Top 10 Gifts Ideas for Chinese New Year 2021 - Make This Festive Season More Memorable!
Chinese New Year is one of the most celebrated events in China and is a time when families and friends gather to wish each other good luck and happiness for the coming year. As with many traditions, giving gifts is an important part of Chinese culture, especially during this auspicious occasion. But what should you give for Chinese New Year?
Well, it depends on who you're giving it to and what message you want to convey. Different gifts symbolize different things in Chinese culture, so it's important to choose wisely. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Red Envelopes:
Red envelopes or hongbao are a popular gift during Chinese New Year, especially for children. It is considered lucky to give and receive red envelopes as they symbolize good fortune and prosperity. You can fill red envelopes with money or small gifts such as chocolate coins or candy.
2. Tangerines and Oranges:
These citrus fruits are a popular gift during Chinese New Year as they symbolize good luck and wealth. The word tangerine sounds similar to luck in Cantonese while orange sounds like wealth. Giving tangerines or oranges is a simple yet thoughtful way to wish someone prosperity and good fortune.
3. Traditional Chinese New Year Food:
Food plays a significant role in Chinese culture, especially during festivals and celebrations. Giving traditional Chinese New Year food such as dumplings, rice cakes, or fish symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and togetherness. These dishes are not only delicious but also carry deep meanings and traditions that make them the perfect gift for loved ones.
4. Tea Gift Sets:
Tea is an integral part of Chinese culture and has been consumed for thousands of years. Giving a tea gift set during Chinese New Year is a thoughtful way to wish someone health and wellness. The different varieties of tea symbolize different things, such as green tea for prosperity, black tea for good luck, and chrysanthemum tea for longevity.
5. Decorative Items:
Decorative items such as lanterns, red banners, and lucky charms are popular gifts during Chinese New Year as they help create a festive atmosphere and ward off evil spirits. These items not only add a touch of color and vibrancy but also carry significant meanings that make them the perfect gift for friends and family.
In conclusion, choosing the right gift for Chinese New Year is all about the symbolism behind it. Whether you're giving money in a red envelope or traditional Chinese food, the important thing is to convey your well wishes for the recipient's health, wealth, and happiness. Whatever gift you choose, make sure it comes from the heart and with good intentions.
"What To Give For Chinese New Year" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Chinese New Year is an important festival in China and is celebrated with great fervor. It is a time for family gatherings, festivities, and exchanging gifts. If you are invited to a Chinese New Year celebration, it's customary to bring a gift for your host. Choosing the right gift can be challenging, especially if you're not familiar with Chinese customs. In this article, we'll give you some ideas on what to give for Chinese New Year.
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes, also known as Hong Bao or Lai See, are a traditional gift given during Chinese New Year. These envelopes are filled with money and symbolize good luck and prosperity. They are given to children, unmarried adults, and sometimes employees by their employers.
Fruit Basket
A fruit basket is another common gift during Chinese New Year. It symbolizes abundance and prosperity. Mandarin oranges and tangerines are often included in the basket because they are considered lucky fruits. Avoid giving pears because the word for pear sounds like separation in Chinese, and it is considered unlucky.
Tea Set
A tea set is a thoughtful and practical gift. Tea plays an essential role in Chinese culture, and a beautiful tea set can be cherished for years to come. Choose a set with intricate designs and bright colors. Green tea is a popular choice for Chinese New Year.
Spices and Herbs
In Chinese culture, spices and herbs are believed to have healing properties. Giving a collection of Chinese spices and herbs can be a thoughtful gift. Some popular choices include ginger, star anise, cinnamon, goji berries, and ginseng.
Lucky Charms
Chinese New Year is a time to wish for good luck and prosperity. Giving lucky charms can be a fun way to spread good fortune. Common lucky charms include the Double Happiness symbol, a Chinese knot, or a jade bracelet.
Candies and Sweets
Chocolates, candies, and sweets are always popular gifts, especially for children. Chinese candies such as White Rabbit candy and Dragon's beard candy are popular choices. However, be careful not to give white or black candies as they are associated with mourning in Chinese culture.
Calligraphy Art
The art of calligraphy is highly valued in Chinese culture. A beautiful piece of calligraphy art can be a unique and thoughtful gift. Traditional Chinese characters represent different values and meanings, such as good fortune, peace, and happiness. Choose a character that resonates with the recipient or seek advice from a Chinese friend.
