46 Festive Gifts to Celebrate the Lunar New Year
46 Festive Gifts to Celebrate the Lunar New Year
You already celebrated one new year. Now, you get a second chance at a new start: Starting Sunday, January 22, the Lunar New Year kicks off with the Year of the Rabbit. Tied to the lunar calendar, it marks the first new moon, with festive gatherings happening amongst East and Southeast Asian cultures and beyond. Many kick it off with food- and drink-filled get-togethers, new clothes, and gifts; notably, brands like Fendi, Bottega Veneta, and Tatcha get in on the fun with unique limited-edition collections made especially for the occasion. We asked several people who will be ushering in the Lunar New Year for their favorite gift picks. Here’s what Daniel Martin, Jin Soon Choi, Chriselle Lim, and others will be giving—and some things we’re eyeing for ourselves, too.
Glass Skin Refining Serum
Peach & Lily
peachandlily.com
$39.00
You’ve likely seen the glass skin movement all over social media. According to Peach & Lily’s Alicia Yoon, “Glass skin is not about having perfect skin, it’s about having healthy skin—and it’s something that’s for everyone.” Especially a loved one during Lunar New Year.
Status Stick
DIBS Beauty
dibsbeauty.com
$36.00
"This brings me back to the pearl jewelry my mom would put on for special occasions like the Lunar New Year," says Jeff Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of DIBS Beauty. The highlighter is creamy and adds just a bit of pearl champagne glow. Plus, it is part of the brand's donation to The China Institute's "Outstanding Asian American Women Who Dared to Change Our Community" campaign.
Game On Bundle
Youthforia
youthforia.co
$90.00
You've seen Youthforia all over TikTok. The BYO Blush uses the skin's PH to produce a unique and flattering color-changing blush color for each person.
<i>Beautiful Country: A Memoir of an Undocumented Childhood</i>
Anchor
amazon.com
$16.62
Lunar New Year is all about taking a break. Specifically, Stephanie Morimoto, owner and CEO of Asutra, recommends lunchtime breaks. “I like to take at least one proper lunch break during the work week,” she says. “I’ll prepare a good lunch, turn off my phone and computer notifications, and read a book."
Pure Soothing Comfort and Silk Eye Pillow Bundle
Asutra
asutra.com
$32.99
"This is a perfect gift for those in your life who have a lot of stress or are constantly caring for others (teachers, caretakers, healthcare workers). It's a reminder of how important it is to make time to take care of yourself," says Morimoto. Spritz your pillow with the mist before bedtime as a relaxing ritual.
Jade Terminator Bunny Necklace
Sandy Liang
sandyliang.info
$195.00
Featuring jade on a red cord, this necklace is double luck-level cute without looking twee.
Chili Box
Pearl River Mart
pearlriver.com
$65.00
Joanne Kwong of Pearl River Mart loves gifting this tasty box of goodies. “There is nothing more fun than taste-testing buzzy new condiments at big gatherings, where everyone has an opinion and we can all make fun of the one family member who can’t handle the heat.” We can relate.
Mini Rice Cooker
J Jason Wu
qvc.com
$28.96
House of Slay co-founder Tina Leung’s resolution? Start making her own congee again. The first step is procuring a sleek rice cooker, like this compact one “for those living by themselves, like me!” she says.
Bunny Candle
Loewe
loewe.com
$209.00
This bunny candle is elegantly playful, comes in three colors, and with a subtle scent palette of white chocolate, rice, caramel, cream, and vanilla, a.k.a. the dessert table we always hope to see at pretty much any holiday meal.
Floral Tasting Collection
The Qi
the-qi.com
$36.00
“I’ve been starting my mornings with a pot of The Qi Whole Flower Tea, and it’s been a tranquil daily ritual to watch the blossom slowly unfurl and infuse the water with flavors like chamomile and rose,” says Glow Recipe co-founder Christine Chang. Sign us up.
