Skip to content

Ikky In China

Discover culture, navigate daily life, and thrive in the Middle Kingdom

Primary Menu
  • Living in China
    • Visa Guide
    • Housing
    • Banking & Money
    • Healthcare
    • Education
    • Permanent Residence
  • Business & Career
    • Job Opportunities
    • Business Culture
    • Networking
  • Travel & Culture
    • Flights to China
    • Cultural Guide
    • Language Learning
  • About Us
  • Login
  • Home
  • 2025
  • March
  • 29
  • Gift-Giving During Chinese New Year
  • China

Gift-Giving During Chinese New Year

Ikky Ma March 29, 2025
Chinese New Year celebration.png

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (春节, Chūnjié), is one of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture.

A key tradition during this festive season is gift-giving, which symbolizes goodwill, respect, and prosperity for the coming year.

For those unfamiliar with the cultural nuances, navigating this custom can be challenging.

This guide will provide practical advice, examples, and tips to help you approach Chinese New Year gift-giving with confidence and respect.

1. The Cultural Importance of Gift-Giving

Gift-giving during Chinese New Year is more than just an exchange of items; it is a meaningful gesture that reflects respect, gratitude, and the wish for good fortune.

The act fosters harmony and strengthens relationships, whether among family, friends, or colleagues.

2. Red Envelopes (红包, Hóngbāo): The Quintessential Gift

The red envelope, or hóngbāo, is the most iconic gift during Chinese New Year.

It contains money and symbolizes blessings, good luck, and prosperity.

Who Receives Red Envelopes?

  • Children: Elders and parents give hóngbāo to children and unmarried younger family members.
  • Employees: Employers distribute red envelopes to employees as a token of appreciation and good wishes for the year ahead.
  • Service Providers: Delivery personnel, cleaning staff, and other service workers may also receive hóngbāo as a gesture of gratitude.

How Much Money to Include?

  • Always give an even amount, as odd numbers are associated with funerals.
  • Amounts ending in 8 (e.g., 88, 188) are considered auspicious, symbolizing wealth.
  • Avoid amounts ending in 4, as the number sounds like “death” in Chinese.
RecipientSuggested Amount (CNY)
Children (close family)100–500
Distant relatives50–200
Employees200–1,000 (based on role)
Service providers20–100

For more details on hóngbāo etiquette, visit China Highlights.

3. Traditional Gift Ideas for Chinese New Year

Beyond red envelopes, traditional gifts convey respect, appreciation, and good fortune.

Here are some popular options:

GiftSymbolismNotes
Oranges & TangerinesWealth and abundanceOften gifted in pairs for added symbolism.
ApplesPeace (平安, píng’ān)A safe and thoughtful choice for families.
PomelosFamily unity and prosperityTheir golden hue adds to their auspiciousness.
Nian Gao (年糕)Growth and successA sticky rice cake that is both delicious and meaningful.
High-Quality TeaRefinement and thoughtfulnessChoose premium teas for elders or business associates.
Baijiu (白酒)Strength and celebrationA strong Chinese liquor, ideal for colleagues or business partners.
Festive HampersProsperity and abundancePre-packaged baskets with snacks, sweets, and drinks are convenient gifts.

For more gift ideas, check out China Briefing.


4. Items to Avoid as Gifts

When selecting gifts, it’s important to avoid items that carry negative connotations in Chinese culture:

ItemReason to Avoid
ClocksSymbolize “running out of time” (送钟 sounds like “attending a funeral”).
Sharp ObjectsRepresent severing relationships.
White or Black ItemsAssociated with mourning and funerals.
ShoesThe word for shoes (鞋, xié) sounds like “bad luck” or “evil.”
PearsSymbolize separation (梨, lí).

5. Presentation and Etiquette

The way you present your gift is just as important as the gift itself.

In Chinese culture, the aesthetics and symbolism of your gesture reflect your sincerity and respect.

Gift Wrapping

  • Use red and gold wrapping paper or gift bags, as these colors signify prosperity and happiness.
  • Avoid white or black packaging, as these are associated with mourning.

How to Give the Gift

  • Always present gifts with both hands to show respect.
  • When receiving gifts, refrain from opening them immediately, as it’s considered impolite.

Timing

  • Gifts should be given during visits to friends or family during the New Year celebrations, ideally on the first few days of the holiday period.
  • Avoid giving gifts before Chinese New Year’s Eve, as it is considered inauspicious.

6. Gift-Giving in Business Contexts

Gift-giving in professional settings during Chinese New Year is a way to express gratitude and strengthen relationships.

However, it requires careful consideration to avoid cultural missteps.

Appropriate Business Gifts

  • High-quality pen sets or notebooks.
  • Specialty teas or premium alcohol, such as baijiu or wine.
  • Festive hampers containing an assortment of snacks and delicacies.

Etiquette in Business Settings

  • Avoid overly expensive gifts to prevent implications of bribery.
  • Ensure the gift is thoughtful and culturally appropriate.
  • Include a personalized note with your company’s best wishes for the New Year.

7. Modern Trends in Gift-Giving

While traditional gifts remain popular, modern trends have emerged, especially among younger generations.

Digital Red Envelopes

Platforms like WeChat and Alipay have made virtual hóngbāo a convenient and popular option. These allow people to send monetary blessings instantly, even across great distances.

Personalized Gifts

Customized items, such as photo albums, monogrammed gifts, or personalized hampers, are gaining popularity as thoughtful alternatives to traditional presents.

Eco-Friendly Gifts

Environmentally conscious gifts, such as reusable packaging, locally sourced products, or sustainable items, are becoming more common.

For more on modern gifting trends, visit WeChat Official Blog.

8. Budget-Friendly Gift Ideas

Gift-giving doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here are some affordable yet meaningful options:

  • Small fruit baskets with oranges and apples.
  • DIY gifts, such as handmade cards or baked goods.
  • Affordable tea sets or festive snacks.

Conclusion

Gift-giving during Chinese New Year is a meaningful way to show respect, express gratitude, and foster relationships.

By understanding the cultural nuances and selecting thoughtful presents, you can navigate this tradition with confidence and sincerity.

Whether it’s a classic red envelope, a basket of oranges, or a box of premium tea, the key lies in the intention behind the gift.

As you prepare for Chinese New Year, remember that the ultimate goal is to share blessings and joy with those around you.

About the Author

Ikky Ma

Administrator

This page features all articles and posts by Ikky, the owner of the blog named ikkyinchina.com

Visit Website View All Posts

Post navigation

Previous: Residency Renewal Process and Requirements
Next: Cultural Differences in Communication Styles

Related Stories

Hair transplant in China
  • China

Hair transplant in China: cost, clinics, techniques and travel guide

Ikky Ma October 9, 2025
medical insurance for expats in China
  • China

Understanding medical insurance for expats in China

Ikky Ma October 8, 2025
US to China Flight Routes
  • China

Best US to China Flight Routes and Booking Guide

Ikky Ma October 7, 2025

You may have missed

Hair transplant in China
  • China

Hair transplant in China: cost, clinics, techniques and travel guide

Ikky Ma October 9, 2025
medical insurance for expats in China
  • China

Understanding medical insurance for expats in China

Ikky Ma October 8, 2025
US to China Flight Routes
  • China

Best US to China Flight Routes and Booking Guide

Ikky Ma October 7, 2025
Direct Flights to Chengdu
  • China

Direct Flights to Chengdu: Airlines, Routes, and Travel Guide

Ikky Ma October 6, 2025
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Instagram
  • YouTube