Lunar New Year — also known as the New Year or Spring Festival — is one of the most important, culturally significant, and festive times of the year in Hong Kong. Gift-giving is an essential tradition during this season. Thoughtfully selected festive gifts symbolize well-wishes and help strengthen connections among family members, friends, colleagues, and business partners.
However, arranging the delivery of festive gifts can be challenging, especially when cross-border or international shipping is involved, requiring careful consideration of both cultural customs and logistics requirements.
Understanding Lunar New Year Gift‑Giving Traditions in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, Lunar New Year is a meaningful festival that represents reunion and new beginnings. Households decorate their homes with auspicious red lanterns, fai chun, and seasonal flowers, and prepare a plentiful reunion dinner to welcome the year ahead.
Gift-giving is one of the key traditions during this festive period. Festive gifts not only express goodwill, but also convey blessings, gratitude, and hopes for good fortune in the coming year. For businesses, understanding these customs and their cultural significance helps ensure that gifts are both appropriate and effective in enhancing brand image.
Popular Lunar New Year Gift Choices in Hong Kong
Many festive gifts are favored for their auspicious symbolism. Common examples include:
Traditional Food Gift Boxes
Items such as candies, nuts, pastries, Poon Choi vouchers, and dried seafood gift sets (e.g., fish maw) represent sweetness in life and abundance in the year ahead.
Tea and Alcohol
Premium teas and alcoholic beverages—such as Huadiao wine, red wine, and whisky—are popular gifts, expressing respect and appreciation.
Festive Decorations and Fai Chun
Decorations featuring auspicious phrases like “Fortune,” “Good Luck and Prosperity,” or “Kung Hei Fat Choy” help enhance the festive atmosphere.
Gifts for Elders
Health‑related items such as nutritional supplements, fish maw and dried scallops, are commonly gifted to elders, symbolizing wishes for health and longevity. The final decision on food import shipments depends on the customs regulations of the destination country. Please contact our 24-hour Customer Service Hotline at 2400 3388 for more information before shipping.
Important Considerations When Sending Lunar New Year Gifts
Whether you are sending gifts within Hong Kong or shipping to destinations such as Mainland China, Macau, or other overseas locations, it is important to keep the following in mind:
Cultural Etiquette
Choose gifts that align with the recipient’s cultural preferences and tastes
Avoid items with negative or inauspicious meanings
Use festive colors—especially red and gold—which symbolize prosperity and good fortune
Incorporate Auspicious Elements
Common auspicious symbols used in Lunar New Year gifts include:
The character “福” (fortune)
“Kung Hei Fat Choy” greetings
The zodiac animal of the year
Peonies, dragons, phoenixes, gold ingots, and koi fish
Including a personalized greeting card can also add a thoughtful touch to your gift.
Tips for Shipping Lunar New Year Gifts and Customs Requirements
If you are sending gifts overseas—including to Mainland China, Taiwan, Europe, the United States, or Southeast Asia—be sure to:
Provide an accurate description of the contents
Declare the correct value of the gift
Disclose any restricted or regulated items
Indicate that the shipment contains Lunar New Year gifts (where applicable)
In addition, our staff at DHL Service Points can offer professional advice on shipping specific items, helping you ensure smoother customs clearance and on-time delivery. You may also contact the DHL 24-hour Customer Service Hotline at 2400 3388 for further assistance.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Holiday Delays
Logistics demand increases significantly during the Lunar New Year period. To ensure timely delivery, it is recommended that you:
Prepare and send your shipments early
Use a reliable shipment tracking service
Seek customs support from your logistics provider if cross-border or international shipping is required
Start the New Year Smoothly with DHL Express
Lunar New Year is a joyful and meaningful celebration in Hong Kong, and sending festive gifts is a traditional way to extend warm wishes to family, friends, customers, or partners.
Whether you are shipping local specialties, gift boxes, or any special holiday presents, DHL Express understands how important it is for your heartfelt gifts to arrive safely and on time. Our delivery specialists and customs team can offer guidance on cross-border shipments, along with a range of value-added services to help you send your New Year blessings around the world.
Visit any DHL Service Point and let our staff assist you with your shipment, making it easier and more reassuring to send your festive gifts this season.
Wishing you a prosperous and successful year ahead—
may it bring you strength, good fortune, and great achievements!
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