Would it be strange to give lucky red envelopes to British children?

Feel free. Although I'm astounded that you think what I offered there was an opinion rather than a fact. I'd love to hear how an envelope, or any other inanimate object, can be lucky.

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phillis_x@reddit

No, but it does put a smile on your face to give that little blue arrow to someone obnoxious.

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jdsuperman@reddit

I can see how that would be the case for a certain type of person, yes.

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Goochregent@reddit

No I expect they will love it. Most would be interested to learn I would think. I married into a Chinese family and now I must give ang bao, it's definitely worse than accepting them haha.

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That was so nice of you to include there children and teach them, I used cash yesterday for the first time in I don't know how long and it was weird, bet they were very happy to find out it buys a toy. Happy New year

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stufferstu@reddit

I have to say, I'm open to people giving me any colour of envelope filled with cash..

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kavik2022@reddit

Same. Like a tenner would be nice. That's a pint, a mcflurry and probably some change left . And really. How could those things not prove my life.

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DutchOfBurdock@reddit

Free money aside, I would welcome embracing other cultures with open arms and encourage my children to do the same.

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Traditional_Yogurt77@reddit

i’ll give you a brown one

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paolog@reddit

The brown ones more often require you to stump up the cash.

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paolog@reddit

As long as no quid pro quo is expected.

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smooth_relation_744@reddit

Just came here to say that I’d be very happy to receive a red envelope, thankyouverymuch.

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NeverForget108@reddit

Me too

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Kennedy_Fisher@reddit

I was just thinking "well, that's one way to fight racism".

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majesticjewnicorn@reddit

I'm technically 32 but I believe I am still 10 so I'd be happy to accept an envelope with cash 😉

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qiaozhina@reddit

I think if you want to it's fine, and creates a opportunity to teach them + have them engage with your culture.

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SuzLouA@reddit

My white British child has absolutely loved learning about Lunar New Year both this year and last at nursery, and is off to Chinatown in our city as we speak with my husband to watch the parade and go on a dragon hunting quest through the local art gallery (there is a dragon sticker for kids at the end which he’s extremely excited about 😂). I think this would be a lovely way to introduce your non-Chinese friends to this aspect of Chinese culture, but honestly, some of their kids might know more about it than they do - my son had an absolute shitfit the other morning because he wanted to play the Great Race and we didn’t have a horse or rat toy 😂 Happy new year!

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CobaltCascade@reddit

Nah, it wouldn't be strange, just a bit extra. Imagine British kids getting red envelopes – they'd be like, 'Is this some Hogwarts acceptance letter?' But hey, if you want to sprinkle a bit of luck around, why not? Just prepare for some confused looks and maybe a kid asking if there's a golden ticket inside.

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DareSudden4941@reddit

I think it’s a great way to teach kids about other cultures and people. I lived in various parts of Asia as a little kid but I’m white British and always loved the various celebrations! Lunar new year and Diwali we’re my firm favourites

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Not-That_Girl@reddit

What a lovely, thoughtful and generous way to teach others about your culture!

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GwdihwFach@reddit

I had a Chinese lady as a teacher in primary school, and she did this for us, she put a few pennies in and explained the symbolism. She also taught us about her culture, took us to Chinatown for lunch on a school trip and taught us some basic writing. It's been 22 years and I still remember her fondly.

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paolog@reddit

This is the way to introduce people to other cultures. If more people did this with young children, the world could be an altogether less hostile place.

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Active-Pen-412@reddit

My kid got an envelope during the week with a tiger sticker inside. He is now insistent we decorate the house and celebrate Chinese New Year.

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kinkypinkunicorn@reddit

She sounds awesome.

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GwdihwFach@reddit

She absolutely was such a fantastic teacher

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North-Beautiful5788@reddit

Sounds like a lovely way to teach them about Chinese culture

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Apidium@reddit

Go for it. Share your culture. Nobody is ever unhappy they got £10 in a fancy envelope.

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Bgtobgfu@reddit

I think it’s absolutely lovely. I would be so happy if a friend cared enough about my kid to to this ❤️

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CatintheHatbox@reddit

I think it's a lovely idea and a great way to teach kids about other people's customs.

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Foundation_Wrong@reddit

That’s really nice, we have increasingly started to respect all the traditional holidays that immigrants have brought with them. Diwali, Ramadan, Hanukah, children learn about them at school. Having a proper Chinese New Year red envelope with money would be very cool.

