Annual leave applications are being submitted en masse, supermarkets are depleted of mandarins and boxed beverages, while Chinatown witnesses even larger throngs that swell past its narrow sidewalks – Chinese New Year is upon us once again. Bearing the auspices of the Year of the Wood Snake, here are some Chinese New Year gifts to add to your cart, whether for yourself or your loved ones. We’re going with the former.
Unlike Christmas, the premise of a gift exchange isn’t exactly what one would call a longstanding Chinese tradition during the new year. Unless we’re referring to the gift of monetary surplus, of course. With that said, it is part and parcel of the Lunar New Year festivities to usher in the beginning of a new calendar with something new to signify fresh beginnings.
Predictably where something new is concerned, there’s plenty to choose from, given the swift uptake by brands across the globe in introducing their interpretations of serpentine wonder. Japanese watchmaker Casio looks to capture the erudite essence of the ouroboros snake, etched into the case back of its G STEEL GST-B400CX model that features a sleek black dial with gold accents. On the other hand, dainty bijoux replete with snakeshead details form the cornerstone of Pandora’s offerings in gilded 14-karat gold.
As far as apparel is concerned, Swedish label COS promises soft, versatile elegance in supple silhouettes for house visitations, while beloved American brand Levi’s adds a dash of vibrant vivacity with red on denim. Top it off with your choice of two new frames; one for optics and one for sunnies outdoors, as introduced through Ray-Ban’s festive edit adorned with details by artist Janmei Li.
Whatever you do, just don’t dally. Read on to delve into our picks for the best Chinese New Year gifts to debut in the Year of The Snake.
Chinese New Year gifts 2025: Ideas for him and her
1 /10
Have your travel plans all drawn out for the year? Then keep your belongings secure and do it in style with TUMI’s Lunar New Year Collection, where choice pieces from the Alpha Bravom Voyageur, and TUMI+ lines have been updated to feature a gold serpent undulating against an inky backdrop. This theme is further extended into accents such as an obligatory snake-shaped luggage tag, and even a TUMI ‘Lucky Coin’ discreetly slipped into each bag that evokes the significance of jade pendants as medallions of good fortune.
2 /10
Shine bright this Lunar New Year while keeping your eyes comfortably protected behind a pair of appropriately festive frames by Ray-Ban. The American eyewear label will deploy two styles featuring serpentine accents designed in collaboration with Chinese artist Janmei Li. Deftly combining a gold snake motif curled upon itself into the number 8 to signify prosperity, both optics and sunnies will also come in limited-edition packaging, ideal for gifting.
3 /10
Light-hearted kitsch has always been Kate Spade’s calling card, and this Lunar Chinese New Year proves no different. The Year of the Snake is celebrated in a fresh new print that combines the undulating elegance of an embossed snake set against a bed of blooming florals, prominently featured on leather versions of a diminutive flap chain crossbody bag and the longstanding best-seller Manhattan tote in the small size. These will be accompanied by a selection of matching snake-themed jewellery, including earrings and serpentine necklaces.
4 /10
Name the one accessory that you simply cannot be seen without in under five seconds. Surprise, it’s your phone. Serving as a modern extension of self, there’s no reason why your mobile devices shouldn’t reflect your festive ensemble come the Lunar Chinese New Year. In a tasteful crop of new designs meant to express the shedding of burdens from the year prior before stepping into new beginnings, CASETiFY invites you to ‘Uncoil a Luxe New Year’ with a brand-new protective case. These include a stunning cut-out version in the shape of a serpent, as well as one with a snake scale pattern spanning the expanse of the case back.
5 /10
Wisdom and agility, traits imbued in this year’s ophidian zodiac animal, form the foundation for Armani Exchange’s Lunar New Year capsule collection. Guided by a sense of pragmatism that has been artfully interspersed with undulating abstract expressions of serpentine imagery, this coed range runs the gamut of several core wardrobe staples including jackets, trousers, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, all of which sport choice touches of the festive motif, making them easily adaptable to both celebratory occasions and day-to-day wardrobes.
6 /10
While the Lunar Chinese New Year has always traditionally been associated with more expressive displays of celebratory merriment, those who prefer a more pared-down approach, especially where wardrobe sensibilities are concerned, can turn to Swedish high-street label COS for a wealth of options. Decorative Chinese knots take pride of place in the 2025 capsule, expressed through handmade charms that can be paired with the new Cavatelli phone pouch in prosperous reds or serene pastel leathers. Complete the set with apparel in similarly lively shades tempered by the soft, supple silhouettes that have long cemented the brand’s slow luxury appeal.
7 /10
Beyond the Chinese pantheon of zodiac animals, the serpent has also featured in a medley of other erudite pieces of symbolism, chief of which being the ouroboros. Depicted as a circuitous snake chasing after its tail, it is meant to signify perpetuity and rebirth, featuring in Chinese, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian cultures from as early as the 14th Century. In a contemporary setting this year, Japanese watchmaker Casio will be keeping time in the Year of The Snake with the limited-edition G-STEEL GST-B400CX model, transposing the mythical qualities of the ouroboros on its case back, while gold accents against a black dial framed behind a silver bezel add to its air of distinguished opulence.
8 /10
Denim may have had its start in workwear owing to its durability, but the hard-wearing textile now assumes a considerably more varied means of application, proving itself as an enduring wardrobe staple for all ages, all genders, and all occasions. The occasion in this case is a fresh new year, and longstanding purveyors of denim apparel, Levi’s, has released a suitably festive capsule collection with bright pops of energetic scarlet, while turning its hallmark gold buttons into a key accent in jackets, shirts, and bags.
9 /10
A bijoux for each of life’s most memorable chapters, Pandora and its wealth of endearing bracelet charms have become one of fashion’s most versatile accessories. Proving their case once more in the Year of the Wood Snake, a host of snake-themed additions join the fray in this latest edit, chief of which being the Snake Green Murano Glass Dangle Charm plated in 14-karat gold settling atop a deep green curl of Murano glass. To match, the Snake Clasp & Chain Bracelet, with its snakehead motif, are sure to become a new wrist stack mainstay.
10 /10
You’ll be spending plenty of time out and about come the Lunar Chinese New Year, which is why we recommend heeding our advice and keeping your wardrobe relaxed. But by no means does that translate to boring, either, as you’ll find that this year’s Skechers’ Lunar New Year capsule will leave you spoiled for choice. From his-and-her outfits to family-friendly styles to keep the kids looking preppy ahead of house visits, each garment is enhanced with a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane, for maximum comfort and malleability.