But beware, even the most generous offering can be tainted if you show bad etiquette when giving a gift. Here are six simple rules of Chinese New Year gift giving etiquette. These etiquette tips will help you give the right gift, in the right way, at the right time. 1. Select the New Year gifts in right colors. When giving a gift at Chinese New Yes. If you do not have a certain idea on what material items to give, and then the monetary gift is a good choice during Chinese New Year. Chinese people like to exchange red envelopes with luck money inside. Especially for kids, the red envelopes are recommended. Celebrating Chinese New Year with Chinese friends can be great, but, when the cultural gap is large, it can be really easy to give the wrong gift for Chinese New Year. Here, we've summarized 15 things you should not give as a Chinese New Year gift and their negative meanings in Chinese culture. Make sure that you don't give the wrong gift. Take some candy with you during Chinese New Year; so that you can give some happiness to the kids you come across. 3. School Supplies. Visiting your Chinese hosts with some school supplies like a writing pen, a school notebook or a nice box of painting brushes (if the kids are keen on painting) will give the kids a pleasant surprise. 4. Books 4.Prepare Some Greetings. Some greetings accompanying the gifts giving would be good. The most simple but commonly used greeting is Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财, May you be happy and prosperous), Xin Nian Kuai Le (新年快乐, Happy Chinese New Year), He Jia Xing Fu (阖家幸福, Wish you a happy family), Shen Ti Jian Kang (身体健康, Wish you good health), Wan Shi Ru Yi (万事如意 Popular Gifts for Chinese New Year. Useful phrases and sentences when you give presents in China; Useful response when receiving gifts; Things You Should Not Give as a New Year Gift; Popular New Year Gifts 1. 红包Hongbao (saying "Red Envelopes") Hongbao is absolutely must have gift in Chinese tradition during Chinese New Year. If it is really Chinese New Year is a time of celebration and giving. More likely than not, you’ll be giving out some gifts here and there. But even with gifts, there’s some etiquette you need to take note of, especially during the Lunar New Year. Always keep in mind that colour has large significance in the Chinese culture. But don’t worry! No matter which end of a gift exchange you find yourself on, we have you covered. Read on for 10 dos and don’ts to guide you through the art of Chinese gift-giving. 1. Do - Mark your calendars. In China, the major gift-giving occasions are birthdays, the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), and the Mid-Autumn Festival. When you visit relatives, friends or colleges, red envelopes, cigarettes, alcohol, tea, fruits, and health foods are good choices. You’d better choose four kinds of material gifts, or if you do not have an ideal Chinese New Year gift idea, just give a red envelope, which is the most welcomed and direct way to show your sincerity and affection. There is some must-know Chinese vocabulary regarding Chinese New Year gifts. 新年 / 新年 Xīnnián. New Year, Chinese New Year . 礼物/ 禮物 lǐwù. Presents, gifts . 钱 / 錢 qián. Money . 红包 / 紅包 hóngbāo. Red envelope . 长辈 / 長輩 zhǎngbèi. Older generation . 晚辈 / 晚輩 wǎnbèi. Younger generation Lunar New Year falls on Sunday, Feb. 10. We asked Asian business owners to share their favorite gifts and traditions for the Year of the Dragon. If you have experienced a close bereavement within 100 days of the first day of the Lunar New Year, you aren’t expected to give anything, whether you’re married or single. 4. These are the people you really must give red envelopes to These Chinese New Year gift ideas will help you do just that, offering thoughtful and meaningful ways to celebrate your relationships. Personalized Family Canvas A custom canvas print featuring a family photo is a heartwarming personalized family gift that celebrates togetherness. The Meaning of the Chinese New Year Red Envelopes. Chinese New Year red envelopes are a traditional gift for children or elderly people during Chinese New Year. In China, the red envelope (money) is called ya sui qian (压岁钱 /yaa sway chyen/), which means 'suppressing Sui [the demon]money'. Custom Doormat Gifts For Lunar New Year. Food Gifts For Chinese New Year Gifts. Food is central in New Year celebrations, with each region offering unique dishes and treats. If you are not exactly sure which Chinese New Year gifts to buy, here are a few tasty Chinese New Year food ideas for you to enjoy during this time. Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake) How to choose the best lunar new year gifts for people around you. Now that you have the basics of the most common Chinese New Year gifts, we'll go into detail about choosing the most suitable gift for particular recipients. Chinese New Year gifts for seniors. Wellness gifts for parents, parents-in-law, or other senior relatives or friends are Browse the best Lunar New Year gifts, the Year of the Dragon, according to an expert. Find affordable Amazon picks, traditional ideas and unique items. Celebrate the Year of the Snake in 2025 by giving your loved ones the 15 best Lunar New Year gifts. Our ideas include sweets, decorations, toys, and more. What should you not gift a Chinese person? 15 Gifts You Should Never Give as Chinese New Year Gifts. Clocks or Watch — Bad Luck. Anything of ‘4’ — Sounds Like Death. Shoes — Evil. Mirrors — Attract Ghosts. Cut Flowers — Presents for Funerals. Scented Candles — for Venerating the Dead. Pears — Parting. Sharp Objects — Cut Off Oranges and Other Citrus Oranges, kumquats, tangerines and pomelos are common Chinese New Year gifts because they’re believed to bring good luck and happiness. The Chinese words for “orange” and “tangerine” closely resemble the words for “luck” and “wealth.” The gold color of these fruits also symbolizes prosperity. Why do we give oranges on Chinese Read More »Do You Give
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