10 best chinese new year gifts for your business partner

​Traditionally, Chinese New Year is one of the biggest festivals in the cultural year as it marks the end of winter (the old year) and the start of better things to come in the new year. It is also one of the key occasions to exchange gifts in business relationships as a sign of appreciation and respect. The value and presentation of the gifts given are important, as it gives “face” value to the other party.

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Here are some of the most popular gifts exchanged in Malaysia:

Pineapple
The Chinese name for this fruit sounds similar to “luck coming your way” and hence it has become an important symbol of good wealth, fortune and prosperity; nowadays this token of luck is gifted in the form of cookies so the receiver can dig in easily

Edible bird’s nest
Wishing your business partner good health is a positive sign of looking forward to continued dealings with them. Prized for their rarity and nutritional value, it is one of the most expensive foods in the world, making it a gift which has good “face” value
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Ginseng
Gifts of herbs which enhance health, improve energy levels and prevent diseases are more than welcome–they have become essentials to keep up in today’s high-paced business arena. 
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Oranges
These brightly coloured fruits make for more than healthy delicious snacks – their Chinese name sounds like “gold” so giving oranges would be akin to giving wealth and wishing abundance on the receiver. Working with fruit traders and exporters in several countries, Alien Logistics is well versed with the handling required to ensure fruits stay fresh and perky from farmer to customer.

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Alcohol
Celebrations seem to be made merrier with alcohol, so this has become quite the highlight of the gift basket. The gift giving culture has also evolved into a means of silently impressing the receiver with the selection of the alcohol given – e.g. house and year of the wine or the age of the brandy. Some discerning consumers of liquor say that a different level of brotherhood is established when good alcohol is shared. What are your thoughts on this?

Flowers & plants
The Chinese culture is rich with flower symbolism that permeates both cultural practices and artistic expression. Because flowers and plants have meaning, choosing the right one for the occasion is important. Also do note that the flowers should be sent as a potted plant as cut flowers are generally associated with funerals.  Here are some popular plants and what they symbolize:

1. Lucky bamboo — symbol of safety and peace
2. Orange or lime – symbol of fortune
3. Cat-tail or pussy willow – symbol of prosperity
4. Chrysanthemum – symbol of blessings
5. Daffodil – symbol of good luck
6. Pine trees – symbol of strong will
7. Orchids – building up good interpersonal relationships, wealth and brings power
8. Tulip – symbol of nobleness
9. Plum blossoms – symbol of forbearance

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Tea and/or tea sets
Tea culture is akin to wine culture whereby the face value of the gift given would be directly proportionate to the grade of the tea. It is not the quantity given but the quality of tea which signifies the culture quotient of the giver so it might be prudent to seek advice if the gift is for a client you want to impress and maintain good relations with.

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Nian gao
This fun food in all its sticky goodness was created to keep the Kitchen God happy and seal his mouth on his return to the Jade Emperor when reporting on the activities of the household. For businesses, it symbolises wishes for a better year as the Chinese name for this gift sounds like “higher year”

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 Tableware
While food is essential for human survival, the infinite variability of dishes available and the care taken to devise delicious goodies for every festival denotes the importance of food to the Chinese culture. Hence, tableware in good taste and in sets of 2 or 8 or would be well received. 

Luxury tableware can be given any time of the year - if you manufacture or retail these items, we can organise your shipping, warehousing and distribution locally and internationally.

Art
The Chinese take on cloisonné art which is a sophisticated process of decorating metalwork with inlays, painting and sculpture is highly prized amongst connoisseurs. Originally materials used were primarily bronze and porcelain but today it has expanded to include wood, jade, ivory and lacquer. Cloisonné vases, tea pots and plates with symbols of fortune like wild horses, mountain scenes and 9 carp fish swimming present a permanent wish of good fortune given in good taste.

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What do you think of this list of Chinese New Year gift ideas for your business partner? Share your thoughts on what worked for you!