The BEST gift ideas, what to wear + what NOT to wear or gift this Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, also commonly known as Chinese New Year, which this year takes place on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025, is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals across East and Southeast Asia. Marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, this vibrant occasion is steeped in tradition, symbolism, and a spirit of renewal. From dazzling family gatherings and feasts to thoughtful gift ideas and wardrobe choices (what to wear), as every aspect of the celebration is designed to usher in good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead.

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In 2025, we welcome the Year of the Snake, which holds deep significance in Chinese astrology. The snake is associated with wisdom, intuition, and elegance, making this year a time to embrace calculated decisions, personal growth, and creative thinking. Those born in the Year of the Snake are thought to be resourceful, thoughtful, and charming, with a knack for solving complex problems. As we step into this new zodiac year, it’s the perfect moment to channel the snake’s traits by planning carefully, embracing transformation, and seeking balance in all areas of life.

Whether you’re attending a celebration for the first time or are a seasoned participant, understanding the cultural significance behind these traditions can deepen your appreciation for the holiday. In this guide, we’ve broken down the essentials into three key sections: thoughtful gift ideas, what to wear, and what to avoid gifting or wearing during Lunar New Year celebrations. Follow along to ensure your participation is festive and full of good luck!

Gift Guide: 22 best and most auspicious gifts to give this Lunar New Year of the Snake

Some of our most sleek, fashionable, desired and auspicious gifting finds…

1

to keep you well caffeinated through this year

Spicy Red Nespresso Vertuo Coffee Machine

$99 at Walmart

Everyone could use a Nespresso machine in their life, just thing of all that caffè crema goodness in their/your life. The cherry on top, is the fact that it’s stunning in red.

2

these stunning ruby earrings

Tiffany & Co Lynn 18k gold ruby earrings

$5,350 at Tiffany & Co

Who wouldn’t want a pair of Jean Schlumberger’s visionary creations featuring a total of 0.30 carats of rubies. Why not grab a pair and wear them for lunar new year too?

3

this gorgeous designer bag

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Red Leather Shoulder Bag

$4,390 at Holt Renfrew

Yes, this red shoulder bag is undoubtedly a splurge, but it’s the perfect balance of function and luxury. The intricate woven design makes a bold statement while remaining timelessly elegant. Spacious enough for everyday use or as a stylish travel companion, it easily accommodates all the essentials—phone, keys, and wallet—along with a laptop, an outfit, and even a small makeup pouch.

4

this cozy hoodie

Kith Treats Plum Blossom William III Hoodie

$245 at Kith

With its soft fabric and intricate plum blossom design, it strikes the perfect balance between laid-back comfort and refined detail. Whether you’re heading out or relaxing at home, this hoodie adds a subtle yet stylish touch to any outfit, making it an effortlessly cool wardrobe essential.

5

this cute LEGO set

LEGO Good Fortune 1021 Piece Set

$119.99 at LEGO

This set combines creativity with cultural charm. Packed with vibrant details, it’s a fun way to celebrate Lunar New Year and doubles as a festive, display-worthy centrepiece.

6

this designer bracelet set

David Yurman Men’s Infinity Link Cord Bracelet EDITORS’ FAVE

$750 at David Yurman

Featuring 18K yellow gold accents, it’s a striking piece that adds a refined yet modern touch to any outfit. Perfect for daily wear or special occasions, it’s a subtle statement of sophistication.

7

this limited set

The Manifest Set by U Beauty

$163 at U Beauty

Offering a curated selection of U Beauty’s bestsellers in one limited-edition package. Designed to rejuvenate and transform, this set will keep your lips hydrated. It’s a thoughtful, indulgent gift—or the ideal treat for yourself.

8

this gorgeous bracelet

Swarovski Snake Bracelet

$169 at Swarovski

This bracelet is made with a gold-tone plated chain and a vibrant red cord for luck. The intricate design and shimmering crystals make it eye-catching and sophisticated, perfect for elevating any outfit. Whether as a gift or a personal treat, it’s a striking addition to any jewelry collection.

9

this pocket cervino

Lunar New Year Pocket Cervino

$30 at roots

Gifting somebody money this Lunar New Year? Put your cash in this handcrafter leather cervino. It’s a chic gift that one can use to store cash in the future.

