Best Promotional Lunar New Year Gifts for Employees

Why New Year Gifts Still Matter for Employees in 2026

A New Year gift sets the tone for the year ahead. It’s often the first tangible interaction employees have with the company after closing out the previous year. When done well, it reinforces trust and motivation. When done poorly, it becomes background noise.

In 2026, the most effective employee gifts share a few clear traits:

• They are genuinely useful in daily life

• They feel intentional, not rushed

• They respect sustainability expectations

• They reflect the company’s culture without being overly corporate

The goal is not to impress. The goal is to be remembered.

How to Choose the Right New Year Gift for Employees

Before looking at product ideas, it helps to step back and clarify what makes a good employee gift today.

Start by thinking about use, not novelty. If an item fits naturally into an employee’s routine—at work, at home, or on the move—it has staying power.

Next, consider how your team works. Office-based teams, hybrid employees, and fully remote staff will experience gifts differently. Size, weight, and shipping practicality matter more than ever.

Branding should be subtle and well-placed. In 2026, employees are far more likely to use an item with tasteful branding than something that feels like advertising.

Finally, materials matter. Sustainable options are no longer niche. Many employees actively notice whether gifts are made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials.

In addition, gift-giving during the Lunar New Year is not merely a tradition; it is a profound expression of respect, gratitude, and affection towards family members, friends, and business associates. This practice is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the festival and plays a pivotal role in reinforcing social bonds and cultural values.

Practical New Year Gifts Employees Will Actually Use

Practical gifts continue to be the safest and most appreciated option, especially when they are well-designed.

Symbolic Gifts

Red Package – Hong Bao

Celebrate the New Year and elevate your brand with our exquisite range of branded red packets.

These beautifully crafted envelopes, available in a variety of colours and designs, are the ideal gift to show your employees how much you value their hard work and dedication.

Our branded red packets not only honour cultural traditions but also enhance your branding position. By associating your brand with this time-honoured tradition, you foster goodwill and strengthen your relationship with both employees and customers.

Red Packet Organizer: Keep Tradition in Style

Crafted with premium materials and designed with functionality in mind, the Red Packet Organizer provides a dedicated space for storing and organizing your red packets.

Its sleek and compact design makes it easy to carry, ensuring that you’re always prepared to distribute red packets during festive occasions.

Our customization options allow you to imprint your brand logo and design, or even add a personal message onto the bag. This not only adds a touch of sophistication but also creates a lasting impression on recipients.

Themed Gift Box Ideas

Gift Box Filled With Festive Goodies

Make a lasting impression with our exquisite Custom Gift Boxes, designed to showcase the essence of your brand or add a personal touch to your gifts.

These beautifully crafted boxes are the perfect solution for elevating your gifting experience.

What sets our Custom Gift Boxes apart is the opportunity to personalize them with your own unique flair.

Some of the products that can be added to the custom gift boxes include engraved keychains and Year of the Dragon gifts.

Our customization options allow you to imprint your brand logo and design, or even add a personal message onto the box, creating a truly memorable gift.

Crafted with premium materials and attention to detail, our Custom Gift Boxes exude elegance and sophistication. Whether you’re gifting to clients, employees, or loved ones, these boxes add a touch of luxury and make the recipient feel truly special.

Personalized Gifts

Custom Enamel Mugs

Elevate your employees’ New Year experience by gifting them our stylish and customizable Custom Enamel Mugs.

Crafted with care and designed to reflect your brand or personal style, these mugs are the perfect way to make a statement while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing beverage.

Made from high-quality enamel, our mugs are not only durable but also provide excellent insulation, keeping your employees’ beverages hot or cold for extended periods.

Horse-Themed Pop-Up Cards

In addition to our Custom Enamel Mugs, we also offer Custom Pop-Up Cards, the perfect choice for corporate gifting to clients, partners, and employees.

Our horse-themed pop-up cards are particularly captivating.

The intricate and dynamic design of a dragon popping out of the card is sure to capture attention and leave a lasting impression on recipients.

With their visually appealing and dynamic design, they have the power to stand out among other promotional materials.

Ceramic Merchandise

Horse-Designed Ceramic Coasters

Add a touch of cultural significance to your promotional merchandise for the upcoming Lunar New Year with our Horse-Designed Ceramic Coasters.

Gifting custom ceramic coasters not only reflects the celebratory spirit of the holiday but also shows your respect for and understanding of the traditions.

By including these customisable dragon-designed ceramic coasters in your promotional merchandise, you not only offer a practical item for protecting surfaces but also provide a unique and meaningful gift that resonates with the traditions of the Lunar New Year.

LED Items

Illuminate the festival season with our Customisable LED Charger, a unique and innovative promotional item that allows you to add a personal touch to your marketing campaign.

With its customisable features, you can imprint images and messages that are specific to the festival, making it a perfect addition to your promotional merchandise during this joyous time.

