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The 23 Best Lunar New Year Gifts for Good Luck in 2024

Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with these gifts from AAPI-owned brands and chosen by experts.

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Every item on this page was chosen by a Woman's Day editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Depending on the region, Lunar New Year celebrations will vary in terms of their food, decorations, and even greetings, but what connects them all is the joyful gathering of friends and family. With this comes the opportunity to give Lunar New Year gifts, a tradition that typically emphasizes wealth and growth in the year ahead. To guide your shopping for the holiday, Woman’s Day consulted with experts on the best gifts for Lunar New Year: Joanne Kwong, President and Second-Generation Owner of Pearl River Mart, and the team at Welcome To Chinatown, a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying small businesses in their community.

Kwong shares that popular Lunar New Year presents include “red envelopes with lucky money (typically given to children and singletons from those who are married), fruit like tangerines (which represent prosperity), and flowers such as peach blossoms (for prosperity and growth), plum blossoms (for endurance and courage), or peonies (for richness and peace).” Since 2024 marks the Year of the Dragon, Kwong also recommends incorporating this zodiac sign, which in Chinese culture is “powerful and benevolent, symbolizing strength, good fortune, and wisdom,” into this year’s gift giving.

You’ll want to be careful to avoid certain items as well. Kwong recommends steering clear of “sharp items like knives or scissors, since they imply the cutting of ties.” Other no-nos are handkerchiefs, which are often given out at funerals, as well as the number four, considered the unluckiest number in Chinese culture. Lastly, Kwong advises not to gift clocks. “The phrase ‘give a clock’ sounds like ‘attend a funeral rite.’ They’re also a reminder that we’re all running out of time, and no one needs that, at least not during Lunar New Year!”

Read on for further gifting inspiration, including hand-picked favorites from Kwong and the Welcome To Chinatown team.

1
Traditional Lunar New Year Gift

Hong Bao Paper Red Envelopes

Amazon’s Choice
Hong Bao Paper Red Envelopes
1
Traditional Lunar New Year Gift

Hong Bao Paper Red Envelopes

$16 at Amazon
Credit: BINBE

The Welcome to Chinatown team says that "perhaps the best part of Chinese New Year" is the "handing out and receiving envelopes stuffed with money, called Hóngbāo (紅 包) or Lì shì (利是)." This set comes with 66 pieces to cover all of your loved ones.

2

Chinatown Dragon T-Shirt

Chinatown Dragon T-Shirt
2

Chinatown Dragon T-Shirt

Credit: Pearl River Mart

Joanne Kwong suggests celebrating the Year of the Dragon with this cool T-shirt. It features a logo designed by 4 Good Measure, an independent, Asian American-owned design firm in NYC.

3
Lunar New Year Flower Gift

The Grower's Choice Peony

The Grower's Choice Peony
3
Lunar New Year Flower Gift

The Grower's Choice Peony

Credit: UrbanStems

Welcome To Chinatown recommends gifting red, yellow, or pink flowers, which are perfect "to usher in the coming of spring." You can choose from a variety of florals connected to Lunar New Year, from peonies, to cherry blossoms, chrysanthemums, and orchids, but they do suggest avoiding "dark colors and cactus, since they aren’t seen as good luck based on feng shui principles."

RELATED: 75 Flowers and Their Meanings About Love and Strength

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4
Lunar New Year Card

Year of the Dragon Card

Year of the Dragon Card
4
Lunar New Year Card

Year of the Dragon Card

Credit: Pearl River Mart

For spreading warm wishes to family and friends, Joanne Kwong picks this greeting card from Pearl River Mart. It comes in three designs inspired by traditional Chinese "ink wash" painting.

5
Supports Japanese Family Businesses

The Lucky New Year Gift Box

The Lucky New Year Gift Box
5
Supports Japanese Family Businesses

The Lucky New Year Gift Box

Credit: Bokksu

This generous box features several gifts inspired by Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year. It comes with traditional Japanese cloth, porcelain plates, bath powders, tea, and snacks.

6
Lunar New Year Gift for Good Luck

Chinese Calligraphy Couplet Set

Chinese Calligraphy Couplet Set
6
Lunar New Year Gift for Good Luck

Chinese Calligraphy Couplet Set

Credit: MyLittleHand

Welcome To Chinatown explains that 'Fai Chun' couplets are calligraphy art pieces hung around the home as a symbol of "wishing everyone some good luck for the coming year." This Etsy selling offers various sets wishing blessings for business, family, single nobility, and happy work.

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7
Lunar New Year Gift for Kids

LEGO Lunar New Year Display Toy Set

Amazon’s Choice
Lunar New Year Display Toy Set
7
Lunar New Year Gift for Kids

LEGO Lunar New Year Display Toy Set

Credit: LEGO

For children ages 8+, this LEGO set doubles as a Lunar New Year activity as well as a holiday display for years to come. It includes 872 pieces that build two models featuring traditional symbols such as koi fish, red pockets, and peony flowers.

8
Lunar New Year Fruit Gift

Seasonal Fruit Discovery Box

Seasonal Fruit Discovery Box
8
Lunar New Year Fruit Gift

Seasonal Fruit Discovery Box

Credit: Umamicart

"Lunar New Year centers many of its customs through food and sharing a meal together," says Welcome To Chinatown, and "fruits like oranges and tangerines are the mainstays." This fruit discovery box captures that spirit, since it's curated by an expert produce team to showcase the best local Asian suppliers in NYC.

