Your Foolproof Chinese New Year Gifting Guide

Chinese New Year as a kid would always be about the scrumptious spread of homecooked dishes, delightful variety of buttery pastries and the anxious wait as we would line up to receive our money packets − or rather cracking our head to find the perfect and most auspicious wish for our loved ones that have yet to already been taken by someone else. Celebrating as an adult on the other hand, we would probably be pondering on something a little more...

“What am I actually supposed to get my family and friends?”

As we are only 1 week away from the festivities, here is a quick foolproof guide to get you through Chinese New Year gifting in the best way possible!

What to avoid as gifts?


The connotation of a perfect gift varies from one person to another, particularly those from the Chinese community. Get to know some basic Chinese social customs when it comes to gifting and some other local customs as well. We have narrowed it down to 10 of the most common taboo gifts during Chinese New Year.

1. Clock or Watch (Symbolizes bad luck or the end of time)
2. Anything in the denomination of 4 (Symbolizes death due to its similar sounding to 四 sì/srr which means death in Chinese)
3. Shoes (Symbolizes evil or poses a derogatory meaning of being stepped on)
4. Mirror (Symbolizes misfortune)
5. Fresh-cut flowers (Symbolizes bad luck as Chrysanthemum flowers in particular are given during funerals)
6. Umbrella (Symbolizes bad luck as its Chinese word 伞 sǎn /san/ means separation)
7. Sharp objects (Symbolizes cutting of ties with loved ones)
8. Black or White coloured objects (Symbolizes misfortune and bad luck)
9. Handkerchief (Symbolizes parting of cutting of ties as they are usually given out during funerals)
10. Wallet or Purse (Symbolizes loss of fortune)

What to gift?


Now that we have established taboo gifts to avoid, here is a list of what you consider gifting your family and friends. These are pocket-friendly and make amazing gifts to get when you are only a week away from the festivities.

1. Healthy and wellness products from Signature Market (These make amazing gifts, particularly for the elderly as they symbolize everlasting health. Get your hands on healthier alternatives to your Chinese New Year favourites like pineapple tarts and seaweed crisps. You will also be treated to a wide array of natural and organic tonic goodness such as bird’s nest and ginseng.)
2. Gift cards (These are probably one the most personalized gifts you could get, especially if you are not exactly the closest to someone. If you know they love beauty products, you could get them a gift card to Sephora. Or if you know they are a specific brand they are a fan of, simply get them a gift card directly from that brand and you are set.)
3. Aromatherapy from Plant Origins (These are generally suitable for any age group as they promote enhanced emotional wellbeing with their uplifting scents. There is also a child-friendly essential oil that you could safely diffuse around any little ones.)