Red Envelopes

• Red envelopes filled with money or gift cards are commonly given to friends during the Chinese New Year. Usually given to children and unmarried adults, the money inside of these red envelopes is referred to as "lucky money." The color red signifies good fortune in Chinese culture, and gold Chinese characters often decorate the red envelopes. The golden characters represent different virtues associated with Chinese culture, such as kindness and wisdom. Unlike greeting cards given in American culture, the red envelopes are characteristically left unsigned.
  
  

High Tech Gifts

• Bringing a practical gift to a friend during the Chinese New Year is welcomed and greatly appreciated, especially amongst the younger Chinese generations. Many Chinese people prefer practical gifts, which they are able to use in every day life. Gifts that assist in work, school or chores are commonplace during the Chinese New Year. High-tech gifts are considered useful and include computers, cell phones, cameras, digital planners and digital media players.
  
  

Lanterns

• A lantern may be given to a friend or host during the Chinese New Year. This simple gift carries meaningful Chinese culture and significance. The last day of the Chinese New Year celebration traditionally ended with the Lantern Festival. During the evening of the festival, crowds toted extravagant lanterns through the streets in a large parade. Men performed a dragon dance -- named after huge bamboo and silk dragons, which the men would wave in the air during the performance. Although the Lantern Festival no longer takes place, beautiful Chinese lanterns -- many adorned with dragons -- make great traditional gifts for the Chinese New Year.
  
  

Wine and Food

• Wine and food are convenient items that can be given to friends as gifts during the Chinese New Year. In ancient China, stores closed the last few days of the year and remained closed throughout the first week of the New Year. Families were forced to stock up on food, and the tradition of giving gifts of food for the Chinese New Year began. Examples of gifts commonly given during the Chinese New Year include pastries, fruit, chocolates and small candies. Wine is a modern gift-giving option and is a popular gift exchanged amongst friends.