When you were young, what did you look forward to the most during Chinese New Year? The snacks? The games? The family? Well, like most of us would say it was probably when we received our precious red packets of money (of course, I’d never say this aloud, bad manners and all), but personally, I especially enjoyed receiving unique red packets. For those who don’t know, this is a Chinese tradition where married couples give red packets to younger, unmarried relatives (of a younger generation) during CNY as an act of giving blessings and well wishes (for the new year!)🧧
You see, I loved collecting ang bao packets (red packets) because I thought they were really pretty and uniquely Chinese. Velvet, pleated, printed and ones with my Chinese name on it were all kept in a shoe box and hidden away.
But over time, these ang bao packets were left to collect dust, and I had to clear them out to make space for other hobbies as I grew older. Even so, I still love looking out for one or two more special red packets to keep, maybe to show my children and grandchildren in the future. And I know that many of you would understand that sentiment too!
And yet, with the passing of time, physical red packets are slowly becoming ‘old-fashioned’. Especially with the unexpected pandemic, when house visiting was stopped, family and friends still showed their blessings by gifting digital red packets. Even now that Covid rules have been lifted, sending digital red packets might become a more apt way of proceeding.
As part of our initiative to go green as well, Singapore’s MAS has taken the chance to encourage citizens to send digital ang baos this upcoming Chinese New Year. But if you think that just sending money is tacky, here are some alternatives!
Upgrade 1: NFT Ang Baos
If you know relatives who love collecting cute ang bao packets like me, giving them a piece of art to remember you by might be a good choice!
The AngbaoNFT Prosperity Collection would be a great place to start looking for your first digital ang bao NFT. This collection presents the Zodiac signs with familiar additions using pixelated art. Some of our favourite ones include the very stylish Monkey with Elton John Sunnies on carrot (so retro!) and their very adorable Chick with Eye Patch on Chili.
Monke with Star Glasses on Chili (left), Chick with Eye Patch on Chili (right). Images taken from AngbaoNFT Prosperity Collection Opensea
Instead of giving out cash (which depreciates), why not consider giving these cute collectible NFT red packets and truly give the gift of growing prosperity?
Upgrade 2: Gift Cards
Look, we get that just sending money might feel tacky, so why not consider giving out gift cards instead? You could give your favourite niece a gift card to Amazon, Shein, Shopee, Lazada… really anywhere you think they’d shop at. This could be a good way of showing how thoughtful and thorough you are.
Of course, if that’s not up your alley and you still rather give cash (but more subtly), DBS has found the perfect way for you to do it with their QR Gift Cards.
Find out more here
Upgrade 3: Customise your NFTs
And of course, if you prefer a personal touch to your Chinese New Year NFT, why not try customising your own special NFT with Capitalistor? Simply contact the team on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Discord (remember to follow and join their social media for more!) to discuss how they can help you to get the perfect NFT for your loved ones (or yourself, self care is important too).
Imagine giving out these NFTs for Chinese New Year, you are sure to be the most popular adult there!
Whether you decide to go the traditional way of giving out red packets or want to try something new, Chinese New Year is a great time for you to spend time with your loved ones. And here at Capitalistor, we want to wish you a
🏮Happy Chinese New Year🏮
Let’s spend 2023 making a revolution together!