Fan
A fan makes an excellent gift, especially during the hot summer months of Chinese New Year. It symbolizes friendship, and it can be used at home or carried around in a bag. You can choose from a wide selection of hand-painted fans with intricate designs and bright colors.
Traditional Chinese Clothing
If you want to give a special gift, consider giving traditional Chinese clothing. It can be an elegant qipao for women or a cheongsam for men. Adding a touch of tradition to the celebration can make it more memorable and fun.
Conclusion
Choosing a gift for Chinese New Year doesn't have to be challenging. The most important thing is to show your goodwill and respect for Chinese culture. Whether you choose a red envelope filled with money, a beautiful tea set, or a Chinese knot, the recipient will appreciate your gesture and generosity. With these gift ideas, you're sure to find something thoughtful and appropriate to bring to your next Chinese New Year celebration.
What To Give For Chinese New Year: A Comparison
Introduction
Chinese New Year is a time for celebration and gift-giving. It's a holiday that happens every year, and despite the changes in modern society, most people still follow some traditional practices when it comes to choosing gifts. Here, we'll compare some of the most popular items that you can give during Chinese New Year.Red Envelope (Hongbao)
Hongbao, or red envelopes, are one of the most traditional and popular gifts given during Chinese New Year. It's a small red envelope filled with cash that is given to children and unmarried adults. Typically, the amount of money inside the envelope ranges from 100 to 1000 RMB. The red color symbolizes good luck and happiness, making it an ideal gift for the occasion.Dumplings
Dumplings are another popular gift during Chinese New Year. They are eaten during the holiday as a symbol of prosperity and wealth because their shape looks like ancient Chinese currency. Traditionally, families gather together to make dumplings from scratch, but there are many options to buy pre-made dumplings in the market if you want to give them as a gift.Tea Set
In China, tea has its own unique culture, and it's also commonly gifted during Chinese New Year. A beautiful tea set that includes a teapot and small tea cups can be an excellent gift, especially for seniors. Drinking tea together is a great way to bond and share stories with your loved ones during the festive season.Oranges
In the Chinese language, orange sounds like wealth and good luck. Therefore, oranges are a traditional gift during Chinese New Year. Buying a little box of sweet mandarins or tangerines is a practical and simple way of showing your respect and gratitude for your friends and family.New Year Cake (Nian Gao)
New Year Cake, or Nian Gao in Chinese, is another popular food item that is gifted during the Chinese New Year. It's a glutinous rice cake that symbolizes prosperity, good luck, and fortune. China is famous for having different types of Nian Gao that cater to various preferences, such as savory, sweet, or with fillings inside.Fruits Basket
A fruits basket is a versatile and convenient gift during Chinese New Year, as it can cater to various preferences and dietary needs. You can arrange and decorate colorful fruits like apples, pears, grapes, mangoes, and kiwis, put them in a basket, and wrap them with festive papers and ribbons.Clothing
Chinese New Year is an occasion where everyone wears new clothes to signify new beginnings and clean slates. Clothing items like red-colored shirts, dresses, or jackets are trendy during Chinese New Year, and you may also consider clothing patterns with traditional Chinese motifs.Gifts for Children
Children are the ones who receive the most gifts during Chinese New Year. Apart from red envelopes filled with cash, toys and sweets are also popular options for kids. Some common toys include puzzles, board games, traditional toys like lanterns, and cute stuffed animals that symbolize luck, love, and good fortune.Comparison Table
| Gift Item | Symbolism | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Red Envelope (Hongbao) | Good luck and happiness | 100 to 1000 RMB |
| Dumplings | Prosperity and wealth | 30 to 150 RMB per box |
| Tea Set | Bonding and sharing | 150 to 350 RMB |
| Oranges | Wealth and good luck | 20 to 50 RMB per box |
| New Year Cake (Nian Gao) | Prosperity and fortune | 10 to 40 RMB per piece or box |
| Fruit Basket | Versatile and convenient | 50 to 200 RMB per basket |
| Clothing | New beginnings | 150 to 500 RMB per piece |
| Gifts for Children | Luck and love | 20 to 100 RMB per item |
Opinion
In conclusion, there is no definitive answer to what you should give for Chinese New Year as it depends on several factors like age, gender, and personal preferences. Nevertheless, the comparison above shows that each gift has its own unique symbolism and price range that can cater to different needs and budgets. Whether you choose to give red envelopes, dumplings, tea sets, oranges, new year cakes, fruit baskets, clothing, or gifts for children, the most important thing is that your gift is given with sincerity and good intentions. Happy Chinese New Year!What To Give For Chinese New Year
Introduction:
Chinese New Year is a significant time for the Chinese community all around the world. It is a time of celebration, reunion, and gratitude, which starts from the first day of the lunar calendar and lasts for fifteen days. One of the traditions that Chinese people follow is exchanging gifts among family members, friends, and colleagues during this auspicious occasion.Gifting Etiquettes for Chinese New Year:
If you are planning to give gifts during the Chinese New Year, here are some essential gifting etiquettes that you should keep in mind:
1) Symbolism Matters
In Chinese culture, symbols play a significant role in conveying messages and meanings. You should avoid giving gifts that are associated with negative symbols or connotations such as clocks, handkerchiefs, or scissors. Instead, look for gifts that represent fortune, health, and prosperity, such as oranges, red envelopes filled with money (hongbao), Mandarin ducks, or lucky bamboo.
