- Mar 13, 2025
Chinese Gift-Giving: Superstitions & Vietnam Gift Ideas
Giving gifts to international friends is a wonderful way to show hospitality, warmth, and a desire to share unique Vietnamese treasures with people around the world. When choosing the perfect gift, many may wonder about the cultural considerations and etiquette involved in gifting to foreigners.
In this article, CHUS will introduce meaningful and ideal Vietnamese gifts for Chinese friends, along with some important tips to make your gift selection easier.
Gifts hold deep cultural significance in Chinese traditions. (Photo: Source)
The Significance of Gift-Giving in Chinese Culture
Just like in other East Asian cultures, gift-giving is an essential part of Chinese social traditions. Whether it’s a business gift, a souvenir for personal relationships, or a celebratory gift, the act of giving reflects respect and strengthens connections.
- A well-chosen souvenir expresses gratitude and respect. In business settings, a thoughtful present can help reinforce partnerships.
- The timing and presentation of a gift matter. A carefully wrapped souvenir, suitable for the occasion, adds to its value.
- Symbolic gifts are highly appreciated. Many gifts in Chinese culture carry wishes for peace, prosperity, and good fortune.
When to Give Gifts to Chinese People
You can present gifts on various occasions, including:
- Festivals and Holidays: Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day
- Milestones and Personal Events: Business openings, birthdays, longevity celebrations
- Visits and Gatherings: When visiting someone’s home or meeting business partners
- Special Life Events: Weddings, graduations
Best Vietnamese Souvenirs for Chinese People
Vietnamese souvenirs with cultural significance make excellent choices. Here are some ideal options:
- Handicrafts and Artisanal Items: Bát Tràng ceramics, silk products, or woodcrafts represent Vietnam’s rich craftsmanship and artistic heritage.
- Local Delicacies: Regional specialties such as Thái Nguyên tea, Buôn Ma Thuột coffee, or Bến Tre coconut candy are elegant and flavorful souvenirs.
- Decorative or Practical Gifts: Depending on the recipient’s personality, you can choose between useful souvenirs like tea and coffee or artistic items like wooden paintings or feng shui ornaments.
Choose Vietnamese gifts that reflect cultural values and spirit for your Chinese friends. (Photo: Source)
Taboos to Avoid When Gifting to Chinese People
When selecting gifts, avoid the following to prevent misunderstandings or bad luck:
1. Items Associated with Funerals
- White and black colors (except white silk) are linked to mourning and should not be used for gifts.
- Handkerchiefs symbolize parting and should be avoided.
2. Gifts with Unlucky Meanings
- Clocks (钟 - zhōng) sound similar to "the end" or "death," making them an inauspicious gift.
- Umbrellas (伞 - sǎn) sound like "separation," symbolizing breaking relationships.
- Knives and scissors represent cutting ties and are unsuitable gifts.
3. Unlucky Numbers
- Number 4 (四 - sì) sounds like "death" (死 - sǐ), so avoid giving gifts in sets of four.
- Number 7 is also associated with misfortune and should be avoided.
4. Avoid Giving Shoes
- Shoes (鞋 - xié) sound similar to "evil" (邪 - xié), carrying a negative connotation.
- Gifting shoes may symbolize wishing the recipient to leave or walk away from you.
Cultural Similarities Between Chinese and Korean Gift-Giving
Many taboos in Chinese gifting customs are also found in Korean gifting culture, such as avoiding gifts related to separation, misfortune, or mourning (e.g., clocks, knives, shoes, or certain numbers). However, there are some distinctions between the two cultures, so researching before gifting is always recommended to show thoughtfulness and cultural awareness.
By keeping these traditions and taboos in mind, you can confidently choose meaningful souvenirs that will be appreciated by Chinese people in various social and professional settings.
Vietnamese Gift Suggestions for Chinese
When giving gifts to Chinese people, it’s best to prioritize souvenirs that reflect cultural elements. These gifts not only carry deep meaning but also make a lasting impression.
1. Bát Tràng Ceramics
Bát Tràng ceramics are not just exquisite handicrafts but also a representation of Vietnam’s cultural essence. Items like tea sets, dinnerware, and decorative figurines from Bát Tràng showcase intricate craftsmanship, making them ideal souvenirs for Chinese recipients, especially on important occasions or as business gifts.
2. Handcrafted Items
Vietnamese handicrafts are meticulously crafted and deeply rooted in traditional culture. Items such as wooden models, wooden hairpins, and lanterns make excellent souvenirs for Chinese visitors. In particular, products from traditional craft villages not only hold artistic value but also demonstrate the thoughtfulness of the giver.
