Key facts for China
Christmas is a commercial and decorative season in large cities, not a traditional business gifting occasion.
How companies in China give year-end gifts
In mainland China the key corporate gifting moments are Spring Festival (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, when companies send gift boxes to clients, distributors and staff. Christmas is visible in shopping districts and is used by multinational firms for year-end greetings, but it does not replace Spring Festival. Gifts are usually presented with both hands, and recipients may not open them in front of the giver. Packaging matters: red and gold are associated with luck and celebration, and a well-presented box is often valued as much as the contents. Gifts to state-owned enterprises and government officials are subject to strict internal rules, so modest, clearly branded items are the safer choice. Cards can be in English for international teams, but a Chinese greeting is appreciated for local partners. Plan deliveries well before Spring Festival, as logistics and offices slow down for several weeks around the holiday.
Gift occasions in China
Lunar New Year
the main gifting season of the year for clients, partners and staff
Mid-Autumn Festival
mooncake and gift-box season for clients and partners
New Year
year-end greetings to international clients and partners
Christmas
relevant mainly for multinational companies and international partners
Good practice
- Time year-end gifts for Lunar New Year rather than Christmas for local partners.
- Use red and gold packaging; present gifts with both hands.
- Add a Chinese greeting to the card for local recipients.
- Order early: logistics slow down for weeks around Spring Festival.
Avoid
- Avoid clocks, which are associated with death.
- Avoid sets of four and predominantly white or black packaging.
- Keep gifts to government officials and state-owned enterprise staff modest.
Design and wording
Neutral 'Season's Greetings' or New Year designs work best; Christmas themes suit multinational teams.
Gift policies
Gifts to public officials and state-owned enterprise staff are tightly restricted under anti-corruption rules; keep gifts modest and documented.
Delivery to China
Ships from Poland by courier; import duties and VAT apply. Food imports into China require labeling in Chinese and importer registration, so chocolate and tea for commercial distribution need a local importer.
Planning dates for China
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for China
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in China?
No. 25 December is a normal working day in mainland China. The main business gifting season is Lunar New Year (6 February 2027).
Can we send chocolate or tea to China?
Food imports require Chinese labeling and a registered importer. Non-food gifts such as plush or branded boxes are simpler to ship.
What should we avoid when gifting in China?
Avoid clocks, sets of four, and mostly white or black wrapping. Red and gold packaging is a safe choice.