8 Lunar New Year Gifts Our Clients Send to Asian Partners
Key Points:
- Pick Lunar New Year gifts that match your partner’s culture, preferences, and your business relationship.
- Popular choices for the occasion include tea sets, red envelopes, and personalised gifts.
- Order early if you need custom branding, international shipping, or time for customs checks.
Lunar New Year is a great chance for Australian businesses to thank overseas partners and celebrate another year together. From our experience helping clients, it’s important to remember that each country has its own traditions.
In 2027, Lunar New Year is on 6 February in China and Vietnam, which marks the Year of the Goat. South Korea celebrates Seollal on 7 February. If you’re sending gifts to Asian partners and clients, here are eight options to consider.
Eight Lunar New Year Gifts Worth Considering
Before you choose, consider who the gift is for and if it fits their local customs. We’ve listed eight options for different budgets and business relationships.
1. Premium Tea Sets for Business Partners
Tea is an important part of Chinese hospitality and gift-giving. If your business partner likes tea, a good tea set or some loose-leaf teas can be a great gift. Charles Liu, our Co-Founder, suggests focusing on how you present the gift. A red or dark-coloured box with gold foil branding adds a festive touch. Keep your logo small so the gift feels personal.
2. Red Envelopes for Celebrations
Red envelopes are a common part of Chinese New Year. People use them to give money as a sign of good luck. They’re called hongbao in Mandarin or lai see in Cantonese. If your partner’s team uses red envelopes, you could order custom packs for them. We suggest:
- Choose red envelopes with gold foil printing.
- Keep your company logo small.
- Consider packs of eight, a lucky number in Chinese culture.
- Check with your partner before choosing the design or quantity.
Red envelopes are best given as part of the celebration, not as empty envelopes on their own.
3. Gourmet Hampers
If you want to give something that represents Australia, a hamper of local treats is a nice choice. You could include macadamias, chocolates, biscuits, or other Australian-made products. For senior clients, it’s better to pick a few high-quality items instead of filling a big box with things they may not use. To make the hamper more personal:
- Include a short New Year greeting.
- Choose packaging that protects the contents.
- Add your company logo to the box or card.
- Check food import restrictions before shipping.
Be careful with items like honey, nuts, and other foods. Some countries have restrictions, so check the rules before you order.
4. Zodiac Desk Calendars
A desk calendar for the Year of the Goat is a useful gift for office teams. Your partners can use it to keep track of appointments, meetings, and important dates all year.
Keep the design simple and put your logo on the cover or at the bottom of each page. You can also add public holidays for the recipient’s country. If you’re ordering for partners in different countries, check the dates and language before printing.
5. Red Insulated Tumblers
Insulated tumblers are a practical gift for people who like coffee, tea, or cold drinks at work. Red tumblers with gold or silver branding suit partners who like traditional Chinese New Year colours. For others, ask which colours they prefer. When picking a tumbler, look for:
- A secure, leak-resistant lid
- Good insulation
- Easy-to-clean materials
- Enough room for your logo
For stainless steel tumblers, laser engraving is a good option if you want a long-lasting finish.
6. Notebook and Pen Gift Sets
A notebook and pen set is a safe choice for business partners, especially those who spend a lot of time in meetings.
You can add your logo to the notebook cover and pair it with a matching pen. For a more premium look, pick a boxed set with a simple design.
You don’t need to put your branding everywhere. A small logo and a short New Year message are usually enough.
7. Power Banks for Partners Who Travel
If your business partners travel often, a power bank is a useful gift. They can use it to charge their phones during flights, meetings, and long workdays.For corporate orders, we’d suggest:
- Choose a reliable power bank from a reputable supplier.
- Check the battery capacity and charging options.
- Keep the logo clear and easy to read.
- Confirm international shipping requirements before ordering.
Power banks have lithium batteries, so shipping them internationally can be tricky. Australia Post has strict rules, and you might need to use a special courier or buy the gifts locally in your partner’s country.
8. Premium Chopstick Sets
If your business partners use chopsticks often, a premium boxed set can be a thoughtful gift. You can choose a wooden or stainless steel set with an engraved presentation case. It’s better to put your branding on the case instead of the chopsticks, especially if you want a more refined gift. Before you order, check that this gift fits your partner’s customs and preferences. It’s better to check than to assume everyone celebrates Lunar New Year the same way.
Cultural Details Worth Checking Before You Order
When sending gifts overseas, make sure you know what different colours, numbers, and products mean to the recipient. For example, some traditional beliefs link certain items with bad luck during Chinese New Year.
Not everyone shares these beliefs, and customs can vary between countries and communities. Ariane Milarpez, one of our account managers, suggests checking with someone who knows the recipient’s culture before you choose a gift. It’s an easy way to avoid awkward situations, especially if you’re ordering for several overseas partners.
Our Recommendations
When considering these eight options, start with the relationship, not the price. A thoughtful gift doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you’ve chosen something your partner will appreciate. You might also want to prepare different gifts for different groups.
- Senior partners: Tea sets or premium hampers
- Office teams: Calendars and notebook sets
- Frequent travellers: Tumblers or suitable power banks
- Long-term partners: Personalised gift sets
- Wider teams: Red envelope packs, where culturally appropriate
Before you place a bulk order, check if your partner’s company has rules about accepting gifts. Some organisations have strict value limits or ban certain types of gifts.
Our Advice on Timing
Many businesses in Asia close for several days during Lunar New Year. Make sure your gifts arrive before the holiday so your partners can get them at work. I also suggest confirming artwork and order details early, especially if you’re organising gifts for several recipients or locations.
For international orders, make sure you:
- Allow extra time for production and customs clearance.
- Check import restrictions for food and electronics.
- Confirm recipient names and delivery addresses.
- Ask about local holiday closures.
- Include a personalised greeting card.
- Arrange delivery before your partner’s office closes.
For bigger custom orders, it’s best to start planning in November or early December. Make sure to confirm production and shipping timelines with your supplier.
Celebrate the New Year with a Thoughtful Gift
Lunar New Year is a great time to thank the people you’ve worked with all year. Whether you pick a simple notebook set or a premium gift box, make sure it suits your recipient and arrives before the celebrations. If you’re planning a bulk order for your overseas partners, contact our team. We can help you compare gift options, customise your branding, and plan your order. Talk to our merchandise experts on 1300 858 288.
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