Resilient Skin Elixir Pouch
By Ava
byava.co
$38.00
Have you heard of Ava? According to Soko Glam co-founder Charlotte Cho, she’s someone to know—specifically, a wellness and beauty influencer who spent most of her childhood in China and Korea and created these special skin elixirs that feature a blend of Chinese herbs to give you resilient, healthy skin. “The tea ritual can be enhanced by adding sliced apples when the tea is brewed for optimal flavoring,” Cho says.
Rice Bowl Set
Our Place
fromourplace.com
$65.00
Asian-owned viral cookware brand Our Place dropped this adorable bowl and chopstick set just in time for the holiday. We’re big fans, along with everyone on Instagram and Omsom co-founder Kim Pham. “The rabbit illustration on the bowls makes this a whimsical addition to any kitchen,” she says.
Living Sea Cleansing Tonic
Then I Met You
sokoglam.com
$32.00
Inspired by the minimal skin care trend and multi-tasking Korean cleansing toners, this all-in-one tonic will remove makeup and can be used as your second cleansing step, too. The Living Sea Cleansing Tonic keeps your skin hydrated and clean, all due to the pristine 86 percent Deep Sea Water sourced from Gangwon, Korea. Sprinkle over a reusable cotton round, then swipe through your face and neck. Or, if you’re using a toner, sprinkle the tonic into the palm of your hand and press gently into the skin. Boom!
Mini Flower Crystal Shoulder Bag
Oscar de la Renta
neimanmarcus.com
$4990.00
Oscar de la Renta creative director and House of Slay founder Laura Kim says this is the way to carry around LNY greeting cards, and we don’t disagree.
Jin Dashi Pack
Seorim
wooltariusa.com
$10.95
Some of Paul Baek’s fondest memories from growing up involve eating Korean rice cake soup to celebrate the LNY. But with his day job as founder, formulator, and CEO of award-winning skincare brand Matter of Fact, he’s busy, to say the least. “These days, I’ve been enjoying using prepared broth packs to add flavor not just to rice cake soup, but to all sorts of soups, stews, and brothy noodle dishes,” he says. “My favorite has been Seorim’s Jin Dashi Pack. This would be a great gift for the adventurous cook in your life.”
Conditioner Hair Bar
Viori
viori.com
$18.00
“I am obsessed with this shampoo because of the quality, the packaging, and the story,” says pianist Chloe Flower. “It’s handcrafted with rice from the Longsheng mountains and honors beauty rituals used by the Red Yao people for centuries. I swear by its amazing lather.”
The Hot Pot Starter Set
Fly By Jing
flybyjing.com
$40.00
“In my household, special occasions always called for a hot pot,” says Care of Chan founder Sue S. Chan. “This starter set from Fly By Jing adds a vibrant pop of red—the color associated with good luck—to your dinner table. It also includes the accouterments and Jing’s Fire soup base, so you’re just one grocery store trip away from a true hot pot feast.”
Jade Plant
Rooted
heyrooted.com
$25.00
Let it be known that makeup artist Daniel Martin would love to give (or receive) a Jade Plant from Rooted. “It’s a beautiful succulent that can sit on a windowsill and requires little water. Plus, it’s known to bring wealth and good fortune and brightens up a room with its beautiful green leaves.”
Hot + Spicy Chili Pepper Munchrooms
Munchrooms
munchrooms.com
$8.95
Glow Recipe co-founder Sarah Lee is a big fan of Munchrooms, a line of mushroom jerkies made of plant-based meat alternatives that are both healthier for the body and better for the planet. “On top of that, the company donates a portion of proceeds to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.” Win-win.
Chinese Red Envelopes
Vipith
amazon.com
$7.99
“As someone who grew up celebrating LNY in Taiwan, the one and only gift guide I can give you is a bright red envelope filled with money,” says The End Lingerie founder Bei Kuo. “Pro tip: always give an even number like $20, $60, or $888. Six and eight are considered the lucky numbers in Chinese tradition. And always avoid the number four, because four in Chinese sounds like ‘death.’” Consider yourself warned.
Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser
Glow Recipe
glowrecipe.com
$28.00
“It’s so important to start the new year with a healthy skin barrier, and our new cleanser is formulated to keep working at repairing the skin barrier even post-wash,” says Chang. “Ceramides, postbiotics, and colloidal oatmeal help soothe redness and nourish the skin, while gentle cleansing agents preps skin for a healthy canvas.”
Minimalist Hydrating Moisturizer
Matter of Fact
matteroffact.com
$20.00
Baek will be giving loved ones this moisturizer, ideal for enduring cold and dry winters. “The Minimalist Hydrating Moisturizer has a patent-pending formula that is designed to provide sensitive skin with deep and lasting hydration, without the heaviness or greasiness often associated with deeply moisturizing products.”
<i>Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home</i>
Clarkson Potter
amazon.com
$25.99
Pham also has her eye on New York Times cooking columnist Eric Kim’s debut cookbook, “a reflection of the delicious third culture future we are so excited about as Asian Americans,” she says. “It’s truly breathtaking in every way, and anyone who loves to cook will appreciate having this on their shelf.” Say no more.
The Serum Limited Edition
Clé de Peau
cledepeaubeaute.com
$310.00
Both our moms are constantly stopped by people who compliment them on their porcelain-like skin. Yes, they do have daughters who work at fashion magazines. But they’ve also been faithful users of Asian skincare products for most of their adult lives. This serum is one of Kathleen’s mom’s favorites for moisturized, pampered skin.
Double Happiness Set
Lanshin
lanshin.com
$99.00
Designer Allina Liu plans on buying this adorable set for her mother, who’s “a huge fan of skincare products.” Who among us isn’t?
Argan + Rose Moisturizing Hand Cream
JINsoon
jinsoon.com
$45.00
People tend to neglect taking care of their hands, the most hard-working part of their body, says JINsoon founder Jin Soon Choi. “Show someone you care by giving them this hand cream to help them integrate moisturizing into their daily self-care regimen.” She adds: “If you’re looking for extra hydration, apply cuticle oil and hand lotion and wear gloves when you go out in the cold weather—the gloves are great for extra hydration and will act like a hand mask.” Pro tip.
The Essence - Limited Edition
Tatcha
tatcha.com
$110.00
Martin always makes sure to keep this product in his fridge because “it helps soothe and refresh the skin as well as plump it.” What’s more, every purchase of a Tatcha product benefits children’s education through the beauty brand’s partnership with Room to Read.
Rouge Dior - Lunar New Year Limited Edition
Dior
dior.com
$101.00
This lipstick set (made with the Lunar New Year in mind) is so eye-catching that any onlooker will ask, “Ooh, what’s that?” The shade featured is rosewood, a pretty balanced rose that Peter Philips, creative director of Dior Beauty, told us is meant to flatter all tones.
Lila Blessing Silk Satin Pyjama Set
Olivia von Halle
oliviavonhalle.com
$660.00
There are two types of people: those who have a set of clothes for inside and outside (actual streetwear) and those who don’t. We fall into category one. This set of rabbit patterned silk pajamas from Olivia von Halle would expand any wardrobe of inside clothes really nicely. There’s nothing like sliding (or staying) in silk pajamas as you ignore all your resolutions.
Key Ring
Bottega Veneta
bottegaveneta.com
$790.00
May this cute bunny key ring grant us all the luck we need to not lose our keys or accidentally lock ourselves out of our homes for a whole year.
Gancini Card Holder
Ferragamo
ferragamo.com
$395.00
This is for the person whose favorite movie of the year was M3GAN, and who will love the macabre design of this card case holder.
Lunar New Year Women’s Jacquard Cardigan
Brooks Brothers
$198.00
Everyone across the country needs more sweaters, thanks in large part to the polar vortex, and look, here’s a super cute one!
