Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year is a magical and special time of year. This date — falling on February 17 in 2026 — symbolises the beginning of a new year in Chinese culture and falls on the day of the New Moon that occurs between January 22 and February 20. It also signifies the beginning of the Spring Festival and then the subsequent Lantern Festival on February 5 – so this is a time of big celebrations and a lot of gift giving.

In 2026, Lunar New Year welcomes the Year of the Horse – a symbol of energy, ambition forward momentum, and change. With this in mind, the year ahead will be one of hope, and for those searching for a source of luck this Lunar New Year, you'll be pleased to know that the horse is considered one of the luckiest of the 12 animals!

Gifting is an important part of these celebrations and most family, friends, partners and even colleagues will exchange gifts. Of course one of the most common is money in a red envelope, but there are plenty of other options if you would rather pick something more personal. Below, we've rounded up our favourite chic and practical gift ideas for this Lunar New Year 2026. These are our picks of limited edition sets, luxury items and thoughtful ideas to help your celebrate the Year of the Horse in style.

Penhaligons Fortuitous Finley Eau de Parfum

Paspaley Seahorse Coin Charm

Bulgari Divas’ Dream Earrings

Le Creuset Stoneware Lunar New Year Mug

Fred Force 10 Rise necklace

Celine Small Crystal Pouch in Lambskin

Chopard L.U.C Flying T Twin Perpetual

Chopard Ice Cube Red HyCeram Pendant

Michael Hill Ruby Huggie Hoop Earrings in 10kt Yellow Gold

Tommy Hilfiger Reversible Check Windbreaker

Paspaley Ruby Touchstone Pearls My Way Earrings

Charles and Keith Aubrielle Horse-Motif Top Handle Bag

Glasshouse Freedom of the Horse Candle

Hennessy Paradis x Year of the Horse

Olivia Bond The Seven Stone Horseshoe

Sandro Horse Embroidery Cotton T-Shirt

Old Vine Cabernet Shiraz 2023 – Limited Edition Year of the Horse Gift Box

Polo Ralph Lauren Lunar New Year Polo Bear Wool Jumper

Longines Master Collection Year of the Horse Edition

Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI Lunar New Year Limited Edition

Marimekko Oiva / Musta Tamma Mug

When shopping for a gift for Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year, remember there are a few to definitely do – and a few to avoid. Red is a lucky colour that symbolises prosperity, so try picking out something red or wrapping your gift in red paper. Try to pick a gift with even numbers but avoid anything with the number four as this number is bad luck. On the other-hand, the number eight is good luck, so try for that instead.

While most clothing, beauty and homewares are perfectly acceptable gifts, do avoid buying cut flowers which suggest a break-up or the end of a friendship. Likewise, avoid anything sharp which can symbolise the cutting of a relationship. Two other things to avoid, mirrors are said to attract ghosts and giving clocks is very bad luck.