Known as the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year is marked by the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Unlike Western calendars, the day in which the Lunar New Year is celebrated varies because it follows the cycles of the moon, as per Britannica. This year, the holiday falls on Friday, February 21 and celebrates 2021 the Year of the Ox or more specifically, the Year of the Metal Ox. According to the Chinese zodiac, the Ox is the second of the 12 zodiac signs, namely the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. As per Travel China Guide, the signs also follow five elements, namely Metal (Monkey, Rooster), Wood (Tiger, Rabbit), Water (Rat, Pig), Fire (Snake, Horse), and Earth (Ox, Dragon, Sheep, Dog). To celebrate the occasion, we’ve lined up a Lunar New Year Gift Guide 2021 with great gift ideas to share with your loved ones. Before that, let’s dive into the forecast for the Year of the Ox.
Year of the Ox Gifts: What to Expect in 2021
The coming Lunar New Year 2021 will bring good fortune especially zodiac signs who are lucky in the finance department this year. According to thechinesezodiac.org, the Ox is characterized as hardworking and methodical so expect work to be rewarded this year. However, the forecast also says that the full weight of one’s responsibility will weigh heavy on us this year, so we may find that we will need to exert more effort into accomplishing our goals. The forecast also says not to expect any catastrophic events, making it a great year for economic recovery, especially following last year’s pandemic. As for the love forecast, expect unions and marriages made in the Year of the Ox to be happy and durable. For those who are single, you may just meet your soulmate this year. Whether it’s friendship or romantic, relationships will take the spotlight this year and it will be good to focus on that as well. The lucky colors for the Year of the Ox are green and blue, while lucky numbers are 8 and 9.
Year of the Ox Gifts: Lunar New Year Themed Items to Share Good Luck with Others
1. CLINIQUE Lunar New Year Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter
Brighten up your future and your skin this Lunar New Year with the Clinique Lunar New Year Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, a powerful brightening serum that effectively and visibly corrects discoloration and acne scars. Designed for all skin types and tones, this damage eraser serum from Clinique is powered by the brand’s proprietary brightening molecule, which evens out skin tone while improving the appearance of dark spots, age spots, and acne scars. It also features an interrupter complex that contains soothing extracts and powerful antioxidant and anti-irritant properties that nourish and protect skin from developing dark spots in the future. This Clinique product does not contain parabens, phthalates, and fragrance. Shop at Nordstrom.
2. SULWHASOO Lunar New Year First Care Activating Serum
Housed in a limited-edition Lunar New Year packaging, the Sulwhasoo essential first-step serum nourishes and firms the complexion to reveal a healthy glow. It is powered by a unique JAUM Balancing Complex, which is crafted from five carefully selected Korean herbal ingredients for concentrated care. The Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum comes in a limited-edition bottle inspired by Korean traditional patchwork quilts, featuring geometric shapes that are reinterpreted through a contemporary lens that captures the festive spirit of love-filled new beginnings. Shop at Nordstrom.
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3. ESTÉE LAUDER Lunar New Year Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum
This Lunar New Year, indulge your skin in a luxurious repairing serum that deeply penetrates to fight the signs of aging. The Estée Lauder’s much-loved Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum comes in a limited-edition lucky red bottle to celebrate the season. This fast-acting and fast-penetrating serum is powered by Chronolux™ Power Signal Technology that effectively reduces the appearance of several signs of aging caused by environmental stressors. It provides up to eight hours of antioxidant power and 72 hours of hydration, leaving skin radiant and plumped with hydration as you sleep. Shop at Nordstrom.
4. FRESH® Lunar New Year Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum
Experience the anti-aging benefits of black tea with Fresh’s age-delay serum, which now comes in a limited edition presentation just in time for the Lunar New Year. This universal face serum provides a corset-like effect on the skin to create more defined face contours. The firming serum is infused with Fresh’s revolutionary Black Tea Complex combined with firming peptides and antioxidant-rich honeysuckle leaf extract to soothe and firm the skin. Black Tea Complex is formulated with a proprietary blend of black tea ferment (kombucha), black tea extract, blackberry leaf extract and lychee seed extract that together inhibit free radicals on the skin and improves its elasticity. Shop at Nordstrom.
