How Should You Give Ang Baos in Singapore in 2026?
Etiquette, Tips & Corporate Gift Insights
The act of giving an ang bao (red packet) is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and remains a powerful gesture in Singapore—whether at Chinese New Year, weddings, graduations, or business milestone events.
But beyond tradition, ang baos are also evolving into branded giving opportunities and even corporate gifts in Singapore.
This guide covers how to give ang baos correctly, modern variations (like digital envelopes), ideal amounts in 2026, and how brands might thoughtfully use red packets in their corporate gifting strategies.
What Is an Ang Bao? Origins, Symbolism & Modern Use
“Ang bao,” or red packet, is a red envelope containing money. Its red colour symbolizes luck, prosperity, and protection against misfortune. Historically, red packets were used to protect and bless younger members of the family.
Over time, the gesture evolved into a broader token of respect and goodwill—especially in Singapore’s multicultural society.
Today, ang baos are given at:
Chinese New Year
Weddings and engagements
Baby showers and birthdays
Business celebrations (e.g. company launches, staff bonuses)
In modern practice, both physical and digital red packets (e‑ang baos / QR code envelopes) coexist, offering flexibility while preserving tradition.
How Much Money to Put in an Ang Bao in Singapore (2026 Guidelines)
Determining the amount in an ang bao can feel tricky. Here are principled practices:
Avoid amounts with the number 4: The word “four” sounds like “death” in many Chinese dialects.
Use even numbers, preferably 8 or 6: Eight (八) signals prosperity, while six (六) brings good fortune.
New, crisp bills convey respect.
Start with baseline tiers:
• Colleagues or acquaintances: S$6–S$20
• Friends or junior family: S$28–S$88
• Parents, seniors, VIPs: S$100, S$288, or more depending on closeness
These are guidelines, not rigid rules—your relationship, occasion, and budget always matter.
How to Properly Give & Receive Ang Baos: Etiquette Tips Singapore 2026
Giving
Present the envelope with both hands as a sign of respect.
Accompany the giving with a blessing or New Year greeting (e.g. “新年快乐” / “恭喜发财”).
Don’t present it at the end of the gathering—typically given upon arrival or during the occasion.
Receiving
Accept the ang bao with both hands and express thanks.
Avoid opening it in front of the giver—open privately to avoid discomfort.
Timing & Presentation
Give at the start of the gathering, not at the end.
Use clean, fresh red packets—avoid worn or dirty ones.
Choose designs that suit the occasion (e.g. wedding, corporate, festive).
Digital Red Packets & Modern Trends in Singapore
The digital age has transformed this tradition. Today, many banks and platforms in Singapore offer e-ang baos or digital red packets using QR codes. Some tips for modern giving:
Include QR code red packets in physical greeting cards or packets
Personalise digital packets with messages, animations, or stories
Use e-ang baos for remote giving—especially useful for distant employees or clients
Consider a hybrid approach: physical + QR envelope to balance tradition and innovation
Though digital is rising, physical packets still hold symbolic weight and emotional resonance—especially for in-person occasions.
How Businesses & Brands Can Use Ang Baos as Thoughtful Corporate Gifts
In Singapore’s corporate gifting space, red packets provide an elegant and culturally poignant vehicle for branding and client outreach:
Custom red packets can be branded with your company logo, tagline, or motif
Insert vouchers, QR codes, or small branded tokens inside
Use ang baos in staff bonuses, client CNY gifts, or small token appreciation
Offer limited‑edition festive red packet designs as part of your corporate gifting strategy
Interested in custom red packets for your business or festive campaign?
Ang Bao Giving Etiquette & Corporate Gift Use in Singapore
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Present the red packet with both hands, accompany it with a blessing, and hand it over at the start of gatherings. Avoid opening it in front of the giver.
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Amounts between S$6 and S$20 are common for colleagues and acquaintances in Singapore, adjusting higher for closer relationships or VIPs.
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Yes! Customised red packets are increasingly used by businesses as meaningful corporate gifts, especially during Chinese New Year, employee bonuses, or client appreciation.
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Both have merits. Physical packets retain tradition and emotional weight; digital variants (QR code, e-red packets) offer convenience and reach remote recipients.
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You can engage corporate gift specialists like KingdomGifts.co to create custom, branded red packets with design options, quality printing, and bulk delivery support.