Have you ever been stumped as to what to gift your friends, coworkers, and loved ones for a special occasion such as Chinese Christmas?
If no, it’s vital to know since the Chinese view gifting as a manner of showing respect to elders and superiors, as well as a dedication to maintaining strong relationships with family and friends.
When it comes to Chinese Christmas,
Christmas has quickly grown into a huge celebration in China, bringing with it a variety of ethnic traditions and gifts. So, in order to come up with gift ideas, read this article to learn about some of the best gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
You will also learn about Chinese gift etiquette.
About Chinese Christmas?
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th in China, as it is in the rest of the globe. On the other hand, Christmas is a relatively new tradition in the country, and it is mostly celebrated as a commercial season rather than a religious holiday.
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ; however, due to China’s low Christian population, Christmas is more of a secular season of shopping and feasting, with events similar to Valentine’s Day.
It’s a fun day for young people to celebrate by going out with their significant ones and exchanging small gifts. They also go out with their buddies to see a movie, sing at a karaoke bar, or go shopping.
Why are Chinese Christmas Gifts Important?
The Chinese Christmas gift is important because it is one of the ways in which people offer gifts to friends and loved ones, as well as a means of establishing and maintaining relationships in Chinese culture.
Cellophane-wrapped apples are one of the most common Christmas gifts given by the Chinese to their friends. Additionally, the apples were frequently offered with printed messages such as “love,” “peace,” and “Merry Christmas.”
Also, candles, gourmet coffee or chocolates, handheld games, coffee table novels or gift cards, a lovely mug, puzzle, or throw blanket are all good ideas for gifts.
What are the best gift ideas for Chinese Christmas?
Christmas has quickly grown in popularity in China, bringing with it a plethora of ethnic traditions and gifts.
Whether you have a Chinese friend and want to give them a traditional Christmas present, or you love Chinese culture and want to incorporate more of it into your house, these Chinese-style Christmas gifts are ideal.
#1. Painted Chinese Chopsticks
This is one of the best gift ideas for Chinese Christmas. A gorgeous set of real Chinese chopsticks is the perfect present for the foodie. This charming painted ornamental set includes five pairs and a compact display case, making it ideal for gifting.
These chopsticks will look fantastic on any dining table and will be perfect for eating your favorite Chinese dishes.
You can read this: 20 Cute Galentine’s Day Gift Ideas for your Best Girls
#2. Jadeite Bangle
In Chinese tradition, jade is a sign of riches, health, and protection.
Many Chinese ladies think that wearing jade bangles and other jewelry will shield them from bad physical and spiritual forces.
Jadeite bangles are frequently given to babies in China as an amulet, and the children may grow up wearing them.
There are several inexpensive jadeite bangles on the market that look gorgeous and lovely. Because jade comes in a variety of colors and patterns, no two bangles are alike.
Furthermore, this is one of the gift ideas for Chinese Christmas to consider.
#3. Calligraphy Set
Calligraphy is an old art form that has been performed in China since ancient times.
This Manuscript Calligraphy Artist kit comes with 12 nibs, two penholders, and four bottles of ink in various colors, making it ideal for beginners wishing to get into calligraphy.
The set is packaged in a wonderful wooden box, making it one of the best Chinese Christmas gift ideas for loved ones.
#4. Chinese Knot
Chinese knots are a type of traditional Chinese handicraft. They’re often placed on the walls of Chinese family houses and grand official buildings.
A Chinese knot hanging is a colorful and detailed gift that brings a lovely touch of the Orient to your house.
Smaller ones can be purchased for your handbag or keychain, making this one of the greatest gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
#5. Bubble Tea Kit
This is also one of the top gift ideas to consider for Chinese Christmas. Bubble tea is a tasty sweet drink that originated in China and is now accessible all over the world.
This adorable bubble tea kit comes with everything you’ll need to make this popular drink at home, including two reusable cups, extra chunky straws, tapioca pearls, and a variety of tea flavors.
#6. Lego Shanghai Model Building Kit
This recreation of the Shanghai skyline, created entirely of Lego bricks, will delight both children and adults.
It includes prominent sights such as the Bund, Oriental Pearl, Chenghuang Miao Temple, and Shanghai Tower, with extraordinary attention to detail.
This set is perfect for those who enjoy Shanghai and looks fantastic when built. Furthermore, this is one of the gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
#7. LongJing Green Tea, 3.5oz/100g, Chinese Dragon Well Green Tea Loose Leaf
Hangzhou, China’s famed LongJing Green Tea is an excellent present option for oneself, a friend, coworker, or family member. 3 grams of tea in 300-350ml of 85-90°C water, brewed and enjoyed.
#8. Chrysanthemum Tea, 3.5oz/100g, Hangzhou Tai Ju, White Chrysanthemum Bud
Chinese Chrysanthemum Tea is described as having a rich, thick flavor with traces of sweetness and a tinge of bitterness. Because Chrysanthemum is a green tea, expect a smooth boost in energy while sipping this excellent tea that comes from tea farms cared for with love.
This is also one of the top gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
#9. Dahongpao Black Tea of Fujian Wuyi Mountain, Tongmuguan Tea Garden
This is one of the best gift ideas for Chinese Christmas. Each Dahongpao tea packet is hand-picked from the Tongmuguan Tea Garden in Fujian, China. This tea is grown on the Wuyi Mountain, which is known across China for producing high-end tea. (diazepam)
#10. Lyty Chinese Tea Pot Cup Set with Tray Infuser – Travel Ceramic Tea set Porcelain Teapot, Portable All in One Gift Bag
This is one of the top gift ideas to consider for Chinese Christmas. This tea cup set is composed of high-quality ceramic with a fine texture, which is sturdy and lasting, as well as attractive and generous. It is also simple and practical.
