Chinese New Year has great cultural significance both in China and in the extended Chinese community around the world. Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year will be celebrated on February 5th of this year.
Like many western holidays, gift giving is widespread on Chinese New Year. Now is the perfect time to start planning your Bunchful gifts for friends and family. Here are some simple tips to follow if you want your gift to be enjoyed, appreciated, and appropriate for the season.
What to Gift on Chinese New Year
You can spread joy and build friendships with gifts on Chinese New Year. As in many Western Cultures, the appropriate gift is largely determined by the recipients age, and your relationship with them.
Gifts for Friends
It may surprise you to learn that gifts for friends, even close ones, are often simple and largely symbolic. Chinese tea, tea serving sets, fresh fruits, alcohol, and even tobacco are all common gifts during the season. Make purchases based on how close you are to the recipient. Simple, affordable, and thoughtful gifts are perfect for relatives and work acquaintances. Spend a little more on premium gifts for close friends and family.
Gifts for Children
It’s common to give out simple gifts to children on Chinese New Year. Candies, small toys, books, clothing, school supplies, and even red envelopes would be appreciated.
Red envelopes are a widespread tradition in Chinese culture, and they’re perfect if you’re unsure about a gift but still want to brighten a child’s day on Chinese New Year. Chinese red envelopes can be purchased in bulk and stuffed with coins or notes.
Gifts for Seniors
Gifts for seniors should be practical or beneficial to health. Hats, scarves, gloves, and other clothing items are ideal. If you are particularly close to the recipient, consider spending a little more to make the right impression. Foot massagers, spas, and other handheld massage devices are incredibly popular.
Before you choose your gift, remember that there are some things that should be avoided. Red is the color of Chinese New Year, symbolizing joy and luck. Black and white should be avoided as they are often associated with death. Clocks and watches symbolize mortality and should also be avoided. Anything with the number four (or gifts of four items) should be avoided, as the word four in Chinese is close in sound to that of death. If you’re giving more than one gift for someone, do it in pairs for the good luck that is associated with things that come in twos.
Be Bunchful this Chinese New Year. You can surprise your friends with well-planned gifts that celebrate the season and bring positive wishes for the year ahead.
