Mandarin oranges and more: Inclusive Chinese New Year gift ideas for the workplace

It’s ang bao time! But gifting at work doesn’t have to stop there. From halal-friendly snacks to practical desk accessories, here’s a mini guide to showing appreciation without excluding anyone – or breaking the bank.

Chinese New Year is fast approaching, and for many workplaces across Asia, that means one thing: another gifting season is here. But what’s the modern, inclusive approach to CNY gifts at work? With teams spanning different faiths, generations, and tastes, the old "ang bao + sweets" formula doesn’t always cut it anymore.

For HR leaders and managers, gifting isn’t just festive fun – it’s a small but meaningful touchpoint in the employee experience, showing appreciation while reinforcing a culture of inclusion. Done right, it can make your team feel seen and valued; done poorly, it can feel awkward or even exclusionary.

Here’s how to approach it without overthinking – but still put a smile on people's faces.

Gifts for the employees

1. Keep it practical (and widely usable)

There's nothing wrong with a classic if it works. Practical gifts get noticed because they actually get used, instead of gathering dust on a shelf. Some ideas include:

• Desk accessories – Think sticky notepads, organisers, or stylish pen sets.
• Tech helpers – Wireless chargers, phone stands.
• Drinkware – Reusable water bottles or insulated mugs in festive colours.

The bonus? These gifts are neutral enough for all roles and seniority levels, yet still subtly festive if you stick to reds, golds, or jade greens.

2. Food gifts that everyone can enjoy

Food is classic, but inclusivity matters. Here are some options you can consider:

• Halal-certified or vegetarian snacks – Premium nuts, dried fruits, artisanal biscuits.
• Teas and coffees – Single-origin or local blends that can be shared with family.
• Local treats – Supporting regional artisans keeps the gift grounded and culturally relevant.

Tip: Label everything clearly. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for anyone with dietary restrictions.

3. Flexible gifting options

Sometimes, the best gift is letting people choose for themselves.

• Gift cards – Supermarkets, lifestyle retailers, e-commerce platforms.
• E-wallet credits – Perfect for younger teams or digitally savvy employees.
• Wellness kits – Herbal teas, aromatherapy sets, or simple self-care bundles.

These options give employees freedom while showing that you care about their personal preferences and wellbeing.

Gifts for the co-workers

Small gestures go a long way here. Keep it:

• Affordable – Think mandarin oranges, festive stationery, or mini snack packs.
• Optional – Avoid creating pressure to reciprocate.
• Thoughtful – A handwritten note or digital greeting can be just as meaningful as a physical gift.

Gifts for the boss

Gifting upwards can be tricky; so the easiest thing to do is to keep it team-oriented and professional:

• Shared gifts – Fruit hampers, premium teas, or desk accessories.
• Avoid extravagance – Expensive or personal items can feel awkward.
• Add a note – A brief, sincere message of thanks for leadership over the past year often says more than the gift itself.
  

The bottom line? Chinese New Year gifting doesn’t have to be stressful. By keeping gifts practical, inclusive, and culturally aware, any of us can show appreciation while reinforcing an inclusive and thoughtful employee culture. As cheesy as this may sound, small gestures, done right, go a long way especially when they land at the intersection of thoughtfulness and usability.

Happy gift shopping!