Key facts for Hong Kong
Christmas is a real business occasion, especially for international firms, alongside Lunar New Year.
How companies in Hong Kong give year-end gifts
Hong Kong has two strong corporate gifting seasons. Christmas and year-end are widely observed, with hampers and branded gifts sent to clients and partners in early to mid-December, often by international firms, banks and professional services. Lunar New Year follows soon after and is the most important local occasion, when companies send gift boxes and give red packets (lai see) to staff and service providers. The Mid-Autumn Festival brings a third wave of gift boxes and mooncakes. English is standard for business cards and greetings; a bilingual English-Chinese card is a thoughtful touch. Presentation matters, and red and gold packaging is well received. Many organizations, including public bodies and listed companies, have written gift policies, so recipients may decline gifts above a set value. Hong Kong is a free port with no general sales tax, which simplifies shipping compared with mainland China.
Gift occasions in Hong Kong
Christmas
year-end gifts and hampers for clients and staff
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
Good practice
- Send Christmas gifts by early December; plan a second wave for Lunar New Year.
- Use a bilingual English-Chinese card for local partners.
- Choose premium packaging; presentation is noticed.
- Check recipients' gift policies, especially in public bodies and banks.
Avoid
- Avoid clocks and sets of four.
- Avoid predominantly white or black wrapping.
Design and wording
Christmas designs are appropriate; neutral 'Season's Greetings' suits mixed audiences.
Gift policies
The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, enforced by the ICAC, restricts gifts to public servants and applies to private-sector bribery; keep gifts modest and transparent.
Delivery to Hong Kong
Ships from Poland by courier. Hong Kong is a free port with no VAT; duty applies to a few categories such as tobacco and high-strength spirits.
Planning dates for Hong Kong
| 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 Hong Kong
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
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.
Beauty calendars
A beauty advent calendar is a premium December gift.
Plush & merch calendars
A merchandise advent calendar distributes your branded items across 24 doors: socks, pins, stickers, small plush and treats, each carrying your logo.
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 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…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in Hong Kong?
Yes. 25 and 26 December are public holidays, and Christmas is an established business gifting season.
When should we send corporate gifts in Hong Kong?
Early December for Christmas, and again before Lunar New Year (6 February 2027) for local partners.
Are there import taxes on gifts to Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has no VAT and most goods enter duty-free. Duty applies to a few categories, such as tobacco and strong spirits.