The time for lavish Lunar New Year gift-giving has arrived in Malaysia as we usher in a promising Year of the Dragon 2025! Beautifully wrapped red packets stuffed with new banknotes, cheeky beckoning cats waving luck and elaborate fruit hampers wishing sweet prosperity make beloved homebound presents.
Celebrate centuries of gift-giving tradition by picking one of these 10 exceptional Chinese New Year offerings with delicious snacks, uplifting decor pieces, splendid floral bouquets and tantalising teas. Inside each meaningful gift lies tangible hopes for a fortuitous 2025 filled with happiness, wealth and harmony for all receivers, whether family, colleagues or houseguests.
What Should You Avoid Getting as Gifts for the Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in Malaysia by diverse cultures, religions and beliefs. Although it is gratifying for friends to gather around to celebrate it, cultural gaps are inevitable, and there might still be things that people are unaware of. To avoid gifting the wrong things or gifts that could turn into a bad omen, we have listed some of the things you should avoid getting for Chinese New Year here:
| Avoid Gifting | Reason Why You Should Avoid It |
| Clocks and Watches | The word for “clock” sounds like “the end” or “death,” symbolising negativity. |
| Sharp Objects | Items like knives suggest cutting ties and are seen as inauspicious. |
| Umbrellas | The word for umbrella sounds like “separation,” implying a desire for distance. |
| Shoes | Giving shoes may symbolise cursing or scolding, making it impolite. |
| White or Black Items | These colours are associated with mourning and are inappropriate for celebrations. |
| Mirrors | Mirrors are believed to attract evil spirits and reflect negative energy. |
| Chrysanthemums | Associated with funerals, gifting chrysanthemums is considered inauspicious. |
| Gifts in Sets of Four | The number four sounds like “death” and is considered unlucky. |
| Handkerchiefs | Symbolising farewell, handkerchiefs may convey a message of separation. |
| Empty Red Envelopes | Red envelopes with no money can be interpreted as harmful or insensitive. |
What Are Special Sayings For Chinese New Year?
Choosing the best greetings for your gift is essential to convey your feelings appropriately. Here are some of the popular greetings that you can communicate to your loved ones and to your friends who are celebrating Chinese New Year:
- 恭贺新禧 (gōng hè xīn xǐ) – Good luck in the year ahead.
- 心想事成 (xīn xiǎng shì chéng) – May all your wishes come true.
- 万事如意 (wàn shì rú yì) – May everything go well for you.
- 笑口常开 (xiào kǒu cháng kāi) – May your year be filled with abundance of smiles and laughter.
You can also check out more Chinese New Year greetings and wishes for variety in your gifts here.
Read more about planning your Chinese New Year here:
- Chinese New Year Promotions
- Best Chinese New Year Hampers in Malaysia
- Best Chinese New Year Outfits in Malaysia
10 Best Chinese New Year Gifts In Malaysia 2025
1. Prosperity Happiness Hamper
One of the finest ways to ring in the new year with your family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones is with a hamper full of lovely treats. The gift basket also includes a gift card on which you may write a special note expressing your love, thanks, and concern for your special someone. Also, you can choose from a selection of craftily curated hampers you know your loved ones will enjoy.
