21 best Lunar New Year gifts for the Year of the Horse
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My family will take any excuse to celebrate, but Lunar New Year? One of our favourites, considering it's full of hope, joy and manifesting a great year. And while I'm still on the hunt for the perfect red dress ahead of Tuesday, February 17th, there's one more thing to consider — what gift(s) do I take my hosts?
Sticking with tradition, I will be giving red envelopes, known as Hóngbāo, filled with money in a bid to bring them good luck. But there's no harm in adding a little extra gift for her or him into the mix. Options I'm considering? A traditional tea set to show my love and respect, a selection of edible treats symbolic of the sweetness I hope lies ahead, or a red onyx-adorned jewellery gift to suggest a year of prosperity and abundance for us all.
But, with it being Year of the Horse — FYI, a symbol of freedom, vitality, energy, independence, enthusiasm, and ambition — it's only right that I round up gifts that align with this year's zodiac animal. So, read on for our carefully curated edit of the best Lunar New Year gifts to shop in 2026, as well as answers to common gifting FAQs.
How I chose the best Lunar New Year gifts:
I, with the help of my fellow Shopping editors, oversee this gift guide, along with 80+ others to ensure that seeking out unique gifts is stress-free, whether you're hunting for Mother's Day gifts, Valentine's Day, birthday presents or anniversary gifts.
As a result, I regularly attend press days and product launches to test and review the latest in fashion, beauty and wellness to ensure you only buy gifts that are worth your money.
In terms of what I consider when I get my hands on a sample:
| Design | Is it practical, fit for purpose and not at all frumpy? Is it available in multiple colours? |
| Price point | Would I be willing to spend that much again? And is the item worth that much? |
| Delivery | How quickly did it arrive, and what were the associated costs? |
| Giftability | Is this something the recipient actually wants, needs and would enjoy? Would it make a suitable Valentine's Day or Lunar New Year gift? |
Why you can trust me:
For the last two years, reviewing new launches and curating gift guides has been my full-time gig — that's 16 months at Glamour and a year elsewhere — meaning I've reviewed everything from sexual wellness launches to running trainers, menstrual products (AKA period pants) and thousands of gifts.
But to ensure I'm an expert in these areas, I regularly attend press days and quiz experts, including sex therapists, activewear designers and shopping pros. Essentially, you could say I am more of an expert on the subject of wellness, shopping and gift-giving than your average online shopper.
And in December 2025, I was asked to share my tips live on Radio 4, where I suggested we collectively skip a restock of socks in exchange for a DIY gift hamper or bucket list experience gift.
Ahead, the best Lunar New Year gifts for celebrating the Year of the Horse in 2026:
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Best gift for her for Lunar New Year
Lucky Gemstone Beaded Bracelet
Combining red onyx gemstones — which are said to bring their wearer motivation — and 18k gold vermeil, this beaded bracelet is prime retail for your girlfriend or wife to wish her a successful new year ahead. Whether worn alone or stacked with her watch, it'll provide a daily dose of colour and inspiration every time she wears it.
Save when you shop the best Lunar New Year gifts with these Monica Vinader discount codes.
LOEWE Earl Grey Midi Scented Candle
The reason we gift candles during Lunar New Year? To bring light, warmth and positive energy into your home. This luxury option from LOEWE – the brand behind the iconic Puzzle bag — has a refreshing scent, grounded in floral violet and lifted by notes of citrusy Bergamot. Housed in a metallic gold version of its iconic ridged vessel, this is a top-tier splurge.
Save when you shop the best Lunar New Year gifts with these Net-A-Porter discount codes.
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Best gift for tweens for Lunar New Year
Barbie Celebration 2026 Lunar New Year Fashion Doll
More of a collectable rather than a doll for dressing, this limited edition Barbie is a great way to get your tween involved in the Lunar New Year celebrations. Draped in bright red, she channels extra luck, while a gold peony print symbolises prosperity and honour.
Save when you shop the best Lunar New Year gifts with these Selfridges discount codes.
