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In a week's time, a significant portion of the global population will be celebrating Lunar New Year. For Asian Australians, it's akin to a second Christmas, but even better: two weeks filled with abundant food and money! Our friend Ronny Chieng understands. It's the season of giving and receiving.

If you've been invited to a Lunar New Year gathering and are unsure about what to bring, we’ve gathered some ideas for last-minute gifts. Just a reminder: shoes off if you’re visiting their homes next week!

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunar calendar. This calendar is observed by various cultures around the world, including traditional Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Burmese, and others. 

Since most of the world follows the Gregorian calendar, the Lunar New Year falls on a different date each year, usually between January and February. This year, Lunar New Year is on January 29 (Wednesday). So, if your Asian colleagues take a day off work, now you know why!

What are the Lunar New Year traditions?

Although Lunar New Year traditions differ among Asian cultures, some key customs are shared.

On the eve of Lunar New Year, families come together for a "reunion dinner." The menu varies, featuring everything from dumplings to luxury seafood like lobster – it's always a feast to remember.

Fireworks, red envelopes, and lion and dragon dances are essential parts of the celebration. 

Image Credit: iStock

The best last-minute Lunar New Year gifts

From wealth bowls and good fortune models to door hangings and hampers, there's something for every recipient.

Royal Selangor Year Of The Snake Wealth Bowl

I recall cheering when Royal Selangor was briefly mentioned in an old Kath & Kim episode. Those ladies have exceptional taste.

Established in 1885, Royal Selangor is renowned for creating the world’s finest pewter. Any home accessory or collectible you can think of, they’ve likely crafted an upscale version of it: just check out the pewter maker’s Lord Of The Rings chess set and limited edition Game Of Thrones goblets.

This wealth bowl promises to bring good 'feng shui' to its owner, trust us.

Shop Royal Selangor, $339.95

Thomas Sabo Romance Snake Ring in Gold

Thomas Sabo is celebrating Lunar New Year with stunning snake-themed jewelry, and this snake ring has rapidly become a bestseller on their website. With its elegant design, you might even channel a bit of Taylor Swift from her “Look What You Made Me Do” phase.

Shop Thomas Sabo, $159

LEGO Good Fortune Display Model

Have kids at home? This LEGO set will keep them entertained while you enjoy some Lunar New Year drinks and conversation with friends.

Shop LEGO, $129.99

POP MART Labubu New Year Celebration Series

Meet Labubu, Asia’s answer to Sonny Angels. Enthusiasts in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong travel far and queue for hours just to acquire one of these figurines. 

A single Labubu can range from $30 to thousands of dollars based on its rarity – but rest assured, this particular one won't break the bank. 

Shop Pop Mart, $42

Godiva Lunar New Year Gift Tin

No feast is complete without a sweet ending. Godiva’s festive chocolate special is always a hit at family gatherings (source: me, a devoted Godiva fan).  

Shop Godiva, $99.90

Armani Exchange Lunar New Year Snake Pattern T-Shirt

This shirt is ideal for those who want to partake in Lunar New Year celebrations without the fuss of dressing up. Wear it and enjoy compliments from friends and family!

Shop Armani, $115

Gourmet Basket Season Of Prosperity Hamper

We adore a good hamper, especially when it's filled exclusively with food. 

Shop Gourmet Basket, $128

T2 Sipper’s Staples Tea Bag Gift Pack

Why not enjoy a cup of tea alongside a delightful Godiva chocolate? T2’s gift pack is just right for the occasion. 

Shop T2, $85

CASETiFY Gold Kingsnake phone case

A phone case is always a reliable gift choice, and our friends at CASETiFY consistently deliver with sleek, timely designs. This gold kingsnake phone case is suitable for use beyond Lunar New Year and remains stylish. 

Shop Casetify, $129

Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler And Dryer (Red Velvet/Gold)

Red is the signature color this season, and it's one we can embrace, especially when it comes to the popular lifestyle brand Dyson. 

Shop Dyson, $849

Seed Heritage Linen Button Through Mini Dress (Red)

It's traditional to wear new clothes on Lunar New Year as it symbolizes welcoming new beginnings, i.e., good fortune and prosperity.

Shop Seed, $169.95

Super Duolingo

As more English speakers migrate to Xiaohongshu after TikTok's brief ban, it's time for you and your Asian Australian friends to start learning Mandarin to expand your horizons.

Duolingo is free, but if you want to master the world's most challenging language quickly, try Super Duolingo, the ad-free premium version of the owl app. 

Shop Super Duolingo, $14.49/month

These are just some of the gifts we suggest for Lunar New Year. Numerous brands offer gifts for this occasion, like Mecca, Astrid & Miyu, Haigh’s, and more.

Image Credit: Royal Selangor / Casetify / LEGO / Godiva / POP MART / Thomas Sabo