The Do’s and Don’ts of Chinese New Year Gifting: What to Give and Avoid

Chinese New Year is a season filled with joy, reunion, and renewal — but if you’re the one in charge of finding gifts, it can also come with a quiet kind of pressure.

Maybe you worry about picking something too simple, too personal, or unintentionally taboo.

Maybe you’re gifting to people you don’t know very well — an in-law, a client, a colleague’s family, or your partner’s relatives — and you’re afraid of choosing something that sends the wrong message.

It’s completely normal.

Chinese New Year gifting can feel tricky, especially if you’re not entirely familiar with the symbolism behind certain items. In this season, where tradition runs deep and meaning is woven into even the smallest gestures, it’s easy to second-guess yourself:

“Is this auspicious?”
“Is this item considered bad luck?”
“Will this come across as thoughtful — or totally inappropriate?”

The good news? Once you understand the cultural meaning behind what’s considered “good” or “bad” to give, CNY gifting becomes much more intuitive — and even enjoyable.

This guide breaks everything down simply:
✔ what to give (and why it’s meaningful)
✔ what to avoid (and the symbolism behind it)
✔ and how to pick gifts that always feel safe, thoughtful, and respectful.

Whether you’re gifting family, friends, colleagues, clients, or someone you barely know, you’ll be able to choose confidently — without the worry of making a cultural misstep.

 

Why Chinese New Year Gifts Matter

Chinese New Year gifts carry a cultural purpose far deeper than the object itself. They’re gestures of goodwill, respect, and shared prosperity.

A good CNY gift can:

Strengthen family bonds

Especially if you’re joining gatherings with elders or relatives you don’t see often. A well-chosen gift communicates sincerity and respect.

Maintain harmony in relationships

Gifts symbolise starting the year on good terms, smoothing out any past misunderstandings.

Show appreciation to colleagues, employees, or clients

Professionally, CNY gifting keeps relationships warm and signals that you value the partnership.

Share blessings of luck, wealth, and abundance

Each gift symbolises something — sweetness, prosperity, success, health, or a fresh start.

Because of these meanings, choosing the wrong gift can cause awkwardness or unintentionally create negative symbolism. That’s why this guide includes both the do’s and don’ts — so you feel prepared no matter who you’re gifting.

The Do’s — What You Should Give for Chinese New Year (and What They Symbolise)

These items are considered safe, auspicious, and meaningful. They work for family, friends, colleagues, in-laws, and even corporate gifting.

1. Sweet Gifts (Honey, Chocolates, Candied Fruits)

Symbolises: “A sweet, smooth year ahead”

Sweet foods are some of the most culturally meaningful CNY gifts because they represent a year filled with joy, harmony, and smooth relationships. Honey, in particular, stands out because it’s natural, pure, and deeply symbolic.

Why it works:

• universally safe
  
  

• suitable for kids, adults, elderly, clients
  
  

• doesn’t feel overly personal
  
  

• great for both small and big budgets
  
  

Examples:

• premium honey gift sets
  
  

• artisanal chocolates
  
  

• festive cookies
  
  

• candied kumquats or nuts
  
  

If you’re unsure what to give, something sweet is almost always the safest choice.

2. Hampers & Curated Gift Sets

Symbolises: abundance, prosperity, and fullness

A hamper reflects the idea of generosity and overflowing blessings. The variety inside — whether food, wellness items, or specialty treats — symbolises that you’re wishing the recipient an abundant year.

Why it works:

• makes an impressive presentation
  
  

• ideal for families and larger households
  
  

• suitable for gifting elders or clients
  
  

• removes the guesswork for you
  
  

• symbolically positive
  
  

Great options include mixed snacks, wellness sets, tea assortments, and honey gift boxes.

3. Tea & Tisanes

Symbolises: respect, elegance, harmony

Tea is a timeless gift because it reflects refinement and peaceful relationships. Gifting tea is seen as a gesture of respect (especially to elders), making it one of the most culturally safe options.

Why it works:

• appreciated by all ages
  
  

• simple but thoughtful
  
  

• perfect for elders, colleagues, or clients
  
  

• zero cultural taboos
  
  

High-quality jasmine tea, oolong tea, chrysanthemum tea, or wellness blends are excellent choices.

4. Mandarin Oranges

Symbolises: wealth, luck, and “gold”

Giving mandarins is one of the most iconic traditions of CNY gifting. The word “kam” sounds like “gold,” making oranges a symbol of prosperity and blessings.

Why it works:

• always appropriate
  
  

• works for anyone
  
  

• traditional and meaningful
  
  

• safe for last-minute gifting
  
  

They’re usually gifted in pairs to represent balance and harmony.

5. Wellness & Self-Care Gifts

Symbolises: good health, a balanced start, and peaceful energy

Modern CNY gifting has expanded beyond food into wellness. As more people prioritise self-care, gifting items that help people unwind feels both thoughtful and timely.

Why it works:

• gentle and neutral
  
  

• suitable for all genders and ages
  
  

• feels premium without being extravagant
  
  

Examples:

• essential oil rollers
  
  

• shower steamers
  
  

• diffusers
  
  

• bath teas
  
  

• gentle skincare bundles
  
  

Perfect for colleagues, friends, and family who’ve had a hectic year.

