Because it's not Chinese New Year without a few little treats, here's our gift guide to help you buy CNY presents for the whole family...
It’s Chinese New Year! And we’re all on board for the CNY fun events for kids, we’ve booked our reunion dinner or takeaway, and the outfits are more or less sorted (check out our picks of the coolest CNY outfits for kids.) For the uninitiated, Chinese New Year celebrations involve quite a bit of prep, and that means sprucing up the home and wardrobes. We’re taking this as our cue to indulge in a bit of festive shopping, including some Chinese New Year gifts for the fam. Of course, we’re all about red packets as an essential on the gift front – but if you’re looking for other ideas for the perfect CNY gift, then look no further…
Chinese New Year gift guide for the whole family
1. Textiles from Onlewo
Local label Onlewo is winning us over with its beautiful textiles, wallpaper and homewares featuring prints inspired by Singapore scenes. We love the cushions (pictured top), with gorgeous kueh designs, ticking all the boxes for modern CNY style. What’s more, it’s perfect all year round. With prices starting from $48 per cushion, we may just snap up a few as a Chinese New Year gift for our home!
2. Lunar New Year Macarons from Bonheur Patisserie
The clever people that brought us delicate Hello Kitty, Frozen and Mr Men macarons have now created these adorable CNY editions. Warning: You’ll be fighting the kids for these. Bonheur Patisserie is only producing 200 sets of these gourmet delights so get in quick! Pre-order closes on 11 January. Missed the boat? Don’t worry, we’ve got loads more CNY snack ideas to keep you full!
3. Jewellery by Wabi Sabi and me
We are big fans of these Peranakan inspired tile studs from local jewellery designer Wabi Sabi and me and think they are the perfect CNY gift, or self-gift (which we all deserve once in a while!). We also love that the brand is all over sustainability, refashioning existing forms into wearable art, and therefore lessening the impact on the environment. Beautiful and sustainable!
4. CNY hampers and goodies from Shangri-La Singapore
If you want to treat family or friends, then look no further than these gourmet hampers from Shangri-La Singapore. Jam-packed with all the CNY essentials from Applewood Minced Pork Honey Bak Kwa and Original Pineapple Tarts to Wildflower Honey and Shang Palace Tea for the grown-ups! We’d be pretty happy if one of these landed on our doorstep (hint, hint).
5. CNY home furnishings from Singapore Trading Post
Forget the paper pineapples: this is the CNY fruit that keeps on giving. Singapore Trading Post‘s aluminium and nickel large pineapple box ($105) is really livening up our festive decor, and also makes a fun Chinese New Year gift!
6. Bracelets by Matrix Fengshui Blessings
While we’ve not quite gotten around to creating Fengshui perfection in our homes yet, we’re currently coveting the beautiful Silver Mystical Cuff Bracelets (in his and hers versions at $398 each) by Matrix Fengshui Blessings, available through Gifts Less Ordinary.
7. Nail Art from Nodspark
We’re keen to try these Chinese New Year inspired nail art stickers from Nodspark. Although a few of the most popular ones are already sold out, there are plenty of others to pick from. We’re sure if you’ve got littlies at home they might quite fancy having a go at these too!
8. LEGO gift sets inspired by Chinese New Year
One of our favourite Chinese New Year gifts for the kids (and the young at heart). If you want to keep them happy (and very busy) over the festive period, then check out these CNY LEGO kits. Celebrating Chinese culture and legends, pick from Story of Nian, Spring Lantern Festival, and for the younger kids; the Happy Childhood Moments set. We predict hours of fun!
9. Tonic gifts from Eu Yan Sang
Usher in the new year with good health via gift sets from Eu Yan Sang’s Chinese New Year catalogue. Gift the Golden Blessings Bottled Bird’s Nest ($98) to those who will appreciate an extra big boost of wellness, especially after a busy and stressful period. We’re really loving the limited edition 12 Tiger Premium Abalone gift set ($128) – very fitting in commemorating the Year of the Tiger!
10. Sweet treats from Janice Wong
You can always rely on Janice Wong to come up with decadent delicacies for any occasion. And, this confectionary connoisseur certainly didn’t disappoint with its lunar new year collection. From traditional favourites like kueh bangkit to the more artisanal choices like chocolate koi, these sweet treats make lovely gift sets for anyone and everyone.
11. Porcelain set from ShopGifts
Looking for a beautiful yet practical gift? We recommend this Chinese New Year porcelain set, which features the zodiac tiger design. You can choose to purchase from two to six bowls, which comes with wooden chopsticks too. The perfect companion to gift idea #5, we say!
Gong Xi Fa Cai, everyone!