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5. CHANTECAILLE Year of the Ox Jumbo Size Bio Lifting Mask
Powered by rich botanicals, the Chantecaille Bio Lifting Mask is an anti-aging mask that effectively reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Now in a limited edition Year of the Ox jumbo size, the Bio Lifting Mask from Chantecaille is powered by an anti-wrinkle hexapeptide that softens the appearance of expression lines. It also contains powerful plant extracts that moisturizes and soothes dry skin to retain moisture while tightening and smoothing skin. Its potent antioxidants called tocotrienols fight free radicals from UV rays and environmental pollutants. This product is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, palm oil, and synthetic colors and fragrances. Made in Switzerland. Shop at Nordstrom.
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Bonus: CHARLOTTE TILBURY Lunar New Year Charlotte’s Magic Cream
Charlotte Tilbury’s highly lauded Magic Cream now comes in a limited-edition presentation just in time for Lunar New Year. An anti-aging moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, this moisturizer is also powered by a bionymph peptide complex that visibly plumps skin and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles for glowing skin. This product is made in Switzerland. Shop at Nordstrom.
Lunar New Year Gift Guide 2021: Makeup Gifts for Women
1. GUCCI Lunar New Year Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick in 25 Goldie Red
Celebrate Lunar New Year with the color of luck courtesy of Gucci. The Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick offers a bold red hue with a satin finish, providing creamy yet intense, long-lasting color. Dressed for the occasion in a limited-edition packaging to celebrate Lunar New Year, the Gucci Rouge à Lèvres Satin Lipstick is designed as a collectible and is inspired by vintage makeup tubes, featuring a decorative pattern drawn by Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele himself. Also comes in two other colors, 505 Janet Rust and 513 Emmy Red. This lipstick is made in Italy. Shop at Nordstrom.
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2. ESTÉE LAUDER Year of the Ox Double Wear Pressed Powder Compact
Celebrate the Year of the Ox with Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Pressed Powder Compact, a versatile powder that can be used as a foundation or over it. It features a versatile formula that is silky soft and weightless so you can wear it all day. It effectively controls oil and shine with its matte finish. This limited edition compact is housed in a collectible compact that is easily refillable with Double Wear Pressed Powder. The compact features the ox, which symbolizes hard work, peace, and justice. This intricately designed compact is great for gifting this season. Shop at Nordstrom.
3. YVES SAINT LAURENT Rouge Pur Couture Or Rouge Collector’s Edition Lipstick
This season, celebrate Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day by wearing the color of luck and love on your lips with Yves Saint Laurent’s gorgeous Rouge Pur Couture Or Rouge Collector’s Edition Lipstick. Its iconic gold tube is dressed in collectible packaging to celebrate love and the joy of giving this February. This highly giftable lipstick features a full-coverage satin-finish that offers up to 6 hours of ultra rich, stay-true color with just one stroke. It also features a moisturizing formula that nourishes skin with intense hydration and antioxidant care. This lipstick is made in France. Shop at Nordstrom.
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4. HOURGLASS Lunar New Year At Night Lip & Cheek Duo
Treat yourself to Hourglass’ best-selling brick red shade At Night for both your lips and cheeks this Lunar New Year. Bring eye-catching, contemporary color to your face with the Hourglass Lunar New Year At Night Lip & Cheek Duo, which features the brand’s Confession Ultra Slim Refillable Lipstick in a sleek gold applicator. It effectively provides saturated, long-wearing color in a gorgeous satin finish. Meanwhile, the blush combines the much-loved Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light with a flattering deep berry hue for soft-focus, multidimensional color like no other. These products do not contain parabens, phthalates, gluten, silicone, talc, mineral oil, or triclosan. Made in Italy. Shop at Nordstrom.