6. Auspicious Home or Desk Items (in Red or Gold)

Symbolises: luck, positive energy, protection

Small decorative pieces in auspicious colours can be a sweet touch — especially for someone who enjoys styling their space for the festive season.

Great picks include:

• coasters
  
  

• red or gold tableware
  
  

• festive-themed home décor
  
  

• desk organisers
  
  

• lucky knots or ornaments
  
  

These items add festive cheer while aligning with CNY symbolism.

The Don’ts — What to Avoid (and Why They’re Taboo)

Understanding what not to give matters just as much — these items are commonly avoided during CNY because their symbolism can be negative.

1. Clocks or Timepieces

Clocks are one of the most well-known taboos in Chinese New Year gifting. In Chinese, the phrase “gifting a clock” (送钟 sòng zhōng) sounds similar to attending a funeral, making it strongly associated with endings, time running out, and even death. 

Because CNY is about renewal, longevity, and fresh beginnings, anything symbolising the end of time is considered extremely unlucky — even if the clock is beautifully designed or expensive.

2. Sharp Objects (Knives, Scissors)

Sharp objects are traditionally avoided during the festive season because they symbolise cutting ties or severing relationships. Even a high-quality kitchen knife set or a pair of premium scissors carries the unintended message of division or separation. 

No matter how practical they may seem, these gifts send the wrong symbolic meaning during a time that celebrates unity and togetherness.

3. Pears

Pears might seem harmless, but they’re considered an inauspicious gift because the word for “pear” (梨 lí) sounds like the word for “separation” (离 lí). This phonetic similarity makes them symbolic of parting ways. 

Even gifting a pair of pears doesn’t cancel out the meaning — it actually reinforces it — so they’re best avoided entirely during Chinese New Year.

4. Mirrors or Fragile Items

Mirrors and other fragile gifts come with cultural sensitivities. If they break, they’re believed to bring misfortune, and mirrors in particular are sometimes associated with attracting spirits or negative energies. 

Because CNY focuses on positivity, protection, and good luck, fragile or reflective items can unintentionally invite the opposite symbolism.

5. White or Black Packaging

Packaging matters just as much as the gift itself. White and black are traditionally associated with mourning, funerals, or bad luck, so they’re avoided during festive celebrations. Even if the gift inside is auspicious, wrapping it in these colours can overshadow the intention. 

Red, gold, orange, and festive patterns are the safest and most joyful options.

6. Overly Personal Gifts

Items like lingerie, perfume, clothing, or intimate skincare may seem thoughtful but can feel too personal — especially when gifting colleagues, acquaintances, or in-laws. 

These items might unintentionally suggest intimacy or assumptions about preferences. Unless you are very close to the recipient, it’s safer to stick to neutral, non-personal gifts during CNY.

7. Empty Boxes or “Empty Gifts”

Gifting something empty — whether it’s an unfilled jar, an empty container, or an incomplete set — symbolises lack, emptiness, and “starting the year with nothing.” 

Chinese New Year is all about fullness, abundance, and prosperity, so gifts should feel complete, generous, and substantial. Even a small gift should look intentional and meaningful.

Why Honey Is a Safe (and Auspicious) CNY Gift

Honey is one of the most auspicious and universally safe Chinese New Year gifts you can give. It beautifully symbolises sweet beginnings, making it a heartfelt wish for harmony, smooth relationships, and joyful moments in the year ahead. 

It’s also culturally neutral, carrying no taboos, religious restrictions, or negative associations — which makes it suitable for anyone, from elders and families to colleagues, friends, and clients. 

Beyond symbolism, honey is practical and well-loved across all ages; it fits naturally into daily routines whether used in tea, breakfasts, cooking, or wellness rituals. 

When presented in an elegant gift box or curated hamper, it also feels premium without being extravagant, striking the perfect balance between thoughtful and refined. 

If you’re selecting gifts for teams, business partners, or corporate events, honey pairs especially well with curated sets — and you can explore more business-friendly options in our CNY Corporate Gifts guide for added inspiration.

FAQs About Chinese New Year Gifts

1. What’s the safest CNY gift if I don’t know the person well?

Honey, tea, cookies, or a small hamper — they’re universally appreciated.

2. Is alcohol okay to give as CNY gift?

Yes, but only if you’re certain the recipient drinks. Otherwise, choose food or wellness gifts.

3. How many items should I include in a CNY gift bundle?

Even numbers (especially pairs) are auspicious.

4. Can I give skincare or perfume?

Only to close friends or family. These items can be too personal for colleagues or in-laws.

5. What colours are appropriate for wrapping a CNY gift?

Red, gold, orange, or festive prints. Avoid black and white.

Conclusion — Celebrate With Gifts That Bring Luck, Warmth, and Abundance

Chinese New Year gifting doesn’t have to feel stressful or complicated. When you understand the symbolism behind each gift, choosing becomes simple — and deeply meaningful.

The right CNY gift doesn’t just follow tradition. It strengthens relationships, brings joy, and shares blessings for the year ahead.

If you’re ready to find meaningful, auspicious gifts, browse our curated Gift Boxes Collection for CNY-ready sets that are thoughtful, festive, and beautifully packaged.

And after the CNY festivities, gifting often becomes more personal—our Valentine’s Day gift guide shares thoughtful ideas for quieter, more intimate moments.