As January winds down, many across Asia and the world are gearing up for a new kind of fresh start: Lunar New Year. Kicking off on January 29, it marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, transformation and elegance in the lunar zodiac. So for those who’ve already abandoned their New Year’s resolutions, consider this your cosmic reset button – and what better way to celebrate than with gifts from our carefully curated Lunar New Year gift guide?
From the lantern-lit streets of Malaysia to intimate family gatherings in South Korea, the Lunar New Year is rich in time-honored traditions: indulgent feasts, vibrant decorations and the exchange of meaningful gifts. While red envelopes brimming with cash, known as hóngbāo, remain a cornerstone of the festivities, modern-day celebrations often include giving unique presents as a way to honor loved ones with something truly special.
This year, the snake has charmed its way into the designs of luxury brands and artisans, inspiring limited-edition collections and creative collaborations. Whether you’re spoiling loved ones or treating yourself, our Lunar New Year gift guide highlights the most exquisite pieces to celebrate the holiday in style – and maybe they’ll encourage you to stick to those resolutions this time.
[See also: Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Asia]
Food & Drink
Hennessy x Shuting Qiu
Hennessy has mastered the art of collaboration, teaming up with visionary artists each year to create unique limited editions of its iconic cognac. For 2025, the brand rings in the Year of the Snake with a special release of Paradis, where the luxurious blend inside is matched by a bold, dynamic design from Chinese fashion designer Shuting Qiu.
$1,500, hennessy.com
Related
Louis XIII, The Classic Decanter Lunar New Year – Year of the Snake
Celebrating Lunar New Year 2025, Louis XIII has released the limited-edition Classic Decanter Year of the Snake, designed by Chinese artist Liu Li Hong. The decanter is encased in a beautifully crafted coffret featuring intricate papercut art of a snake and winter jasmine, symbolizing the Year of the Snake. This rare release contains the same iconic Louis XIII cognac that has made the brand a symbol of luxury for more than 150 years, a blend of up to 1,200 eaux-de-vie aged for decades that offers an extraordinary experience for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
$4,200, louisxiii-cognac.com
The Peninsula, Deluxe Chinese New Year Hamper
A true feast for the senses, start the new year in pure indulgence with this luxurious hamper from the Peninsula. Continuing the age-old tradition of giving food as a gesture of abundance, this deluxe collection offers a refined selection of epicurean delights, from Chinese New Year puddings and buttery palmiers to signature cookies, XO Chilli Sauce, Keemun black tea and a bottle of Peninsula Brut Champagne.
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HK$3,988 (approx. $513), peninsulaboutique.com
Jewelry
Lito, 18K White & Yellow Gold, London Blue Topaz & Diamond Snake Earrings
Inspired by the symbolism of the snake, known for its ties to transformation and renewal, these standout earrings from jeweler Lito embody both elegance and strength. Set in a striking combination of 18K white and yellow gold, they feature a brilliant array of diamonds and deep blue London topaz.
£11,703 ($14,470), litofinejewelry.com
Bvlgari, Serpenti Tubogas Necklace
Bvlgari’s iconic Serpenti designs are certainly no strangers to dazzling the fashion world, but for 2025, the snake is truly in the spotlight. This Serpenti Tubogas Necklace, crafted in 18K yellow gold, coils around the neck with a stunning combination of demi pavé diamonds on the head and tail, while the black onyx eyes add a bold, captivating finish.
£34,500 ($42,670), bulgari.com
Watches
Harry Winston, Chinese New Year Automatic 36mm
Harry Winston continues its tradition of celebrating the Chinese New Year with two stunning timepieces, each adorned with intricate snake motifs in honor of 2025, the Year of the Snake. The white gold version features a striking dark blue mother-of-pearl dial, complemented by a lacquered red snake, emerald marquise-cut stones.
