Remember when you were a kid, eagerly collecting ang baos during Chinese New Year, only to notice that your parents’ red packets were way bigger than the ones from distant relatives? Welcome to the ang bao hierarchy—where giving and receiving red packets is deeply rooted in tradition, respect, and sometimes, a little bit of family politics. Now that you’re on the giving end, here’s how it all breaks down.
Who Gets the Biggest Ang Baos?
Typically, your parents and in-laws receive the largest ang baos. This practice reflects Chinese values like filial piety, where giving back to those who raised you is seen as a gesture of respect and gratitude.
On the other hand, you’re generally not expected to give ang baos to peers. If you run into unmarried ex-classmates at a gathering, there’s no pressure to whip out a red packet. And giving an ang bao to your spouse? Uncommon, but if it makes your partner happy—why not?
How Much Should I Give Distantly Related Kids?
What about those kids you barely know but still need to give an ang bao to? There’s no hard and fast rule here. Most parents give around $6 to $8, but it really depends on your financial comfort level.
A pro tip: Prepare a stash of generic ang baos with a standard amount inside. Keep these handy throughout CNY—you never know when you might bump into a colleague or an old friend with their kids while out and about.
Which Numbers Are Auspicious and Which to Avoid?
Numbers play a big role in Chinese culture, so be mindful of them when deciding on ang bao amounts.
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Auspicious: Even numbers like $6, $8, $10. The number 8 is especially lucky as it symbolizes prosperity.
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Avoid: Odd numbers like $5 or $7 and definitely avoid $4. The word for “four” sounds like “death” in Chinese, making it an unlucky choice.
Is There an Age Limit to Receiving Ang Baos?
Myth: Ang baos are only for young children.
Fact: Ang baos are traditionally given to unmarried individuals, regardless of age. However, most people agree that receiving ang baos in your late 30s feels a bit awkward. Many working adults and older singles often decline politely when offered.
Ultimately, it depends on your family’s traditions and your comfort level. If you’re unsure, check in with the elders in your family.
Should Ang Baos Be Opened in Public?
Definitely not! Unlike Western culture where gifts are often unwrapped in front of the giver, opening an ang bao on the spot can be seen as rude.
Kids can be unpredictable though—so remind them beforehand to thank the giver and save the opening for later. If they start to peek, redirect them with a gentle reminder or distraction.
Where Can I Get Free Ang Bao Sleeves?
Need stylish ang bao sleeves? Here’s where you can score them:
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Banks: Many local banks offer free ang bao sleeves when you visit their branches during CNY.
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Retail Stores: Some brands, from supermarkets to petrol stations, hand out limited-edition ang bao sleeves with purchases.
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Custom Designs: If you want something unique, online platforms like Shopee and Taobao have beautiful designs available for purchase.
Trendy & Modern Ang Bao to Get This Chinese New Year in Singapore
Chinese New Year is around the corner, and you know what that means — it’s time to prep those ang bao for the festive season! Whether you’re following tradition or giving it a stylish update, these modern ang bao designs will surely impress your relatives, friends, and especially the kids.
Let’s explore some of the chicest options available this year — because who says ang bao can’t be a fashion statement too?
1. Love, Bonito
Hand out well wishes with flair using Love, Bonito’s pastel-hued floral ang bao. Featuring delicate motifs inspired by the brand’s in-house Lunar New Year print, each packet comes adorned with the words “Blessings & Abundance.”
You can purchase a set for $9 or redeem them with a minimum spend of $108. Use the code ABUNDANCE-SG to claim yours before stocks run out!
2. KFC X Mofusand
This year, KFC has teamed up with Mofusand for the cutest ang bao that will have both kids and adults swooning. These adorable red packets feature the famous feline in a lion dance get-up, making them perfect for families celebrating CNY with younger ones.
Available from January 13, 2025, you’ll get a complimentary set of these ang bao with any Cereal Chicken or Cereal Chicken Burger meal purchase for dine-in or takeaway. Want more? Exclusive plushie keychains and an 8-inch plushie will also be available from February 5, 2025, at select KFC stores.
3. Link’s Malls (Jurong Point, AMK Hub & Swing By @ Thomson Plaza)
Link’s Malls have taken ang bao design to the next level this year with a snakes-and-ladders-themed red packet. More than just a token of good fortune, you can unfold this ang bao into an actual game board — perfect for some nostalgic family fun during your gatherings.
L-Privileges members can redeem a set with a minimum spend of $88 ($178 for supermarket receipts) in a maximum of two same-day receipts. But hurry, these limited-edition packets are available only while stocks last!
4. Perk By Kate
If you’re planning to treat yourself to some new lingerie this Lunar New Year, Perk By Kate has a luxurious incentive for you. Spend a minimum of $88, and you’ll receive a complimentary pack of elegant ang bao designed in collaboration with local fashion brand Studio Qiling.
Each pack contains eight packets adorned with painterly illustrations of peonies. These are available both online and in-store, with a limit of two packs per customer due to limited quantities.
5. Pine On Paper
For something truly sophisticated, Pine On Paper offers tri-colour foil-stamped ang bao embellished with serpentine motifs, celebrating the Year of the Snake in style.
Pre-orders are open until January 6, 2025, and a set of six (three per colour) is priced at $32. Order early to secure yours!
6. The Soup Restaurant X Junlefont
This year, Soup Restaurant has partnered with 18-year-old Singaporean artist Lee Jun Le for a special ang bao release. Diagnosed with autism since he was three, Jun Le’s unique calligraphy style, known as Junlefont, graces these meaningful red packets.
Diners will receive a complimentary set with every retail product purchased. This collaboration adds a heartwarming touch to your festive gifting.
7. TWG Tea
TWG Tea is bringing elegance to your ang bao collection with their limited-edition Snake Charmer Tea red packets. Inspired by the Year of the Snake, these packets feature a gilded serpent and come as a complimentary gift with the purchase of the Snake Charmer Tea ($50 for 100g).
You can get these luxurious ang bao from January 2, 2025, at all TWG Tea boutiques and salons across Singapore.
8. When I Was Four
For parents who love a bit of humour, When I Was Four has released a quirky set of ang bao featuring cheeky grids and messages like, “You’ve stepped on gold poop!”
A set of 10 pieces is priced at $7.90, making them both budget-friendly and hilarious conversation starters during your CNY visits.
Which Ang Bao Will You Choose This Year?
Whether you’re going for elegance, fun, or sentimental value, this year’s stylish ang bao collection has something for every parent. Why not mix and match a few styles for different family members? After all, a thoughtful ang bao design can make the festive tradition even more memorable.
Ready to upgrade your ang bao game? Start shopping early to get your hands on these limited editions before they’re all snapped up!
Chinese New Year is all about sharing blessings and upholding traditions, but there’s no need to stress over ang bao amounts or designs. Give what you can, be thoughtful, and focus on the spirit of the celebration—family, love, and good fortune.
So, are your ang baos ready? If not, there’s still time to prepare. After all, it’s the thought behind the red packet that truly counts. Happy CNY!
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