Yes, as the Chinese New Year approaches, you can get just about anything you want in honor of this event. The Year of the Fire Rooster will start on January 28th and will include many meaningful events (and many opportunistic ones from those with something to sell!). Here are some of those opportunities:
Goldfish: Fish tanks and goldfish are considered lucky. Most Chinese shops have fish tanks at the entrance and if you give seven gold-colored fish to a friend along with one black one, you’ll be bringing them good luck.
Jewelry: There are many types of jewelry that are considered good luck for the New Year. For instance, pendants with a Chinese zodiac sign symbolize a long life.
Bamboo plants: These plants are supposed to energize the environment in your home. The number of stalks that you give to someone shouldn’t be even. And never give four of anything to a friend, since the number in Chinese sounds similar to the word for death.
Small metal bells: These are placed outside the home and bring good news and fortune to the family.
Laughing Buddha: This is a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture. Other symbols that are thought to bring luck are the jade horses, elephants and dragons.
Three-legged frog: If you give one of these, you’ll giving someone good fortune and longevity.
Chinese lanterns: These bring fortune, especially if they have Chinese animals on them. A lanter with a rooster on it will make the perfect give this New Year.
Red envelopes: If you give money to someone you should use a red envelope. These are used to give gifts.