Members of the married club, it’s that time of the year again to prepare some red packets for distribution! Not sure what’s the right amount to slot into the red packets? Fret not, get ready your fresh notes and read on down below for our quick guide to red packet rates for different members of the family!
Why do we give red packets?
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While this is a common tradition, have you ever wondered what is the significance of giving ang baos during Chinese New Year? These ‘gifts’ are given by the older married generation to younger family members as a form of well-wishing for the new year. Additionally, red packets are also given from kids to parents and grandparents to express gratitude for their upbringing.
Things to note when preparing red packets
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There are quite a number of faux pas to avoid when you are preparing red packets. Firstly, you should give cash in even numbers, which are believed to bring blessing and stability to the receiver. Do not give cash in odd numbers as that is seen as inauspicious. Additionally, avoid the digit ‘4’ such as $4 or $40. Despite it being an even number, ‘4’ represents death in many Chinese beliefs.
To give your biggest blessing to the receiving party, go for any amount that contains the digit ‘8’. ‘8’ is an auspicious number in the Chinese culture as it sounds like the word ‘fortune’. You are bound to receive approving nods from the older folks when they receive your red packets with an ‘8’!
Meanwhile, if you happen to be on the receiving end of the red packet distribution or have kids who will be getting ang baos from relatives, here’s something you need to keep in mind. Do not open your red packets in public, especially not in front of the person who gave you the red packet, as this is considered a disrespectful and rude behaviour.
How much should you give in your red packets?
1. Close family (parents, in-laws, spouse, children, siblings)
Recommended amount: $188 – 500
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Shower your closest family with love by giving the largest red packets to them! Most people reserve the most generous red packets for parents and in-laws as a symbol of filial piety. While you show your gratitude to the older generation, don’t forget your little ones! Express your love and well-wishes for them to grow up healthily through your ang baos.
Some couples even practice giving each other red packets during Chinese New Year. While it isn’t a must, this kind act may help to boost your relationship and is a good way to show your appreciation for one another! Psst, you can skip this if you’re planning a big surprise for Valentine’s Day!
Don’t forget to show some siblings love this festive season. Depending on whether they are working or not, you can adjust the red packet amount accordingly.
2. Extended family (cousins, nephews and nieces)
Recommended Amount: $10 – $50
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Those who are married have to give extended family members who are still single a red packet each. However, the amount in these ang baos can vary depending on how close you are with your relatives.
3. Children who visit
Recommended Amount: $6 – $20
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Be sure to prepare some red packets if your friends or colleagues are bringing their kids over for Chinese New Year visiting. The amount need not be huge, anything between $6 to $8 will do. This acts as your wishes for the kids to grow up well. However, if you’re feeling generous and want to give the little ones something more, go ahead!
4. Co-workers, domestic helpers, security guards, cleaning aunties
Recommended Amount: $10 – 50
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Chinese New Year is a great time to show appreciation for those around you even if they are not blood-related. This includes your co-workers, security guards, cleaning staff and especially your domestic helper!
Preparing red packets is that simple
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With this comprehensive guide, preparing red packets for Chinese New Year will be a breeze! Just keep in mind that these guidelines are not set in stone. Go with your heart and give within your financial means – it’s the thought that counts! And if you’re not comfortable giving monetary gifts to friends of the same age, you can consider gifting CNY gift sets and alcoholic beverages instead.
Meanwhile, red packets are not all there is to Chinese New Year. Whether it’s Chinese New Year snacks or steamboat pots for your reunion dinner, snag your festive essentials at discounted prices on Shopee’s 2.2 CNY Sale!
This article was first written by Shopee Singapore, and repurposed with permission by MiddleClass.
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