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Significant-Math6799@reddit

Yes. So if you have any lucky red envelopes, you should send them on to me and I will dispose of them safely 😁

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Laylelo@reddit

There are some key moments I remember as a child where the world opened up to me or I began to understand things in a different way. Being able to be the catalyst for a child to expand their horizons in this way is a really amazing and important thing to do for them. Go for it! If I lived in a country where my customs weren’t followed by the general population I’d love to share them with people who are important to me. That’s how we all grow and learn about each other. Shrink the world!

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millimolli14@reddit

That’s a lovely thing to do, it’s a great way to share your custom

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Hazeri@reddit

If they remember [this advert](https://youtu.be/hONmDwcVDbI?si=DffedHv16-DOtxvo) from a few years ago, they won't be too surprised Also no kids are going to pass up free money

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Connect-Smell761@reddit

No child has ever said “please don’t give me an envelope of cash”.

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Upstairs-Hedgehog575@reddit

Corruption is rife at primary school.

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RandomiseUsr0@reddit

I have a Chinese friend (I’m not Chinese) - she always gave my daughter the red envelopes 🧧 and after the first year, I reciprocated, it’s a nice custom :)

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silaros@reddit

I think it’s a lovely gesture. 😊 But juuuuust to be on a safer side, send a quick short message to the parents ahead of time to say: hey, this is my culture transition and I plan to do this for your kid because i'm kind and amazing like that. no need to get into discussion or long explanations. if someone's uncomfortable with it, they can tell it to you beforehand. some people get sensitive over random things, so just better notify parents beforehand.

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wrathchiiild@reddit

No it would be completely adorable, you are such a kind friend they are lucky to know you

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sober_disposition@reddit

Not at all, British people are very open to other people sharing their cultures with us - except when it comes to moon cakes. Please stop giving us moon cakes. They’re gross.

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Ill_Situation4224@reddit

Only if they play boogie woogie piano.

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Wavesmith@reddit

No I think it’s a lovely idea. As a (white British) child I remember being invited for Chinese year celebrations and being given red envelopes. The dances were AMAZING, still remember it now and I was probably about 5yo at the time. My 3yo is currently learning about Chinese new year at nursery and I think she understands enough at that age and it would feel special.

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shannoouns@reddit

My white mum does this as an activity at her nursery. They'll put like chocolate money in red envelopes and she tries to explain the lunar year to the kids. I don't think anybody would find it weird even if they hadn't heard about it before. They probably appreciate it and would find it cool that you're sharing your culture with thier kids.

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TabularConferta@reddit

Explain the culture and go for it. It's money, not like you are giving them fireworks I think it's very nice of you.

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Iirima@reddit

I’m part Chinese and my husband and I have always done this since we got married. For both younger family members and kids of friends, we explain the custom, and people have without fail loved it. My grandmother always did it with my friends when we were children - It’s been a joke among my friends for many years that they get ‘paid’ if they come to see my gran around CNY. I love sharing part of my culture with my friends, and this is such a nice and easy thing to share.

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AmbientApe@reddit

You're over-thinking it. It's a lovely idea to share your custom in this way.

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Old_Highlight7720@reddit

I think it’s a brilliant custom…as a singleton without kids. 😅

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12-7_Apocalypse@reddit

Yeah, go for it. You may even start a new trend.

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Lightertecha@reddit

I don't think it's a good idea because this custom is not their culture.

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gloomfilter@reddit

I'm assuming the friends aren't Chinese... if you explain to the parents first and they are ok with it, then it should be absolutely fine, and lovely to share a non-british custom with them.

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Terrible_Biscotti_14@reddit

We used to get given them at Primary school, they’d have 2p in but I loved it!

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Sasstellia@reddit

Do it. It's a fun custom. And children are children, regardless of race.

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Grouchy_Judgment8927@reddit

I like this tradition. I would suggest running it by the parents first. I don't see it being a big issue, and it's a lovely way to share the customs of a different culture.

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Cyborg_Ninja_Cat@reddit

It's *just* enough money that it might be worth giving the parents a heads-up that you'd like to give their child a traditional present for Chinese New Year and that they understand it's not expected to be returned, before saying anything to the kids. Assuming that your friends are not bigots who don't want their children to experience any aspect of another culture, they will think that's really kind of you.

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contrarean@reddit

Definitely over-thinking it. So long as the parents know that you're giving the kids cash and why you're doing it there won't be any issues.

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davus_maximus@reddit

Oh I remember getting a Chinese coin in a red envelope during CNY at primary school. Fond memories. That will be well received!