Specifications:
- Features: Food items
- Types Available: BZH168 福兔迎祥, BZH178 醒狮迎春, BZH198 鼎盛千秋, BZH258 钱兔似锦, BZH268 财运旺旺 素食 Vegan, BZH318 如鱼得水, BZH398 兔气扬眉, BZH498 财兴聚宝, BZH598 富贵有余, BZH698 鴻兔大展, BZH798 醒狮添福, BZH898 繁荣富足
- Size Available: Standard size
Pros:
✅Complimentary gift card
✅Beautiful presentation
✅Suitable for anyone
Price: RM158.00 – RM898.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Signature Market Yī Tea Selection: Five Herbal Elemen-TEA (五行精选养生花茶)
The Tea Packet makes an excellent Chinese New Year gift for families and friends as they are healthy to drink and tasty too. You can choose from various flavours that suit your loved ones’ tastes. Also, the tea packets are convenient to carry around, making them suitable to bring when outdoors or travelling.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Body Clearing Tea (排毒养肺茶); – Lavender (薰衣草), Chamomile (洋菊花), Jasmine (茉莉花), Osmanthus (桂花), Verbena (马鞭草). Heat Clearing Tea (清心宁神茶); –Fiveleaf Gynostemma (五叶绞股蓝), Roselle (洛神花), Rosemary (迷迭香), Calendula (金盏花), Myosotis Sylvatica (森林勿忘我). Tummy Warming Tea (温养脾胃茶); –Ginger Black Sugar Cube (黑糖姜块), Longan Arillus (龙眼), Red Dates (红枣), Goji Berries (枸杞), Ginger Slices (姜片), Rose (玫瑰花). Qi Soothing Tea (保肝顺气茶); – Rose (玫瑰花), King Chrysanthemum (菊花王), Jasmine (茉莉花), Raspberry Leaves (覆盆子叶), Stevia (甜叶菊). Yin Replenishing Tea (补肾养阴茶); – Honey Rock Sugar Cube (蜂蜜冰糖块), Chrysanthemum (菊花), Mulberries (桑葚), Cassia Seeds (决明子), Goji Berries (枸杞), Honeysuckle (金银花).
- Flavours: Body Clearing Tea, Heat Clearing Tea, Tummy Warming Tea, Qi Soothing Tea, Yin Replenishing Tea
- Shelf life: 12 months
Pros:
✅Increase blood flow
✅Removes toxic from lungs
✅Good for digestive system
Price: RM37.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Oriental Pineapple Tart
Pineapple Tarts stand out as a delightful gift choice for Chinese New Year, offering a scrumptious treat that brings people together. These delectable cookies hold special significance, symbolising the ushering in of good fortune. In Chinese, the term for pineapple, ông-lâi 鳳梨 translates to “fortune come,” emphasising the auspicious nature of this gift. Sharing Pineapple Tarts is not just a culinary delight but also a meaningful gesture, wishing your loved ones prosperity and happiness in the coming year.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Pineapple, Butter, Condensed milk, Flour, Malt, Honey, Sugar
- Flavours: Original
- Size Available: 20g x 20 pieces
Pros:
✅Auspicious wishing
✅No preservative
✅Well-loved treat during Chinese New Year
Price: RM39.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Tong Garden Baked Nuts and Berry Mix
It is well known that nuts and dry fruits are rich in essential nutrients, making it a great present for your family and friends of any age. They come in small packages but are a great source of nutritional fibre, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Dry fruits and nuts offer numerous reasons to be a part of your diet, from cosmetic to therapeutic benefits.
Specifications:
- Ingredients: Raw Walnut, Raw Almond, Organic Black Raisin, Golden Iran Raisin, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Melon seeds, Cranberry
- Flavours: Standard
- Size Available: 160g, 250g, 800g
Pros:
✅Boosts energy
✅Available in three sizes
✅Ideal substitute for high-calorie snack
Price: RM33.28
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Fortune Cat
The Fortune Cat, Zhāo cái māo 招财猫 or “Maneki-Neko” in Japanese, is an auspicious and charming gift during Chinese New Year celebrations. This iconic figurine, often adorned in red and gold, symbolises good fortune, wealth, and prosperity. The cat is believed to beckon positive energy and attract financial success with its raised paw. Gifting a Fortune Cat is thoughtful, wishing the recipient a year of prosperity, good luck, and abundance. This traditional and delightful symbol is a visually appealing decoration and a meaningful token of well-wishing for the recipient’s prosperity in the coming year.