2) Avoid Giving Sharp Objects
Sharp objects like knives, scissors, or letter openers can bring bad luck and signify the cutting off of relationships. If you genuinely want to gift something that's sharp, you can put a coin or some money on it, which denotes that the receiver is buying the gift from you, thus avoiding any negativity.
3) Gift Wrapping Matters
Chinese people attach great importance to the presentation of the gift. Your gift must be wrapped neatly and appropriately, with red paper or with the character 福 (fú) pasted on the front using gold or black ink. This symbol means good luck and happiness.
4) Quantity Matters
In Chinese culture, even numbers are considered good luck. Therefore, it is recommended to gift items in pairs or any even number that conveys a sense of harmony, balance, and completeness.
Gift Ideas for Chinese New Year:
Here are some unique and meaningful gift ideas that you can consider giving during the Chinese New Year:
1) Tea Sets or Tea Leaves
China is famous for its aromatic and flavorsome teas. A beautifully crafted tea set with some premium teas will make an excellent gift for tea lovers on this occasion. You can also present some flowering teas that bloom in hot water, symbolizing new beginnings and growth.
2) Red Envelopes
The hongbao (red envelope) tradition should not be overlooked during Chinese New Year. You can fill these red envelopes with small amounts of money for children or unmarried adults. This practice is an ancient way of spreading wealth and good fortune among family members and friends.
3) Traditional Chinese Snacks and Sweets
You cannot go wrong with traditional Chinese snacks and sweets like mooncakes, rice cakes, sunflower seeds, or melon seeds. They represent happiness, togetherness, and an abundance of food, thus making them perfect gifts during the New Year festivities.
4) Personalized Gifts
You can gift something that has a personal touch to it, such as a photo album or a personalized mug. These gifts reveal your effort and thoughtfulness towards the receiver, which shows how much you value the relationship.
5) Lotus Lamps
Lotus lamps are made of fine porcelain and painted with intricate designs that emit a beautiful glow when lit. They symbolize growth, purity, and enlightenment. Gifting a pair of these lamps can make an exquisite present for this auspicious occasion.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, gifting during the Chinese New Year is an essential and meaningful tradition that promotes goodwill, harmony, and prosperity. Your gift should reflect your intention and respect towards the receiver. By keeping in mind the appropriate etiquettes and gift ideas for this occasion, you can give a heartfelt and thoughtful gift that would be remembered for years to come.
What To Give For Chinese New Year: A Guide for Gift Giving
Chinese New Year is known as the most significant celebration in the Chinese calendar. It is a time for reunion and celebration with family and friends, eating traditional Chinese food, wearing red, lighting firecrackers, and giving gifts to loved ones. Chinese New Year gifts are essential, and they have specific meanings, such as wishing the recipient good luck, good health, and prosperity for the year ahead.
If you're not familiar with Chinese New Year gift-giving traditions, don't worry. In this article, we'll guide you through what to give for Chinese New Year.
Giving Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Red envelopes called 'Hongbao' are a popular Chinese New Year gift in Chinese culture. They contain money inside, symbolizing good luck and wealth. Giving red envelopes is a tradition that extends beyond family, to friends, employees, and acquaintances.
The amount of money in red envelopes varies depending on the relationship you share with the recipient. Parents traditionally give their children more significant sums of money, while married couples give smaller amounts to each other. When giving red envelopes to employees, be sure to give even amounts because odd numbers are associated with unlucky outcomes.
