What Gifts Are Traditionally Given During Lunar New Year?

With the end of 2024 fast approaching, our sights are set on the new year – more specifically, the Lunar New Year. The holiday extends back as far as 3,500 years, and come with a rich set of celebrations and gifting traditions. If you find yourself in the midst Lunar New Year celebrations with little clue what to get your loved ones, fear not; you can always rely on these go-to gifts.

8 Lunar New Year Gifts That Follow Tradition

1. Red Envelopes

The most common gift during Lunar New Year is the red envelope – or ‘hongbao’, as it is known in Chinese-speaking communities. These envelopes are filled with money and typically given to younger members of the family (children, teens and young adults), and the amount inside often avoids the number four, which is considered bad luck in most Asian countries. Instead, you’ll find the amount favours ‘lucky’ denominations like 200 or 800.

2. Tea

Another traditional gift is tea – and not just your standard teabags, either. High quality tea, presented in decorative boxes and tins, is the norm here. Tea itself has a rich cultural significance in Asia, and its associated health benefits make it a popular gift choice during Lunar New Year.

3. Fruit

When it comes to foodie options, fresh fruit is also a highly symbolic treat; it is typically associated with life and new beginnings. Amongst all the fruits to choose from, however, oranges and tangerines (which represent good luck and wealth) remain a favourite.

4. Wine & Spirits

A party calls for alcohol, doesn’t it? You’ll find many people gift each other alcoholic drinks from premium brands, in a tradition reflecting hospitality and celebration. If you’re looking for ideas, try one of these best-selling champagne brands.

(c) Humphrey Muleba

5. Clothing

Just like fresh fruit, the gift of new clothing also symbolises a fresh start for the new year. For those celebrating in the colder months, items like hats, scarves and gloves are typical go-to gifts.

6. Lucky Plants

Those who wish good fortune on their friends and family during Lunar New Year may also gift a plant, such as a money tree, which is believe to bring good luck.

7. Sweet Treats

You’ll also find that confectionaries like chocolate coins and traditional candies are a popular choice, as they symbolise a wish for sweetness in the coming year.

8. Health Products

For older family members, the focus usually falls on items that promote wellness, like herbal tonics, massage devices or spa treatments. This too comes with the symbolic gift of wishing for their continued longevity.

(c) Jason Leung, Unsplash

Gifting Etiquette

It’s also important to keep in mind certain rules when giving and receiving gifts during Lunar New Year. For example, you should stick to bright colours for wrapping paper; red, yellow and gold symbolise wealth and prosperity, while black and white are often associated with funerals.

When giving a gift, you should present it with both hands as a sign of respect to the giftee. (So no pushing gift bags at people with one hand.) Recipients, meanwhile, should pause before opening their gift to show their gratitude and not appear overly eager.

When Is Lunar New Year?

The next Lunar New Year celebration falls on Wednesday 29 January 2025, beginning the Year of the Snake.

Featured image: Easton Mok, Unsplash