The Year of the Dragon is just around the corner, with Lunar New Year hitting on February 10, 2024. Whether or not you celebrate Chinese New Year, Tết (the Vietnamese version of the festival), or Seollal (the Korean celebration), this is a fantastic time to check out what brands have in store for the traditional holiday. It’s typical for brands to drop Lunar New Year-themed items — usually in auspicious shades of red, pink, and gold — to entice shoppers that want to score something special to bring them extra luck.
This year, there is plenty of fierce merchandise thrown in for good measure, as a nod to the Dragon Chinese Zodiac. If you’re searching for the perfect gift to usher in some good fortune for a loved one, you’re on a lucky streak here (pun intended). Ahead, we’ve rounded up the coolest Lunar New Year gift ideas, including limited-edition beauty buys, on-sale accessories, and delicious Asian treats — along with with a handful of products from our favorite AAPI-owned businesses. Fair warning: You might be tempted to keep some of these lucky gems for yourself.
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Our favorite do-it-all cookware has a new drop coming for the Year of The Dragon — and it’s a special collaboration with Fly By Jing, another one of our faves. You get a 12-inch, non-stick wok with all the necessary doodads for stir-frying, deep frying, steaming, and pretty much everything in between. Also included in the set is an electrifying trio of Fly By Jing bestsellers (which will be shipped separately). Your giftee will be tempted to add the chili oil to everything (pizzas, noodles, dumplings, even desserts), and they totally should.
Shop Our Place
Our Place x Fly By Jing Saucy Hot Wok Set, $, available at Our Place
Gift the delightful surprise of 20 yummy Japanese snacks, hand-packed and shipped straight from small businesses around the country. Since cherry blossom season is coming up, you will find sakura-themed cookies, cakes, and mochis galore. Use the code REFINERY29 to get $5 off for your first order.
Shop Sakuraco
Sakuraco Snack Box Subscription, $, available at Sakuraco
The AAPI-owned beauty brand has given its top-seller a festive makeover. The SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray is bedazzled with Po Ping, the lazy but oh-so-adorable protagonist from Kung Fu Panda. Fans of this animated classic are going to want to bag this one.
Shop Tower 28
Tower 28 Kung Fu Panda 4 SOS Rescue Spray, $, available at Tower 28 Beauty
Many beauty brands release Lunar New Year merchandise, but you can always count on NARS to deliver something that is both high-functioning and easy on the eyes. This year’s themed collection includes this setting powder that packs a high dose of minerals to take away oiliness and keep your skin looking dewy and fresh. The auspicious red lacquer packaging is the icing on top.
Shop Sephora
NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder Lunar New Year Set, $, available at Sephora
If you are visiting someone’s house for Lunar New Year, it’s a big taboo to show up empty-handed. These stunning dinner plates — featuring vibrant New Year motifs from Chinese culture — are just the perfect houseguest gift that will get reused for many years to come.
Shop Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma Lunar Mixed Salad Plates, $, available at Williams Sonoma
Dragon-themed merch can be a pretty hard sell, but Kate Spade has managed to make it look utterly adorable with this pastel wallet. With the Dragon zodiac adorning the front, don’t be surprised if your giftee ends up having their luckiest year ever.
Shop Kate Spade Outlet
Kate Spade Outlet Dragon Printed Medium Compact Bifold Wallet, $, available at Kate Spade Outlet
This fiery PJ set is bedtime-ready, but also polished enough to wear as a matching set during the day. The scarlet color will surely bring lots of luck to whoever this is intended for, and we simply adore how it looks with the icy blue contrast piping.
Shop LAKE Pajamas
LAKE Pajamas Poplin Piped Pants Set, $, available at LAKE Pajamas
Founded by a Chinese-American design duo, JW PEI is the name on all the fashion girlies’ lips right now, after Selena Gomez recently wore the JW PEI Gabbi Bag to the Golden Globes (which only retails for $129). We have our eyes set on this delectable vegan croc effect number, which reminds us of a red pocket — lucky red envelopes containing cash given out by elders during Chinese New Year. The best part? It’s currently on sale for just under $60.
Shop JW PEI
JW PEI Lucy Bag, $, available at JW PEI
This ginseng-infused serum is a hall-of-famer amongst K-beauty products and is worth every dollar on the price tag. It nourishes the skin without being too sticky or oily. As stated in my Sulwhasoo serum review, it was the favorite skincare discovery I made all year. The beauty brand has created a dragon-themed bottle design to celebrate the New Year.
Shop Sephora
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum Lunar New Year, $, available at Sulwhasoo
Caraa is a NYC-based sportswear brand founded by a Chinese-born, Spain-raised couple who saw a gap in the market for stylish and functional handbags that are not overpriced. While the convertible tote-backpacks and sling bags are the most popular styles, we think this extra roomy, water-resistant vanity kit will make a fantastic LNY gift for the traveler in your life.
Shop Caraa
caraa Vanity Kit, $, available at caraa
This Lunar New Year, Lululemon has launched a spring-themed capsule collection, with the screen legend Michelle Yeoh fronting the campaign. If you’re a fan of the Align Tank Top to begin with, this limited-edition red pattern will be right up your alley. (The company has issued a statement regarding the recent comments from founder and former board member Chip Wilson, who has not been part of the brand since 2015. You can read it here). [NOTE: I don’t know if we should address the founder’s recent comments that are anti-DEI, but I know for sure our readers will talk about this (and complain) in the comments?]
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Lunar New Year Align Tank Top, $, available at Lululemon
This Korean skincare set — consisting of a gentle cleanser, a lightweight lotion, and a soothing serum — will pretty much cover your recipient’s basic skincare needs and keep their moisture barrier healthy and happy. This is an exceptional gift idea for someone with sensitive skin or anyone who wants to only shop vegan and cruelty-free products.
Shop Good Light
Good Light Metamorphosis Skincare Set, $, available at Good Light
Whether you’re shopping for an experienced home cook or a total kitchen novice, they will love this punchy seasoning brand, founded by two Vietnamese sisters passionate about bringing authentic Asian flavors to the wider public. You’ll find condiment starters that provide the vital umami in various East Asian and Southeast Asian dishes, such as Thai larb salad, Filipino sisig (crispy pork belly), and mala tofu (an ultra-spicy Chinese staple).
Shop Omsom
Omsom The Try ‘Em All Set, $, available at Omsom
From reading our Catalina Deluxe Tote review, you can tell just how much we adore Lo & Sons. The AAPI-owned brand makes durable, well-designed carryalls in eco-friendly canvas and recycled polyester, equally suitable for short getaways or commuting to work. The Catalina Deluxe, a bag that can be worn as a tote or a crossbody, is a perfect present for someone who is always on the go. The site is currently offering a sale of up to 60% off for the new year.
Shop Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons The Catalina Deluxe, $, available at Lo & Sons
If you know someone who is looking to level up their gua sha routine, Pink Moon’s skincare duo is a great place for them to start. The Over The Moon face oil is formulated to stay on the skin longer so that the scraping movements don’t drag on the skin, while the crystal tool provides a calming and cooling effect.
Shop Pink Moon
Pink Moon Over the Moon Duo, $, available at Pink Moon
Gift a stack of ear candy to the jewelry lover in your life. The AAPI-founded brand’s gold-plated and sterling designs are edgy yet chic and will work for people with or without piercings.
Shop Maison Miru
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