Tangerines and Oranges
Tangerines and oranges are fruits that represent good luck and are said to bring wealth in Chinese culture. The vibrant orange color of the fruit is also considered lucky. Giving a basket of tangerines or oranges to your loved ones or business associates at Chinese New Year is a thoughtful way to wish them good fortune.
Year of the Rat Gifts
The Chinese zodiac follows a twelve-year cycle, with each year named after an animal, and this year 2020 is the Year of the Rat. According to Chinese astrology, people born in the Year of the Rat are intelligent, creative, and resourceful. Giving gifts that reflect this year's zodiac sign is a way to wish your loved one a prosperous year ahead.
Some popular gifts for the Year of the Rat include figurines, jewelry, or clothing with rat motifs. Rat-shaped cookies, cakes, and candies also make great gifts for those with a sweet tooth.
Fish
Fish is another popular Chinese New Year gift that symbolizes prosperity. The word for fish in Chinese sounds similar to 'surplus,' so giving fish represents a wish for wealth. A whole fish is preferred over a fillet, as it signifies completeness and unity in the family.
If you're giving fish as a Chinese New Year gift, be sure to present it alive and swimming and do not give knives or scissors as it signifies breaking up relationships or good fortune flowing out.
Gifting Tea
Another popular Chinese New Year gift is tea, which holds significant cultural significance in China. Tea has a long history in Chinese culture and emphasizing the appreciation of nature as well as the harmony of mankind. Giving a beautiful box of Chinese tea is an excellent way to entertain guests during the Chinese New Year holidays, or to show your appreciation for someone special.
Rice Cakes (Nian Gao)
Chinese rice cakes or nian gao is a traditional and popular sweet food eaten during New Year's celebration. Nian gao is a glutinous rice cake that is sweet, sticky, and covered with red sugar. It symbolizes a wish for a higher income or position in the coming year. Therefore, it is a customary Chinese New Year gift to give to family and friends as it is believed that the cake's stickiness will help retain lasting relationships.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts are a thoughtful and special way to express your appreciation for someone special during Chinese New Year. You can have a bottle of wine or champagne engraved with the recipient's name or a personalized photo album to commemorate the past year's memories.
Spring Festival Decoration
The Spring Festival decorations can take many forms and all hold deep meanings, from simple signs with well-wishes to intricate paper-cuttings. Delicately designed papercuts and lanterns made either online or offline are also excellent gift ideas, not just to use as decorations, but also to send wishes of luck and prosperity to the receiver.
Conclusion
Chinese New Year is a unique occasion to show goodwill and respect to your family, friends, and colleagues. But giving gifts on Chinese New Year is about more than just exchanging presents; it's a way of conveying good wishes and positive vibes for the year ahead. By following these gift-giving tips, you'll be able to choose the perfect gift and spread happiness throughout the New Year season.
From all of us at [Your Company], we wish you a very happy and prosperous Chinese New Year! May you and your loved ones be blessed with good health, good luck and fortune in the Year of the Rat!
FAQs: What To Give For Chinese New Year
What are some traditional Chinese New Year gifts?
Some traditional Chinese New Year gifts include:
- Red envelopes with money
- Candy and chocolates
- Fruits such as oranges and tangerines
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Chinese tea
- Decorative items such as lanterns and calligraphy scrolls
What should I avoid giving as a Chinese New Year gift?
Some items that you should avoid giving as a Chinese New Year gift include:
- Sharp objects such as knives or scissors, which may symbolize cutting ties or relationships
- Gifts in sets of four, as the word for four in Mandarin sounds similar to the word for death
- Empty rice containers or anything that may symbolize the depletion of wealth or luck
Are there any gift-giving traditions during Chinese New Year?
Yes, there are a few gift-giving traditions during Chinese New Year. For example:
- It is customary to avoid giving an even number of gifts, as this is seen as bad luck.
- Red envelopes filled with money are typically given to children and unmarried individuals.
- Giving gifts wrapped in red paper symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
What can I give as a gift if I can't be with my loved ones during Chinese New Year?
If you can't be with your loved ones during Chinese New Year, you can still send them gifts. Some ideas include:
- A red envelope filled with money or a gift card
- A care package filled with Chinese snacks and treats
- A festive plant such as a bamboo or orchid
- A personalized calligraphy scroll with well wishes for the new year