Specifications:
- Material: Ceramic
- Size Available: 25 – 38 cm
- Country of Origin: China
Pros:
✅Symbol of good luck
✅Cultural significance
✅Versatile decor
Price: RM138.80 – RM888.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. Glass Teapot Set
For a tea lover, you should know it is best to drink tea with a complimentary teapot set to deliver a whole tea-drinking experience. The teapot in this set is made of borosilicate glass, which is suitable for handling a high heat level without the teapot breaking or cracking. There are many options available for the teapot set, as you can choose according to what your loved one would prefer the most.
Specifications:
- Material: Borosilicate Glass, Bamboo
- Weight: 650g
- Volume Capacity: 1000ml
Pros:
✅Thick glass filter
✅Unique spout shape
✅Bamboo handle
Price: RM17.50 – RM 119.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. China King Tangerine (Mini Orange) 皇帝桔
Gifting mini tangerines during Chinese New Year holds great significance as these small citrus fruits symbolise prosperity, good fortune, and abundance. Tangerines’ round shape and vibrant colour are associated with fullness and wealth, making them a powerful emblem of positive energy for the upcoming year. Moreover, the pronunciation of “tangerine” in Chinese sounds similar to the words for “luck” and “wealth,” adding a linguistic play that enhances their auspicious nature..
Specifications:
- Nutrition: Excellent source of vitamin C, and contains high levels of vitamins A and B
- Weight: 36g
- Country of Origin: China
Pros:
✅Simple but meaningful
✅Sweet
✅Suitable for children and adults
Price: RM17.94
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Scented Candle
Nothing says fresh and calm better than a scented candle. The Honest Wick Hand-Poured Scented Candles are made from 100% natural soy wax imported from the United States of America. These scented candles have a burning time of approximately 20 hours and are long-lasting. These candles can be used in the bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, etc.
Specifications:
- Material: 100% Natural Soy Wax
- Types Available: E.Pear & Freesia, Magnolia & Peony, Mandarin & Cedarwood, Wood Sage & Sea Salt, Cherry Blossom, Basil & Neroli, White Jasmine & Mint
- Size Available: 110g
Pros:
✅Hand poured
✅Wooden wick
✅Available in many scents
Price: RM45.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Tong Shu Planner
Given that the Chinese New Year falls in the midst of January, a planner would make an excellent gift for those who enjoy organising their months and creating extensive to-do lists. This planner comes in two versions – one pre-dated and another undated – providing the flexibility to choose according to the recipient’s preference. This convenient and visually appealing planner resembles a personalised Tong Shu Calendar, aiding in identifying unfavourable days and highlighting favourable ones. This feature is particularly useful for optimising productivity and success during the Year of the Wood Dragon.
Specifications:
- Size: Width (6 in) x Height (9 in)
- Colours: Metallic Maroon, Metallic Blue
- Publication: Gerak Budaya
Pros:
✅Convenient size
✅Personalised Tong Shu Calendar
✅Aesthetically pleasing
Price: RM17.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Makeup Set – YOU All-Day Makeup Set
Selecting the Y.O.U All Day Makeup Set for Chinese New Year gift-giving is an excellent choice. This comprehensive set comprises the NoutriWear+ Airy Fit Loose Powder, Velvet Liquid Foundation SPF 25 PA+++, Silky Pressed Foundation, and Complete Cover Concealer. Each product boasts distinct advantages, including an airy smooth formula, 24-hour sebum control, and the benefits of Immortelle C-lock Essence for antioxidant properties. The Velvet Liquid Foundation, featuring Litestay™️ Technology, ensures up to 24 hours of impeccable coverage. With its blend of versatility and high-quality formulations, this set stands out as a thoughtful and radiant gift option for the festive season.
Specifications:
- Brand: Y.O.U
- Features: Loose powder, Liquid foundation, Pressed foundation, Cover concealer
- Shelf life: 2 years
Pros:
✅Value set
✅Suitable for all skin types
✅Nourishing formula
Price: RM126.89
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
