Discover the best luxury Lunar New Year gift ideas to make the Year of the Water Rabbit a wonderful and prosperous year. Gong Hei Fat Choy, Gong Xi Fa Cai, and happy Lunar New Year to all.
Jump to the 15 Best Luxury Gifts for Lunar New Year
What is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year, sometimes referred to as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar. The first day of the Lunar New Year begins on the first new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February.
Around the world, Lunar New Year is celebrated with unique traditions and cultural celebrations. Celebrations include lavish festivities, spending time with loved ones, feasting on traditional dishes, and gift-giving. Parades and performers fill the streets, and the air is filled with fireworks, lanterns, and cooking spices. For decorations, you’ll see lots of red and gold and lots of images depicting the Chinese Zodiac animal of the lunar cycle.
What are the Chinese New Year Zodiac Animals?
The Chinese zodiac has 12 animals. The animals in order are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. In some countries, the animals differ from the Chinese zodiac. For example, the second animal in Vietnam is a Buffalo instead of an Ox, and the Cat replaces the Rabbit. In the Thai zodiac, there is no Dragon. Instead, they have a mythical serpent called the “Naga”.
What is the difference between the Chinese zodiac and the Western zodiac?
There are a few similarities between the Chinese zodiac calendar and Western astrology. Both use a time cycle split into 12 parts, ascribing a person’s specific characteristics depending on their birth. The difference between the Lunar New Year calendar and the Western zodiac is that the Lunar New Year calendar follows a twelve-year cycle rather than a monthly rotation.
Additionally, Western Zodiac uses constellations for each cycle, whereas the Chinese zodiac only uses animals. Interestingly, the word “zodiac” is an ancient Greek word that means “cycle of animals”, which means that the Western zodiac is incorrectly named.
This year, we say farewell to 2023 and the Year of the Rabbit, and hello to the Year of the Dragon.
Searching for the perfect birthday gift according to star signs? Discover our Gifting Guide According to the Stars.
What are the characteristics of the Dragon?
Spirited by their celestial namesake, according to Chinese mythology those born under the sign of the dragon are said to be self-assured leaders. Charismatic, tenacious and vibrantly intelligent, dragons are equally renowned for revelling in challenges, taking pleasure in spending countless hours working towards conquering whatever opposes them.
According to Chinese elemental theory, 2024 marks the Year of the Wood Dragon. This element heralds a year of opportunities for growth, connection, stability and long-term planning. Those born in the Year of the Wood Dragon are said to bring a creative flair to every challenge or opportunity.
What do people wear on Chinese New Year?
It is customary to wear brand-new clothes from head to toe for the Lunar New Year to welcome the new year with a fresh start. Red or other brightly-colour garments are considered the most auspicious and help to add to the festivities.
What kind of gifts do people exchange for the Lunar New Year?
Chinese New Year is an opportunity to spoil the ones you love and show gratitude and thanks. Gifting is a meaningful and sentimental practice focusing on gifts that bring good luck, fortune, prosperity, and joy.
Many gifts, decorations, and fashion during the Lunar New Year feature rich reds and opulent gods. Children receive red envelopes from elders and parents, also known as “lai see” or “hong bao”, filled with money or sweets. In Chinese culture, the colour red symbolises good fortune and happiness. As expected, gold is symbolic of wealth and prosperity. Gold and red promise good luck and prosperity to everyone in the coming new year.
To help you find the perfect Chinese New Year gift and to build your list of Lunar New Year Gifts, here is our selection of the best luxury items we have that will have your giftee hopping with joy.
The 15 Best Luxury Gifts To Give During The Lunar New Year
Versace Greca Logo Moonphase Two-Tone Watch
There’s nothing more enchanting than the gift of a luxury timepiece for the Lunar New Year. The Greca Monphase Two-Tone Watch features intricate geometric shapes with a feminine flair. They’ll love the finer details, such as the moon phase window peeking through the upper part of the dial, and the trademark expert craftsmanship that has become synonymous with the house of Versace.
Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Organza Clutch Bag
Is there anything more captivating than gold accessories? Loeffler Randall‘s continues to set the bar for quiet luxury with the Rayne Clutch, a show-stopping accessory that will always delight. Crafted from white plissé-organza and topped with an artful bow, this bag will be the ultimate plus one for every Lunar New Year event and beyond.