Best luxury gift for Lunar New Year
Tabby Top Handle Bag With Quilting
I'm the kind of gift-giver who will take any excuse to spoil my loved ones. But I also have a strong belief that how you dress impacts your confidence and performance. My older sister is manifesting some big corporate goals for this year, and she'll need a bag to carry the essentials with her. I love the candy apple red of this quilted Tabby, but even more so that it comes with a detachable cross-body chain strap and has enough space to hold her Kindle, wallet and phone.
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Best gift hamper for Lunar New Year
For your LNY hosts, there's arguably no better gift than a hamper packed with treats for all those in attendance. Fortnum & Mason excel in this department, packing one of its iconic wicker baskets with a bottle of Fortnum's 0% Sparkling Tea and a Lunar New Year biscuit tin, as well as Chocolate Tortoises (to symbolise longevity, strength and endurance), Cocoa Dusted Dark Chocolate Pistachios, Gold Coins, Good Fortune Loose Leaf Tea and a LNY Chocolate Plaque.
Save when you shop for the best Lunar New Year gifts with these Fortnum & Mason discount codes.
Our mutual obsession with Jellycat isn't wavering. And while you might think your niece/nephew's collection is complete, I can confirm it isn't (and likely never will be). According to the brand, this cherry red horse believes ‘life’s worth celebrating in all its galloping glory’. What a message to send your mini mate!
Wearing red lipstick for LNY is a tradition rooted in Chinese culture, the belief being that it will help attract good luck, prosperity and joy in the year ahead. This limited-edition lipstick from Dior comes dressed in a festive case adorned with Christian Dior's lucky star. The lipstick itself delivers long-lasting colour with a velvet finish and a necessary dose of hydration.
18k Gold Plated Horseshoe Ring Elyndra
We also know that a horseshoe symbolises good luck and protection — but did you know that the jewels and crystals you wear on your left hand indicate what you're trying to draw in, while those on the right hint at the messages you're sending out into the universe?
Whether she chooses to use its powers for herself or those around her, the fact that it's crafted from sterling silver and plated in 18-carat gold means it's made to last, whatever this year has in store for her.
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The classic Le Creuset mug is iconic, whatever colourway you opt for. But this limited edition option comes adorned with delicate horse and firework details that, according to the brand, ‘evoke childhood wonder and festive charm’. That's one way to motivate them to keep striving towards their goals each morning.
The Japanese Lucky Cat, or Maneki-neko (beckoning cat), symbolises good fortune, prosperity, and the welcoming of luck into your home. For your pal that's fully embracing grannycore activities and crafting, is there any other option? Plus, being suitable for anyone over the age of nine, this could be a fun way to get the entire family working together during your festivities.
Save when you shop for the best Lunar New Year gifts with these LEGO discount codes.
Best pyjamas for Lunar New Year
Buying and wearing new clothes has long symbolised a fresh start in Chinese culture. But if you're planning to ring in the new year together at home, perhaps they'll prefer a pair of cherry red — thought to symbolise fire, energy, and vitality — pyjamas instead. Crafted from 91% modal and cut into a relaxed fit, these are super comfortable and available in every size from XXS to 4X.
Celestial Wild Horses Everyday Pouch
It goes without saying, really, that she'll need a makeup bag to carry everything she needs for essential top-ups on her Lunar New Year event tour. Even better news: Elizabeth Scarlett gives 2% of annual sales to wildlife conservation charities Blue Marine, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust & Sujan. Since launching in 2015, the brand has raised more than £750,000 for conservation projects.
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Best skincare gift set for Lunar New Year
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Ritual Edition
With every new year comes fresh motivation to take care of ourselves with some self-care. This Korean skincare gift set from Beauty of Joseon is primed to nourish, brighten, and rejuvenate her skin. Included? The brand's best-selling Ginseng Essence Water, the brightening, firming Ginseng Eye Cream, a pair of Ginseng Under Eye Patches to target puffiness and a compact mirror to stash in her handbag.
Save when you shop for the best Lunar New Year gifts with these LookFantastic discount codes.
