KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- CDC Vouchers in 2026 can be used for more than just groceries and meals.
- Many heartland hobby and creative stores accept CDC Vouchers quietly.
- Spending vouchers on personal development may give better long-term value.
Most people treat CDC Vouchers as “use on groceries first, think later” money. Supermarkets, wet markets, hawker centres — confirm safe, no regrets.
But honestly speaking, that’s not the only smart way to use them.
If you’re in your 20s or 30s, life moves fast. Work, bills, family, commitments — suddenly personal growth becomes something you “do later”. Many wait for company-sponsored courses or official Government programmes before taking action. The truth is, personal development doesn’t always start in a classroom.
Sometimes, it starts with a paintbrush, a guitar pick, or quietly building something with your own hands.
And yes — CDC Vouchers can pay for that too.
| How Most People Use CDC Vouchers | A More Intentional Way to Use Them |
|---|---|
| Groceries and daily essentials | Creative hobbies and skill-building |
| One-time consumption | Long-term enjoyment and learning |
| Spent quickly without thinking | Spent intentionally for mental well-being |
| “Use up before expire” mindset | “Invest in yourself” mindset |
A Quiet Discovery at Bras Basah Complex
This idea hit me on a lazy Sunday afternoon at Bras Basah Complex.
While my wife was at her usual salon upstairs, I wandered off — anything to escape the smell of bleach and hair dye. From the outside, the building looks like a time capsule from old Singapore. Inside, it’s a maze of specialty shops that somehow survived the age of e-commerce.
That’s when I noticed something unexpected.
Many of these small, passion-driven stores accept CDC Vouchers — and they’re not selling impulse buys or fast fashion. They’re selling tools for creativity, focus, and personal growth.
Music, Art and Making Things With Your Hands
Ranking Sports & Music
At Ranking Sports & Music, you’ll find everything from harmonicas to retro-style guitars. Perfect if you’ve been telling yourself “one day I’ll learn” for years. No pressure, no exams — just play.
Music Connoisseur
A few steps away is Music Connoisseur, stocked with sleek ukuleles and minimalist electric guitars. Even if you don’t become the next Carlos Santana, learning a few chords does wonders for stress.
Art Friend
Then there’s Art Friend — a place many Singaporeans know by name but rarely fully explore. High-quality brushes, paints, and paper in colours you didn’t even know existed. Art isn’t about talent; it’s about slowing down and observing again.
Hobby Point
At Hobby Point, shelves are stacked with Gundam kits and Tamiya race cars. Building models is surprisingly therapeutic. No notifications, no meetings — just focus, patience, and satisfaction when the last piece clicks in.
Jovial.co
Lastly, Jovial.co. A curated mix of stationery, lifestyle items, and small gifts that spark joy. Fair warning: bring kids here and your CDC balance will disappear faster than you expect.
Why This Might Be the Smarter Way to Spend Your CDC Vouchers
Adulting is tiring. After work, the last thing most people want is another “productive” activity.
But spending your CDC Vouchers on something that reminds you life isn’t only about KPIs and deadlines? That’s not indulgence — that’s maintenance.
Learning a few guitar chords, trying oil painting, or building a model kit won’t change your career overnight. But these small acts reconnect you with curiosity, patience, and joy — things that actually make you better at work and in life.
No need to wait for your company or the Government to suggest what to learn next.
Sometimes, growth starts with something as simple as a sketchpad, a guitar string, or a box of plastic parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CDC Vouchers be used for hobbies in 2026?
Yes. As long as the merchant is a participating heartland business, CDC Vouchers can be used for creative and hobby-related purchases.
Are all shops in Bras Basah Complex CDC-eligible?
Not all, but many are. Look out for the CDC decal or ask at the counter before paying.
Is this better than using vouchers on groceries?
For essentials, groceries still make sense. But for surplus vouchers, spending on personal development can give longer-lasting value.
Join