ang pao Archives | MoneyDigest.sg

Where to Snag Adorable Red Packets for CNY 2025

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and it’s time to stock up on festive red packets that bring joy and prosperity to your celebrations.

Whether you’re looking for playful designs or meaningful concepts, this list will help you find some of the cutest red packets this year.

#1: SKECHERS

Spend $150 and receive an exclusive Skechers Red Packet Set, ideal for spreading prosperity and style this CNY. Each set is limited to one per order, so hurry and grab yours before they’re gone! Shop now and secure yours today at Shopee.

Image Credits: shopee.sg

#2: FAIRPRICE OUTLETS

Starting January 9, 2025, make a minimum purchase of S$50 in a single receipt at any FairPrice outlet, including FairPrice Xtra, Finest, or Unity stores, to redeem vibrant festive red packets. These stunning designs are limited to one set per transaction, so don’t miss out! Learn more at FairPrice.

#3: MCDONALD’S

Celebrate the season with McDonald’s! From January 2, 2025, get a pack of six cute red packets with every Prosperity Feast Meal purchase. And if you’re a fan of adorable collectibles, you can grab a set of Cinnamoroll and My Melody Snap Cards with any meal (excluding Happy Meals) from January 16. Find out more at McDonald’s.

Image Credits:mcdonalds.com.sg

#4: GENECO

Go green this Chinese New Year with Geneco’s exclusive eco-friendly red packets. Made from recycled paper, these beautiful packets feature designs inspired by Singapore’s lush greenery with gold accents symbolizing family strength.

Stand a chance to win these exclusive red packets and a $28 eCapitaVoucher by following these steps:

a. Follow Geneco on Facebook.
b. Answer “True” or “False” to the question: You can find over 250 Heritage Trees in Singapore.
c. Tag 3 friends and include the hashtag #ForestOfProsperity.

The giveaway ends January 19, 2025, so join the fun at Geneco’s Facebook page.

#5: KFC

From January 13 to February 18, 2025, enjoy KFC’s adorable mofusand kitty-themed red packets. These cuties come in a set of six and are available with any purchase of Cereal Chicken or Cereal Chicken Burger for dine-in or takeaway. Check them out at KFC.

Image Credits: kfc.com.sg

#6: KOPITIAM

Make your mornings extra special this January with Kopitiam! Enjoy a signature breakfast set and receive vibrant red packets featuring a Snake & Ladder game. These fun and functional designs are perfect for entertaining family and friends during festive visits. Learn more at Kopitiam.

#7: IPPUDO

Spend $50 (or $70 at Marina Bay Sands) to receive exclusive IPPUDO red packets featuring Daruma and ramen bowl designs. These symbolize perseverance, good fortune, and togetherness. Available for dine-in or takeaway. Explore more here.

Whether you’re collecting red packets for their stunning designs or spreading festive cheer, these picks are sure to add a touch of charm to your celebrations. Happy Chinese New Year!

Sources: 1 & 2

Interesting Ang Bao Facts Every Singaporean Shall Know

It is that time of the year again! We are about three weeks from the festivities of the Chinese New Year. Family reunions, abundant food, and small red packets called “Ang Bao, Hongbao, or Ang Pao” shall grace Singapore once again.

The color red embodies luck that is supposed to ward off the evil spirits. Along with its potent color, here are 5 Ang Bao Facts Every Singaporean Shall Know:

1. AMOUNT TO GIVE OUT

There is no specific standard on the lowest or the highest amount to give but the amount definitely reflects your character as a person. A simple survey on TheAsianParent Facebook Page showed that readers usually give out S$2 – S$80 to children in 2014. Although, Singaporeans usually give out S$6. If you are truly in touch with your Chinese roots, you will give out an amount ending with an even digit as odd digits are traditionally associated with funerals.

2. NOTES TO PUT IN

Generally, the number of notes you put it does not matter as long as the amount you gave is in the range of what is expected. Most Singaporeans do not mind if you opt for putting four S$2 or two S$5 notes! However, leaving even-numbered notes is believed to bring out future success!

3. NUMBER FOUR

Some people are likely to avoid giving amounts in fours such as S$40, S$44, and S$400. This is due to the fact that the number “4” is similar (or rhymes) with the word “death in several Chinese dialects.

4. DIFFERENT NATIONS

Since Singapore is a mixture of different cultures, we as a nation have created practices centering red packet gifting. It is not uncommon to have marriages between two different races, leading to traditional practices being modified or ignored. But aside from the Chinese, nations such as Vietnamese, Japanese, Filipinos and South Koreans have similar customs.

5. DIFFERENT CELEBRATIONS

Aside from Chinese New Year, red packets are given to religious practitioners and lion dance performers as a payment for their excellent service. Also, it is given to couples during wedding banquets. The minimum Ang Bao amount for this event is about S$50. It certainly is “little” compared to the minimum of S$150 handed out in Taiwan.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Let us be the first to greet you, advance Happy Chinese New Year!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

How Much “Ang Bao” Money Shall You Give This Chinese New Year?

The festivity of the Chinese New Year is about a month away. Abundant food, family reunions, and little red packets called “Ang Bao” will grace Singapore once again.

These red packets are usually given during social gatherings such as weddings or the holidays. Its color embodies “good luck” that is supposed to ward off the evil spirits.

Married couples usually give these red packets to single people (e.g. children or work colleagues). Its history is rooted from the Chinese belief that you achieve the “adult status” once you get hitched. So, the newfound status comes with the privilege to distribute “Ang Baos” to those who still remain single or are younger.

Image Credits: Paul via Flickr

Since Singapore is a mixture of different cultures, we as a nation have created practices centering “Ang Bao” gifting. It is not uncommon to have marriages between two different races, leading to traditional practices being modified or ignored. But aside from the Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Filipinos and South Koreans have similar customs.

A simple survey on TheAsianParent Facebook Page showed that readers usually give out S$2- S$80 to children in 2014. Furthermore, “S$4” was avoided due to its similarity to the word “death” in many dialects.

Ultimately, PerfectWeddings.sg showed that economy and income status affects the money given. During good economy, it was common to receive “Ang Baos” with a minimum of S$6 each for children but economic recession urged its reduction to S$2 each. Since, economic downturn affects the whole country, there was no judgment in the amount you give.

To help you find the right amount to give…here is a concise “Chinese New Year Ang Bao Market Rate 2014” chart by PerfectWeddings.sg :

As you can see, a red packet containing a minimum of S$2-S$20 is common to give for children, while it ranges to about S$8- S$88 for parents. Your in laws will not take it against you if you give them S$88 in the New Year. Lastly, you may give the same amount of money to your friends or colleagues’ children as you did with your own children.

Search the site