5. CHARLOTTE TILBURY Lucky Cherry Matte Revolution Lipstick
Add some good luck to your makeup arsenal with the Charlotte Tilbury Lucky Cherry Matte Revolution Lipstick, a limited edition lipstick featuring a bold color that’s just in time for the Lunar New Year. This lipstick features a magical matte finish powered by a formula that is long-lasting, buildable, and hydrating. It also features 3D glow pigments that make lips appear wider and fuller and Lipstick Tree extract, the Charlotte Tilbury’s secret ingredient combined with orchid extract to protect and soothe lips with a cashmere-like finish. Made in Italy. Shop at Nordstrom.
Affordable Lunar New Year Gifts and Tokens for Loved Ones
1. Moleskine Limited Edition Notebook Year of the Ox, Large, Red, and Ruled
Begin a new journey this Year of the Ox with the Moleskine Limited Edition journal, featuring every you love about the brand with a Lunar New Year twist. This journal is especially crafted to hold a wealth of inspiration and features lucky colors red and gold with an original graphic interpretation of traditional elements and flowers to symbolize longevity and prosperity. The endpapers inside also feature themed graphics and symbols of good fortune. This special edition notebook also comes with lucky red envelopes so you can give good wishes and luck to your loved ones this Spring Festival. This notebook measures 5 x 8.25 inches and is ruled. It has an overall customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
2. Hallmark Eight Bamboo 2021 Chinese New Year Card
Let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them during the Lunar New Year with the Hallmark Chinese New Year Card featuring a red scrollwork pattern and a removable ox ornament accented with gold foil, a nice token you can display at home. Inside, the card reads, “Hope the Year of the Ox brings you joyful abundance, health, and prosperity. Happy New Year.” The back of the card offers insight to the Chinese zodiac, specifically the Year of the Ox. It sheds light on the characteristics of those who were born on the Year of the Ox, including strength and dependability. This Lunar New Year card is printed on high quality paper stock and measures 5 x 7.2 inches. These and other Hallmark eco-friendly greeting cards are crafted with paper from well-managed forests. Get this on Amazon.
3. CheeseandU Year of the Ox Keychain
Whether as a decoration for your car or bag, the CheeseandU Year of the Ox Keychain is a nice little reminder of the Lunar New Year 2021. It is made of premium materials and showcases an auspicious cartoon ox that looks adorable. A great souvenir for the Year of the Ox, this keychain features a red color that is believed to represent good luck. Get this on Amazon.
4. PinMart Chinese Zodiac Year of The Ox New Year Enamel Lapel Pin
A subtle yet charming addition to any wardrobe this year, this PinMart Enamel Lapel Pin is a nice way to honor and celebrate the Year of the Ox. Great for attaching to your blouse, coat, bag, or sneaker, this pin is color-filled, gold-plated, and polished for a smooth-to-the-touch shine. The pin also comes with a rubber pin back and is individually wrapped in a poly bag for easy gifting. Get this on Amazon.
5. Tesalate Washable and Reusable Cloth Face Mask for Adult
Let your loved ones know you care with this set of reusable cloth face masks from Tesalate, which come in designs celebrating the Year of the Ox. These stylish cloth face masks are made from 100% cotton material that is soft, washable, durable, and reusable. It also features a 3D dimensional shape that leaves a gap between the mask and your face so you can breathe easily. This set of three masks feature Lunar New Year elements such as the ox and “2021 Happy New Year.” Get this on Amazon.
Bonus: LOL Surprise Year of The Ox Doll or Pet with 7 Surprises
Treat your kids to something surprising this Lunar New Year with LOL Surprise limited edition pet or doll. With as much as 7 surprises inside this marvelous ball, this toy will unravel either Golden B.B. and Golden Ox, which are inspired by the Lunar Year of the Ox. Each limited edition doll and pet are new characters that feature shimmering, sparkly details, as well as the ability to change color when fed or bathed. This surprise toy includes a secret message, envelopes, accessories, bottles, outfits, shoes, and the LOL Surprise Year of the Ox Doll or Pet. Get this on Amazon.
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