The world is our office these days! Thanks to technology, we can connect, collaborate, and build partnerships with amazing people – literally all around the world. At GiftGood, we’ve helped a lot of businesses navigate the exciting (and sometimes tricky!) world of cross-border gifting. We understand the challenges—from language barriers and cultural nuances to complex logistics and payment landscape. Whichever you name it, we've experienced it. That's why we created this handy guide to help you navigate your year-end holiday and New Year gifting traditions across APAC region. 

Ready to impress your global partners? Read on. 

Send Gifts to China

• When to Gift: Both year-end and Lunar New Year are prime times for exchanging gifts. Year-end gifts express gratitude for the past year, while New Year gifts bring wishes for luck, joy, and prosperity.
• What to Gift: Popular gifts include red envelopes (hongbao) filled with cash, symbolizing good luck and prosperity, especially for children and unmarried adults. Food items like premium teas, fruit baskets, or festive pastries are also well-received as they reflect thoughtfulness and abundance. Gifts with auspicious meanings, such as mandarin oranges (symbolising wealth), are particularly meaningful
• What Not to Gift: When gifting in China, avoid items with unlucky associations. Clocks symbolise "time running out" and are tied to funerals, while pears sound like "separation." Sharp objects like knives or scissors represent cutting ties, and handkerchiefs are linked to farewells. Green hats imply infidelity, shoes suggest bad luck, and umbrellas symbolize breakups. Steer clear of white or black items, as they’re tied to mourning, and candles, which are used in funerals. Mirrors are believed to attract evil spirits, and books can sound like "loss," especially for business people.

Send Gifts to India

• When to Gift: Year-end and New Year gifting is most prominent among Christian communities in India, with Christmas and New Year being the primary occasions for exchanging gifts. In urban areas, Western influence has popularized year-end gifting across other communities, especially in corporate settings where gifts are exchanged as a gesture of gratitude and goodwill.
• What to Gift: Universally appreciated gifts include sweets and dry fruits, and other traditional items like clothing, jewellery, or handcrafted products. For corporate gifting, premium hampers, personalized items, or planners are ideal. Monetary gifts are also common and should end with the auspicious digit "1" (e.g., ₹101 or ₹501) to signify blessings.
• What Not to Gift: Avoid gifts that may conflict with religious or cultural beliefs. Leather products are inappropriate for Hindu recipients due to the sacredness of cows. Black and white items, associated with mourning, should be avoided across most communities. For Muslim recipients, refrain from giving alcohol or pork-based products, as these are prohibited by their faith.

Send Gifts to Indonesia

• When to Gift: Gift-giving in Indonesia during the year-end and New Year varies widely, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural diversity. For the Chinese-Indonesian community, the Lunar New Year is a key time for exchanging gifts, symbolizing prosperity and blessings for the year ahead. For others, gift exchanges during the Gregorian New Year are less formal, often centered around small gestures during communal gatherings or family celebrations.
• What to Gift: Selecting suitable gifts requires cultural sensitivity. For Chinese-Indonesians celebrating Lunar New Year, items like mandarin oranges, which symbolize prosperity, angpao (red envelopes containing money) for children, or traditional cakes are appreciated. Muslim recipients may value gifts such as prayer mats or halal food items, especially during Islamic festivities. For Christian Indonesians, thoughtful gifts like cakes, chocolates, or household items are common during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Always ensure that food items comply with the recipient's dietary restrictions, such as halal for Muslims and avoiding beef products for Hindus.
• What Not to Gift: It's crucial to avoid gifts that may be culturally or religiously inappropriate. For Muslim recipients, refrain from giving alcohol or products containing pork derivatives, as these are prohibited in Islam. Hindus consider cows sacred, so avoid leather goods or beef-related products. Additionally, certain items carry negative connotations across various cultures; for instance, sharp objects like knives or scissors can symbolize severing relationships, and black wrapping paper is often associated with mourning and should be avoided. Always present gifts with the right hand or both hands, as using the left hand is considered impolite in Indonesian culture.

