December 31 may feel like a lifetime ago but there’s another New Year on the horizon: Chinese New Year.
The event is marked by more than two billion people on Earth, in China as well as diaspora across the world with plenty of food, parades and of course, present-giving.
The Lunar calendar follows 12 animals of the zodiac, and 2024 is the dragon's moment to shine.
When is Chinese New Year in 2024?
The auspicious date falls on February 10 with parties and rituals running for just over a fortnight. Also known as chunjie, or the Spring Festival, the event heralds the beginning of a brand new season.
London is on track to celebrate the event with a huge parade running from Charing Cross down to Trafalgar Square and plenty of partying in the capital's Chinatown.
What animal is it this Lunar New Year?
Various animals mark the Chinese calendar on a 60-year rotation. This year it’s the turn of the dragon, the fifth creature in the Chinese zodiac that represents luck, strength and health. The fiery creature is also known as Loong.
What gifts should you give for Chinese New Year?
Traditional gifts usually take the form of cash tucked inside an auspicious red envelope (red is regarded as a lucky colour in the East) or two mandarin oranges offered with both hands.
That said, gifting has become a major part of the celebrations with major brands and luxury retailers creating limited-edition products and collections to mark the occasion. From beauty hall favourites to gourmet bundles of fine food and drink, there's something for everyone on your list.
Whether you’re celebrating or know someone who is, we’ve created an edit of the best gift ideas to give this incoming Lunar New Year.
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Fortnums The Lunar New Year Hamper
Whether you're celebrating at home or want a lavish gift to give to your party hosts, Fortnums has you covered with a special edition hamper. A wicker basket stuffed with the Mayfair institution's finest packets of biscuits, tea and chocolates, making it a winner for all the family. Dispatched from January 30 to guarantee freshness.
Buy now £160.00, F&M
Harrods Chinese New Year Tuck Box
Fortnums isn't the only one to put together a foodie hamper in honour of the incoming year. Harrods too has its own version, packed with delights ranging from milk chocolate and loose-leaf jasmine tea to a special Biscuiteers cookie shaped like the fictional animal of the hour. Treats to share - or enjoy on your own.
Buy now £80.00, Harrods
Loveness Lee The Dragon Zodiac ring
What better way to herald a new lunar year than with a fresh trinket for your jewellery box? Made with recycled silver, the unisex signet from jeweller Loveness Lee bears Chinese calligraphy for the year of the dragon. Available in three sizes.
Buy now £175.00, Loveness Lee
Lancôme Advanced Génifique limited-edition serum 115ml
The beauty behemoth's bestselling skin elixir has been given a suitably celebratory makeover for New Year gifting. Encased in a stunning red floral box, the serum is packed with hydrating and anti-ageing ingredients to help you put your best face forward. Glow get 'em.
Buy now £150.00, Selfridges
Yensa Lunar New Year gift box
A limited edition beauty set packed with superfood beauty from Yensa is an easy gift to give at New Year. This set comes with lipstick and lip oil infused with a cocktail of nourishing oils - think avocado seed oil, flaxseed oil and chia seed oil - to help you glow through the celebrations.
Buy now £60.00, Yensa
MCM x A Bathing Ape Ottomar faux-leather holdall bag
Prepare for a fresh year of adventure with MCM x A Bathing Ape's collab for the New Year. Crafted from high-quality faux leather and finished with a dragon pattern, the holdall is ideal for all kinds of travel.
Buy now £1190.00, Selfridges
Barbour Lunar New Year Collection
Barbour has joined the Lunar New Year party with a capsule collection that brings motifs of Chinese tradition with its iconic English silhouette. With bold slashes of lucky red, the limited edition line spans everything from wax and quilted jackets to accessories like scarves and baseball caps.
Prices from £24.95.
Buy now, Barbour
Maison Courvoisier: Special Edition L’Essence de Courvoisier Gift Box
If you've got the cash to splash, this special edition cognac from Courvoisier is bound to get the right reaction. Collaborating with celebrated Chinese painter and artist, Jiannan Huang, the bottle sits in a box inspired by his original dragon painting.
As for the spirit itself, it's crafted by combining more than a hundred rare eaux-de-vie from the most exclusive crus in the Cognac region. Superior, sweet and smouldering, this is a drop of something truly remarkable.
Buy now £3500.00, Harvey Nichols
Venchi Lunar New Year Hamper with assorted chocolates 317 g
What sweeter way to start a year afresh than with luxury choccies from upmarket confectioner Venchi? There are a few options in the Lunar New Year Exclusive collection, all handsomely dressed in red parcels with dragon motifs. This box holds an assortment of flavours - think Tiramisù, Gianduja and Piedmont Hazelnuts - that are perfect for sharing with the ones you hold dear.
Buy now £44.00, Venchi
The Peninsula Boutique Chinese New Year Cookies and Tea gift box 116g
A passion for tea and biscuits is one of the many things Britain shares with China. To usher in the Lunar New Year, The Peninsula has put together this beautifully packaged box of treats. Containing tasty butter cookies to nibble with freshly brewed Pu'er tea sachets.
Buy now £42.00, Selfridges
JELLYCAT Snow Dragon little soft toy 26cm
Okay, so it's not an official Lunar New Year gift, but this sweet Jellycat dragon is far too fitting to leave off our list. Perfect for getting little ones into the spirit, the plush toy is suitable for newborns as well as older kids. Hand wash only.
Buy now £28.00, Selfridges
Hennesy V.S.O.P Chinese New Year 2024 Limited Edition
The iconic cognac brand is marking the incoming zodiac year with a very special collectors edition. The stunning red bottle comes housed in an illustrated dragon-themed gift box, making it an ideal gift.
Buy now £65.00, Harrods
Swarovski Asian Symbols Dragon Ornament
Add to your recipient’s decorations with Swarovski’s beautiful dragon figurine, designed to celebrate Lunar New Year. The critter glimmers in the light thanks to 187 facets of red and golden crystal. The piece is finished with bright red and orange tassels, in shade considered lucky in Chinese culture.
Buy now £80.00, Swarovski
LLADRÓ Redwood Fire Dragon Diffuser (100ml)
Fresh scents are an excellent way to usher in a brand new year, and Lladro's diffuser does it beautifully. The gold-tone glass and delicate porcelain design contain a heady Redwood Fire scent, brimming with notes of violet, mimosa, cedar and sandalwood.
Buy now £60.00, Harrods
