We Malaysians know: there’s no shortage of amazing talent here on home ground! In honour of Merdeka month this August, Team makchic would like to celebrate some of the local brands, products and services we personally love to help you #SapotLokal (no gatekeeping here, we promise)!
Happy Home Additions
Sarah’s Pick: Busy Minds at Work
If you’re a parent, you’ll know that keeping little ones entertained (without screens) can sometimes feel like a full-time job! Here’s the alternative: founded by a mum of two, Busy Minds At Work was born out of a passion for curating fun, hands-on activities for kids aged two and above. Using high-quality felt, each themed box is not only safe, but also thoughtfully designed with interactive instructions and neat storage files – so you won’t be drowning in craft chaos! These are screen-free activities you can actually whip out on a busy day, without the overwhelm.
Their range is impressive – think: themed busy books packed with learning activities and craft kits that spark imagination. Every set is designed to strengthen fine motor skills, nurture creativity, and let kids explore through play while parents get a much-needed breather. Some favourites? Their Sushi Box and felt play sets are clear bestsellers, while the Seni Anak Malaysia box (a hit around Merdeka and Malaysia Day) has been flying off the shelves.
For parents looking for consistency, Busy Minds at Work also offers a subscription service (for a minimum of 3 months). Simply sign up, and a fresh activity box lands on your doorstep every month – taking the mental load of “what to plan next” off your shoulders. They also create custom party favours and activity sets for kids of all ages, turning birthdays and gatherings into playful, stress-free celebrations.
If keeping kids occupied effortlessly is your vibe, this one’s for you!
Christina’s Pick: Joey & Mom
If you’re on the lookout for beautifully made baby essentials, you’ll want to know about Joey & Mom. Founded by Purani Selvar, a fellow mother herself, this rising Malaysian brand provides high quality, organic baby products that are all-in-one: functional, sustainable and aesthetically calming.
Their range includes swaddles, rompers and linen clothing, bath time essentials, and swimwear for newborns up to pre-schoolers. We appreciate that each piece is made from natural fabrics and thoughtfully designed to be versatile, growing with a child through their early years and helping parents adapt to various situations.
Joey & Mom is now available in many babyhood retailers and e-commerce sites nationwide; a testament to the fact that a local mumpreneur-grown brand can totally hold its own against big-name labels!
Nora’s Pick: Kitmens
If I didn’t already have three stand mixers and two hand mixers (being a former cake artist and all), I would’ve long gotten my hands on these sleek mixers by homegrown brand Kitmens, who launched their first stand mixer during the MCO while Malaysians in lockdown were picking up baking at home. The prototypes were even sent to real bakers to test, whose feedback was used to fine-tune their final product. Their aesthetically pleasing cordless mixers are also perfect to use when baking with your kids, since your young ones can use this handy tool without connecting it to a power socket – though supervision is still necessary in the kitchen!
Kitmens has also produced a reasonably sized Digital Oven that promises accurate temperatures (something every baker struggles with)! I think all of their products are great for small kitchens, and being locally designed and made means much friendlier price points.
Bonus Pick: CUBS
Developed by two devoted Malaysian dads, CUBS’ products are a commitment to sensitive skin care – made especially for kids, as both their daughters suffer from eczema. I really love the CUBS SPF30+ Mineral Sunscreen, a genius roll-on sunscreen that’s super easy to apply for squirmy children. My daughter, who dislikes the sensation of sunscreen on her skin, has been independently using it on her own – definitely a plus point for me!
Their new offerings include Sheet Masks (perfectly safe for your little ones) and 99% H20 Wet Wipes. Most of their products are suitable for kids as young as six months old.
Fave Foodie Finds
Lu Sean’s Pick: Brie.lliant – Bites & Platters
Looking for something a little different to gift (or to bring along to a gathering) this Merdeka month? Brie.lliant – Bites & Platters has you covered with their gorgeous charcuterie and cheese boards, complete with fresh fruit, cold cuts, crackers, honey, and more. They also do homemade pestos (I’m obsessed with the sun-dried tomato one!) and olive tapenade, plus gift sets if you’re looking to surprise a friend, colleague, or mum. I once brought one of their Soiree platters for a potluck buka puasa, and it disappeared fast—tasty, eye-catching, and an instant crowd-pleaser.
Brie.lliant is a passion project by Christina, an ex-investment analyst turned foodie (and fun fact: also makchic’s Partnerships Lead)! Her lovely platters can be customised to suit your tastebuds and portion size, and the pestos keep well in the fridge for about a week—perfect stirred through pasta or spread on toast for an easy win at home. Beautiful, practical, and proudly local, this is one side hustle we’re more than happy to support.
Hema’s Pick: Sugar and I
If there’s one place that has completely won over both me and my kids, it’s Sugar and I. Their bombolonis (doughnuts filled with sweet creams) are little pillows of happiness: soft, fluffy, and generously filled. My children can’t get enough of the Nutella, Matcha, and Strawberry flavours; each bite disappears almost as quickly as I set the pretty boxes on the table.
The Classic Cinnamon Roll is another family staple — we love them plain, although they are available smothered with a Cream Cheese glaze. As for me, my heart belongs to their Butter Berry Bash, a rich, moist butter cake sandwiched with luscious strawberry jam that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nostalgia. Opt for their combo sets (Bombolonis + a Japanese Cream Puff), which make for great value.
Places to Go
Liyana’s Pick: Camille Beauty Cottage
If you’re looking to get your nails done in Damansara Heights, Camille Beauty Cottage is such a gem. Parking around Plaza Damansara can be a bit of a challenge, but the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a cosy space that feels instantly calming.
They offer all the usual nail care treatments, and sometimes, I’ll pop in for a quick shoulder or foot massage just to reset. Another thing I really appreciate is how warm and welcoming the therapists are with my kids when I bring them along for a treat on special occasions. There’s even a little cosy corner for them to hang out, in if they’re waiting for me.
Another plus? If you don’t feel like leaving the house, they also offer in-home services, so you can enjoy the same pampering right in your living room. And with their rotating monthly promos, there’s always something new (and affordable) to try. It’s my go-to spot when I need a little pocket of calm!
Opening hours: 10.00am – 8.00pm (Closed on Monday)
Address: 52-M, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Plaza Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03- 2011 7479
Kimberly’s Pick: GMBB
Welcome to a hub for all things creative, artisanal — and proudly local! GMBB is a creative community mall, right in the heart of KL, that supports, sustains and serves the creative and cultural arts community in Klang Valley. There’s truly always something engaging to discover at this hidden gem, which hosts retail spaces for enterprising artists, artisans and creatives and shared spaces for community events.
My family and I have participated in many activities here — from perfume and lipstick making, fun workshops for kids (such as fluid art design with The Fluid Box and the wonderful Ocean Art Workshop by Lasprecious Design), to art fairs and photography exhibitions, as well as dropping by The Duke Museum of Picture Book Art for unique children’s books to add to our collection.
A visit here makes for an inspiring, digital-detox-day-out, allowing our kids to exercise their creativity and curiosity in the best possible ways!
Opening hours: 11.00am – 8.00pm (Open daily)
Address: 2, Jalan Robertson, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: 03-2022 5288
Know of any local brands that deserve some love too, #makchicmumsquad? Share them with us at hello@makchic.com or drop us a DM at our Instagram page.
Photos are taken from the brands’ respective websites or social media pages, and/or the personal collections of makchic’s team members.
