Ask a QuestionDuring Chinese New Year, people will give gifts to their loved ones to express their care and bring gifts when you are invited is always a courtesy beyond nationalities. So what to bring when are going to visit someone during Chinese New Year? And is there any taboo in delivering gifts in China? Here we are offering safety answers.
Alcohol: During Chinese New Year time, every family enjoys big meal every day. It is quite suitable to bring alcohols or wines when you are visiting your friends especially they are very fond of drinking. White spirits are traditional Chinese alcohols and popular sellers during Chinese New Year. Popular white spirits like Fen Jiu, Luzhou Laojiao, Honghua Lang, Guojiao in fact almost every alcohol will change to a red festive appearance package for a better sale during this time of year. Just remember that you shall bring two bottles, as things are auspicious in pairs regarding to gifts in Chinese culture.
Tobacco: If your friends are smokers then tobacco could be a happy choice. Some cigarettes in China can be expensive such as Nanjing or Zhonghua, yet gifts are about care and courtesy rather than sending dear gifts and expecting for equivalent reward. So pick those ones which your friend often has will do, but remember give one single pack is impolite, one bar is a proper gift and two bars are the best!
Home Supplies: If you are visiting a new-married couple, or your host has just moved to a new house, some home supplies couldn’t be better. Things like juicer, tea set or kitchen crockery are wise choices.
Hat, Gloves, Scarf or Clothes: when you are visiting elderly people, things that matters to their health or comfort would be a good gift. Warm hat, gloves, scarf or clothes are clever choice for keep them comfortable during New Year time as it is winter.
Massage chair, Foot bath massager or Fitness equipments: fitness equipments are always welcomed by seniors. Massage chair, foot spa machine and massage pillow are all reasonable choices.
Tonic Products: For seniors who are not in perfect health conditions, gifts such as tonic products, such as cubilose, ginseng and cordyceps are wise choices. Just carefully check the warranty print and expire dates when you are paying for it.
School stationary & Books: They are always welcome by their parents for improving their studies.
Toys, Candy & Chocolates: Barbie dolls for little girls and transformation toys for little boy. Candies & chocolates are just common sense.
Red Envelopes: Red envelopes are most popular within kids during Chinese New Year time. They would always be happy for having some pocket money at their own expense.
However, there are certain taboos and rules in lucky numbers in China. 6, 9, 8 are the lucky and welcome numbers in China, 3 ,4, 7are not good as they sounds similar to departed, death and angry respectively.
Don’t know how much to pack for an red envelop? Numbers like 18, 28, 58, 68, 168 and 188 are all good numbers when you are send red envelopes. As for a foreigner in China, how much exactly to put in the red packet is not restrictively ruled. It depends on how close they are to you, normally, it varies from 20- 200.Learn about Chinese gift ideas and gift giving etiquette.
Learn more about Sending Red Packet (lucky money) via Wechat & Alipay.
No black and white color: Auspicious colors for Chinese are red and golden color, black and white color are linked with funerals.
No green hat: Green hat is suggesting the host’s wife has an affair outside.
No odd numbers: In Chinese culture, auspicious things come in pair.
Necklace, ties or belt: They are for boyfriends or girlfriends, too personal to give to normal friends.
1. Remove price tag.
2. Don’t give/ open gifts in public.
3. Check expire dates if it’s food or drink.
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