As Chinese New Year approaches, bringing the tradition of bai nian (visiting and exchanging greetings), online discussion forums in Hong Kong have provided candid insight into one of the season’s most contentious topics: the etiquette and efficacy of festive gifting. A recent online poll has unexpectedly unmasked a list of highly conventional, yet increasingly undesirable, Lunar New Year food hampers and treats, signaling a shift in tastes and lifestyle demands among recipients.
The survey, which garnered significant engagement on local platforms, compiled a definitive top 10 countdown of the gifts Hong Kong families would prefer not to receive this festive season. While classic items like Ferrero Rocher chocolates were predictable inclusions, the ranking also unexpectedly flagged luxurious ingredients such as dried mushrooms, suggesting that practicality now outweighs formality in modern Hong Kong households. The top spot, identified only as “XXXXX” in the original source, was secured by a perennial winner that, despite its tradition, seems to have exhausted recipients’ patience.
The Rise of Practicality Over Prestige
The most surprising entry near the top of the “unwanted” list was dried shiitake mushroom gift boxes (#10). Although these fungi are considered highly respectable seung jung hoi mei (precious and elegant ingredients) perfect for formal presentation, respondents indicated that the preparation—which requires lengthy soaking, hours of braising, or cooking—is simply too demanding for busy working parents. Many voiced a preference for ready-to-eat or quick-cook alternatives that align better with the fast-paced urban lifestyle.
Mid-range confectionery and highly common items dominated the middle rankings, illustrating concerns about volume, freshness, and originality.
- Alcohol (#9): While a generous gesture, wines, especially high-proof spirits like Maotai, were deemed too subjective to personal palate. Many families prefer gifts that can be universally shared, excluding children.
- New Year Cakes (Gao) (#8): Despite being a festive staple, respondents explained that they often purchase their own in advance, resulting in an overwhelming surplus. Concerns were also raised about perishable cakes going bad before they could be consumed.
- Egg Rolls (#7): Though healthier than some overtly sweet cookies, large tins of egg rolls were consistently cited as too voluminous and monotonous in flavor, leading quickly to “taste fatigue.”
The Perennial Problem of Gift Clones
The issue of saturation was most acutely felt by two universally recognized brands. Ferrero Rocher chocolates (#6), though elegant, were criticized as the ultimate “gift clone,” leading to accumulation and lack of variety. Similarly, Danish Butter Cookies (#4) were labeled “public toilet products” due to their ubiquitous presence in every household and their perceived lack of thoughtfulness—often seen as a last-minute supermarket grab.
Another savory item, Sau Tao Abalone Noodles (#5), was scrutinized for its quality. Though seen as a more wholesome alternative to sweets, recipients claimed the flavor fell short, with criticisms leveled at subpar noodle texture and an absence of authentic abalone flavor in the broth. The large quantity of noodles in the gift box often leads to wastage due to expiry.
Strategies for Thoughtful Festivity
The poll clearly suggests that while the intention behind traditional gifts is appreciated, many recipients are suffering from an annual glut of identical, large-format, or time-consuming items. The public is signaling a desire for gifts that are practical, unique, or, as some comments suggested, even monetary.
Key Takeaways for Gifting:
- Prioritize Readiness: Choose instant or low-preparation foods over ingredients requiring extensive cooking time.
- Focus on Specialty: Move beyond mass-market supermarket brands for confectionery. Support local bakeries or specialty shops for unique cakes or biscuits.
- Consider Cash: For those unsure of recipient tastes, cash envelopes (lai see) remain the most universally appreciated and useful gift, sidestepping concerns about storage and expiration.
The collective feedback emphasizes that great festive giving requires aligning traditional sentiment with contemporary convenience, ensuring that exchanges bring genuine joy and utility, rather than simply contributing to post-holiday clutter.