Send Gifts to Japan

• When to Gift: Gift-giving is a time-honoured tradition in Japan, especially significant during Oseibo (year-end) and Oshogatsu (New Year). Oseibo gifts are given in December to express gratitude to those who have supported you throughout the year, such as business associates, superiors, or relatives. Oshogatsu gifts are exchanged between January 1–3, focusing on close family and friends to wish them happiness and prosperity in the coming year.
• What to Gift: popular gifts include preserved foods, sake, sweets, and household items, chosen for their practicality and quality. For New Year, gifts often feature seasonal foods, health-related products, or otoshidama (money in decorative envelopes) for children. Thoughtful presentation is essential—wrap gifts with noshi paper in red and white to symbolise celebration and include proper inscriptions.
• What Not to Gift: Avoid items with negative meanings, such as sharp objects (symbolising cutting ties) or potted plants (representing stagnant relationships). The numbers four (shi) and nine (ku) are considered unlucky, so avoid gifts in these quantities. Additionally, gifting public servants is prohibited under Japan's National Public Servant Ethics Law.

Send Gifts to Singapore

• When to Gift: The year-end and New Year periods are ideal for exchanging gifts in Singapore. Year-end gifting usually happens during Christmas, while Lunar New Year gifts are shared in late January to mid-February during family and business visits.
• What to Gift: Thoughtful gifts such as mandarin oranges (symbolising prosperity), premium teas, festive hampers filled with traditional treats, or wine are popular during Lunar New Year. For Christmas or year-end, personalised items, gourmet food baskets, or practical gifts like planners or candles are well-received. Red packets (ang baos) with cash are a must for Lunar New Year, given to children and unmarried adults as blessings for good fortune.
• What Not to Gift: Avoid items that may carry negative connotations. Clocks symbolise "time running out," and sharp objects like knives or scissors suggest severing relationships. Gifts in white or black are associated with mourning and are considered inappropriate for festive occasions. Additionally, avoid gifting alcohol to Muslim recipients, as it is forbidden in their culture.

Send Gifts to South Korea

• When to Gift: Gifts are typically exchanged during Seollal (Lunar New Year). It's customary to present gifts to family members, friends, and business associates during this time.
• What to Gift: Health products like ginseng and honey are popular, reflecting wishes for good health. Premium fruits, high-quality teas, and traditional sweets are also well-received. Monetary gifts, known as "Sebaetdon," are traditionally given to younger family members in silk pouches called Bokjumeoni, symbolizing good fortune.
• What Not to Gift: In Korea, clocks and watches are avoided as they symbolize the passing of time and funerals. Sharp objects like knives and scissors are seen as symbols of severing relationships. Handkerchiefs are connected to sadness and farewells, while shoes can imply that the recipient might walk away. Writing names in red ink is a cultural taboo linked to death. Gifts in sets of four are also considered unlucky due to their association with misfortune.

Send Gifts to Taiwan

• When to Gift: The best time for gift-giving is during the Lunar New Year, a period dedicated to family reunions and expressing goodwill. It's customary to present gifts when visiting someone's home during this festive season.
• What to Gift: Red envelopes, known as "hóngbāo," containing money are traditionally given to children and unmarried adults, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. Thoughtful gifts such as high-quality teas, assorted fruit baskets, or festive pastries are also well-received, as they represent abundance and convey sincere wishes for the coming year.
• What Not to Gift: Certain items are considered inappropriate due to cultural superstitions. Avoid clocks, as the phrase "to give a clock" sounds similar to "attend a funeral" in Chinese, implying bad luck. Umbrellas are also unsuitable, as the word for umbrella ("sǎn") resembles the word for "separation," suggesting a potential split in the relationship. Additionally, gifting sharp objects like knives or scissors is discouraged, as they symbolize severing ties. It's also advisable to avoid white flowers, which are associated with funerals and mourning. 

Send Gifts to Vietnam

• When to Gift: Gifts are usually exchanged a few days before Tet (Lunar New Year) or during visits on the first three days of the new year.
• What to Gift: Tea, wine, fruit baskets, and traditional treats like mứt (candied fruits) are common and thoughtful. Speciality foods like bánh chưng or bánh tét (sticky rice cakes) are excellent for close family or business associates. For children, red envelopes (bao lì xì) containing money are a beloved tradition, symbolising good fortune and success.
• What Not to Gift: Steer clear of gifts in black or white, as these colours are linked to mourning. Sharp items like scissors or knives are avoided due to their symbolism of severing relationships. The number four, associated with death, is considered unlucky, so avoid gifting items in sets of four. 

