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The Ultimate Guide to Thoughtful Chinese New Year Gifts: What to Give (and What to Avoid)

The Ultimate Guide to Thoughtful Chinese New Year Gifts: What to Give (and What to Avoid)

Who knew Chinese New Year gifts could be so fun and meaningful?

CNY is all about spreading love, luck, and best wishes to family, friends, and coworkers, because why not start the year with a little extra cheer, right? It’s not just about presents; it’s about bringing everyone closer together and kicking off the year on a high note with the perfect gifts!

Think big, think lucky, think happy vibes!

From those famous red envelopes stuffed with cash to delicious treats and beautifully crafted gift sets, every gift is like a little bundle of joy with a side of good fortune.

But when it comes to choosing the perfect gift, there’s a bit of tradition and meaning to consider, so here's a guide for you in choosing thoughtful gifts for Chinese New Year!

The Art of Chinese New Year Gift-Giving

Symbolisms

In Chinese culture, colors and numbers can make or break your gift-giving experience.

Colors like red and gold are your best friends because they stand for good fortune and prosperity. For instance, red is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring happiness, while gold represents wealth and luxury. 

Numbers are also important; for example, the number 8 is considered super lucky because it sounds like the word for "prosper" in Mandarin.

Gift Presentation

Photo by Angela Roma from Pexels

Wrapping your gift in red or gold paper really amps up the festive vibe and shows that you put thought into it. A beautifully wrapped gift not only looks appealing but also conveys the importance of the occasion. 

The way you present the gift also matters just as much as the gift itself. Handing it over with both hands is a sign of respect and care, showing the recipient that they are valued.

Stick to these tips, and your Chinese New Year gifts will not only be a hit but will also light up the festive spirit, spreading joy and deepening connections all around!

Recommended Gifts for Chinese New Year

Traditional Gifts with Cultural Meaning

Photo by Asia Images Group

When it comes to Chinese New Year, traditional gifts are all about adding that special touch of culture to your celebrations. 

Oranges and tangerines, for example, are not just tasty snacks; they symbolize wealth and good luck, making them perfect for sharing in Chinese New Year Gift Hampers with family and friends. 

Tea sets are also a lovely way to promote peace and harmony, creating cozy moments over a warm cup. 

Traditional Chinese medicine is a great gift into the year ahead for a boost of health and energy. Two popular options are bird's nest and ginseng as both are well-known for their amazing health benefits and rejuvenating powers. 

Practical and Thoughtful Chinese New Year Gifts

Photo by tc397 from Getty Images

Chinese New Year gifts can also be a perfect mix of practicality with heartfelt significance. This added touch ensures that your loved ones receive items that are both useful and uplifting as they embrace the new year ahead.

Hongbao, those iconic red envelopes, are a practical yet thoughtful go-to gift for Chinese New Year. Filled with a bit of cash, they not only symbolize luck and prosperity but also offer a useful start to the year, making them a perfect blend of heartfelt tradition and practicality. 

Wellness products, like our aromatherapy and essential oil sprays, can also level up your gift game. Considering these as gifts show you really care about your loved ones’ well-being and offer a thoughtful boost for a fresh start to the year.

Home decor and Feng Shui items are not to be overlooked as well! Bamboo plants or lucky figurines are the way to go to invite good vibes and positivity into their homes. 

You can get creative by assembling Chinese New Year gift sets from these recommendations, allowing you to mix and match items for a personalized touch. Whatever you choose, your thoughtful gestures will surely bring joy and blessings to those you gift!

Unlucky Items To Look Out For

Now when it comes to Chinese New Year, there are certain unlucky items you should definitely look out for to ensure your celebrations start on the right foot. Here are some items to steer away from:

Sharp Objects

Photo by nomadsoulphotos

Sharp objects like knives and scissors are a definite no-go!

They symbolize severing relationships, which is the last thing you want to do during a time meant for joy and togetherness. Instead, opt for gifts that strengthen bonds and spread positivity!

Clocks

Photo by Rinelle from Getty Images Signature

Clocks might seem like a practical gift, but they carry a rather grim connotation during CNY.

They’re often associated with counting down to the end of life, making them a bit too morbid for the festive spirit. It’s best to steer clear of timepieces and choose something more uplifting!

Shoes 

Photo by Porechenskaya

Shoes are another item to avoid when gifting during the New Year.

In Chinese, they phonetically sound like the word for "evil," which can imply bad luck. Instead of giving footwear, consider gifts that convey good fortune and happiness to keep the festive vibes alive!

White and Black Items

Photo by olgayefimova

Gifting white or black items is a big no-no during Chinese New Year.

These colors are linked to mourning and funerals, making them completely inappropriate for a celebration filled with joy and hope. Stick to vibrant colors that reflect the festive atmosphere instead!

Odd-Numbered Items

Photo by esebene

When choosing gifts, be mindful of odd-numbered items.

They’re generally seen as unlucky, especially since even numbers are preferred for celebrations. The number four, in particular, is a notable exception due to its association with death, so it’s best to avoid it altogether and keep your gifts even!

Candles

Candles are primarily seen as offerings for the departed, which makes them less ideal as gifts for Chinese New Year celebrations.

Regardless of whether they’re flameless, scented, or classic wax, gifting candles can bring to mind somber memories that don’t quite fit the festive spirit of the season.


While we've crafted our Chinese New Year candles with scents meant to bring prosperity and good fortune, we totally get it —candles can sometimes carry a more serious vibe for some people.

So if you’re thinking about gifting for Chinese New Year and know someone who’s big on tradition, why not try one of our room sprays or shower steamers instead? They’re every bit as festive and thoughtful!

Up your Chinese New Year gifting game by steering clear of these items. Taking note of the top Chinese New Year gifts is a must for a more positive atmosphere for Chinese New Year! 

Final Thoughts on Your CNY Gifting

Whether you choose a vibrant Chinese New Year gift set or opt for meaningful individual items, your gifts should reflect love and good wishes for the year ahead. From the excitement of red envelopes filled with luck to practical wellness products, every thoughtful gesture brings us closer together and sets a cheerful tone for the new year. 

So, embrace the festive spirit, avoid those unlucky items, and let your gifts be a beautiful reflection of your heartfelt intentions! Happy gifting!

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