Tips

The Perfect Gift for Your Loved Ones This Lunar New Year

This Lunar New Year, spoil your loved ones with thoughtful gifts. Check out our unique suggestions that will surely delight your family and friends!

Administrator

20 July, 2024

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Giving gifts is a beautiful tradition in Vietnamese culture, especially during the Lunar New Year. As the holiday approaches, the market buzzes with an array of Tet gifts, offering a wide variety of options that can make it challenging to choose the perfect present for your loved ones.

If you’re feeling indecisive, this article will provide you with some thoughtful gift ideas for different recipients.

1Beer and Liquor

Beer and liquor are considered national favorites and are often given as gifts to family, friends, colleagues, and even bosses. They symbolize friendship and respect, making them a popular choice during the festive season.

Beer and liquor—a token of friendship and respect.

2Soft Drinks

Soft drinks are another popular choice among the Vietnamese during Tet. With a variety of brands, flavors, and packaging options, soft drinks make for a great gift for friends and are often well-received.

Soft drinks are a popular choice for Tet gifts.

3Dried Tea and Tea Bags

Tea has long been associated with health, warmth, and family gatherings in Vietnamese culture. Although it may not be the most expensive gift, people often choose the finest tea to present to their friends and colleagues, wishing them good health and happiness in the new year.

For older recipients, such as grandparents or parents, tea is a thoughtful gift, conveying your wishes for their well-being.

Tea—a symbol of health and warmth.

4Bird’s Nest Drink

Bird’s nest drink, or yến sào, was once a delicacy reserved for royalty and the social elite. Today, it has become more accessible, with improved quality and affordable pricing. As a result, it is a common gift choice for parents, grandparents, and elderly relatives, conveying your wishes for their good health and longevity.

Bird’s nest drink—a gift of health and well-being.

5Feng Shui and Lucky Charms

For entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals, Feng Shui charms and lucky charms hold great significance. These items are believed to attract good fortune and prosperity in the coming year.

Popular choices include horses, Fu Lu Shou (Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity), carp, and golden pigs.

Feng shui and lucky charms for good fortune.

6Cosmetics

Moving away from traditional gifts, cosmetics have become a trendy and unique gift option. With an increasing focus on self-care and beauty for both men and women, cosmetics make for a thoughtful present.

Whether it’s makeup for the ladies or skincare for the gentlemen, cosmetics are a great way to show your loved ones or close friends that you care about their self-care routines.

Cosmetics—a modern gift idea.

The tradition of giving Tet gifts is a beautiful way for the Vietnamese to express their well-wishes for a prosperous and happy new year. With careful consideration, these gift ideas will help you choose meaningful presents for your loved ones.

For more interesting reads about Tet, visit […]

Frequently asked questions

A personalized, handmade gift is always a thoughtful option. Consider a customized piece of jewelry or a unique artwork that symbolizes luck, prosperity, and good health for the recipient. Such gifts show your loved ones that you care about their well-being and want them to thrive in the coming year.

In Asian culture, each year is associated with one of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The element for 2023 is ‘Water’. Gifts that represent this element can bring good luck and harmony to the recipient. For example, a beautiful water-themed painting or a fountain pen with a customized ink bottle can be elegant and meaningful choices.

To ensure cultural sensitivity, avoid gifts that may have negative connotations or associations. Stay away from items that are overly flashy or extravagant, as they may be considered inappropriate or even offensive in some cultures. Instead, opt for gifts that are elegant, meaningful, and in line with the values of the Lunar New Year, such as good fortune, health, and family unity.

Yes, colors play a significant role in Asian cultures. Red and gold are considered lucky and are often used during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Incorporating these colors into your gift, whether it’s through packaging or the actual gift itself, can be a thoughtful touch. However, avoid solely using black and white, as they are traditionally associated with mourning.

Non-material gifts, such as experiences or donations made in the recipient’s name, can be incredibly meaningful. Consider gifting a spa treatment, a cooking class, or tickets to a cultural performance. Alternatively, make a donation to a charity or cause that is close to the recipient’s heart. These types of gifts show that you value their happiness and well-being beyond material possessions.