30 Best Chinese New Year Gifts for Employees at Work

Strengthen relationships with employees, clients, and business partners by giving thoughtful gifts.

If you're looking for the best Chinese New Year gifts, this guide will help you find meaningful options that leave a lasting impression.

Why Give Chinese New Year Gifts?

Giving gifts during Chinese New Year is more than just a tradition—it’s a way to show gratitude, respect, and goodwill.

In Malaysian workplaces, offering CNY gifts can boost employee morale, foster goodwill with clients, and enhance brand reputation.

Benefits of giving CNY gifts include:

Strengthening relationships: A thoughtful gift can improve your relationship with employees, clients, and business partners.
Boosting morale: Employees feel appreciated when they receive gifts, motivating them to stay engaged and productive.
Building brand loyalty: Clients are more likely to stay loyal when they feel valued.

Top Chinese New Year Gift Ideas for Employees

Here are some popular and meaningful gift ideas that employers in Malaysia can consider:

1. Hampers with Festive Treats

Hampers filled with traditional snacks, cookies, and mandarin oranges are a classic choice. Many Malaysian companies offer beautifully curated hampers for CNY, making it easy for employers to choose something suitable.

Tip: Look for hampers that include symbolic items like pineapple tarts (representing wealth) and nian gao (symbolizing prosperity).

Source: Baskeeter

2. Personalized Gifts

Adding a personal touch to gifts can make them more meaningful. Consider custom mugs, keychains, or notebooks with the company logo and a CNY greeting.

Ideas:

Customized red envelopes (ang pao)
Personalized calendars with CNY designs

Source: Shopee

3. Red Envelopes (Ang Pao)

Red envelopes filled with money are a traditional and highly appreciated gift. Employers can give ang pao to employees as a token of good luck and prosperity for the new year.

Tip: Ensure the amount given is an even number, as odd numbers are considered unlucky during CNY.

Source: Thehkhub

4. Premium Tea Sets

Tea is a significant part of Chinese culture. A premium tea set, complete with high-quality Chinese tea, makes a sophisticated gift for clients and business partners.

Popular options: Oolong tea, Pu-erh tea, and Jasmine tea

Source: Amazon

5. Office Decor with a CNY Theme

Decorative items like lanterns, prosperity trees, and calligraphy art can brighten up the office while adding to the festive mood.

Example decor gifts:

Lucky bamboo plants
CNY-themed desk ornaments

Source: Flowericious

6. Wellness Gifts

Health is wealth, and wellness gifts are a great way to show you care about your employees' well-being. Consider giving:

Traditional Chinese herbal teas
Aromatherapy gift sets
Fitness accessories

Source: Shopee

7. Vouchers and Gift Cards

When in doubt, vouchers or gift cards are practical and flexible options. They allow employees and clients to choose something they truly need or want.

Recommended types of vouchers:

Shopping mall gift cards
Dining vouchers
E-wallet credits

Source: Browns Bonds

8. Traditional Chinese Art

Framed Chinese calligraphy or paintings with auspicious themes make elegant gifts that symbolize good fortune and prosperity.

Source: History for Kids

9. CNY-Themed Clothing

Festive clothing like red scarves, jackets, or T-shirts with CNY designs can spread the festive cheer.

Source: Shopee

10. Scented Candles

CNY-themed scented candles in red or gold packaging can create a warm and relaxing atmosphere.

Source: Shopee

11. Fortune Cookies

Give a modern twist to traditional gifts with custom fortune cookies containing positive messages.

Source: Fancy Fortune Cookies

12. Decorative Red Lanterns

Red lanterns are iconic symbols of Chinese New Year and are great for decorating homes and offices.

Source: Amazon

13. Handcrafted Soaps

Handmade soaps with CNY packaging are a unique and thoughtful gift option.

Source: Shopee

14. Desk Organizers

Stylish desk organizers with a CNY theme can be both practical and decorative.

Source: Amazon

15. CNY Gift Boxes

Curated gift boxes containing various small items like snacks, tea, and accessories are popular during this festive season.

Source: Shopee

16. Feng Shui Items

Feng Shui items like crystal ornaments or wind chimes can be thoughtful gifts that symbolize harmony and prosperity.

Source: magicbricks

17. Homemade Cookies

Nothing beats the personal touch of homemade CNY cookies packed in decorative jars.

Source: The Smart Local

18. Miniature Bonsai Trees

Bonsai trees symbolize harmony and balance, making them a thoughtful and long-lasting gift.

Source: AliExpress

19. Premium Chocolates

Gifting premium chocolates in CNY-themed packaging is a sweet way to spread joy.

Source: Royce

20. Eco-Friendly Gifts

Reusable water bottles, tote bags, or bamboo utensils can be meaningful gifts that promote sustainability.

Source: Green Urban Living

21. Corporate Gift Sets

Customized corporate gift sets containing practical items like pens, notebooks, and power banks are always appreciated.

Source: HoMafy

22. Traditional Fans

Decorative traditional fans with intricate designs can make elegant gifts.

Source: Event Service

23. Prosperity Fish Decor

Fish symbolizes abundance in Chinese culture. Prosperity fish decor items can be thoughtful gifts.

Source: Shopee

24. Portable Power Banks

A practical and modern gift option, power banks with custom CNY designs are great for employees and clients.

Source: Shopee

25. Red and Gold Stationery Sets

Stationery sets in festive colors can be useful gifts for both personal and professional use.

Shopee: Made in China

26. Luxury Candies

Luxury candies in beautifully designed boxes can be a delightful gift.

Source: South China Morning Post

27. Flower Bouquets

Festive bouquets featuring red and gold flowers add a touch of elegance to the celebrations.

Source: Madame Florist

28. Portable Speakers

High-quality portable speakers make a practical and modern gift option.

Source: Best Products

29. Digital Red Envelopes

In today’s digital age, e-ang pao (digital red envelopes) are becoming increasingly popular.

Source: CGTN America

30. Festive Wine or Champagne

A bottle of wine or champagne in festive packaging can be a sophisticated gift for business partners or clients.

Source: Giftr

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