10

this skincare classic

Clarins Limited Edition Lunar New Year Double Serum

$204 at Holt Renfrew

A luxurious twist on a skincare classic. Featuring the iconic dual-phase formula, it targets multiple signs of aging for radiant, youthful skin. The festive red and gold design makes it a perfect gift—or a stunning addition to your own beauty collection.

11

these snake themed sweatshirts

Joe Fresh Year of The Snake Sweatshirt EDITORS’ FAVE

$39 at joe fresh

Joe Fresh’s limited edition Lunar New Year collection includes silhouettes for the whole family. Take a fun family photo by gifting these matching sweaters or t-shirts to your family and friends.

12

these festive salad plates

Lunar New Year Salad Plates

$89 at pottery barn

The hostess or the foodie in your life just might love these festive plates. They come in a set of four and will look exquisite on the table.

13

the most iconic bottle

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Snake Limited Edition EDITORS’ FAVE

$419 at lcbo

Enjoy your Lunar New Year celebrations with some whisky. With notes of hazelnuts, rose petals, sherry, and oranges, followed by hints of kumquats, smoke, and sandalwood.

14

this vibrant center piece

Lunar New Year Lazy Susan

$155 at pottery barn

If your hosting family and friends for Lunar New Year this Lazy Susan will make a nice addition to the dinner table. It would also make a great gift that for those who appreciate dishware.

15

these sweet treats

Year of the Snake Gift Box

$40 at purdy’s

Chocolate is always a good idea. This gift box from Purdy’s comes with 25 pieces of chocolates like Salted Hazelnut Flake, Petit Chocolate, Mini Hedgehogs and more. Sweet treats are always appreciated.

16

this timeless handbag

Chanel Classic 11.12 Handbag

$13,975 at chanel

With its iconic quilted leather, signature CC clasp, and chic chain strap, the Chanel Classic 11.12 Handbag a symbol of elegance and sophistication. This bag isn’t just a stunning accessory—it’s an investment piece that will be treasured for years to come. Starting the year with Chanel? Now that’s a stylish way to welcome good fortune! But don’t forget to slip a red pocket tucked away inside it too, for some extra luck.

17

This stunning bottle

Hennessy VSOP Lunar New Year 2025

$124.95 at LCBO

This stunning release combines the brand’s signature eaux-de-vie blend with a festive, vibrant design inspired by the Year of the Dragon. Smooth, harmonious, and full-bodied, the cognac offers notes of vanilla, dried fruit, and spice, making it the perfect companion for your New Year celebrations or as a thoughtful gift. Available now at LCBO, this collectible bottle is a sophisticated way to honour the season.

18

This must-have serum

First Care Activating Serum VI Lunar New Year Limited Edition

$140 at sulwhasoo

The First Care Activating Serum VI is the perfect gift to ring in the new year. Loved worldwide with one bottle sold every 10 seconds, this iconic serum is backed by 23 years of research and a cutting-edge formula that promotes healthy, youthful skin. A thoughtful way to start the year with glowing confidence!

19

this everyday handbag

Red Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28 EDITORS’ FAVE

$360 at coach

Coach’s Brooklyn Shoulder Bag has been getting attention since model Bella Hadid was spotted rocking the larger black version. The 28 is perfectly sized—not too big, not too small—it offers plenty of space while also looking sleek and stylish. The Dark Ruby shade is absolutely gorgeous, making it an ideal gift for anyone searching for a chic, everyday handbag.

20

this limited-edition body wash

Malin + Goetz Lunar New Year Bergamot Hand+Body Wash

$38 at MAlin and goetz

Malin + Goetz’s best-selling Hand + Body Cleansing Wash gets a festive makeover for Lunar New Year with gorgeous, gift’able limited-edition packaging. This cleansing wash will leave the skin feeling purified and refreshed.

21

This silk shirt

Gucci Printed Silk Shirt

$3000 at Gucci

The Gucci printed silk shirt from the Cruise 2025 collection is a great Lunar New Year gift. Featuring the symbolic snake motif paired with the iconic House logo, the silk fabric and standout print make it a stylish way to celebrate the new year in fashion.