'Make It Happen' Panama Notebook
My excuse to take it easy the first few weeks of January? Because the Year of the Snake, of shedding the old and unwanted, was coming to a close. But now I'm ready to charge toward my goals, and I'm convinced this motivational notebook will help me get there. Handcrafted in England using the finest cross-grain leather and packed with 128 leaves, it'll be appreciated whether they use it to write down gratitudes, draft to-do lists or dream big.
Looking for a little something to send in the post? LUSH is known for fully embracing any theme, including LNY. With notes of lemon, bergamot and mandarin, plus popping candy to help them celebrate the Lunar New Year, trust us when we say this is the ideal gift for teens.
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Best gift for mums for Lunar New Year
Emolly Can Can Horse Silk Scarf
While we wouldn't usually encourage a gift that feeds into a short-term trend, we think our obsession with the triangle scarf is here to stay. This 100% silk option, designed in-house at Liberty London before being made and printed in Italy, nods to the Year of the Horse, hopefully giving her a dose of energy, ambition and confidence whenever she wears it.
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Best jewellery gift for Lunar New Year
Lantern Gemstone Fine Chain Necklace
Consisting of a stunning red onyx gemstone — said to bring its wearer motivation — on a fine 18k gold-vermeil chain, this lantern-shaped pendant is a great accessory to gift your girlfriend or wife to wish her a successful new year ahead.
Save when you shop for the best Lunar New Year gifts with these Monica Vinader discount codes.
Sometimes a thoughtful card is all that's required. This one from Papier is a lovely festive option — and you can always pop a gift card inside if you're feeling especially generous. Leave it blank or add a personalised message printed inside before having it posted straight to their door.
Save when you shop the best Lunar New Year gifts with these Papier discount codes.
Best gift for best friends for Lunar New Year
If your best friend is feeling a little hesitant about charging after her goals in the Year of the Horse? Send her a lot of luck with this horseshoe clip charm, which can be added to her existing bracelet stack or placed on a simple gold chain to wear close to her heart. Plus, being crafted from 18k gold-plated recycled sterling silver, it's got eco-credentials too.
Best perfume for Lunar New Year
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau De Parfum
This bestseller perfume may not be the most traditional gift, but it's definitely one of the most luxurious in this edit. The iconic fragrance features top notes of jasmine and saffron, which pave the way to middle notes of amberwood and a base of fir resin and cedar. If seeking out a low-risk, high-reward gift, this is it.
Save when you shop the best Lunar New Year gifts with these Selfridges discount codes.
Hóngbāo (紅包) — also known as Laisee (利是) in Cantonese — is the name given to intricately designed red envelopes filled with money, which are shared between friends or family and symbolise good luck. If you want to stick with tradition without going broke, stick a wad of this (surprisingly delicious) edible money inside. It's the thought that counts, after all.
Save when you shop the best Lunar New Year gifts with these Not On The High Street discount codes.
Lunar New Year gifts FAQs, answered:
When is Lunar New Year 2026?
This year, Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026. As the name suggests, the date marks the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar — and from here begins the Spring Festival, which is essentially a fifteen-day period of celebrations that culminates in the famous Lantern Festival on Tuesday, March 3rd 2026.
What is Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year celebrates the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and is a time to give thanks and manifest good luck, positive energy, plus prosperity for the year ahead, as well as reuniting with family and friends. It's the most important holiday in China — but it's also celebrated in many East and Southeast Asian countries, like South Korea, and Vietnam.
Lunar New Year also marks the transition from one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs to another. These include: rat, ox, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. 2025 was the Year of the Wood Snake, a sign that symbolises wisdom, growth, and personal transformation. But we're about to enter the Year of the Horse, the latter a symbol of freedom, vitality, energy, independence, enthusiasm and ambition. Essentially, this has been labelled as a great year for self development and personal growth.
What is an appropriate Lunar New Year gift?
If you don't typically celebrate Lunar New Year, it's totally understandable if you feel a little unsure about what kind of gift is appropriate to give. But anything symbolic of good luck, wealth, or respect will likely be a good bet.
However, it's worth knowing that in many Asian cultures, certain items have negative connotations, and therefore shouldn't be given as Lunar New Year gifts. These include sharp objects like knives and scissors, watches or clocks as they represent parting ways, and anything black or white — they're funeral colours, and therefore signify death.
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