If you're planning to send a gift to a client, colleague, friend or family member celebrating Lunar New Year, you've probably wondered, "Is there anything I should avoid?"
The short answer is yes—but don't let that intimidate you.
Like many cultural celebrations around the world, Lunar New Year has traditions, symbols and customs that have been passed down for generations. While every family celebrates a little differently, taking a few moments to understand the basics demonstrates something far more valuable than simply choosing the perfect gift: it shows respect.
Whether you're sending a thoughtful gift to an important business client, welcoming a new neighbour, thanking a colleague, or celebrating with close friends and family, understanding a few simple traditions can help ensure your gift is received in the spirit it was intended.
Lunar New Year Gift Giving: Quick Reference Guide
If you're short on time, here are the key things to remember:
✔ Choose red or gold packaging whenever possible. These colours symbolize good fortune, prosperity and celebration.
✔ Avoid white and black wrapping if you can, as these colours are traditionally associated with mourning in many Chinese customs.
✔ Quality matters more than quantity. A thoughtfully chosen gift is far more meaningful than an expensive one.
✔ Food gifts are an excellent choice. Gourmet treats, premium tea and gifts designed to be shared with family are often warmly received.
✔ Avoid giving gifts in sets of four. The number four is traditionally considered unlucky because of its pronunciation.
✔ Present your gift with both hands as a sign of courtesy and respect.
✔ Don't be surprised if your gift isn't opened immediately. In many families, gifts are opened later rather than in front of the giver.
✔ Include a warm greeting card. Wishing someone happiness, prosperity, good health and success in the coming year is always appropriate.
✔ When in doubt, keep it simple and sincere. Thoughtfulness and respect will always leave the best impression.
Remember: Traditions vary between families, regions and generations. If you know your recipient well, their personal customs should always take precedence over general etiquette.
For more in-depth info into the traditions and reasoning, pls keep reading.
Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year... What's the Difference?
You'll often hear both Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year used interchangeably.
Chinese New Year refers specifically to the celebration observed by Chinese communities around the world. Lunar New Year is the broader term that includes celebrations in several countries and cultures that follow the lunar calendar, including Vietnam, Korea and others, each with their own unique traditions and customs.
Throughout this article we'll use both terms, recognizing that families may have different preferences based on their heritage and traditions.
Why Gift Giving Matters During Lunar New Year
Unlike birthdays or Christmas, Lunar New Year gifts aren't simply exchanged because it's expected.
They represent wishes for the year ahead.
Prosperity.
Good health.
Happiness.
Success.
Strong relationships.
That's why selecting an appropriate gift—and presenting it thoughtfully—can mean far more than the value of the gift itself.
For businesses, Lunar New Year also provides a meaningful opportunity to thank clients, recognize employees, and strengthen professional relationships before the year unfolds.
Choosing Appropriate Colours
Colour plays an important role in Lunar New Year traditions.
Red
Red is considered the colour of joy, happiness, celebration and good fortune. It's by far the most popular colour you'll see throughout Lunar New Year celebrations and is an excellent choice for gift packaging, greeting cards and ribbons.
Gold
Gold represents wealth, prosperity and success. Combined with red, it creates one of the most traditional and elegant colour combinations for Lunar New Year gifts.
Yellow
Yellow is also associated with prosperity and abundance and is commonly seen in festive decorations.
Colours Traditionally Avoided
White is traditionally associated with mourning and funerals.
Black is also commonly connected with mourning in many Chinese traditions.
While modern families may be more flexible than previous generations, choosing red or gold packaging is an easy way to ensure your gift feels festive and appropriate.
Lucky Numbers... and One Number to Avoid
Many cultures have lucky numbers, and Chinese culture is no exception.
The number 8 is widely associated with prosperity and good fortune, making it a popular choice when giving money or assembling gift sets.
The number 6 is also considered favourable, often symbolizing that things will go smoothly.
The number 4, however, is traditionally avoided because its pronunciation closely resembles the Chinese word for "death."
If you're creating gift sets, arranging multiple gifts or giving money in a red envelope, it's thoughtful to avoid quantities of four whenever possible.
Presenting Your Gift
The presentation is often just as meaningful as the gift itself.
Some traditional customs include:
- Presenting the gift using both hands as a sign of respect.
- Receiving a gift with both hands.
- Including a warm greeting wishing the recipient happiness, good health and prosperity.
- If giving money in a traditional red envelope (hongbao), using crisp, clean banknotes whenever possible.