RELATED: Best New Year's Foods to Eat for Good Luck

9
Lunar New Year Food Gift

Fly By Jing Triple Threat Sauce Trio

Triple Threat Sauce Trio
9
Lunar New Year Food Gift

Fly By Jing Triple Threat Sauce Trio

For the spice lover in your life, this trio of Fly By Jing's best-selling Sichuan sauces is a great gift. It includes the good-on-everything Sichuan Chili Crisp, the sweet and tangy Zhong Sauce, and the spicy, savory Chengdu Crunch condiment.

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10
Lunar New Year Jewelry Gift

Awe Inspired Mulan Pendant

On Sale
Mulan Pendant
10
Lunar New Year Jewelry Gift

Awe Inspired Mulan Pendant

Now 46% Off
Credit: Awe Inspired

She can show her strength with this pendant featuring the Chinese warrior, Mulan, which comes in gold vermeil, sterling silver, yellow gold, and white gold. Awe Inspired also donates 20% of their proceeds to charity, with 1% of every purchase donated to a nonprofit of your choice.

11
Lunar New Year Plant Gift

Money Tree

Money Tree
11
Lunar New Year Plant Gift

Money Tree

Credit: The Sill

With its connotation for luck and good fortune, a Money Tree is very much aligned with the traditions around Lunar New Year. It's low-maintenance, is known for its resilience, and features a braided trunk that makes a fun addition to any living space.

12

Chinatown Dragon Tote Bag

Chinatown Dragon Tote Bag
12

Chinatown Dragon Tote Bag

Credit: Pearl River Mart

This colorful tote chosen by Joanne Kwong can be used throughout the year to carry everything from groceries to books and other personal belongings. Proceeds from purchasing it go to Chinatown, with a portion donated to charitable initiatives for the community.

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13
Lunar New Year Gift for Baby

Little Dumpling Booties

Little Dumpling Booties
13
Lunar New Year Gift for Baby

Little Dumpling Booties

Credit: Gulnara Kydyrmyshova

These handmade dumpling booties, designed for infants 6-12 months old, are so cute you'll want to eat them up. They even come with a felt steamer basket for storage.

14
Lunar New Year Gift for the Host

Lunar New Year Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Lunar New Year Napkin Rings, Set of 4
14
Lunar New Year Gift for the Host

Lunar New Year Napkin Rings, Set of 4

Credit: Pottery Barn

Since part of Lunar New Year festivities involves having extended family and friends over, these dragon napkin rings are a thoughtful touch for the hosts. Welcome To Chinatown says to just make sure to also "call everyone you know, especially your elders, and wish them a happy new year! Xīn nián hǎo (新年好), xīn nián kuài lè (新年快乐), gōng xǐ fā cái (恭喜发财)!"

RELATED: Chinese New Year Wishes to Send Your Friends and Family This Year

15
Personalized Lunar New Year Gift

Lunar New Year Personalized Farmhouse Candle Jar

Lunar New Year Personalized Farmhouse Candle Jar
15
Personalized Lunar New Year Gift

Lunar New Year Personalized Farmhouse Candle Jar

Credit: 1800Flowers

This mason jar candle features a scent called "Lakeside Rain," and can be customized with the recipient's name on the front, as well as up to six lines of text on the back.

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16
For Tea Enthusiasts

Lunar New Year 2024 – Year of the Dragon Tea

Lunar New Year 2024 – Year of the Dragon Tea
16
For Tea Enthusiasts

Lunar New Year 2024 – Year of the Dragon Tea

Credit: Harney & Sons

This tea blend from Harney & Sons is inspired by Nian Gao, a delicacy made of caramel, sesame, and coconut enjoyed during Lunar New Year celebrations.

17
Lunar New Year Gift Under $10

Dragon Enamel Pin

Dragon Enamel Pin
17
Lunar New Year Gift Under $10

Dragon Enamel Pin

Credit: Pearl River Mart

If you want to make a meaningful gesture without breaking the bank, Joanne Kwong suggests this enamel dragon pin. It's symbolic and eye-catching when worn on a backpack, tie, or clothing.

18
Lunar New Year Gift for Cooks

Our Place Spruce Steamer

Spruce Steamer
18
Lunar New Year Gift for Cooks

Our Place Spruce Steamer

Now 33% Off
Credit: Our Place

From dumplings to veggies, this steamer basket equips the home chef to make delicious dishes for Lunar New Year and beyond. It fits right into the Always Pan and Perfect Pot from Our Place to seal in steam. With over 2,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this will quickly become a go-to kitchen tool.

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19
For Sake Enthusiasts

Born “Gold” Sake

Born “Gold” Sake
19
For Sake Enthusiasts

Born “Gold” Sake

Credit: Tippsy

This "Gold" Sake, named after its extreme smoothness, is sure to impress friends and family during Lunar New Year celebrations.

20
Trendy Lunar New Year Gift

Frutta Coasters

Frutta Coasters
20
Trendy Lunar New Year Gift

Frutta Coasters

Credit: Notte x Dot

These unique coasters are handmade and kiln-fired. They connect to the holiday with their fruit theme, but are subtle enough to be a year-round fixture in the recipient's home.

Headshot of Samantha Lawyer
Samantha Lawyer

Sam Lawyer is a lifestyle writer and television producer based in New York City. She’s been contributing to Woman’s Day for nearly five years, and covers a variety of topics from gifting, to health, and entertainment. Her work has additionally been featured in Cosmopolitan, Country Living, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not writing or producing, you can find her binging her favorite Bravo shows or getting walked by her French Bulldog.

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