Midi Stretch Crepe Dress
Self-Portrait
self-portrait.com
$555.00
Thanks to its body-hugging silhouette and sparkly bows, this dress subtly says, “My presence at your LNY dinner is a present.”
Limited Edition Lunar New Year Lipstick
Estée Lauder
esteelauder.com
$36.00
Whether it’s for the Sunday morning Golden Unicorn dim sum rush or your family’s seafood feast, this classic red lipstick lets you celebrate the new year with your face—and a subtle flower pattern.
Lunar New Year Capsule Baguette
Fendi
fendi.com
3000.00
This special-edition baguette will subtly telegraph to your family that you’re doing just fine in life, thank you very much. It will not, however, stave off discussions of how you’re saving for retirement.
Limited Edition Airbrush Flawless Finish
Charlotte Tilbury
us.charlottetilbury.com
$46.00
One of our beauty team’s favorite weightless setting powders got a new Lunar New Year outfit. Pair it with Carina’s Love, the lipstick Charlotte Tilbury allegedly created for Hong Kong superstar Carina Lau.
Ruyi Collection Akoya Cultured Pearl Necklace
Mikimoto
mikimotoamerica.com
$6900.00
Most Asian moms and grandmas swear by Mikimoto pearls for their outstanding quality. But these are not your grandma’s pearls.
Redness Rescue Kit
Glow Recipe
glowrecipe.com
$70.00
“You want to wear red during the Lunar New Year, not be red, and everyone I know has irritated skin this time of year no matter where they live.” Well-put, Lee.
Tangerine Boy Body Lotion
Phlur
phlur.com
$36.00
What’s better than starting off the new year in a pair of sexy PJs wearing an equally sexy scent? Nothing, says Phlur co-founder and content creator Chriselle Lim. “I love all things Victoria’s Secret when it comes to loungewear and sleepwear—like this Satin Long Pajama Set!—and ever since Tangerine Boy launched, I haven’t stopped wearing it. I even spritz it on my pillows!” A little biased? Sure. Wrong? No.
Capri Lunar New Year
Koio
koio.co
$328.00
From far away, these might look like a regular pair of white sneakers, but look closer and you’ll see a cute little rabbit, drawn by designer Dahan Chung.
Diana Dress
Allina Liu
allinaliu.com
$320.00
With asymmetrical cascading ruffles and intricate smocking at the bodice, this dress is a special one. “Dress her up or down!” says Liu. “Wearing the Diana with sneakers or chunky sandals could be a really fun way to make the piece more casual.” Taking notes...
Monarch by VistaPrint Hoodie
Monarch
monarch-sgv.com
$128.00
Maybe you have butterflies from seeing your family next weekend, or maybe you’d rather wear butterflies. Following the acclaim of their first L.A. restaurant, Chifa, Humberto Leon and his family are opening Monarch, their second endeavor. This collection of merch celebrates the simple joy of gathering together with family over food.
English Staffordshire Chinoiserie Blue Willow Platter
1stdibs
1stdibs.com
$325.74
There’s nothing more elegant than Blue Willow servingware, says Chan. “This particular platter is actually English chinoiserie, but it’s inspired by similar blue landscapes in earlier Chinese porcelain.” The more you know!
Mini G-Hobo Bag
Givenchy
givenchy.com
$1650.00
This sleek Givenchy hobo in an unmissable shade of red gives a subtle nod to the Lunar New Year without shouting it from the rooftops, which means it works all year round.
The Monogram Leather Continental Wristlet
Marc Jacobs
marcjacobs.com
$225.00
Asians love wishing others health and prosperity in the new year, and, according to Choi, this Marc Jacobs Monogram Leather Continental Wristlet is the perfect way to do so. “Whenever I am given a wallet as a gift from someone who’s older than me, it always comes with a crisp bill to ensure extra happiness and good fortune,” she says. “This practice makes the gift more meaningful.” Co-sign.
Get your red clothes ready for the Year of the Rabbit. Shop the best gifts for Lunar New Year 2023.