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Lunar New Year Gifts That'll Add A Touch Of Festivity To Any Outfit

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by Marina Liao

Feb. 1, 2021

Courtesy of Gucci

To honor and celebrate Chinese New Year, Gucci’s creative Director Alessandro Michele releases dedic...

For the Asian communities residing in the United States, the holidays do not conclude in December. There's one major holiday left to commemorate, which typically falls between January 21 and February 20, and that's Lunar New Year. This year, the holiday is on February 12 and it's the Year of the Ox — the second animal out of 12 in the Chinese zodiac. Celebrations include family gatherings, lion and dragon dances, and Lunar New Year gifts — usually in the form of red envelopes containing cash, though physical gifts are welcomed too. Lunar New Year, while popularly referred to as Chinese New Year in the U.S., is not only observed in China, but also in places such as South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam. Globally, over 1.5 billion people partake in Lunar New Year festivities.

Given this celebratory scale, many retailers are recognizing the importance, and the commercial opportunities, presented by Lunar New Year. Much like Christmas, the holiday has become a shopping bonanza for people to buy and give gifts, whether it's in the form of red clothing and accessories (in Chinese culture, the color symbolizes good fortune and joy) or a red money-filled envelope. For those seeking to give a physical gift, always make sure your item is aligned with that person's cultural beliefs — shoes might be considered an inappropriate gift as superstition states it will bring bad luck to the recipient. When in doubt, go with a fruit basket or a nice bottle of alcohol. You can, however, always still shop for Lunar New Year-themed items for yourself. Perhaps a new ox motif handbag (from Coach) is on your favorites list or maybe it's the Gucci x Doraemon collaboration that evokes your childhood pastimes. Shop these holiday-themed items, plus more Lunar New Year-adjacent red merchandise like a celebratory Miu Miu dress, ahead.

We only include products that have been independently selected by The Zoe Report's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

Lunar New Year Gift: Silk Scarf

China Print Silk Scarf

Salvatore Ferragamo

China Print Silk Scarf

This silk scarf is for your BFF or family member who isn't afraid to wear bright colors and prints. The design features a mixture of pagodas, lotus flowers, bamboo, and peony depictions for a one-with-nature feel. Should your loved one decide not to wear this scarf, the masterpiece can be framed as artwork instead.

Lunar New Year Gift: Bracelet

Medusa Leather Bracelet

Medusa Leather Bracelet

Though red is the obvious color of choice for Chinese New Year, any vibrantly eye-catching hues are acceptable to wear, like pink. Your bracelet stack will get a fancy upgrade with this double braided strap adored with a Medusa head. Bonus: the hypoallergenic jewelry piece is lead and nickel free.

Lunar New Year Gift: Lipstick

Burberry Kisses – Oxblood No.97

Burberry Kisses – Oxblood No.97

For the finishing makeup touch to your Lunar New Year outfit, swipe on this gorgeous deep red shade of lipstick called, most appropriately, Oxblood No. 97. Post-holidays, you can still enjoy wearing this lipstick on Zoom calls or at-home date nights with your partner.

Lunar New Year Gift: Track Jacket

Reverie Track Jacket

Reverie Track Jacket

Your holiday outfit centers around this word: comfort. Stay cozy in a two-sided brushed fleece track jacket that feels both sporty and celebratory. If you want a coordinating moment in your photos for the night, purchase the matching track pants too.

Lunar New Year Gift: A Doraemon Sweatshirt

Doraemon x Gucci Cotton Sweatshirt

Doraemon x Gucci Cotton Sweatshirt

Gucci's Doraemon collaboration is a must have for anyone who has read the mangas or watched the Japanese anime series. The fashion house reimagines Doraemon with the ox motif (in celebration for Lunar New Year) across the special collection and you'll find this playful figure popping up everywhere: on Gucci's bags, hoodies, pullovers, and more. This collab also marks the 50th anniversary of Doraemon (2020) and the 100th anniversary of Gucci (2021).

Lunar New Year Gift: Earrings

Earrings

Made in Italy, these drop earrings feature enameled stone flowers and come in a gold finish. They're festive and elegant, whether you choose to wear them with a knit red sweater or a silky blouse for Lunar New Year. The earrings can also be repurposed come spring as part of your warm-weather uniform.

Lunar New Year Gift: Leather Bag

Soho Small Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag

MICHAEL Michael Kors

Soho Small Quilted Leather Shoulder Bag

With all the red envelopes you'll be receiving, or giving, it's a good idea to keep all the cash safe in a durable handbag. Opt for this quilted leather option from MICHAEL Michael Kors, which can be worn across the body or simply nestled, like a clutch, under your arm.

Lunar New Year Gift: Necklace

Color Blossom BB Pendant

Color Blossom BB Pendant

If your outfit needs a dainty accessory, this blossom pendant is your ideal jewelry candidate. The minimalist necklace is composed of a carved, hand-polished cornelian (a semi-precious gemstone) accented with a glistening diamond. Prepare for all the compliments you'll receive on this precious piece.

Lunar New Year Gift: Jumpsuit

Cutout Slip Satin Jumpsuit

Cutout Slip Satin Jumpsuit

For a Lunar New Year outfit that's a step up from sweats, but not as fussy as a dress, you'll gravitate towards this red slip satin jumpsuit. The cutouts on the sides add allure without offending any of your family members, aka grandma, at the dinner table.

Lunar New Year Gifts: Ox Motif Tote Bag

Lunar New Year Field Tote In Signature Canvas With Ox

Lunar New Year Field Tote In Signature Canvas With Ox

A whimsical tote bag that not only makes a cute gift, but a practical one at that. It has an interior zip pocket for small essentials and one large compartment for miscellaneous items one tends to carry around. The versatile carryall also comes with detachable straps, so it can be styled multiple ways.

Lunar New Year Gifts: Customized Lipstick Case

Rouge G Lunar New Year Customizable Lipstick Case

Rouge G Lunar New Year Customizable Lipstick Case

For the beauty gurus in your life, they'll appreciate this limited-edition lipstick case as a gift for Lunar New Year. The bee design symbolizes Guerlain's commitment to protecting these insects while the red is a nod to the joyful, celebratory color of the holiday. Don't forget to add a Rouge G lipstick to your checkout cart as well for the complete lip package.

Lunar New Year Gift: Red Dress

Cady Minidress

For the family that imposes a Lunar New Year-specific dress code, you'll want to arrive to your small gathering in this feminine, bow-adorned minidress. If it's too cold, layer a furry coat on top and tights on the bottom along with your favorite pair of ankle boots. This dress' stun factor will also come across on-screen, if you plan on virtually joining into the dinner.

Lunar New Year Gift: Cardigan

Wool-Blend Cardigan

Wool-Blend Cardigan

If you're spending the holiday indoors, cozy up in this wool-blend cardigan that can easily be paired with the stretchiest bottom you have in your wardrobe for the perfect pre- or post-lunch nap. This piece is part of Moncler's special selection of items that were specifically created for Lunar New Year.

Lunar New Year Gift: A Tea Set

CNY Ceramic Tea Set

CNY Ceramic Tea Set

In Chinese culture, tea is an important ritual to incorporate into one's life, whether that's in a marriage ceremony or for a more leisurely sip as a post-dinner drink. Gift the finest tea you can find along with this ceramic teapot bundle set in the color red, of course.

Lunar New Year Gift: A Pair Of Socks

Red Lightweight Socks

Red Lightweight Socks

For those seeking a more subtle way to work in the color red into their outfits, a pair of socks is a terrific solution. This option from Thom Browne features stripes for a minimalist design and comes in a mid-calf length.