Chinese New Year Gifts Under $25: Auspicious & Thoughtful

This 24-pack of Homemory LED tea lights makes decorating for Chinese New Year safe and effortless. In our testing, the warm-white flicker and long-lasting, pre-installed batteries carried us through multiple evenings, perfect for lanterns, windowsills, and table displays. There’s no timer or remote, and the small plastic housings aren’t as realistic up close, so plan to switch them off manually and use holders. For $9.89, the value is outstanding when you need lots of low-risk ambiance fast.

White Rabbit Creamy Candy is a sweet nod to nostalgia with its milky vanilla flavor that so many of us grew up on. In our testing, the individually wrapped pieces made it easy to share at gatherings or slip into red envelopes for a festive touch. Do note that some bags can include unusually hard pieces and the edible rice-paper wrap isn’t for everyone, so manage expectations. At just $3.39, it’s a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser when freshness is on point.

Hot-Kid Shelly Senbei deliver that light, crispy snap with a sweet-salty glaze that pairs beautifully with tea. We found the individually wrapped crackers ideal for sharing with guests or tucking into snack boxes during the holiday week. The pouch is modest in size and the glaze leans sweet, so pick up a few if you’re hosting and consider balancing with savory options. Note the wheat and soy allergens; at $2.42, it’s an easy add to any snack spread.

Calbee Shrimp Chips bring a crunchy, airy bite that’s great for casual snacking or setting out with drinks. Our experience shows the baked, nongreasy texture keeps fingers clean, but the shrimp aroma can be pronounced—best for seafood fans or adventurous eaters. The flavor splits opinion, with some finding it mild, others not their style, so sample before buying in bulk. At $3.49 per 4-ounce bag, they disappear quickly when sharing—grab a few for party bowls.

Kasugai Lychee Gummies bring a juicy, true-to-fruit flavor that our panel enjoyed, and the individually wrapped pieces are perfect for red envelope treats or party favors. The gluten-free recipe is a plus for many guests, though the bag can feel small for the $8.58 price and soy is present for those with allergies. In our testing, sweetness runs on the richer side, so we like offering these alongside unsweetened tea for balance.

Hi-Chew Strawberry is a crowd-pleaser in our testing, with a bold berry taste and a soft, springy chew that feels different from typical taffy. Individual wrappers make them ideal for sharing in red envelopes or party bowls, though the $2.99 pack is small and you may need multiples for groups. Our experience shows some tasters find the strawberry a touch perfumey, and pieces can shrink or dissolve with extended chewing, so shorter, savoring bites work best.

We keep Prince of Peace Ginger Chews on hand for travel and big meals; the real ginger gives a warming kick that can help settle an uneasy stomach. At $3.50 for a 4 oz bag, they're a budget-friendly add-in to gift baskets, with individually wrapped pieces for sharing. During our review, we noted the texture can be sticky on dental work and there's added sugar; some flavors also include coconut, so check labels for allergens.

Royal Family Pineapple Cakes bring a classic Taiwanese New Year touch, and in our tasting we liked the traditional pineapple and winter melon style filling, with individually wrapped pieces for easy sharing. Some reviewers find the pineapple flavor milder than expected and the pastry a bit dry, so we recommend pairing with hot tea for best enjoyment. At $12.99, it's a giftable box, but be mindful of common allergens like wheat, milk, eggs, and soy when gifting to a crowd.

Koala’s March chocolate cookies add a playful touch to snack trays with cute designs and a creamy filling. In our testing, the individually wrapped portions were perfect for sharing during visits and keeping the rest fresh. The package is small and the filling runs sweet, so consider buying a couple if you’re hosting or mixing with less sugary treats. Also note common allergens (milk, wheat, egg, soy); at just $2.10, it’s an easy, festive add-on for gift baskets.

Meiji Hello Panda Vanilla adds a playful touch to snack spreads, with bite-size biscuits that pair a crunchy shell and smooth vanilla creme, plus cute panda prints that kids love. At just $1.99 for a 60 g bag, it's a fun filler for gift bundles, though the portion is small and sweetness leans rich. In our testing, availability varied by store, so if vanilla is your must-have flavor, snag a few bags when you see them.

Twinings Jasmine Green Tea is an easy crowd-pleaser for tea drinkers on a budget, with a light floral aroma that works well hot or poured over ice. In our testing, the jasmine can be delicate, so we use shorter steeps and cooler water to avoid bitterness and keep the fragrance present. At $5.49 a box, it's an accessible add-on to a snack bundle, though non-airtight packaging may not preserve aroma as long once opened.

White Flower Analgesic Balm earned a spot in our CNY care packs for its quick, temporary relief of headaches and muscle aches, plus handy uses for sinus congestion, insect bites, and motion sickness. At $13.50, the 0.67 oz bottle is travel-friendly and easy to tuck into a purse or office drawer, though frequent users may go through it fast at this size. During our review, we found the menthol/camphor aroma strong and the cooling tingle intense, so patch-test if you have sensitive skin.

