16 Best Traditional and Modern Lunar New Year Gifts
You can't go wrong with these expert-approved presents.
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Similar to the Western New Year, Lunar New Year is a fresh start. It's a time to enjoy loved ones and connect with your culture. Traditional Lunar New Year gifts are often food or money, or items that symbolize prosperity and good luck, just like the lucky red color seen throughout the holiday. "Gifts around Lunar New Year are about welcoming friends and family into your home and offering wishes of good fortune, happiness and love," says David Uy, executive director of the Chinese American Museum Foundation.
"Most people don't realize that Lunar New Year is a 15-day celebration that completely shuts down business as usual all across Asia. In the United States, it's typically held to just one day, so it's important to make it count," says Uy. He stresses that you don't need to be Asian to join in on the thousands of years of tradition, but beware of gifts that foretell bad fortune, like clocks, watches, sharp objects and any gift in black and white.
It goes without saying that any gift you choose should be suitable for the holiday, but Uy says it's important not to get too caught up in the symbolism, superstitions and traditions aside from the definite no-nos. "Any gift that celebrates and embraces Asian culture on the Lunar New Year can be appropriate." But since so many different cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year, it can be overwhelming deciding on the best present, so we've compiled a list of products approved by Uy and GH staffers that'll be well received by your giftee.
Keep in mind that many of these Lunar New Year gifts are available on Amazon for easy delivery and quick shipping. We've also included ideas from Asian-owned businesses and brands, which deserve support now and always.
Help them ring in the New Year with this beautiful pop-up card, which features cherry blossoms. It comes with a paper vase to keep it upright, so they can enjoy it long after the holiday.
Here's a pick that works for all ages! This limited edition Lucky Cat symbolizes good luck and fortune for its owner, and they can indulge their creativity and enjoy making their own music.
Printed with gorgeous cherry blossoms, this steeping cup will bring them delicious tea every morning with its stainless steel infuser and high-quality ceramic lid. It's made for loose leaf tea and will hold up to 14 ounces of their favorite blend.
Here's a practical gift that can used long after the Lunar New Year. Its double-walled vacuum insulation will keep drinks cold for up to six hours, and hot drinks warm for up to eight hours. What's more, it can hold up to 12 ounces of liquid and it features a traditional design.
These wine bottle labels are a great gift to toast to the new year, in style. They'll fit easily around a standard-size wine bottle and they come in a set of four, making them the perfect gift for someone hosting a Lunar New Year celebration.
Any little girl would love this beautiful doll that pays tribute to the Lunar New Year. Wearing a traditional robe, her outfit is inspired by the rich cultural heritage of China (and the holiday)!
Any kid will be overjoyed with these waterproof stickers, which come in a set of 36. The best part? They can also be used as money envelopes for a unique spin on the classic Lunar New Year gift.
These Belgian chocolate coins were made especially to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Place a few coins in a red envelope, or put them out at a party for guests to enjoy.
Made of zinc alloy, this festive charm would make a wonderful present if you're looking to give something small. "Not all Lunar New Year gifts need to be traditional," Uy said. "Some modern takes are things like this silver fortune cookie in which you can insert your own fortune."
This unique pop-up card is a great way to deliver well wishes to friends and family during this special time. At first glance, it appears to be a traditional hongbao envelope, but opens up into a lantern, a popular decoration around the Lunar New Year.
Gifts given around the Lunar New Year are often meant to bring good fortune. The money tree plant is said to do just that as it helps to create feng shui in a space.
Looking for an easy gift? "You can't go wrong with red envelopes," Uy said. "The money inside does not need to be a small fortune, it can be symbolic."
Create coffee shop-worthy beverages with these tea latte kits, which are a great gift for the Lunar New Year. They can simply drop the cube into hot water for a delicious drink in minutes.
Philippe Chow 24 Pack Of Dumplings
Philippe Chow is a world-renowned chef who has cooked in some of the best restaurants. Give the gift of his incredible dumplings, which come in pork, chicken, vegetable and duck, or order them to serve at your celebration.
A great interactive toy for children (or stress relief for adults), this unique LEGO kit celebrates Lunar New Year traditions with six festive scenes.
Tea represents long life in Chinese culture and this loose leaf set will not disappoint. Better for religious tea drinkers, it'll give you the true experience for the Lunar New Year in two different black tea flavors.
Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com.
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