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acabxox@reddit

My local Chinese would always give out calendars for Chinese New Years to the kids whenever we’d come in! It was so cute and we loved them. OP if you feel awkward about the cash value, another gift would work. But I think the cash is fine - that’s the tradition you want to continue.

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AhhGingerKids2@reddit

Not at all this is lovely. I remember in primary school having a massive celebration for Chinese New Year and getting chocolate gold coins in red envelopes. It’s very generous sharing your culture, I think, and it always feels extra special.

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AspectPatio@reddit

Nah everyone loves Chinese New Year. Lanterns, dragons, parties, even money gifts. All the fun parts of people's cultures should be shared if possible. Waiting for Holi to make it out of India it looks like a good time.

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Myorangecrush77@reddit

I’d be perfectly happy with this situation as long as I’d had a heads up to explain to the kids first so they could give an appropriate thank you

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HoomanMoomin@reddit

No, it’s not weird. You can put a little note in it too to explain the custom.

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greenpeppergirl@reddit

I got a red envelope from my mom's friend when I was a kid and it was my favourite treasure.

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CosyBosyCrochet@reddit

It’s a sweet way to introduce kids to different cultures and I can’t imagine anyone will be mad about getting a bit of cash lol

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walkyoucleverboy@reddit

I’d be honoured if a friend wanted to include myself &/or my family in a cultural tradition.

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O2B2gether@reddit

What a lovely thought, sharing your culture, go ahead 🙂

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Guilty-Employer7811@reddit

My Greek Mother in law does this at Christmas for all the Grandchildren. She makes small blue envelopes by hand, then decorates them with ink drawings of Nationalist Runes.

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smartief1@reddit

I still have some of the red envelopes I was given as a child by a Chinese family we were close to. Money is long gone lol

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parabolicurve@reddit

Toddler nephew got a red envelope with a £1 coin in. He was really excited about it.

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SPPhDandRP@reddit

It's very sweet and I'm sure they'll appreciate it. (Wouldn't recommend doing it with kids you don't know though!)

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BadBassist@reddit

>(Wouldn't recommend doing it with kids you don't know though!) Sage advice

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Miserable-Ease-3744@reddit

If not real money, maybe chocolate money? I’ve had them from events like that but money from family and family friends.

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8racoonsInABigCoat@reddit

It’s great! I’m quarter Chinese and our pack of envelopes arrived in time to see family tomorrow.

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zeduk@reddit

I was given one as a child by my father’s Chinese friend from work who was visiting and loved it. Never forgotten it 3 decades later!

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Skinnybet@reddit

It’s a great idea to share culture in my opinion. And I’m sure the children would love it. And hearing about the traditions behind this. Also the lunar new year decorations are beautiful

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atomicmrpelly@reddit

As a parent and a white British person I would love this. Making people (children or adults) more aware of other cultures and making them feel included in them can only be a good thing IMO.

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Mushroomc0wz@reddit

My old bosses who were Chinese did this for us when I worked there and it was always lovely

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DaysyFields@reddit

I'd make it £5 but nothing wrong with the idea In a multicultural situation.

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kbell2020@reddit

I don't think it's weird at all, and my child actually came home from school last year with 2 red envelopes with chocolate coins in, from classmates who celebrate Chinese New year. Its a good way to get the kids interested in other cultures and opened up good conversations. I appreciated it.

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Jonography@reddit

When so was younger we received red envelopes and a single penny. The cultural exchange alone stuck in my mind until today. I wouldn’t even bother gifting £10. A penny or a £1 would be enough.

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Cheese-n-Opinion@reddit

Yes I remember when I was little, an Egyptian lady who was visiting my mum showed me how to write my name in Arabic. We lived in a pretty monocultural small town so any kind of interaction with a different culture was rare and fascinating to me, and I still remember it decades later.

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Quirky_Impact@reddit

Kinda reverse question but is it okay to give them to my young cousins, as a family who has no recent Asian heritage? As a way to introduce them to the cultural tradition of CNY

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MenacingGummy@reddit

My kids are half Chinese & their father’s family always gives red envelopes. They love it so much that they wanted their friends to enjoy it too so every bday they add a little red envelope with some money to their friends gifts. They all love it.

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shade_of_dragon_poop@reddit

My children get envelopes off their classmates, which we all think is nice. No actual cash, but chocolate coins, which they love.

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SkipMapudding@reddit

I think it’s a lovely idea. My son went to Chinese evening classes when at Uni and the teacher handed out gifts for Chinese New Year.

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Ch1pp@reddit

Small coins would be ok like 20p but if my kid received £10 from one of my friends I'd feel obligated to give them £10 back somehow.