Qeelin Petite Wulu Bracelet With Diamonds And Red Agate
In honour of the occasion, gift an equally poignant and auspicious adornment: a bracelet featuring a “Wulu” (a gourd) from Qeelin. The Wulu or Wu Lou symbolises good health and prosperity to the wearer, making it the perfect gift for a loved one. Crafted in 18K rose gold with diamonds and red agate, this bracelet has all the makings of a treasured family heirloom.
Longines White Mother Of Pearl Dial On Red
Synonymous with luxury, this timepiece from Longines belongs to those who know how to appreciate true value. As part of the Longines Master Collection, this watch’s white pearl and red colour scheme promises good fortune and encapsulates Longines’ classical elegance.
Alexander McQueen Billfold 8CC Wallet
Celebrate the new year and new beginnings with a stylish wallet that will be treasured for years to come. The perfect gift for a beloved family member or spouse, he’ll love the fine craftsmanship of this piece from Alexander McQueen. The gift that keeps on giving, McQueen continues to craft sophisticated leather goods that bridge the gap between traditional artistry and contemporary sensibilities. Add a little extra fortune by including some money in the wallet for the giftee. Any amount with an eight will be considered extra lucky for the giftee.
Balmain B Court Mid Top Vintage Logo Sneaker
The sneakerheads will go wild over this one. Celebrate the new year and new beginnings with a fierce pair of sneakers from Balmain like The B-Court Mid-Top Sneakers. Featuring a multicolour contrast trim and a Lunar New Year red, these sneakers have a classic lace-up design and come embellished with the vintage PB logo on the side, making the pair instantly recognisable.
Bally B Chain Belt
Made in Italy since 1851, Bally continues to lead the way for heritage craftsmanship with a decidedly contemporary aesthetic. Elevate their Lunar New Year wardrobe with a timeless leather belt featuring a festive red stripe and iconic gold buckle.
GUCCI G-Timeless Watch
This is a timepiece gift they will marvel at for years. Influential, innovative and progressive, Gucci sets the bar as an iconic brand that continues to reinvent, reimagine, and re-enter the scene time and time again with new modern approaches to fashion. As part of the G-Timeless collection, this watch has been masterfully designed with the perfect mix of steel and yellow gold. The silver sun-brushed dial features a gold-toned GUCCI bee at the centre, flanked by delicate arms.
Serge Lutens L’Orpheline EDP
Minimalist, straight-lined, angular and uncompromising, discover a perfume created by Serge Lutens in his own image. The rich fragrance and subtle spice notes will linger long after the Lunar New Year celebrations have finished.
Glasshouse Dance Of The Dragon Candle 380g
Celebrate the beginning of the lunar cycle with this limited-edition candle from the masters of luxury home fragrances, Glasshouse Fragrances. An extra flicker seems to happen when this candle is lit, as if lighting the wick has unleashed the majesty of the creature itself. The blend of champaca, sandalwood, and amber surged together to imbue the space with the power of the dragon.
Penhaligons The World According To Arthur EDP
Channel the mysticism of the Year of the Dragon with The World According to Arthur EDP, a scent that pays homage to the eponymous King. Formed of an incense top note, ambrette and clary sage mid-notes, followed by tonka absolute, this dragon-topped fragrance makes the perfect Lunar New Year gift with its red colour palette and decadent scent.
Lancôme Absolue Soft Cream
Gift the magic that is Lancome’s legendary skincare collection, Absolue. A delightful luxurious product, this is the perfect gift for someone who deserves a little pampering. Housed in a Chinese New Year gold-coloured container and infused with the renowned power of Grand Rose Extracts, this hydrating, skin-nourishing cream is suitable for all skin types.
La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Concentrate
A resplendent serum, the Pure Gold Radiance Concentrate provides immediate and long-term benefits to the skin for an unprecedented glow. Glowing with La Prairie’s famous Pure Gold Diffusion System, this gold-coloured luxury skincare product is sure to add a touch of luxury self-care to the Lunar New Year.
Dyson Air Wrap in Nickel/Copper
Elevate their hair game with a superior hair styling tool from Dyson. Sophisticated and impossibly easy to use, give them the latest iteration of the game-changing AirWrap in a stylish nickel and copper finish. Say hello to red-carpet-ready hair without extreme heat every day of the new year.
MARTELL Cognac Cordon Bleu
A masterful blend of 150 Eaux-de-vie, this iconic Cognac is characterised by its finesse, richness and elegance. It is truly emblematic of the Martell house style. The perfect gift for when you want to make a grand impression and welcome the Lunar New Year in style, this cognac is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world, more than a century after its creation.
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