When the new round of SG60 and CDC vouchers landed, I'll admit, I did the usual. Straight to the supermarket, kopi and chicken rice settled, and that was that. Because like most people, I assumed these vouchers were really just for covering the basics.

Turns out I wasn't wrong. In our recent newsletter poll (screenshot below), the overwhelming majority of you told us you used your vouchers for essentials too-groceries and hawker meals topped the list. Which makes perfect sense, since that's exactly what the vouchers are designed for.

But here's the interesting part: these vouchers are more flexible than we often give them credit for. Beyond daily meals and supermarket runs, Singaporeans have been using them for gadgets, pet supplies, wellness upgrades, and even quirky heartland finds.

So here's my take-5 unique ways you might not know you can use your SG60/CDC vouchers, to give you a little inspiration.

#1 Treat yourself at cafes and artisan spots

Yes, you can spend your CDC/SG60 vouchers on kopi and chicken rice, but why stop there?

Many independent cafes and dessert shops accept them too, which makes this the perfect excuse to indulge in a slice of cake, a scoop of gelato, or even wood-fired pizza without feeling guilty about the spend.

Here are a few spots where your vouchers go further than you'd expect:

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for the teal CDC decal. Many cafes are eligible but don't always shout about it. A little exploring in your own neighbourhood might turn up a new favourite. If anything, it's almost worth it to just ask even if you don't see a decal.

#2 Pick up unexpected fashion, pet, or tech finds

Groceries might be the default, but CDC/SG60 vouchers can also cover retail buys in the heartlands. This can range from sneakers to pet supplies, even gadgets.

If you've been putting off a small upgrade or need to stock up for your furry friend, these merchants make it easy to put your vouchers to work in more surprising ways.

Pro tip: Some heartland tech shops and smaller retailers accept vouchers but aren't on big lists.

#3 Upgrade your health and wellness

Healthcare and self-care are often the first things we delay because they feel "too expensive" or not urgent. But vouchers can take some of the sting out of those costs, turning an overdue check-up or wellness session into something much easier to say yes to.

#4 Get creative or learn something new

Not every spend has to be practical. Sometimes the best use of your vouchers is to put them towards experiences that break the monotony of daily life.

Picking up a new skill or dabbling in a hobby you've always been curious about can feel like a treat without the guilt, because the money isn't coming out of your pocket.

#5 Splurge on fun and random stuff

Whether it's picking up a new guitar accessory, getting an upgrade on your photography equipment, or even exploring a cat cafe, these spends show how flexible the voucher scheme can be.

They may not be "essentials," but they're still part of daily life for many Singaporeans.

Closing thoughts

Our poll confirmed what we already knew: most of us use SG60/CDC vouchers for essentials. That's exactly what they were designed for. But as it turns out, the vouchers can also stretch further than many of us expect.

Honestly, it surprised me. One person uses theirs for craft classes, another for pet supplies, and I've even seen people get their phone fixed with them. Who knew?

So maybe the next time you're out spending your vouchers, think of it less as "just covering the basics" and more as a chance to explore. You might end up finding a little treat where you least expect it.