22

This limited-edition bottle

Remy Martin XO Cognac Limited-Edition Coffret

$359.05 at LCBO

Rémy Martin marks the Year of the Dragon with a stunning XO Coffret, blending elegance and artistry. Part of a limited-edition Lunar New Year collection featuring VSOP, 1738 Accord Royal, and XO, this collaboration with Chinese artist Huang Yu Xing celebrates nature’s brilliance with vibrant, iridescent designs inspired by the dragon’s vitality. Inside the XO Coffret, discover a rich, harmonious cognac crafted from Fine Champagne eaux-de-vie. Available now in Ontario, Alberta, and BC, it’s the perfect gift for Lunar New Year festivities.

Style Guide: What to wear to this year’s Lunar New Year celebrations

What you wear during or to a Lunar New Year celebration holds significant cultural importance, symbolizing new beginnings and hopes for the year ahead. Anything included above in our gift guide list would be appropriate, but some items despite not being appropriate for gifting, could be worn/styled. With that said, we’d recommend considering the following when putting together your outfit:

1

this cozy sweater

Polo Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Sweatshirt

$228 at The Bay

How adorable is this Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Sweatshirt? The iconic Polo Bear is dressed to impress in a festive outfit, complete with a jacket and slippers adorned with the signature goldtone Pony, making it the perfect way to celebrate the Lunar New Year in style.

2

this chic wrap dress

Babaton Petra Dress

$158 at Aritzia

Made in a vibrant red this simple but chic wrap dress is a great option to wear to celebrate Lunar New festivities. Dress it up with some nice jewelry and a statement handbag.

3

this gold-coloured watch

Swatch Golden Red Bamboo Watch

$245 at swatch

This watch will make a nice addition to your Lunar New Year outfit. The sun-brushed gold-coloured dial with multi-coloured print and orange hour and minute hands that glow in the dark will not go unnoticed.

4

This cut-out dress

Bardot Reno Slinky Knit Dress

$302.04 at revolve

This dress offers full coverage, but the cheeky front cutout gives a sultry allure. It hugs your curves beautifully, making it the perfect choice for Lunar New Year celebrations—elegant yet subtly daring.

Reminder: What NOT to wear or gift this lunar new year!

Certain items are considered inauspicious (inappropriate) during the Lunar New Year due to cultural beliefs and linguistic associations. To ensure your gestures or style is well-received, we recommend avoiding the following, and sticking to our gift and style guide listed above:

Inappropriate Lunar New Year Gifts:

• Clocks: The phrase ‘giving a clock’ sounds like ‘attending a funeral ritual,’ symbolizing time running out and suggesting an untimely death.
• Handkerchiefs: Often given at the end of funerals, they symbolize saying goodbye forever, implying a severance of ties.
• Umbrellas: The word for ‘umbrella’ sounds like ‘breaking up,’ suggesting a relationship falling apart.
• Sharp Objects: Items like knives or scissors can symbolize cutting off a relationship.
• Shoes: The word for ‘shoes’ sounds like ‘evil’ or ‘bad luck,’ making them an inauspicious gift.
• Mirrors: They are believed to attract ghosts and are easily broken, which could lead to bad luck.
• Wallets: Gifting an empty wallet symbolizes giving away wealth, potentially leading to financial loss.
• Necklaces, Ties, and Belts: Considered too intimate to give to someone with whom you don’t share a close relationship.

Inappropriate Attire to wear for/to a Lunar New Year celebration:

• Black or White Clothing: These colours are traditionally associated with mourning and funerals. Wearing them during the New Year is believed to attract bad luck.
• Damaged or Worn-Out Clothes: Wearing torn or damaged clothing, including distressed jeans, is considered inauspicious as it symbolizes bad luck and poverty.

Following these guidelines, you can participate in Lunar New Year celebrations with cultural sensitivity and respect, ensuring a joyous and prosperous start to the year. Also note, if doing so at a religious centre of any sort, like a temple or church, a more subdued or conservative approach to your style would be most likely appropriate. But feel free to consult those who invited you for more specific advice and feedback. We hope this Lunar New Year gift and style guide is helpful. If so, let us know and always feel free to hit us up in the DMs @viewthevibe.

Editor's note: We are not compensated for any purchased derived from any items listed here, unless otherwise noted. Please note, we also consulted and invited our team members, friends and advisors of Asian descent, whom celebrate, to weight in on the subject and ensure it's utmost accuracy and authenticity. Should you feel anything is inaccurate, we'd appreciate hearing from you and welcome any feedback--please email submissions@havestamina.com with your comments.