From The Straits Times    |

House visits for the Lunar New Year do not have to be that tedious; it’s meant to be a happy, festive occasion after all. So lighten up and take the mickey out of the possibly stressful situation (no thanks to those nosy relatives!), with these useful and cheeky buys for this holiday period.

1. Keep Calm and Huat Ah coconut fibre mat, $35.90 from Hipvan

keep calm and huat ah mat from hipvan, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed

Think positive thoughts to keep you and your cousins too from going through the curious queries from your elders. We always appreciate that bit of Singlish, like on this cute mat that will help put a smile on your faces. Grab this as soon as you can; it was nearly selling out the last time we’d checked.

2. White Rabbit polyester fibre and stainless steel chain necklace, $18 from Wheniwasfour

white rabbit necklace, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed

We’ll admit: We do have that weakness for all things kitschy-cute (and hence this list). Top of our affordable picks include this White Rabbit necklace, which brings back such fond memories of our favourite childhood candy.

3. Knitted sheep tea cosy, $55 from Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston cute sheep tea cosy, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed

While there’s some contention on whether the sheep is this year’s true zodiac animal — the same word is used for “goat” and “sheep” in Chinese — it’s hard to resist woolly knick knacks like this when they’re as adorable as this tea cosy. And hey, it will actually keep your pot of Chinese tea warm too, while you entertain your house guests.

4. 1% of your COE red packet, $12 for a set of 5 from Rude Packets

rudepackets ang bao, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed

Since you’re giving these red packets out anyway to your overgrown and hopefully soon-to-be married cousins, why not inspire a chuckle or two while you’re at it? These funny red envelopes are just the answer; you can even write an extra message at the back of each ‘ang bao’ as well, like on a gift card.

5. MightyPurse leather clutch with inner portable charger, $188.60 from Sheshops

mightypurse charger in red, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed

A purse that can store your red packets, while charging your phone too? It may seem like an unexpected tool but still undeniably useful. Plus it’s available in this auspicious red too.

6. April Issue leather tassel and shell brooch, $159 from Cool-Find

april issue shopthemag brooch, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed

If you’re not so keen on wearing a cheongsam, why not opt for a Chinese-style brooch, which can add an old world charm to your festive outfit too.

7. Redbox 18,200mAh power bank, $164.38 from SheShops

huge battery charger for iphone, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed

This portable charger has enough juice for you to charge your iPhone 12 times. It may sound like an overkill at first but think about it; you’ll feel very fortunate to have it with you soon enough. Based on the many visits you have to make, the number of devices that you and the likelihood that your sibling (or even mum and dad) are likely to hog your this tool too, you’ll regret for settling for anything less.

8. Mischa leather and canvas clutch, $187.82 from Kapok

mischa clutch, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed 

This brightly coloured find is stylish, festive and big enough to store all of your red packets, whether you’re giving or receiving them as you make your rounds of house visits.

9. Stone Lions, $688 for a pair from Goodstuph

Goodstuph lion statues, 9 lucky things for Chinese New Year that you never knew you needed 

The quirky family with a good sense of humour will guard their home with this pair; they’re not just the average stone lions and will surely make your relatives do a double take. The female lion is a long-lashed, statement necklace-wearing diva while its male partner even has a tongue stud and a football at its feet. Each pair also comes with a ‘birth certificate’ and a chinois chic bag wrap.

WHERE TO BUY
Cath Kidston store locations including ION Orchard, Plaza Singapura can be found here.
Cool-Find The Online Store, http://stm.cool-find.com.
Goodstuph, http://www.thedamngoodshop.com.
Hipvan, http://www.hipvan.com.
Kapok, National Design Centre, 111 Middle Road, Level 1 and http://www.ka-pok.com/webshop.
Rude Packets, http://rudepackets.com.
SheShops The Online Store, http://shop.sheshops.com.
Wheniwasfour, http://shop.wheniwasfour.com.

Coach ID Lanyard
Now $75
Original price: $168
Shop Now
Jabra Elite 4 Wireless Earbuds
Now $88
Original price: $162
Shop Now
BaByliss Air Pro 2300
Now $63
Original price: $144
Shop Now
Abib Collagen Eye Patch
Now $19
Original price: $35
Shop Now