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8 Gifts to Give for Lunar New Year 2025
The Year of the Snake is said to bring wisdom and good fortune—the same qualities that inspire great gifts to mark the occasion.
Lunar New Year marks the arrival of spring, and the beginning of the new year in several East Asian cultures. The festivities are marked with food, celebrations and of course, plenty of gifts. The most traditional gift is money in a red envelope, but we have a few other suggestions, too.
Created in partnership with Hong Kong–born artist and illustrator Jessie Wong, Aritzia’s Lunar New Year capsule collection is the cutest and coziest way to ring in the holiday. The brand’s sweat fleece collection gets an adorable upgrade with friendly Lunar New Year graphics, like lanterns, dumplings and tangerines. The illustrations adorn an array of hoodies, sweatpants and socks, but for those dressing up for the celebrations, there’s a gorgeous column dress in the same eye-catching shade of red. It’s one way to ensure a warm (and cozy) reception for the Year of the Snake.
What better way to toast the Year of the Snake than with Mission Hill Family Estate’s limited-edition Transformation Trio? The set includes standouts from the winery’s impressive cellar: the 2020 Oculus, a red blend with notes of spice, black cherry and chocolate; the berry-forward 2019 Compendium, accented with floral and cedar notes; and the 2019 Quatrain, aged in French oak. This vintage of Oculus has the distinction of being the first Canadian red wine awarded a perfect 100-point score. To cap it all off, the Transformation Trio comes with a collectible Year of the Snake money envelope.
Sweets and treats are traditionally gifted this time of year, and Vancouver-based Purdys Chocolatier has a number of options for ringing in an abundant and prosperous new year. The choice includes a Lucky Red Packet with gold chocolate coins inside, a Year of the Snake medallion in milk chocolate and gift tins studded with chocolates in flavours like yuzu, matcha and passionfruit. They’re perfect for sharing or handing out, but we wouldn’t blame anyone for gifting one to themselves.
The most charming—not to mention wise and mysterious—animal in the Chinese zodiac becomes a charm itself in the hands of Vancouver-based jewellery designer, Kara Yoo. The designer has launched her Lunar New Year collection, which features all 12 animals in the lunar zodiac. Available in silver and 14-karat yellow gold vermeil, these intricate talismans are perfect for wearing on a chain around your neck, or dangling from a bracelet, earring or bag. Mix and match them, or wear alone—all options are sure to charm.
New year, new clothes. Traditionally, it’s auspicious to usher in Lunar New Year in a fresh set of clothing—and if they are adorned in red, all the better. Thanks to the Year of the Snake collection by Miles the Label, even the under-ten set can ring in the new year in style. There is everything from snake-print onesies for those celebrating their first lunar new year (three months and up) to T-shirts and sweatshirts for the bigger kids (two- to ten-year-olds). The best part: these outfits are cool enough to wear during the festivities and beyond.
According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Snake will usher in renewal and transformation. And what better way to transform your skin than with a cleansing and uplifting shower or bath? Lush has that covered, with a Lunar New Year collection created in collaboration with their teams in Japan and China. The round-up includes a serpentine-shaped gold bath bomb that’s spiked with citrus essential oils, and the Vibrant Viper Knot Wrap that’s designed by graphic designer and illustrator Cheng Peng and inspired by the art of Chinese paper-cutting.
Traditionally, sweets symbolize a sweet and prosperous life, making them a delicious and auspicious gift. It’s a solid case for ushering in the new year with a limited-edition Year of the Snake chocolate bar from Temper Chocolate and Pastry. The outside of the bar is adorned with a striking snake design, while inside a delectable caramel filling awaits. These sweet treats are only around for a short time at their West Vancouver location, so it feels extra lucky to snag one. Note: they aren’t available online, so be sure to visit in-person.
Make the Year of the Snake one to remember with an exceptional keepsake from Lalique. The small-but-mighty sculpture commemorates the occasion, but can be enjoyed year-round. Crafted in crystal, it’s available in three colourways: clear, purple and gold-stamped. The snake’s intricate coiled body creates the shape of a figure eight, a lucky number in Chinese culture. Snakes are considered among the wisest animals in the lunar zodiac, which makes this sculpture—handmade in France—a wise choice, indeed.