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Chinese New Year Gift Ideas

China is renowned for its traditional ceremonies. As an old saying goes that “courtesy demands reciprocity”, exchanging presents is an essential etiquette during Chinese New Year.

Gifts for Elders

Tea: Chinese tea culture goes back to ancient times. Tea is not only a drink, it is of benefit to health. Most Chinese are pleased with freshness and clearness of water, elegant tea sets, brewing and tasting tea. The real purpose is to bring spiritual enjoyment to them.

Jade: Chinese people always show special respect and love for jade. It is an ornament and a symbol of wealth.

Clothes, Gloves and Scarf: If you want to give a gift to an elder who has an intimate connection with you, you could choose some practical gifts, such as gloves, electric-blanket, and warm clothes for cold weather.

Auspicious Plants: Money trees, moth orchids, kumquat trees, lucky bamboo, Kalanchoe and other such plants carry wonderful symbolic meanings and boast high ornamental value, making them ideal gifts for elderly plant lovers. When decorated, they also add to the festive joy of the New Year.

Fruits: Apples, oranges, kiwis, bananas and other fruits not only meet the health needs of the elderly but also convey New Year wishes. They can be selected and combined according to the elderly's taste and health condition.

Gifts for Children

Toys: Give children sport toys, or puzzle toys to drive them to get into an exercise habit, and to develop their brain and cognition. Adults also are able to bond with children at the same time.

New Clothes: A set of new clothes indicates care and love to kids.

Snacks: Nuts, cookies, and crackers are kids’ favorites. This kind of food will make their mouths water. You could also pick some delicious and succulent fruits for them.

Books and School Supplies: classic novel books and school supplies are appropriate gifts for school children. It will broaden their horizon and help to grow sturdily.

Gifts for Friends

Rather than ordinary gifts, presents for friends could be more flexible and chic.

Creative Furnishings: Colorful porcelain with plants, or decorative paintings, are beautiful and practical items to reduce pressure and give spice to life.

Personalized Gifts: If you know your friends’ fancy, you may as well send him or her unique gifts, such as their favorite CD, perfume, or handbag.

Zodiac Themed Accessories: Choose items featuring the recipient's Chinese zodiac sign, such as zodiac art paintings, commemorative medallions and jewelry. This is a personalized blessing that makes the recipient feel cared for and valued.

Alcohol: Gifting alcohol is a traditional and thoughtful gesture. During the Chinese New Year, you can choose liquors such as Chinese white spirit or wine for your friends.

Fruits: Present fruits with auspicious meanings, like apples, oranges and dragon fruits. These allow your friends to nourish their bodies and stay healthy while enjoying festive treats.

Chinese New Year Gifting: Steer Clear of These

Gifts with Unauspicious Meanings：
The Chinese pronunciations of pear, clock, umbrella and shoe are similar to that of "leave". In the Spring Festival, a festival that highlights reunion, these items may be misinterpreted as bearing bad omens. In addition, items such as knives/scissors, handkerchiefs/towels and mirrors should also be avoided, as they symbolize the disruption of good fortune in the context of gift-giving.

Gifts with the Number "4":
In traditional customs, even numbers stand for good luck and prosperity, so it’s best to choose gifts in even quantities when giving presents. The amounts of red envelopes people give are usually associated with the digits 6 and 8, signifying smooth progress and wealth. In some regions, the number 4 is considered inauspicious, so avoid the number 4 in the quantity of gifts or the amount of red envelopes, such as 4 pieces, 40, 400, and so on.

Gifts in Unauspicious Color:
In traditional culture, white is often linked to funerals, so avoid using these color for gift packaging or as the main theme of gifts. Packaging in red, gold, yellow and other such hues is much more in line with the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival.

You can join a 5-Day Huangshan Spring Festival Tour to experience these Spring Festival customs in person: make sachet pendants and fish lanterns for your family and friends, experience the preparation of New Year’s Eve dinner with your loved ones, or watch the lively fish lantern parade in ancient villages. If you want to customize an educational tour with a Spring Festival culture theme, we offer personalized customization services. Feel free to contact us.

By Carol Guan
Co-Founder

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