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allthingskerri@reddit

A gift is always lovely. Especially when you can teach some history and culture at the same time!

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FatBloke4@reddit

£10 would be quite generous but I think the idea is fine. It helps them learn something about your culture and traditions.

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Qyro@reddit

It would be weird and you’d probably have to explain it, but I’m not sure you’d get any complaints either.

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LaraH39@reddit

I don't see the problem with it at all! When I was young or Chinese neighbour have my brother and I red envelopes at Chinese new year. We loved it!

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burnthosebridges@reddit

That's such a thoughtful thing to do. I loved Chinese New Year as a kid because of all the festivities. The red envelopes were a special memory for me.

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2023mustgo@reddit

When I was a kid our next door neighbours were from Hong Kong snd they gave us red envelopes of money that were very well received at new year! It’s not weird at all, it’s really kind of you.

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Inevitable_Lab_5014@reddit

No, it's really sweet, and gives you an opportunity to explain the custom to the little ones. I don't see how it's any different to giving them a selection box at Christmas or an Easter egg, which is a perfectly normal normal act of generosity towards the children of friends.

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geraltsthiccass@reddit

I'm a child, or have the mind of one anyway. Can I get an envelope?

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Anxious-Molasses9456@reddit

Probably not weird, but it'll be expensive

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fleurmadelaine@reddit

If I had a kid and a friend did this I’d be really touched. I’d also use it as an opportunity for me and kiddo to learn about another country and its traditions.

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Cultural_Tank_6947@reddit

Do it, obviously pick close friends only. But if it's a group of 4-5 friends you're close with, definitely do it!

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worldworn@reddit

Nope, not strange, my kids' schools teach them what the envelopes are for. I think one year, they gave some out with a chocolate coin.

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intheclouds@reddit

My son’s class was given a red envelope each from his Asian classmate and they had chocolate coins in them. Was a lovely idea and avoids the cash issue if you’re worried about it

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TroublesomeFox@reddit

No, I think this is lovely.

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InspectorOk2454@reddit

Not at all — parents & kids love it I would give a very small amount though. Maybe £5.

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wonky-hex@reddit

This sounds such a lovely, kind thing to do ❤️ I don't have kids myself (....yet) but I would be so touched if you were my friend and sharing your culture with my child/ren.

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Maester_Bates@reddit

If it's your friends' kids I'm sure they'd like it. The kids will obviously love getting money but it might be a good idea to explain why you're giving them multiples of 8 and not round number.

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Bilbo_Buggin@reddit

I think it would be really cool to do that, and I think it would get them interesting in learning more about other cultures and traditions which can only be a good thing!

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dommiichan@reddit

do your friends think it's weird to give you Christmas presents? probably not, and any friends who think it's weird have hidden biases

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No-Patience-5523@reddit

I don't think it is, I give my best friend's kids money in cards for Christmas/birthdays and I'd say this is in the same vein, gifting money on a holiday wouldn't seem weird to me at all

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mycatiscalledFrodo@reddit

Not at all, you can explain why you do it and have a great conversation with them about what year it is and why the years are named etc. Children are sponges for information

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throwaway_ArBe@reddit

Nah, not weird. Many will get them from school anyway (though not with cash in, obviously, I got a chocolate coin)

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Specialist_Sound2609@reddit

We had red envelopes given to us at primary school for Chinese new year with 50p in back in primary school 20 odd years ago. I think it’s a lovely tradition and nobody and very nice for you to share.

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Hotbitch2019@reddit

No! I remember receiving when i was little, very cute and memorable x

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Cuplander@reddit

You are overthinking it, but you can bring it up to their parents first so they understand what's going on (can't imagine any would object.) Maybe bring a little Chinese New Year food for them to taste, dumplings or rice balls. Or show them paper lanterns or other little traditions of they're interested. Just that they get more of a sense of the holiday beyond just some money. Any and all children will be overjoyed to have an unexpected holiday that involves them getting cold hard cash just pop out of nowhere. So no need to fret over that part.

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Jenschnifer@reddit

My friend had a Chinese aunt and she gave her a red envelope every year, we thought it was so cool.

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MrMikeJJ@reddit

I still have one I was given about 35 years ago. No idea what was in it, but I kept the envelope and ornament i was given. So yes? :)

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valkyrie8118@reddit

Not at all - I give my daughter’s step-siblings packets as a way of connecting them to her culture (she is half-Chinese on my side, her siblings are Caucasian), and a little goodwill gesture from me to the family. There is a baby half-sibling now, and she got a M&S gift card for the parents to use on her behalf!