The tea tray is made of bamboo panel and melamine chassis, which is resistant to deformation and damage, as well as being durable and easy to clean.
#11. Vintage Chinese Style Porcelain Handmade Kung Fu Tea Set with Tea Pot
This is also one of the top gift ideas for Chinese Christmas. Jingdezhen, a China-made tea set made of high-quality Kaolin. It was made at a temperature of 1300°C.
It includes a high-quality, detachable bamboo handle that is easy to hold and never gets heated. The teapot’s spout has a filtering feature. The interior wall of the teapot is smooth and easy to clean.
Also, check this: 15 Best under $10 White Elephant Gift Ideas 2022
#12. Clothes
For Chinese Christmas, this is one of the fantastic present ideas for close friends and maybe your significant other.
A lovely winter set with gloves, a scarf, and a hat, for example, demonstrates how much you care about the receiver’s well-being and comfort.
Clothes are a great gift that is both useful and sentimental.
#13. Silk Red Hongbao for Spring Festival, Wedding, Birthday, and More | 3 Styles with Chinese Knot (Traditional Style, 6 pcs)
Deep meaning and spirit: the silk fabric and tassels symbolize good luck and health, while crimson in China indicates happiness and joy. Giving these lucky envelopes as gifts to others might make them feel your genuine concern and blessing, whether they are Chinese or not.
This is one of the best gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
#14. Custom Five Dragon Chinese Name Seal
The name seal is a significant object in Chinese culture that is used as an official manner of signing one’s name or leaving one’s mark. This timeless sculpture, made of natural Shoushan stone (shòushānshí), is a great present idea for yourself or others.
#15. The Complete Book of Chinese Horoscopes
Books are a classic and meaningful present that will always find a place in the recipient’s home.
This entertaining volume covers all the signs of the Chinese zodiac, combining traditional Chinese astrology with contemporary Western issues. Furthermore, this is one of the best gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
#16. Tao of Jeet Kune Do: New Expanded Edition
This classic publication, originally published in 1975 and produced from Bruce Lee’s notes and essays, is one of the seminal martial arts guides of its time.
The science and philosophy of Lee’s unique combat technique, Jeet Kune Do, are discussed in great depth, with hundreds of pictures by Lee himself.
As a result, this is one of the best gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
#17. The Tao of Wing Chun: The History and Principles of China’s Most Explosive Martial Art
With over four million practitioners worldwide, Wing Chun is the most popular form of Chinese Kung Fu today.
This guide will amaze and educate anybody interested in the martial arts, from beginner to master, with its 48 full-color images, making it one of the greatest gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
#18. Wealth and Power: China’s Long March to the Twenty-first Century
Two of today’s finest experts on China give a panoramic narrative of this country’s journey to preeminence that is both analytical and personal through a series of vivid and fascinating portraits of renowned modern Chinese leaders and thinkers.
This book is one of the top gift ideas for Chinese Christmas.
#19. Gift Cards
This is one of the top gift ideas for Chinese Christmas to consider. Many establishments in China sell gift cards, and many restaurants, cafes, and massage parlors will give you bonuses and freebies if you buy a larger gift package.
#20. Golf Pen Set
Consider these golf-themed pens for the golf enthusiast on your list. The kit comes with pens that resemble a driver, putter, and iron, as well as a pin flag and two tiny golf balls.
Chinese Gift-Giving Etiquette
If you are unfamiliar with traditional Chinese gifting etiquette, what is meant to be a nice gift can backfire. When buying a gift, keep the following points in mind:
#1. Avoid overly cheap or expensive gifts
Miànzi, or face-giving/saving, is very important in Chinese culture. As a result, it is critical to think carefully about your present selection and to select a gift that is appropriate for the recipient’s financial position.
Excessively expensive gifts may be judged improper since they place the recipient in an awkward position because they may not be able to repay the favor with another expensive gift.
On the contrary, you do not want to give a low-value present because it would make you appear cheap or stingy. When it comes to gifts, it’s not always simply “the sentiment that matters,” so be aware of the monetary worth.
#2. Consider the color of your gift and its wrapping paper
Color symbolism is deeply embedded in Chinese culture. Instead of black (evil) and white (funerals), choose red (good fortune), yellow (traditionally reserved for the emperor), and blue (healing and immortality).
Always go for red if you’re in doubt!
Read this: Top 15 Beautiful Purple Gift Ideas
#3. Don’t open gifts in front of your gift-giver
Although it is less important among younger generations, Chinese people traditionally do not open gifts in front of the giver, so don’t be startled if the recipient does not open their gift in front of you.
If you receive a gift, it is advisable to wait from opening it in front of everyone until later.
#4. Avoid certain gifts.
Don’t gift clocks, umbrellas, scissors and knives, or shoes. Consider the following:
- sòng zhōng, to gift a clock sounds like sòngzhōng, to attend a funeral ritual
- xié(shoes) sounds like xié (evil)
- sǎn (umbrella) sound like sàn(to break up)
Also, remember to use both hands to accept and give gifts! This demonstrates that you value the other person’s input and are grateful for the opportunity to speak with them.
Conclusion
I hope you found the above Chinese gift suggestions useful. I hope this has given you some insight into the Chinese Christmas gift ideas you’re considering.
References
Recommendations