Promote Wellness and Balance

Customized Sleep Masks for Enhanced Well-Being

Elevate your employees’ well-being this New Year with Customised Sleep Masks, an ideal gift to encourage relaxation.

These masks are designed to block out light and diminish noise, fostering a tranquil environment conducive to restorative sleep and stress reduction.

Personalisation is key; each mask can be tailored with monograms, inspirational quotes, or bespoke designs, making them not only a thoughtful gift but also a reflection of each employee’s individuality. 

Stress Relief Products

Massager

Combat the effects of long hours in front of computer monitors with our stress relief products.

Designed to target common areas of discomfort, these products provide a convenient way to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Choose from a range of options, including hand massagers, inflatable massage pillows, massaging hair brushes, or portable massage chairs.

Each product offers unique benefits, such as targeted relief for tired hands, comfort and support for the head and neck, scalp stimulation, and luxurious relaxation on the go.

These stress relief products make thoughtful and high-value wellness promotional items for your high-achieving employees. Show your appreciation and prioritize their well-being by gifting them with these practical and effective stress relievers.

 Coloring Sets 

Celebrate the New Year in style with our Customizable New Year Coloring Books. These unique and engaging gifts allow your employees to unleash their creativity.

Our colouring sets feature premium quality materials and exquisite designs that cater to the discerning taste of your high-achieving employees.

Each set includes a custom colouring book, high-quality coloured pencils, and a stylish storage case, all personalized with your company logo and New Year branding.

With these high-end colouring sets, your employees can unleash their creativity and relax in style.

The intricate designs in our custom colouring book provide a sense of artistic fulfilment, while the premium coloured pencils allow for smooth and vibrant colouring.

Sustainable Gifts

Cork Bags

The first tote bag design is made from pure cork material, giving it a classic yet elegant appeal.

The second bag, on the other hand, is a combination of cotton and cork.

These bags are perfect for bringing while shopping, travelling, or working.

What Not to Gift Your Employee?

While the intention behind a gift is typically positive, certain items, colours, or numbers might carry unintended connotations in different cultures. Here’s a guide to help navigate these nuances:

1. Colours to Avoid

In many cultures, colours are more than just visual elements; they carry significant meanings. For instance, in some Asian cultures, white and black are often associated with mourning and bad luck.

Similarly, in some Western contexts, dark colours like black can be seen as sombre. It’s generally safer to opt for universally positive colours like red, which often symbolizes good fortune and joy, or green, which represents growth and harmony.

2. Numbers to Avoid

Numbers can be very symbolic in various cultures. For example, the number 4 is considered unlucky in many Asian cultures due to its phonetic similarity to the word for ‘death.’ Conversely, the number 8 is viewed favourably.

It’s important to be aware of these nuances; for example, avoid giving gifts in sets of 4 but consider sets of 8 or other culturally auspicious numbers.

3. Religious Symbols

Overtly religious gifts might not be appropriate for all employees, especially in a diverse workplace. 

It’s important to respect individual beliefs and avoid gifts tied to a specific religion or belief system unless you are certain of the recipient’s practices.

4. Culturally Specific Items

While items with cultural significance can be thoughtful, they can also be misinterpreted or not resonate with individuals from different backgrounds. 

Aim for universally appealing gifts and be sensitive to your workforce’s varied cultural tapestry.

Some items can be considered bad luck and to be avoided giving as gifts in the New Year such as:

• Sharp Objects: Gifts like knives, scissors, or other sharp tools are often seen as bad luck because they symbolize cutting ties or relationships.

• Mirrors: In some cultures, mirrors are believed to attract malicious spirits.

• Handkerchieves: In some places, these are associated with farewells or endings, hence considered a bad omen.

• Clocks and Timepieces: Particularly in Chinese culture, clocks are a taboo gift as they symbolize running out of time or death.

Wrapping Up The Holiday With ODM

Celebrating the Lunar New Year with your employees through thoughtful and culturally sensitive gifts is a powerful way to show appreciation and respect. We here at ODM offer a diverse range of customizable and symbolic gifts perfect for this occasion. 

Our services include personalized options for each item, ensuring that your gifts not only capture the festive spirit but also reflect your brand identity. From imprinting your company logo on enamel mugs to crafting dragon-themed designs on ceramic coasters, ODM’s expertise in custom merchandise guarantees gifts that are both meaningful and memorable.

By choosing ODM for your Lunar New Year corporate gifting, you’re not just selecting a simple gift; you’re creating an experience that harmoniously blends tradition with modern branding. This unique combination enhances employee morale and strengthens your corporate culture, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation.

Not just for the Lunar New Year celebration, ODM provides promotional product services with all year round. Click the buttons bellow to learn more about our services and the projects we had with different companies worldwide.

Explore our wide range of promotional products

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Read Next?