Looking for a soothing, auspicious sip to share for the New Year, we found Numi’s Organic Jasmine Green reliably light, floral, and refreshing. During our review, brewing at 175–185°F for 2–3 minutes produced the best cup, avoiding the bitterness some experience with hotter water. The compostable tea bags make gifting feel thoughtful and eco-friendly, though a few batches showed weaker jasmine or the occasional off, chemical-leaning aroma. If flavor seems faint in a large mug, our experience shows double-bagging helps restore that delicate bouquet without pushing bitterness.

In our testing, this Ultra Strength Tiger Balm provided fast, noticeable relief for sore backs and stiff joints, spreading easily with a non-greasy feel. The warm cinnamon-like scent reads comforting to many, though it’s potent enough that scent-sensitive friends might prefer a tiny, pea-sized application. During our review, over-applying produced an intense tingling or burning sensation, so start small and wash hands after use. The tin is on the small side for daily users, but as a thoughtful, travel-friendly gift, it’s right on budget.

Set a serene mood for Lunar New Year visits with this Cashmere Jasmine candle, which comes in a frosted glass jar with a wood-grain lid that looks gift-ready. In our testing, the scent is soft, spa-like, and calming—ideal for bedrooms or entryways—but the throw can feel muted in larger rooms. Some buyers found the jar smaller than expected; the burn time is fair for the price if you keep sessions shorter. To reduce smoky or burnt-wick odors, our experience shows trimming the wick before each burn helps.

Looking for a small but auspicious token, we found the Lucklycat Chinese Zodiac Horse keychain hits the sweet spot at $8.57 and slips easily onto keys, zippers, or a handbag. The brass look gives a traditional feng shui vibe perfect for Year of the Horse blessings, though the charm is petite and can get lost on cluttered keyrings. During our review, we noted third-party listings can vary in finish and shipping speed, so order early if timing matters.

PinMart’s Year of the Horse lapel pin is a charming, auspicious accent that looks pricier than its $5.29 price tag. We found the cloisonné enamel and gold plating present a polished finish, and it arrives individually bagged with a rubber push back for effortless gifting. Keep in mind the 1-inch size is subtle on thick coats, and standard backs can loosen during active wear. Our experience shows it holds up well for occasional use; for daily wear, secure it or rotate pieces.

If you want an auspicious stocking-stuffer for Lunar New Year, our experience shows this faux obsidian Pi Xiu bracelet delivers the symbolism for just $4.23. The stretch cord makes sizing simple for most wrists and the Pi Xiu motif is a classic nod to prosperity. Do note that many listings use imitation materials and the elastic can wear over time; during our review, we also found the bead size runs small, so larger wrists may prefer a different option.

This mini matte gold money frog is a symbolic, desk-friendly gift that nods to prosperity without blowing the budget. During our review, the compact size worked nicely as a paperweight or shelf accent, though some pieces arrive smaller than expected. A few buyers report delicate details and finish issues, so inspect on arrival and keep a dab of glue handy just in case. At $10.65, it’s a charming, auspicious touch for colleagues, neighbors, or anyone starting the year fresh.

This Papyrus Chinese New Year card feels gift-worthy on its own, with embossed and metallic detailing plus a detachable red paper lantern that doubles as a festive ornament. The gold-lined envelope and signature seal elevate the presentation, though the embellished design can require extra postage and, at $10.99 each, multiples add up quickly. In our testing, the blank interior gave us space for personalized blessings; if you prefer a printed greeting, consider pairing with a short note for impact.

An affordable two-tier bamboo steamer is a thoughtful kitchen gift for dumplings, buns, and veggies during the holiday feast. In our testing, this 100% bamboo set handled simultaneous steaming well; line trays with parchment to help prevent the reported buckling and ease cleanup. A brief airing can dissipate any grassy smell out of the box. It requires hand-washing and careful drying, but at $21.95 it’s a budget-friendly way to bring authentic steaming to weeknight dinners.

Microplane’s Premium Classic Zester is the kitchen upgrade we reach for when prepping citrus, ginger, hard cheese, or nutmeg. During our review, the ultra-sharp stainless blades produced fluffy zest with minimal effort, and the ergonomic handle kept long sessions comfortable. The narrow channel can trap bits, so a cleaning brush helps, and blades will dull over time with heavy use. At $14.99, it’s ideal for small jobs and garnishes—pair with a larger grater if you batch-cook.

These Joyce Chen burnished bamboo chopsticks make an eco-friendly, practical table upgrade for Lunar New Year dinners. During our review, the heat- and moisture-resistant finish held up well, and being dishwasher-safe kept cleanup simple. We did see occasional rough spots and splinters out of the box, plus some confusion about the actual pair count, so inspect your set before gifting. For $14.44, they’re a smart reusable pick—just lightly sand any imperfections and you’re set for years of meals.

For Chinese New Year prep on a tight budget, this 6-inch wire skimmer is a practical, under-$3 pickup to stock multiple stations. During our review, the open wire design drained oil and water quickly, and the 13-inch handle kept hands a safer distance from heat. Its small 6-inch head holds only a few dumplings or wontons at once, so it’s best for light batches or skimming foam. Note the nickel-plated finish can discolor over time and the handle may feel short for deep stockpots or large fryers.