Receive a Mandarin Gallery voucher worth SGD10 with every SGD50 spent. This .WoodWould.. + Mandarin Gallery special is for a limited time only!

When was the last time you sent out a handwritten card or letter? If you have to think about it, it was probably too long ago. The Internet and social media are great tools for keeping in touch with friends and family, but they do not have a very warm touch. Emailing, instant messaging and writing on one another’s Facebook walls lack the personal quality of a heart-felt note that was penned by hand.

To get you started on putting pen to paper again after years of clicking on the keyboard, check out .WoodWould..’s latest collection of paper goods. Whether you are sending out a party invitation or just a routine shout-out to a friend based overseas, these beautiful cards will definitely bring a smile to the lucky souls who find them in their mailboxes.

Thumbprint Notecard Set
You cannot create a more personalised card than this. Using your one-of-a-kind thumbprint, work your imagination (the sky is the limit!) and dream up a host of adorable characters that will give life to the scenes on these notecards. Each set comes with cute stickers and step-by-step instructions to aid you with your masterpieces. This mini stationery kit is great for both children and adult events so start having some fun with that inkpad!

Polaroid Notecards
While the iconic square-framed Polaroid film has been discontinued, fans of retro instant photography can indulge in nostalgia with these dreamy notecards. Coming in a covetable keepsake box, there are 20 different designs in all, featuring photographic prints with the same pretty colour saturation as original Polaroids. If you cannot bear to give them away, simply frame them up and they will make for great wall art.

Forest Eco-Keepsake Cards
Eco-lovers, these gorgeous keepsake cards are for you. Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks, these notecards feature the lushly coloured forest paintings of San Francisco-based artist, Lisa Congdon. Housed in a reusable keepsake box, they will make for a fabulous gift to a paper goods loving friend.

Pick up these card sets and other paper goodness at .WoodWould.., #03-24, Mandarin Gallery

Spring always brings with it a breath of fresh air. It is the season of awakening and renewal, chirping birds and blooming flowers. However, nothing captures the intoxicating exuberance of springtime like the brilliant pop hues of the rainbow. Give in to the infectious spring fever with this collection of delectable retail treats in riotous shades of orange, yellow, pink and blue!

Clockwise from top left: Eva Solo Fridge Carafe (SGD156, The Touch), Doodllery Acrylic Necklace (SGD49.90, .WoodWould..), Ray-Ban Wayfarer (SGD349, OJO Optometry), Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh (SGD114 to SGD147, Marc by Marc Jacobs), Ipanema Sandals (SGD39.90, in:Famous), Angry Birds iPhone4 Case (SGD39.90, Green Light), Triwa Watch (SGD285, Inhabit), Patent Shark Sneakers (SGD229, BAPE Store), Doggie Hair Clip (SGD56, Agatha Paris), Bubu 1er Stool from Philip Starck (SGD250, Platform).

The Natas Travel Fair was held last weekend and you may have bagged yourself an incredible travel deal to a wonderful, far-flung location. While you are looking forward to your trip, why not give some thought to what you should be putting into your suitcase? Packing smart is about sieving out the frills and sticking to the essentials (although necessity is often subjective). Whether you are a music junkie or a foodie with a voracious appetite, these items will serve you well wherever you go.

For Boys
Apple Magic Mouse (from Green Light, SGD98)
A wireless mouse is a must-have for surfing on the go, be it at the airport or the local Starbucks – and no other looks as stunningly beautiful as Apple’s Magic Mouse with its shiny multi-touch surface.

Tumi Toiletries Case (from Tumi, SGD320)
Forget flimsy, unsightly zip-lock bags. This handsome toiletries bag from Tumi is made of practical, waterproof nylon so feel free to leave it next to the sink. It comes with a handy hook and clear plastic compartments for easy viewing of its contents.

Samsonite Convertible Travel Comfort Pillow (from Samsonite, SGD80)
Tired of uncomfortable, Economy Class plane rides? Bring along this well-designed travel pillow the next time you board and you will be sleeping soundly from take-off to touch-down. You can even adjust its shape and firmness with the drawstring pulls!

For Girls
X-Mini Hello Kitty Capsule Speakers (from Green Light, SGD79)
The X-Mini capsule speakers won the coveted reddot design award in 2008 with its innovative design that promises ‘sound beyond size’. It now comes in an ultra-cute, limited edition Hello Kitty version, which is perfect for pumping out your favourite tracks as you sit with a cocktail next to the pool.

Eat Me: The Journal (from .woodwould.., SGD30)
For the food-obsessed who travel to eat, this food journal is an absolute must to keep track of dining experiences, food memories and even beloved recipes. A hardy vinyl cover keeps it safe from food stains and wine spills.

Bvlgari sunglasses (from OJO Optometry, SGD850)
Round, over-sized sunglasses bestow their wearer with an instant glamour. Whether you are heading for a sultry beach vacation or a fast-paced city retreat, channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with these retro cream shades from Bvlgari!