Lunar New Year 2026 Gift Trends in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia

Lunar New Year 2026 starts on February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse. In the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, gifting around Lunar New Year is growing beyond traditional red envelopes and sweets. This year’s standout trend is a mix of collectible “Horse” limited editions, modern money-gifting, and thoughtful, culturally aware presents that work for mixed-background households.

Here are the gift trends shaping Lunar New Year 2026 across Western markets.

1) Year of the Horse Limited Editions Go Global

The Louis XIII 2026 Lunar New Year Horse Limited Edition

Luxury brands are leaning hard into equestrian symbolism in 2026, making “Year of the Horse” items feel collectible rather than seasonal. The Financial Times notes how luxury is reviving horse imagery across jewelry and watches, tying the animal to cultural symbolism and heritage storytelling.

Concrete examples are already out: Longines released a Year of the Horse limited-edition watch (2,026 pieces), explicitly tied to the 2026 theme. Fragrance is doing the same, with Acqua di Parma rolling out limited-edition Lunar New Year packaging featuring horse motifs.

What this means for shoppers: limited editions are popular gifts for bosses, clients, and “hard-to-shop-for” relatives because they feel premium and time-specific without being too personal.

Read more: Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year): Dates, Holidays and Celebrations

2) Curated Gift Guides Move Beyond “Red-and-Gold Everything”

Mainstream Western shopping culture is increasingly driving Lunar New Year gifting, especially among younger audiences and multicultural friend groups.

Forbes’ 2026 Lunar New Year gift roundup spans categories like sweets and skincare, reflecting how gifting has expanded into everyday lifestyle products.

Trend takeaway: the best-performing gifts are usually “useful + festive,” not purely decorative. Think: beauty sets, tea/coffee, small accessories, and home items with subtle zodiac design.

Read more: How to Say 'Happy Lunar New Year' in Chinese: Key Phrases, Greetings

3) Digital Red Envelopes Become the Default for Long-Distance Families

The beloved Chinese "hongbao" has gone digital. Photo: VCG

For diaspora households, sending money is still a core Lunar New Year tradition, but the delivery method is evolving. Remitly highlights how overseas families increasingly use digital gifting and international transfers as a practical alternative to physical red envelopes.

This shift is especially noticeable in Western countries where relatives are spread across cities (or continents). Digital “lucky money” is fast, trackable, and easier for adult-to-adult gifting.

Read more: Tet 2026 Explained: A Beginner’s Guide for Non-Asian Families

4) Food Gifts Keep Winning, But They’re “Upgraded”

Food remains the safest Lunar New Year gift because it’s shareable and culturally aligned. The difference in 2026 is presentation: premium packaging, curated snack boxes, and “festival pantry” sets meant for hosting. (This trend also pairs well with Western holiday habits: grazing boards, tea time, and casual dinner parties.)

Smart angle for Western readers: bring a Lunar New Year host gift the way you’d bring wine at Christmas, but choose sweets/tea/fruit instead.

5) Cultural Sensitivity Matters More Than Ever

As Lunar New Year becomes mainstream, people are trying to avoid awkward mistakes. The trend is toward simple, respectful gifting: neutral designs, quality ingredients, and a short handwritten wish.

If you’re unsure, opt for gifts that are broadly appreciated: specialty tea, quality fruit, premium chocolate, home fragrance, or a small red envelope with a kind note.

FAQs

What are good Lunar New Year gifts in Western countries?
Food gifts, tea, skincare, small accessories, and digital red envelopes are the most universally appreciated.

Is it okay to give money as a gift?
Yes. Money in red envelopes is traditional, and digital options are increasingly common for long-distance families.

Do luxury brands really do Year of the Horse gifts in 2026?
Yes. Multiple brands have released Horse-themed limited editions tied directly to Lunar New Year 2026.