Price on request, harrywinston.com
Vacheron Constantin, Métiers d’Art The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Snake
Vacheron Constantin’s Lunar New Year release is a stunning tribute to the artistry and symbolism of Chinese culture. Crafted in 950 platinum, this limited edition watch features a hand-engraved snake, symbolizing wisdom and mystery, set against a rich background of fauna in opaque miniature enamel. The watch’s self-winding movement is stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva, ensuring excellence and reliability while showcasing the remarkable expertise of master engravers and enamelers.
Price on request, vacheron-constantin.com
Louis Vuitton, Escale ‘Snake’s Jungle’
Louis Vuitton’s Escale “Snakes Jungle” celebrates the Year of the Wood Snake with a stunning métiers d’art dial featuring a hand-engraved serpent in a bamboo forest, created through intricate marquetry and champlevé enamel techniques. Limited to just 20 pieces, the timepiece is housed in an 18-carat white gold case, with bamboo details spilling onto the case and a Japanese waves motif adorning both the case and movement.
Price on request, louisvuitton.com
IWC Schaffhausen, Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake
IWC Schaffhausen’s Portofino Automatic Moon Phase 37 Year of the Snake celebrates the Lunar New Year with a striking burgundy dial and a golden moon phase display. The watch’s snake-shaped oscillating motif is a nod to the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing wisdom and agility.
$9,700, iwc.com
Jaeger-LeCoultre, Reverso Tribute Enamel Snake
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Enamel honors the Year of the Snake with a beautifully crafted design, featuring Grand Feu enamel dials on both sides. The reverse showcases an intricate engraving of a majestic serpent surrounded by flames, a process that took over 80 hours to complete. Set in pink gold with a black alligator strap, this timepiece blends subtle elegance with meticulous craftsmanship, making it a refined tribute to Chinese astrology.
Price on request, jaeger-lecoultre.com
Accessories
Fendi, Peekaboo Mini Lunar New Year
Yes, those eyes are definitely watching you! Fendi’s latest Peekaboo capsule collection for Lunar New Year is all about making a statement, with the house’s signature “monster eye” motif making a bold comeback. Originally introduced in 2014, the playful peepers now adorn the Mini Peekaboo and Baguette bags, along with everything from Mon Tresor mini bags to wallets and charms. Available in black, yellow, and pink, these bags will keep you looking twice – or maybe even three times.
$5,200, fendi.com
Bottega Veneta, Lunar New Year Small Intrecciato Camera Bag
This Bottega Veneta Small Intrecciato Camera Bag is the perfect blend of clever and chic, with a tri-color leather design that’s as versatile as it is eye-catching. The red snake tongue zip pull is the unexpected detail that adds a playful twist – a cheeky tribute to the Year of the Snake that makes it ready to slither into any bag collection with effortless style.
HK$22,500 ($2,890), bottegaveneta.com
Acne Studios, Bowlina
Ring in the Lunar New Year with Acne Studios’ Bowlina bag, a sleek piece that brings both style and a dash of fortune to your look. With its curved silhouette mirrors the shape of a fortune cookie, it offers a playful nod to the season, while the limited-edition bold red hue is perfect for celebrating the Year of the Snake – subtle, yet striking.
¥17,500 ($2,408), acnestudios.com
Lifestyle & Home
Rimowa, Mahjong Attaché
Mahjong gets a sleek contemporary makeover with the Rimowa Mahjong Attaché. Housed in the brand’s iconic grooved aluminum case, this stylish set features hand-adorned tiles, aluminum dice, and a beautifully organized microfiber-lined interior. Whether you’re playing or displaying, it’s a modern classic for game night.
$4,625, rimowa.com
Apartamento X Belmond, Penang: Recipes & Wanderings Around an Island in Malaysia
Cooking is central to Lunar New Year celebrations, making Welcome to Penang: Recipes & Wanderings Around an Island in Malaysia the perfect gift. Created with Belmond and the Eastern & Oriental Express, this cookbook features 23 iconic Malaysian recipes by culinary director André Chiang along with chefs Malcolm Lee and Abby Lee. With stunning photography, essays, and culinary insights, it’s a delicious journey through Penang’s rich culture and traditions.
€49 ($51), apartamentomagazine.com