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Murka-Lurka@reddit

Random strangers in the street? Not a good idea. Friends who have children who you will get to know over the years and will be able share your culture with, yes.

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Ilovethesuntho@reddit

If your friends grew up in the UK, they may have received red envelopes with chocolate coins in for Chinese New Year while at Primary School… I did, so would understand the custom and appreciate my child/ren being included with your custom.

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Wickedbitchoftheuk@reddit

Once kids figure out there's cash in them, they won't care a bit. Go ahead.

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Witty-Significance58@reddit

I think primary school kids probably know about Chinese New Year - it will be covered at school (mainly because celebrations are a good way to teach about a range of different thinfs). So, your gift would be gratefully received.

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fireplace_dweller@reddit

Sounds like a nice gesture, I think it would be appreciated. <3

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Whollie@reddit

I know nothing about currently but would a low denomination of Chinese currently be even better as a learning experience for young kids? Make it less about the monetary value and more about the cultural exchange? Also something they can keep as a memento.

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spudlick@reddit

Yeah i think your overthinking it. Its a nice exchange of culture and also money

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LunnyBear@reddit

You could always have little notes attached explaining the custom

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WilkoCEO@reddit

Go for it if you can afford it comfortably! It'd be a great teaching moment for the kids to familiarise them with different traditions and customs from around the world

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Dependent-Range3654@reddit

Lovely thing to do, just explain why so everyone understands what's happening

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BonnieH1@reddit

A few years ago, I visited Asia just before Chinese new year. I brought back red envelopes and a few other things to celebrate with an Asian friend when I got back and it was actually Chinese new year. It was an amazing way for her to be able to share what red envelopes and Chinese new year mean in her home country. I think you could give them and use it as an opportunity to explain what they mean and a bit about your culture. Happy new year! 🏮🧧♥️🎊🎉

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markhewitt1978@reddit

Sounds like a great thing to do! You can explain it's a Chinese tradition if you like.

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mrsilver76@reddit

We let our young kids give their friends red envelopes containing chocolate coins in gold foil. Seemed to work really well.

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NarwhalsAreSick@reddit

My Aunty is Chinese and her and my uncle always put their Christmas and birthday cards in red envelopes. Although we rarely see them around Chinese NY, so they haven't done it for that. I believe culture is best when it's shared and celebrated with others, regardless of background.

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PinkSudoku13@reddit

Would you feel it strange if they gave your children Christmas gifts? If not, go for it, just make sure you explain it as it's a custom not everyone knows about it. Unless your friends are dicks, they shouldn't be offended and be happy to participate in your traditions.

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notanadultyadult@reddit

I’m not Chinese but on New Year’s Eve/new year’s day my mum used to give us a regular envelope with £1 in it. You were supposed to keep it until you really need it throughout the year. Like if you had absolutely no money left at one point and needed to buy milk or something.

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wildgoldchai@reddit

I really love this idea! Stealing it for my little one. Thank you

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notanadultyadult@reddit

I believe it’s actually a Scottish tradition. She said it was called a Hansel.

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Expression-Little@reddit

That would be a really nice way to educate them about your custom! Not weird at all, and even if they don't really absorb anything...free money.

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peterbparker86@reddit

Not at all. I love when my friends of different cultures bring me into it. It means to me anyway that they trust me enough to be involved in something that is culturally important to them.

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nettlesthatarejaggy@reddit

If they don't want them I'll take them...

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MikeSizemore@reddit

My kids would love it. They learn about Chinese new year at school and make their own good luck envelopes. This year my youngest also drew a ‘good luck dragon’ to put in the window.

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_marimays@reddit

I think it's a really cool idea.

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zombiezmaj@reddit

Definitely overthinking it. Just explain the tradition and I can't see anyone being anything other than grateful you consider them close enough to include them

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Fabulous-Relative333@reddit

Not at all. It's a lovely thing to do and you can explain a little of your culture and why red envelopes. The more we know about others the less we are likely to dislike them for being different. Always good to teach the little ones.

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CliffyGiro@reddit

I’d gratefully and graciously accept your gift. Would be a nice teachable moment as they say. Always good to learn about different cultures and customs.

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KaleidoscopicColours@reddit

Not weird, just explain the custom and they'll treat it as a kind gift and a bit of cultural education for the kids.

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NotDavid-Jatt@reddit

Not at all. I very much enjoyed receiving mine today. It a nice way to share your culture.

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