Chinese New Year is one of the warmest times to show your friends you appreciate them. When you visit their home in 2026, turning up with a thoughtful gift is more than just good manners – it’s a way of sharing blessings, good fortune, and a little sweetness for the year ahead.
If you’re wondering what to give a friend for Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore, here are the most meaningful (and genuinely useful) ideas, with treats you can easily find from Bread Garden.
1. Pineapple Tarts – The Must-Have “Good Fortune” Gift
Pineapple tarts are still the number one CNY gift for friends in Singapore. In Hokkien, pineapple is linked to the phrase “ong lai,” which symbolises wealth and prosperity arriving at the doorstep.
A beautifully baked tart with buttery pastry and rich pineapple jam feels festive, nostalgic, and luxurious at the same time.
If you want a dependable crowd-pleaser, consider a jar of Premium Pineapple Tart.
It’s a simple way to say: “May good fortune arrive in your home this year.”
2. Festive Cookie Jars They Can Serve Instantly
Friends who host a lot of visitors during CNY will always appreciate extra snacks on the table. Cookie jars are perfect because they are:
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Easy to open and share
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Attractive on the coffee table
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Loved by both adults and kids
For something buttery and rich, a tin of Signature Macadamia Buttery Cookies adds a premium touch to your gift.
For friends who enjoy a more old-school flavour, Old School Almond Cookies are a nostalgic choice that pairs well with tea.
3. CNY Goodies from a Dedicated Festive Collection
If you’re not sure what your friend likes, choosing from a curated CNY collection makes gifting easier. You can mix and match cookies, tarts, and savoury bites based on their family size and preferences.
Explore festive jars and tins in Bread Garden’s CNY goodies and Chinese New Year cookies collection.
It’s a convenient way to build a gift that feels thoughtful without spending hours deciding what to buy.
4. Small Gift Boxes and Goodie Sets
Sometimes you want something more special than a single jar, but not as large as a full hamper. This is where compact goodie sets shine. They look polished, travel well, and are easy for your friend to store and serve.
A set like the Prosperity Gift Box is ideal when you want your gift to feel festive and “ready to impress” the moment they open it.
These gift boxes also work well if you’re visiting several friends and need consistent, elegant gifts.
5. Mandarin Oranges to Complete the Gesture
Even if you’re bringing snacks or a gift set, mandarin oranges are still part of the tradition. They symbolise abundance and good luck, and most households expect them during CNY.
A simple and thoughtful combination:
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Two mandarin oranges
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One jar of cookies or pineapple tarts
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A short handwritten message or well-wishes
This keeps your gift balanced between tradition and modern festive treats.
6. Tea or Drinks That Pair Well with CNY Snacks
If your friend enjoys hosting or relaxing with a hot drink, pairing your snack gift with a small box of tea can feel extra thoughtful.
Great pairings include:
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Green tea with pineapple tarts
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Jasmine tea with buttery cookies
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Oolong tea with nut-based snacks
It turns your gift into a complete “serve and enjoy immediately” set.
7. How to Choose the Right Gift for Different Friends
When deciding what to give, think about your friend’s lifestyle and preferences:
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Do they have young kids? Go for fun, snackable cookies.
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Do they host big gatherings? Choose larger jars or a gift box.
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Do they prefer “less sweet” treats? Nut cookies or classic tarts are a safe pick.
If you’re unsure, a mix of pineapple tarts and cookies is always a safe choice. It’s universally loved and won’t go to waste.
Final Takeaway
You don’t need an overly grand gift to make your friend feel appreciated this Chinese New Year. A well-chosen jar of tarts, a curated box of cookies, or a compact goodie set shows thought, care, and festive spirit.
For CNY 2026, focus on gifts that are:
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Easy to share
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Rich in tradition
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Beautifully presented
That way, when you step through your friend’s door, you’re bringing more than just snacks, you’re bringing celebration, blessings, and a little sweetness for the year ahead.