A week from now, a quarter of the world’s population will be celebrating Lunar New Year. For Asian Australians, it’s like Christmas all over again, but better: it’s two weeks of free-flowing food and money! Our boy Ronny Chieng knows. It’s the season of receiving.
If you’re invited to a Lunar New Year get-together but don’t know what to bring over, we’ve got a few ideas for last-minute gifts. Remember: shoes off if you’re invited to their houses next week!
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year refers to the start of the new year on the lunar calendar. This calendar is followed across different cultures around the world, including traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Burmese and other cultures.
As most of the world follows the good ol’ Gregorian calendar, the Lunar New Year falls on a different date every year, but it generally falls between January and February. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on January 29 (Wednesday). So, if your Asian colleagues take a day off work, you know why!
What are the Lunar New Year traditions?
Lunar New Year traditions vary across different Asian cultures, but a few important ones are similar.
The night before Lunar New Year, family members get together for what is called “reunion dinner”. What is served varies: they can go from dumplings to expensive seafood like lobster – it’s a guaranteed feast.
Fireworks, red envelopes, as well as lion and dragon dances are unskippable traditions, too.
The best last-minute Lunar New Year gifts
There’s something for every giftee, from wealth bowls and good fortune models to door hangings and hampers.
Royal Selangor Year Of The Snake Wealth Bowl
I remember cheering when Royal Selangor was briefly mentioned in an old Kath & Kim episode. Those ladies have immaculate taste.
Founded in 1885, Royal Selangor is the manufacturer of the world’s finest pewter. Any home accessory or collectible you desire, they’ve probably already made an expensive version of it: just look at the pewter maker’s Lord Of The Rings chess set and limited edition Game Of Thrones goblets.
This wealth bowl will bring good ‘feng shui’ to whoever possesses it, trust.
Thomas Sabo Romance Snake Ring in Gold
Thomas Sabo is welcoming Lunar New Year with gorgeous snake-themed jewellery, and this snake ring has quickly become a bestseller on its site. Thanks to its sophisticated design, you might also low-key feel like Taylor Swift in her “Look What You Made Me Do” era.
LEGO Good Fortune Display Model
Got kids at home? This LEGO set will keep them busy while you’re shooting the shit with your mates over Lunar New Year drinks.
POP MART Labubu New Year Celebration Series
Introducing Labubu, Asia’s answer to Sonny Angels. People in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong fly across oceans and queue for hours just to get their hands on a single figurine.
A single Labubu ranges from $30 up to thousands of dollars depending on rarity – but don’t worry, this particular one won’t break the bank.
Godiva Lunar New Year Gift Tin
A feast is not complete without a sweet treat at the end. Godiva’s festive special chocolate is always a winner at family gatherings (source: me, a Godiva enthusiast).
Armani Exchange Lunar New Year Snake Pattern T-Shirt
This shirt is perfect for guys who want to participate in Lunar New Year festivities but don’t give enough of a shit to dress up. Put it on and earn compliments from friends and family!
Gourmet Basket Season Of Prosperity Hamper
We love a hamper. We love it even more when a hamper contains only food.
T2 Sipper’s Staples Tea Bag Gift Pack
And why not have a cup of tea alongside a delicious Godiva choccy? T2’s gift pack is perfect for the occasion.
CASETiFY Gold Kingsnake phone case
A phone case is always a solid gift idea, and our friends at CASETiFY always come through with slick, timely designs. This gold kingsnake phone case can be used outside of Lunar New Year, too, and doesn’t go out of style.
Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler And Dryer (Red Velvet/Gold)
Red is the default colour this season and one we can get around, too – especially when it comes to cult favourite lifestyle brand Dyson.
Seed Heritage Linen Button Through Mini Dress (Red)
It’s customary to dress up in new clothes on Lunar New Year as it symbolises welcoming the new, i.e. good fortune and prosperity.
Super Duolingo
As waves of English speakers continue to seek refuge on Xiaohongshu after TikTok’s short ban, it’s time for you and your Asian Australian mates to start learning Mandarin to broaden your horizons.
Duolingo is free, but if you want to master the world’s toughest language in a short amount of time, try Super Duolingo, the ad-free premium version of the owl app.
Now, these are just a few of the gifts we’d recommend giving for the Lunar New Year. A whole bunch of brands are offering gifting for the occasion, like Mecca, Astrid & Miyu, Haigh’s and more.
Image Credit: Royal Selangor / Casetify / LEGO / Godiva / POP MART / Thomas Sabo
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