9 Lunar New Year gift ideas for the Year of the Dragon

As we inch closer towards Chinese New Year, our diaries tend to fill up with social plans, festive meals and the promise of giving our home a deep clean. Amidst the busyness of the festival, picking up gifts for loved ones may have slipped your mind. While passing out red envelopes may be the most popular (and fuss-free) practice in Chinese culture, that’s not your only option.  

This year, surprise your nearest and dearest with ornate gifts that will brighten their homes, delight their tastebuds and fill them with excitement for this annual celebration. Keep scrolling for our curated list of thoughtful gifts from the Cathay Shop below to ensure your loved ones are ringing in the coming lunar calendar year with good fortune and high spirits.

1. Cathay’s Year of the Dragon soft toy set

Ideal for educating the little ones in Chinese astrology, our limited-edition plush toy set spreads festive cheer with an adorable twist. It’s crafted with soft corduroy for comforting snuggles, and its pastel blue colourway with red detailing will brighten up the holiday.  

2. G.O.D.’s soy jar candle

Featuring G.O.D.’s signature print, prosperity, which is inspired by traditional Chinese tableware, this red soy wax jar candle is the epitome of a good luck charm. Its lovely rose scent and inner reflective gold surface will imbue any living space with brightness and positive energy. 

3. Victorinox’s Huntsman Year of the Dragon 2024

The Chinese zodiac sign of the dragon is said to symbolise strength – making this red pocket knife  an ideal gift for people born in the Year of the Dragon.  In addition to its design and special-edition gift box, the handy tool combines 16 functions including a SIM card pin, scissors, key ring, bottle opener, corkscrew, screwdriver and can opener.  

4. Zest Of Asia’s Icon tea towel red dragon

Made from 100% cotton, this tea towel is adorned with a vibrant red, intricately embroidered depiction of a dragon. It’s an easy and sophisticated way to incorporate a touch of traditional Chinese culture into your kitchen – and is especially practical amidst all the Chinese New Year cooking and cleaning. 

5. Martell’s Noblige cognac dragon edition

Maison Martell has collaborated with French designer Vincent Darre to elevate its smooth and sophisticated Noblige cognac with a design that celebrates the rich symbolism of the dragon. This elegant bottle is perfect for the alcohol connoisseurs in your life and is also a great way to liven up a gathering.  

6. The Peninsula Boutique’s Chinese New Year pudding

One of the most popular Chinese New Year eats that’s thought to bring prosperity and growth, nin gou is a must-have for the season. If you’ve got a loved one who might not have had the time to make or purchase their own, show them you care by gifting The Peninsula Boutique's beloved interpretation , made with hand-ground glutinous flour for a chewy texture. 

7. Imperial Patisserie’s New Year premium combo gift box

This selection of Imperial Patisserie’s signature and seasonal pastries combines Chinese- and western-style pastries, ensuring there’s something for everyone. It includes golden puffs made with salted egg yolks, aromatic palmiers, eggrolls with a honeycomb-like texture, and crispy cookies.  

8. Lucky’s round nougat gift box

With its gold coin-shaped packaging emblazoned with an idiom that blesses the recipient with generous wealth, this nougat gift box is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Made with natural ingredients, these chewy peanut-filled nougats are also a healthier snack option to counteract the indulgences enjoyed during the season.

9. La Maison du Chocolat’s Prosperous Dragon Year hatbox

As 2024’s Chinese New Year takes place just a few days before Valentine’s Day, why not get a head start on the romance by gifting this decadent hatbox to that special someone with an incurable sweet tooth. This premium assortment of chocolates, including truffles, spreads and bars, will invoke wonder and delight with every bite.