Send Gifts to Hong Kong

• When to Gift: The Lunar New Year, celebrated in late January or February, is the key occasion for gift-giving in Hong Kong. 
• What to Gift: Red envelopes, known as lai see, filled with cash are the most iconic gifts, symbolizing prosperity and luck, especially for children and unmarried adults. Fruit baskets, high-quality teas, or traditional Chinese cakes are popular choices. Gifts are often wrapped in red or gold for good fortune and presented with both hands as a sign of respect.
• What Not to Gift: Clocks are avoided because "giving a clock" in Cantonese sounds like "attending a funeral." Umbrellas suggest parting ways, while sharp objects symbolize severing relationships. Gifts in white, blue, or black are inappropriate due to their association with mourning. Additionally, avoid overly extravagant gifts, as they may make recipients uncomfortable.

Send Gifts to Malaysia

• When to Gift: The timing of gift-giving varies among Malaysia’s ethnic groups. For the Malay community, year-end gifting is usually seen in corporate settings or informal exchanges, as they follow the Islamic calendar and do not have a specific year-end celebration. The Chinese community emphasises Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February) for gifting, with family visits and gatherings being prime occasions. Indian Malaysians, while primarily celebrating Deepavali, may exchange gifts during Christmas if they are Christian or participate in informal New Year celebrations as part of Malaysia’s multicultural society.
• What to Gift: Gifts should be tailored to the recipient’s cultural values. For Malays, halal food items, festive hampers, and chocolates are suitable, while alcohol and non-halal products should be avoided. Chinese Malaysians favor gifts like mandarin oranges for prosperity, hampers with snacks and teas, or red packets (ang pao) with even amounts of cash. For Indian Malaysians, sweets, fruits, and non-leather items are appropriate, especially for Hindu recipients, as cows are sacred. Personalized or practical items work well in corporate gifting across all groups.
• What Not to Gift: Sensitivity to cultural taboos is crucial. For Malays, avoid alcohol, items made from pigskin, and gifts wrapped in yellow (a royal color) or white (associated with funerals). For Chinese Malaysians, avoid sharp objects (symbolizing severed relationships), clocks (linked to funerals), and items in black or blue wrapping (mourning colours). For Indian Malaysians, avoid leather goods for Hindus and stick to vibrant colours like red, yellow, or green for gift wrapping, as white and black signify mourning.

Send Gifts to Philippines

• When to Gift: In the Philippines, gift-giving is a cherished tradition, especially during the year-end and New Year festivities. The Christmas season begins as early as September and culminates in January. Gift exchanges peak during Christmas and extend to New Year's celebrations, with traditions like "Monito-Monita" (a form of Secret Santa) being popular in schools, workplaces, and communities.
• What to Gift: Thoughtful presents are highly valued. Common gifts include food baskets, clothing, and toys for children. Cash gifts, often placed in red envelopes called "ang pao," are traditionally given by godparents to their godchildren as a symbol of good fortune.
• What Not to Gift: While Filipinos appreciate most gifts, it's advisable to avoid items associated with superstitions or negative connotations. For instance, sharp objects like knives or scissors are believed to sever relationships. Additionally, avoid gifts that are overly extravagant, as they may cause discomfort to the recipient.

Send Gifts to Thailand

• When to Gift: The Thai New Year, Songkran, in mid-April, is the main time for gift exchanges. This holiday is celebrated with water fights and merit-making, where gifts are a way to show respect and share joy.
• What to Gift: Thoughtful gifts such as fruit baskets, sweets, or small household items are well-received. Hand-painted umbrellas from Chiang Mai, symbolising protection and prosperity, or artisan-crafted silver jewellery reflecting Thai craftsmanship, are also great choices.
• What Not to Gift: Avoid gifts in black, blue, or green wrapping, as these colours are linked to mourning. Additionally, it’s customary not to open gifts in front of the giver.

Ready to simplify your APAC gifting?

We can help you send gifts like a local— shop online in minutes with English-language support, secure payment, and verified local partners. If you have complex gifting needs, reach out to our friendly team at corporate@shopgiftgood.com or +65 9825 6950 (Whatsapp) for personalised assistance.