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Is it just me, or does it feel like 2025 is flying by? I mean, the Lunar New Year is basically already here?! (January 29, just to save you a Google search.) It's like we were just carving pumpkins and opening presents literally yesterday. What. Is. Time. But, alas, the major holiday is coming up fast, ready to usher in new life, prosperity, and luck (basically allllll the good vibes)—which means you gotta start placing those gift orders for your loved ones and party hosts ASAP.
All my red envelope-loving peeps know that the typical gift for the occasion is straight-up cash in the iconic red packet. However, I'm here to tell you that it's okay to break tradition here and get creative with your gift-giving skills while still being thoughtful and on theme. So let this list of unique Lunar New Year gift ideas help you when you're shopping for the perfect, festive present that symbolizes good luck and fortune.
Heads up: It's the Year of the Snake which represents a time of transformation and spiritual growth—aka time for all of us to shed our old skin and level up. Love that for us! There are a ton of gift ideas that match this year’s theme below, but first…
Here's what to avoid when shopping for a Lunar New Year gift:
- Knives and other sharp objects (they represent "cutting off" wealth, good luck, or even relationships)
- Clocks/watches (as they represent "parting")
- Anything black or white (because they're considered funeral colors which, y'know, aren't great vibes)
Now that you’re all prepped and in the know, scroll down to see all the cool Lunar New Year gift ideas I was able to find. Not to toot my own horn, but, I found some gems after hours of research! (The Mejuri snake ring that’s giving Reputation energy and Coach tote are my personal faves.) From limited-edition beauty products with exclusive red packaging to chic serpent-themed accessories and gift sets packed with Lunar New Year-appropriate goodies, there's something for everyone that matches the vibe, even if they have specific interests. Manifesting happiness, good health, and lotssss of money for all of us in 2025!
A Hello Kitty-themed Lunar New Year sweatshirt might be the cutest thing to wear to celebrate the upcoming year. Prove me wrong! I'd grab yourself one too while you're at it…
Charlotte Tilbury Lunar New Year Lipstick Matte Revolution - Kiss of Fortune
The beauty lover would be obsessed with this limited-edition, red Charlotte Tilbury lipstick that comes in the cutest snake-themed case. FYI: The case is refillable so they're able to use it forever!
What's a Lunar New Year celebration without a Lazy Susan? (Short answer: not a complete one!) This one is designed specifically for the major holiday, decorated with symbols that represent joy and prosperity. It'll go perfectly with the rest of their red, white, and gold tableware.
It's the Year of the Snake, they gotta have some jewelry that embraces the vibe. Enter: These serpent earrings—ahem, specifically the details on them. The pavé detailing! The green stones as the eyes!! They're a great everyday pair that makes a statement without overpowering the whole look.
If there's any Lunar New Year gift set to give them, it's gotta be the one from Lady M Confections. The renowned, Japanese-French bakery (known for its iconic Mille Crêpes cake) has a limited-edition bundle dedicated to the holiday filled with 32 mini crêpe biscuits (that come in a cool, snake-shaped centerpiece!), five confetti shaker red envelopes, a gift bag, and a sweet gift note.
Shopping for a tween, teen, or an adult who loves a good ole stuffed animal? Amazing, because this dragon Jellycat exists and it's too cute to pass up.
Tons of gifts often collect dust, but notecards aren't one of them! They're super practical because they can be used as thank-you notes, birthday cards, or as lil checking-in notes. It's a gift that you can be confident they'll actually use and appreciate. And peep the snake imprint!
FYI: Their vast hair clip collection is missing this shiny snake hair accessory. (I will one hundred percent be buying myself this, thank you very much.)
Skincare enthusiasts will be so hyped to open up their gift and see this luxe serum—especially in this exclusive Lunar New Year bottle. It'd make a great addition to their skincare regimen if lasting hydration is a main skincare goal for them.
Perfect host gift incoming: Put their favorite flowers inside this snake-coiled vase, and boom—you've got a thoughtful gift that'll look fab in their home and take you minimal effort. Plus it's cost-efficient!
FYI: The Lunar New Year is in January, which means fun, non-alcoholic beverages might need to be on deck for the dry January peeps. I highly recommend pulling up to the function with this pack of yummy lychee martini drinks that taste nearly identical to the fan-fave cocktail sans the booze.
Lunar New Year snake bracelets for the entire group chat. Done.
One thing to know about the girlies? They'll never leave the house without their handy tinted, moisturizing lip product. They can never have enough! And I promise you the girlie in your life will be pumped to receive this limited-edition, Red Bean Mochi lip balm by Tower 28.
Okay, but seriously, these Doc Martens boots are freaking awesome. Made for the Lunar New Year holiday, they've got snake-embossed leather, gold accents, a "lucky" red backstrap, and a snake charm.
You can always trust a candle gift to pull through when you're in a pinch. As long as it looks like you put some thought into it (snake-themed FTW), you're absolutely solid.
Yes, this tote is a bit of a splurge but, I mean, it's just as functional as it is gorgeous. (The Coach emblem that's also a snake is a fun touch, right?!) Spacious enough to use as an everyday tote or travel/overnight bag, it'll fit their daily necessities (phone, keys, and wallet) plus their laptop, an outfit, and even a small makeup pouch.
Take it from me, whose love language is jewelry—rings, specifically—I've never seen one as cool as this style. The wrap-around snake design is so chic!
As a self-proclaimed beauty buff, I will 100 percent be adding this special edition Laura Mercier powder to my cart ASAP. Do with that information what you will…
People will always appreciate a body care set—especially if it's from a nice brand like Malin + Goetz. This bergamot duo comes in the brand's stunning Lunar New Year-designed bottles. And your giftee will love how refreshing, nourishing, and gentle the formulas are.
The gift of a blanket is always a winner. Bonus points if it's a Barefoot Dreams blanket, which are known to be some of the softest, plushiest ones in the game.
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
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