In many families, gifts may not be opened immediately in front of the giver. Rather than interpreting this as a lack of appreciation, understand that it's a long-standing tradition intended to show modesty and avoid placing attention on the value of the gift.
As with many customs, modern families may choose to do things differently, especially in multicultural communities like Vancouver.
Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Lunar New Year
When in doubt, choose gifts that represent generosity, abundance and sharing.
Gourmet Food Gifts
Beautifully presented gourmet foods are often appreciated because they can be enjoyed together with family and guests throughout the celebration.
Premium chocolates, artisan crackers, preserves, specialty snacks and locally crafted treats all make thoughtful choices.
Tea
Tea has long represented hospitality, respect and connection. A beautifully packaged loose-leaf tea or premium tea collection is a timeless gift suitable for both personal and professional relationships.
Fruit
Fruit is commonly shared during Lunar New Year celebrations.
Citrus fruits, particularly oranges and mandarins, are popular symbols of good fortune and prosperity.
Apples are also widely associated with peace and harmony.
Pears, however, are traditionally avoided because the Chinese word for pear sounds similar to the word meaning "to separate" or "to part."
Home Entertaining Gifts
Serving boards, elegant gourmet collections, premium pantry items and beautifully packaged sharing gifts are often well suited to the season because they encourage gathering together.
Gifts for Business Clients
Professional gifts don't need to be extravagant.
Thoughtful presentation, quality products and a sincere greeting often leave a much stronger impression than expensive gifts selected without consideration.
Traditional Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
One of the best-known Lunar New Year traditions is the giving of hongbao—red envelopes containing money.
These are traditionally given by married adults to children and younger family members, although customs vary between families and regions.
For business relationships or friendships, a beautifully presented gift is generally more appropriate than giving cash unless you're familiar with the family's traditions.
Common Gift Giving Mistakes
While traditions vary, these are among the most widely recognized customs to keep in mind.
Avoid:
- Gift sets of four.
- White or black wrapping paper.
- Clocks, which are traditionally associated with funerals.
- Sharp objects such as knives or scissors, which can symbolize cutting a relationship.
- Pears, which symbolize separation.
- Green hats, which have an unfortunate cultural meaning in Chinese tradition.
If you're unsure, remember that thoughtful presentation and genuine respect matter far more than memorizing every custom.
A Few Tips for Corporate Gift Giving
If you're sending gifts to employees or clients celebrating Lunar New Year:
- Keep gifts elegant rather than extravagant.
- Include a handwritten greeting whenever possible.
- Avoid overly (read: ANY) promotional branding.
- Choose gifts that can be shared with family or the office.
- Allow plenty of time for delivery before the holiday begins.
The goal isn't simply to send something beautiful.
It's to acknowledge an important celebration in a thoughtful and respectful way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to send wine during Lunar New Year?
In many modern business and family settings, wine or premium spirits may be perfectly acceptable, particularly when the recipient enjoys them. As with any gift, knowing your recipient is always more important than following a universal rule.
Should I use red wrapping paper?
If possible, yes. Red and gold are traditional colours associated with celebration, prosperity and good fortune, making them excellent choices.
Is food an appropriate gift?
Absolutely. Beautifully presented gourmet foods are among the most common and well-received Lunar New Year gifts because they're designed to be shared with family and guests.
Can I send a gift basket?
Yes. A thoughtfully curated gourmet gift basket or gift box is often an excellent choice because it symbolizes generosity and abundance while giving recipients a variety of treats to enjoy together.
What should I write in the greeting card?
Keep your message warm and sincere. Wishing the recipient happiness, good health, prosperity and success in the year ahead is always appropriate.
What if I'm not familiar with every tradition?
Don't worry.
Most people don't expect you to know every custom. What they do appreciate is the effort you've made to learn, to show respect and to celebrate something that's important to them.
The Takeaway
Lunar New Year is ultimately about new beginnings, hope and wishing one another a prosperous year ahead.
You don't need to become an expert in every tradition to give an appropriate gift. Choosing quality over quantity, paying attention to presentation, avoiding a few well-known cultural taboos and offering your gift with genuine respect will almost always be appreciated.
In our experience helping clients send thoughtful gifts throughout Vancouver for more than 35 years, we've learned that recipients rarely remember every item inside a gift. What they remember is how the gift made them feel.
Taking a few moments to understand another person's traditions says something powerful:
"I cared enough to learn what matters to you."
And sometimes, that's the most meaningful gift of all.
Anyone can order a gift. Thoughtful people & businesses order gifts that took understanding and respect.
Smiles,
Carole