The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, is one of the most anticipated festivals in the Philippines and throughout Asia. Family, wealth, and good fortune are valued highly in its deeply ingrained customs. These are five Chinese New Year essentials that are frequently sent to homes and are crucial to the holiday’s celebration.
5 Chinese New Year Essentials That Are Commonly Delivered
1. Red Envelopes (Ang Pao)
Ang pao, or red envelopes, are arguably the most recognizable representation of Chinese New Year. Traditionally stuffed with cash, these envelopes stand for wealth and good fortune. Many families in the Philippines purchase these envelopes online in bulk, as gifting them to children and unmarried relatives is a central tradition.
- Did You Know? The contained money represents blessings for the upcoming year, while the color red is thought to fend off evil spirits.
- Pro Tip: Many retailers offer customizable red envelopes that can be ordered and delivered straight to your door, saving you the hassle during the busy season.
2. Lunar New Year Gifts
Without gifts, Lunar New Year celebrations wouldn’t be the same, and thoughtfully selected gifts have the ability to leave an impression. These are a few of the best choices, which include both practical goods and luscious treats:
Editor’s Picks:
- Best Gift Overall: The Sill Money Tree Plant – Symbolizes growth, abundance, and good luck.
- Best Value Gift: White Rabbit Candy – A nostalgic favorite with a creamy texture.
- Best Traditional Gift: Harry & David SolZest Mandarin Oranges – Represents wealth and prosperity.
- Best Food Gift: Kee Wah Bakery ‘Better Hong Kong’ Gift Set – A curated selection of festive treats.
- Best Drink Gift: Harney & Sons Year of the Snake Tea Tin – Perfect for tea lovers.
- Best Home Gift: Blueme Year of the Snake 8-Piece Votive Candle Set – Ideal for creating a festive atmosphere.
- Best Wellness Gift: The Qi Daily Ritual Set – Focused on relaxation and mindfulness.
- Best Beauty Gift: Charlotte Tilbury Kiss of Mystery Satin Lipstick – Adds a touch of glam.
- Best Fashion Gift: Mejuri Boa Gemstone Coil Ring in Garnet – A luxurious nod to the New Year.
Why These Make Great Gifts:
- Practicality Meets Symbolism: Gifts like the money tree plant not only carry deep cultural meaning but also make for elegant home additions and make it as one of the Chinese New Year essentials.
- Variety for All Tastes: From traditional sweets to modern wellness sets, there’s a perfect gift for everyone.
3. Specialty Foods
Food is at the heart of every Chinese New Year celebration. Among the most popular items are:
- Tikoy (Nian Gao): A sticky rice cake that symbolizes unity and togetherness.
- Dumplings: Represent wealth, as their shape resembles ancient gold ingots.
- Prosperity Cakes: Often featuring lucky symbols or messages, these cakes are a favorite gift item.
Local bakeries and online specialty stores cater to the high demand for these delicacies by offering pre-order options with delivery services.
4. Chinese Lanterns
Lanterns, which represent luck and hope, are a staple of Lunar New Year décor. These colorful decorations add to the joyous ambiance by transforming houses into festive settings.
- Eco-Friendly Options: Modern designs include reusable or biodegradable lanterns that cater to environmentally conscious buyers.
- Fast Facts: Lantern-making workshops are gaining popularity, and some online retailers offer DIY kits that can be delivered for a creative family activity.
5. Fruit Baskets
Gifting fruit baskets during Chinese New Year is a well-loved tradition, with each fruit carrying specific meanings:
- Oranges and Tangerines: Represent wealth and good luck.
- Apples: Symbolize peace.
- Pineapples: Signify prosperity and success.
Many local businesses and e-commerce platforms specialize in curated fruit baskets, which often include a mix of symbolic fruits and festive packaging.
Benefits of Delivery During the Festive Season
Delivery services provide unmatched ease throughout the busy period before Chinese New Year. Online buying is growing more and more popular with celebrants as a way to avoid congested stores and guarantee on-time shipments.
- Stat Insight: During holiday seasons, e-commerce platforms in the Philippines reported a 35% increase in sales, with the most popular categories being food and decorations.
- Pro Tip: Look for sales throughout the Lunar New Year season since many sites provide free shipping and discounts.
Common Delivery Service Providers for Chinese New Year Essentials
Relying on reliable delivery service providers is crucial to guaranteeing the timely delivery of your Chinese New Year necessities. The following are some of the leading logistics companies in the Philippines that handle festive item deliveries:
1. Transportify
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Planning for Chinese New Year celebrations? Transportify’s got your back! This awesome delivery service makes shipping a breeze, whether you’re sending delicate gift baskets, traditional goodies, or festive lanterns. Perfect for both businesses and individuals, they offer same-day and scheduled deliveries that’ll make your holiday preparations smooth and stress-free.
- Key Features:
- Flexible vehicle options (e.g., sedans, vans, and trucks).
- Real-time tracking to monitor deliveries.
- Affordable pricing for both small and large deliveries.
- Perfect For: Bulk orders of specialty foods or large decorations like lanterns.
2. Lalamove
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Racing against the clock for your Chinese New Year shopping? Lalamove has you covered! This simple delivery service is a lifesaver for both individuals and organizations, offering lightning-fast same-day deliveries that will get your last-minute supplies to you promptly.
- Key Features:
- Motorcycle and van delivery options.
- User-friendly app for easy booking.
- Competitive pricing for small and medium packages.
- Perfect For: Urgent deliveries of red envelopes, gifts, and small food items.
3. GrabExpress
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GrabExpress is a part of the Grab ecosystem and offers fast delivery services across metropolitan areas in the Philippines. Its vast network of riders makes it convenient for quick and reliable deliveries.
- Key Features:
- Same-day and instant delivery options.
- Integrated with the Grab app for seamless access.
- Insurance coverage for packages.
- Perfect For: Delivering smaller items like red envelopes or gift sets.
4. Shopee Xpress and Lazada Logistics
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Orders placed on Shopee and Lazada are served via their own integrated logistics services. For pre-ordering tailored gift baskets, gourmet delicacies, and other festive necessities, these sites are very helpful.
- Key Features:
- Nationwide delivery with various shipping speeds.
- Regular promotional offers, including free shipping vouchers.
- Reliable tracking systems for orders.
- Perfect For: Online purchases of curated gift sets and specialty items.
5. J&T Express
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J&T Express offers reliable door-to-door delivery services with extensive coverage across the Philippines. It is particularly suitable for businesses and individuals looking to deliver parcels in bulk.
- Key Features:
- Cost-effective for larger shipments.
- Nationwide reach, including remote areas.
- Prompt and secure handling of parcels.
- Perfect For: Bulk orders of lanterns, fruit baskets, or traditional foods.
How to Choose the Right Delivery Service
When selecting a delivery provider for your Chinese New Year essentials, consider the following:
- Delivery Timeframe: Use services like Lalamove or GrabExpress for same-day deliveries, and Transportify for scheduled bulk orders.
- Package Size: Opt for Transportify or J&T Express for larger or bulk items, and GrabExpress for smaller packages.
- Budget: Compare pricing across platforms and take advantage of promotional discounts.
Make Chinese New Year easier by using reliable delivery services. This ensures your gifts arrive on time and in perfect condition. Plan ahead for a smooth and happy celebration, whether it’s a big party or a small family dinner. Order early to get the best deals and avoid the holiday rush.
