Lunar New Year is here: the end of winter in the lunisolar calendar and the beginning of spring – ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse. And so, 15 days of celebration have begun, from 17 February to 3 March. And for East Asian cultures in particular, it’s a time to give Lunar New Year gifts for this fresh start; to celebrate this new beginning.
We couldn’t be more ready to dive into this new energy (read more about what’s happening in the stars this year here) – so here’s what’s on our list to give loved ones, from celebratory drinks to Year of the Fire Horse-themed buys. Happy New Year!
The Zodiac Ring For A Lasting Memento
This hand-carved, gold-plated ring by Loveness Lee was created as a way of practising Chinese calligraphy in metal – in this case, the ancient symbol of the horse. A statement design with the energy of good fortune? We’ll take it. £195, Loveness Lee
Worn around their neck, as a headscarf or tied to a favourite bag, this silk scarf by Lanvin blends tradition (a gorgeous horse design, so it’s on-theme) with a modern monochrome print – the kind of piece that will go with anything they own. £305, Lanvin
Toast to the new year with a fine whisky blend that nods to the occasion – and Johnnie Walker’s special-edition bottle, created by Hong Kong-born, London-based fashion designer Robert Wun, is the perfect way to see in 2026 in style. £225.50, Johnnie Walker at Master of Malt
Nothing is more personal than a handwritten card – and when it’s on Smythson stationery, it makes it all the more special. This horse-printed design is left blank, so you can wish loved ones well with a message crafted by you. We hear this is the year to be thoughtful... £13, Smythson
Horseshoes have long been considered a symbol of luck, but in the Year of the Fire Horse, that takes on a whole new meaning. Give a lasting token of this luck with Missoma’s horseshoe necklace – it’s one they can wear all year long. £145, Missoma at Selfridges
If they’re not a delicate accessories kind of person, maybe a pair of Dr Martens might do the trick? This special-edition pair of shoes features bridle-inspired straps and red stitching (the colour of Lunar New Year), for subtle nods to the occasion to elevate the classic design. £165, Dr Martens
In many cultures, it’s customary to give tea as a gift for Lunar New Year, and what better way to complement a fine tea collection than with something chic to drink it from? This tea set, crafted in Jingdezhen by Shanghai Tang, featuring a design from artist Jacky Tsai, will look as good on their shelves as it will on their dinner table. HK$2,980.00
A Marshall speaker is the ultimate gift: it’s light, portable, gorgeous to look at and – most importantly – offers great sound quality. Enter this limited-edition speaker, which takes things to the next level, with a design by Chengdu-based artist FCCK inspired by the Year of the Horse. A must-buy. £150, Marshall at Slam Jam
...Literally, these earrings aren’t small, in a great way. YVMIN is a jewellery brand known for its experimentation, and having a sparkling horse seemingly jumping through your ears is a statement everyone will be able to appreciate. US$131, YVMIN
Not drinking doesn’t mean you can’t raise a glass to the Lunar New Year. This sparkling Hojicha green tea by Saicho is a beautifully complex sip. Grown in Tenryu, Shizuoka, it’s pure umami flavour – expect notes of nori, roasted hazelnut and delicate smoke. Cheers! £19.99, Saicho
Rather than picking up another recipe book (you don’t need to, we’ve got your Lunar New Year dinner party recipes covered here), try Jenny Lau’s delicious rundown of the cuisine of her heritage: An A-Z of Chinese Food. A beautiful celebration of food, identity and how we relate to the world. £12.99, Bookshop.org
If you’re in London and you love dumplings, you’ll know about Chubby Dumpling – the father-daughter duo serving up some of the best in the city from their food truck. This collab with Kansū Works is the perfect tee: one, as the back declares, designed ‘For The Truly Hungry’. Feels like it was made for us. £35, Chubby Dumpling at Kansū Works