Artisan making traditional lanterns in Hoi An, a famous tourist city (Photo: Hoi An World Heritage)
3. Indigo-Dyed Scarves
Indigo-dyed batik scarves are a traditional handicraft representing the unique culture of the H'Mong people in Northwest Vietnam. Made using natural indigo dye and the intricate batik technique, which involves hand-painting patterns with beeswax before dyeing, these scarves showcase exceptional craftsmanship.
They make meaningful souvenirs for Chinese travelers who appreciate indigenous artistry and traditional textile techniques.
4. Hand-Painted Leather Lighters
A lighter is not just a practical item but also symbolizes luck and success. Hand-painted leather lighters featuring traditional motifs are a unique souvenir choice for Chinese people, especially for birthdays or Lunar New Year gifts.
Indigo-dyed scarves and hand-painted leather lighters – two distinctive Vietnamese handcrafted gifts
5. Thái Nguyên Tea
Thái Nguyên tea is one of Vietnam’s most famous specialties, loved for its gentle aroma and balanced astringency. This gift carries a message of health and relaxation, making it an excellent souvenir for Chinese recipients during festivals, business meetings, or appreciation events.
6. Buon Ma Thuot Coffee
Vietnamese coffee, particularly from Buon Ma Thuot, is known for its bold and robust flavor. If you’re looking for a gift for Chinese coffee enthusiasts, a premium coffee gift set is a meaningful option that also promotes Vietnamese culinary specialties internationally.
7. Coconut Candy
Coconut candy is a simple yet nostalgic treat, rich with the natural sweetness of Bến Tre’s fresh coconuts. When choosing a food gift for Chinese recipients, opt for beautifully packaged coconut candy boxes that make thoughtful gifts.
Tea, coffee, and coconut candy – three of Vietnam’s most famous specialties
8. Silk Scarves
Vietnamese silk scarves are not only soft and luxurious but also adorned with exquisite patterns. Hand-painted or traditionally woven silk scarves are ideal souvenirs for Chinese people, especially those who appreciate fashion and cultural heritage.
9. Hand-Painted Water Lily Earrings
The water lily is a familiar Vietnamese symbol, representing the serene beauty of the country’s waterways. A pair of hand-painted earrings featuring this flower makes for a delicate and meaningful souvenir, perfect for gifting to Chinese women on special occasions.
Accessories with an Oriental breath surely catches the attention of Chinese
10. Silver Jewelry Inspired by the Vietnamese Conical Hat
Jewelry pieces shaped like the traditional Vietnamese conical hat carry deep symbolic meaning. This makes them excellent accessory gifts for Chinese recipients, particularly female clients or valued business partners.
11. Bamboo Night Lamps
A bamboo night lamp is not only a tribute to Vietnam’s rich handicraft tradition but also a reflection of local artisans' creativity in working with natural materials like bamboo.
12. Handcrafted Vietnamese Miniatures
Why not “capture” the essence of Vietnam in a unique souvenir? Miniature models of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City or small fridge magnets depicting traditional Vietnamese street food carts make charming and memorable gifts.
Handcrafted wooden model reminiscent of the Notre Dame Cathedral
13. Handcrafted Leather AirPods Case
Hand-painted leather AirPods cases featuring motifs like the golden crane combine elegance and functionality. This creative item is perfect for Chinese recipients who appreciate unique handmade accessories.
14. Herbal Balm
Vietnamese herbal balm, made from medicinal plants grown in highland regions, offers fast relief for aches and promotes relaxation. If you’re looking for a health-conscious souvenir for Chinese people, this is a thoughtful option.
15. Agarwood Incense
Vietnam offers a variety of agarwood incense, such as lotus incense and herbal incense, which promote meditation, inner peace, and well-being. This makes it an ideal souvenir for Chinese recipients who value relaxation and mindfulness.
16. Agarwood Bracelets
An agarwood bead bracelet is not only a stylish accessory but also a meaningful feng shui item, bringing peace and positive energy to the wearer. It is a popular souvenir for Chinese people who appreciate natural and spiritual gifts.
Vietnamese wellness gifts that show genuine care and appreciation
Conclusion
We hope these suggestions help you find the perfect Vietnamese souvenir for Chinese recipients. Gifting items that represent Vietnam’s cultural identity not only reflects national pride but also conveys sincerity and goodwill, spreading positive values across borders.
At CHUS, you’ll find even more unique Vietnamese souvenirs from reputable brands. Explore and order now to share meaningful gifts with the people you value!
