Traditional Chinese New Year Gifts for Clients

Traditional CNY Gifts for Clients
Chinese New Year is unlike any celebration. Apart from bright decorations, crowded streets, delectable food, and crazy enthusiasm, it is a festival of giving gifts too. The good thing is that there are a lot of options available in the part for Lunar New Year gifts. While family members and friends are usually taken care of on time, the corporate employees and clients are the ones who get left out of the gift-giving exercise. So, to build new and better relations, you as a firm must get spectacular CNY gifts for clients. Slide through this list of 8 traditional Chinese New Year gifts for clients that will leave them in awe.

Year of Animal Showpiece 

A new year is a chance to build new and strengthen existing bonds. Take some inspiration from the animal of the year (in this case, the Tiger) and send stunning corporate gifts to your clients. A showpiece of the Tiger in porcelain, glass, or even wood will make a lovely addition to one's work desk or home.

Floral Arrangements 

Flowers have and shall always be one of the most loved Chinese New Year gifts for clients and the general public alike. Choose fresh flowers that come in red like gerberas or tulips and cover them in paper or other decorations of golden colour. For your big clients, choose gift for CNY like grander bouquets or floral baskets with an addition to some goodies like mooncakes and chocolates made to the CNY gifts.

Tea Packets 

Festivals tend to bring out the unhealthy food craving within us, and so, as an organization, you must encourage a healthy lifestyle with healthy Chinese New Year presents. Moreover, after days of junk food, who would not like to drink warm digesting teas? As Chinese New year gifts for clients, different flavoured tea is the ideal way to wish them. Whether you order tea-based Chinese New Year hampers or combos, either way, they will please your clients immensely.

Fruit Baskets 

Amongst all the traditional CNY gifts for clients, fruit baskets are the best. These baskets will be laden with the goodness and freshness of exotic fruits. No matter, you must include oranges in your fruit basket because of their significance for celebrating a wonderful Chinese New year 2024. Edible Hampers  Who said corporate gifts for clients have to be boring? A brilliant gift idea to give to your partners and accomplices is edible hampers. Get these Chinese New Year gifts loaded with chocolates, mooncakes, wafers, brownies, a bottle of fine wine, and other lip-smacking goodies. Such exciting and mouth-watering CNY corporate gifts will lead to unbreakable bonds between you and your business associates.

Feng Shui Plants 

The start of a new year is not always easy for people. While some ace it, others struggle to cope with things. So, as a firm, you can add a personal touch to the employees' lives by giving them Feng Shui plants. From Lucky Bamboo, Sansevieria to Aglaonema, these plants as CNY corporate gifts will help you gain a lot of traction. However, if your clients prefer traditional CNY gifts, you can always opt for the Pussy Willow plant. This staple household plant symbolizes prosperity and growth and will last for months, even after the new year celebration.

Classy Personalised Stationery 

Being a company, you must give something practical yet meaningful to your clients. Therefore, stationery is one such CNY gifts idea that will get a shoutout from the staff. Thus, order desk organizers, pens, notepads, and other such classy stationery items. Get the company name or logo embossed on them for an easy way to gain publicity.

Flavoured Chocolates 

Every celebration deserves to begin and end on a sweet note. Thus, chocolates as corporate gifts for clients as a great way to establish your relations. Get multi-flavoured chocolates like matcha, durian, dark, and wasabi that will make the client's mouth-water way before they take it home.

How to Choose Chinese New Year Gifts for Different Client Relationships

Not all clients are the same, and neither should their Chinese New Year gifts be. The key to thoughtful corporate gifting lies in understanding the nature of your professional relationship and choosing gifts that reflect the right balance of warmth, respect, and professionalism.  Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the perfect CNY gifts for clients based on different business dynamics.

Long-Term & High-Value Clients

These are the relationships you want to nurture and celebrate. Opt for premium Chinese New Year hampers featuring gourmet treats, fine teas, luxury chocolates, or elegant floral arrangements. Adding personalised stationery or a Feng Shui plant can further elevate the gesture.

New or Potential Clients

First impressions matter. Go for safe yet traditional CNY gifts like fruit baskets, tea packets, or classic floral arrangements in red and gold hues. These gifts symbolise prosperity and goodwill without being overly personal.

International or Overseas Clients

Choose universally appreciated gifts such as assorted chocolate boxes, premium edible hampers, or personalised desk accessories. Ensure the gift reflects Chinese New Year symbolism while still being culturally neutral.

Corporate Partners & Vendors

Practical yet classy gifts work best here. Think customised stationery, desk organisers, or tasteful showpieces inspired by the zodiac animal of the year.

What NOT to Gift Clients During Chinese New Year

While gifting is a beautiful tradition, certain items can unintentionally send the wrong message. Being mindful of cultural sensitivities is crucial when selecting Chinese New Year gifts for clients.
  • Sharp Objects: Items like knives or scissors symbolise cutting ties and should be avoided at all costs.
  • Clocks or Watches: These are associated with bad luck and the end of relationships in Chinese culture.
  • White or Black-Coloured Gifts: These colours are linked to mourning and are considered inauspicious for festive gifting.
  • Overly Personal Items: Perfumes, clothing, or skincare products can feel intrusive in a professional setting.
  • Cheap or Low-Quality Gifts: A poorly chosen gift can do more harm than good. Always prioritise quality over quantity to maintain your brand image.
Choosing the right CNY corporate gifts is about respect, intention, and cultural awareness—get it right, and your clients will remember you fondly all year long.

About the author

Gurnika Talwar

Gurnika Talwar is FNP’s marketing and creative content writer and has been with the firm since 2020. She is based in Delhi, India and has been in this field for 2+ years.
She started her journey as a freshman but since then has created content on several mediums. With blogging on gift ideas, food, gardening tips and whatnot as her primary goal, she has also curated content for social media and brand films. As a storyteller, she creates original, genuine, and relatable content to connect with the mass. Besides work, you’ll find her chit-chatting about movies or making sarcastic jokes.