Chinese gifts

[aideai 0]

Hi, I work with Chinese at a restaurant. I would like to buy a small gift for each worker. Can anyone ( or perhaps your Chinese spouse ) recommend me what I shpuld buy? i live in a metropolitan area, so there are Chinese supermarkets if that helps. 新年快乐

[TBoneTX 43,417]

Thread is moved from Off Topic to the China regional forum, for highest concentration of advice.

[TomandQi 16]

Most Chinese people prefer "lucky money" in a red envelope or hóngbāo.

[yuni_yuni 59]

you can give them gift box or hamper that contain mandarin orange, kinds of cookies or chocolate or Green tea.

decorate you gift box or hamper with lots of red.

 

[cyclone27 710]

Money in red envelope!!! ❤️

[jdaveh 58]

your profile says you are from china ?

 

[aideai 0]

I guess I was looking for fresh ideas in gift giving. I am aware of Chinese tradition. The red envelope 红信封, is not s new concept to me. I was giving them in the year 2000. Perhaps I already know what to give. or what not to-

 

Never give scissors, or knives.That would seen to wish to sever a relationship. 

 

Never give handkerchiefs, that is a symbol to say goodbye.

 

Never give anything in sets of 4. The tone of the word four  sounds similar to the tone in the word death. 

 

Cut flowers- ouch! They are presented at funerals. To cut a flower is to steal it's life, it will soon die. If you desire to give flowers, try to find a potted plant that is in blossom.

 

The colors yellow, and black are used at funerals. White can be seen at funerals as well. If I'm not mistaken it is seen as mourning. Stay away from that combination when giving. 

 

Shoes in gift giving is seen as evil.

 

Clocks are seen as bad luck.

 

Giving a wallet is seen as giving away one's wealth.

 

The word pear in Chinese has a similar sound to the word leaving. So giving a pear is a seen that you will be parting company in the near future. 

 

Candles are used at funerals. Never give candles as your Chinese friend will refer it to death.

 

You can give-

 

Fruit baskets, tea, tea pots.

 

Dried fruit, and or nuts.

 

Wine, liquor especially imported.

 

Money is always good!

 

Tobacco if they smoke.

 

Chocolates, uh, assuming the person eats sweets. Many Chinese I know stay away from sweets.

 

Above all. Give a gift that your receiver will be able to reciprocate. As the person certainly will. Giving a gift your friend cannot afford is to cause the person to lose face. Giving a gift to cheap will also cause your Chinese friend to lose face. it will be seen as an insult.

 

I speak some Chinese. I can navigate the country without an interpreter. I studied Chinese calligraphy. I studied Shaolin Kung Fu for 10 years. I sometimes do live in China. I hope that satisfies your curiosity.