Easy gift ideas for loved ones this Chinese New Year
Light up the lanterns - Chinese New Year is here!
Part of the celebration sees gifts exchanged as a showing of goodwill and luck. So we’ve pulled together some ideas below to help you select something just right.
But first, a little bit more about this special celebration.
What is Chinese New Year?
The date of Chinese New Year changes every year because Chinese people follow the lunar calendar based on the movement of the moon. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the day of the new moon which appears sometime between 21 January and 20 February.
But what about the animals of the zodiac? Well, the start of the new Chinese New Year marks the transition from one Chinese Zodiac sign to another. There are 12 animals that represent the zodiac signs.
The 12 animals are:
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
Each animal has its own unique characteristics. This year is the Year of the Rabbit and the Rabbit is said to symbolise longevity, peace and prosperity.
Have I missed the Chinese New Year celebrations?
No, Chinese New Year might start on its ‘New Year’s Eve’ (22 January) but it continues until the Lantern Festival which is held on the 15th day of the year (5 February).
So there’s still plenty of time to participate in Chinese New Year festivities or to buy a present for a loved one.
Traditionally, people who celebrate Chinese New Year give each other red envelopes (also known as red packets or red pockets) containing money. These red envelopes symbolise good luck and are also thought to ward off evil spirits.
There are many other things that can be gifted during Chinese New Year. Being the year of the Rabbit, rabbit-related gifts are also acceptable!
Our Chinese New Year gift guide
To help with some inspiration, here’s a list of Chinese New Year present ideas:
Red envelopes
These envelopes are very easy to find, especially around this time of year. They are usually sold at $2 shops and Chinese grocery stores.
Otherwise, here are some other options!
- 10PCS Red Envelope Chinese New Year Spring Festival Pocket Money - $19.99
- 72 Pcs Chinese Red Envelope Red Money Pocket Bunny Year Office Gift Home Decoration - $53.28
- 240 Pcs Chinese Style New Year Rabbit Red Envelope - $54.79
Order a Chinese New Year themed hamper or gift basket to be delivered!
- Chinese New Year Lucky Lunar Hamper - $39
- Lunar New Year Chocolate Lindt Balls Box - $47
- Lunar New Year Golden Flower Bouquet Grand - $65
- Lunar New Year Choc-Dipped Strawberries and Bottle of Veuve De Ville - $79
- Lunar New Year 72 Chocolate Bouquet - $164
Other food related gifts
- Kong Foo Sing Snacks Fortune Cookies - $4.80
- Garden Fortune Cookie Mixed - $11.88
- Garden Fortune Cookies - $13.88
- T2 China Jasmine Teabag Gift Cube - $17
- T2 Green Rose Teabag Icon Tin - $24
- T2 Gorgeous Geisha Loose Life Icon Tin - $24
- T2 The Design Archives Gift Pack - Coming Up Roses - $60
Self care and homeware products
- Lunar New Year Money Tree - $49
- MAC Lunar New Year Fix+ Original - $49
- Clinique Limited Edition Moisturizing Gel 125ML - $53
- Kiehl’s Rare Earth Mask Limited Edition 125ML - $58
- Glasshouse Fragrances Year of the Rabbit 380G Candle - $59.95
- MAC Extra Dimension Skin Finish Highlighter Special Edition - $73
- L’occitane Cherry Blossom Duo Set - $75
- Heritage Silk Front Pillowcase Pair in Red - $99.95
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Lunar New Year Limited Edition 125ml - $102
- Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Lunar New Year Edition 50ml - $169
Games and stationery
Presents for kids
- Peppa Pig: Chinese New Year Paperback Book - $17.15
- Little First Stickers: Chinese New Year Book - $9.49
- LEGO Luna New Year Traditions - Chinese Festivals - $89
- LEGO Chinese Festivals Luna New Year Parade - $125
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