2022 Ang Bao Rates: How Much Money Should You Give?

The roaring Year of the Tiger begins on 2022 Feb 1 and ends on 2023 Jan 21. Abundant food, vibrant family reunions, and little red packets called ang bao will grace Singapore once again.

Singaporeans usually give these red packets during social gatherings such as Chinese New Year or weddings. Its color embodies “good luck”, which is supposed to ward off evil spirits.

If you are new to giving these red packets, how much money should you give? Let us start by knowing what a red packet or ang bao is.

What is an ang bao?

Married couples usually give these red packets to single people. It dates back from the Chinese belief that you achieve the adulthood once you get married. So, the newfound status comes with the privilege to distribute ang baos to those who remain single or are younger.

Since Singapore consists of diverse cultures, we as a nation have created practices surrounding ang bao gifting. It is not uncommon to have marriages between two different races, leading to traditional practices being modified.

Why do people give ang baos?

Ang bao gifting is a sign of goodwill and symbolizes good fortune. You do not need to break the bank for this gesture to be meaningful. It is a kind gesture, so give whatever you can afford.

Moreover, do not open your ang bao in front of everyone as it is considered impolite to start counting money in plain sight.

Related Article: Interesting Ang Bao Facts Every Singaporean Shall Know

What is the minimum amount to give?

To this day, there is no strict rate to be followed. The amount you give usually depends on how close you are to the recipient. We have heard people receiving ang baos ranging from S$6 to S$1000. As a general guideline, you should give the most to your parents, grandparents, and in-laws. Doing this is a sign of respect and gratitude.

Your siblings and own children can receive about S$50 to S$200 as a symbol of your love. Cousins, nephews, and nieces can receive S$10 to S$50 as a symbol of well wishes. You can also pack a couple of S$2 or S$6 ang baos in case you meet your acquaintances, distant relatives, and their little ones.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Are there numbers to avoid?

Giving S$4 is debatable because the number “4” in Chinese sounds like “death”. As tempting as it sounds to give a modest amount of S$4, it may be better to avoid this in case others take offence.

Furthermore, elderly folks may advise against giving odd number amounts as it is considered inauspicious. Steer away from amounts like S$7 or S$11.

Can you give digital ang baos?

Giving digital ang baos is convenient and fast! Who does not love saving time and effort? You can give digital ang baos through the help of banks or retailers.

While it sounds good theoretically, not all Singaporeans are open to it. Traditionalists may frown upon this rising trend. However, money is money! Just remember to give within your means.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Delicious CNY Goodies To Bring Home To Your Family Reunion

Apart from spending time with your family and collecting ang bao, eating scrumptious Chinese New Year (CNY) snacks brightens up the festivities. Usher in the Year of the Tiger with these roaring goodies from adorable tiger buns to classic pineapple tarts.

#1: IKEA SINGAPORE’S CNY OFFERINGS

From January 17 to February 28, IKEA Singapore will delight its guests aesthetically pleasing confections such as mala-infused dishes and tiger-themed buns. Try the Little Tiger Buns with Kaya Filling ($2), Mandarin Orange Chocolate Cake ($4), IKEA CNY Donuts ($7.80), and Plant Balls with Mala Spaghetti ($8). These goodies are available while stocks last.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg

You can also take home their pre-packaged snacks including Bak Kwa ($23.80 for 500g) and Mandarin oranges ($11.80 for 24 pieces).

#2: RED SAKURA’S HELLO KITTY SNACKS

Good news for Hello Kitty fans! Taiwanese confectionary brand Red Sakura and its Hello Kitty snacks are available at selected stores in Singapore. Get your sun cakes and butter cookies at Prime Supermarket (Tampines branch) or at Shopee.

Image Credits: redsakura.com.tw

Keep your eyes peeled as some of the Red Sakura snacks come with Sanrio merchandise such as plates and mugs! For example, the Red Sakura Hello Kitty Mini Cookies tins are sold at $7.90 in Shopee. These come in assorted flavors including butter, chocolate, and earl grey.

#3: BEE CHENG HIANG’S BAK KWA

You can always count on Bee Cheng Hiang for a variety of CNY goodies such as pineapple tarts and golden floss rolls. But of course, it houses its sought-after dried meat product Bak Kwa.

This year’s selection starts from $34.80 for 600g of Minced Pork Bak Kwa, $37.20 for Chilli Pork Bak Kwa, and $43.20 for Applewood Sliced Pork Bak Kwa. Choose a flavor that suits your preferences. You can even go for the fancy Gourmet Pork Belly option.

Image Credits: beechenghiang.com.sg

Just add the delivery fee of $6 when ordering on their website.

#4: NASTY COOKIE’S S’MORES BITES

Nasty Cookies offers a twist to the CNY food slate with its S’mores Bites. Its S’mores Bites consist of buttery chocolate chip tarts, which are topped with rich chocolate spread and toasted marshmallows. Every bite has a mixture of chewiness, crunchiness, and sweetness.

Image Credits: nastycookie.com

S’mores Bites will be available online for $28.90, from January 17 onwards.

#5: FAIRPRICE’S PINEAPPLE TARTS

Another staple in every household during CNY is the delicious pineapple tarts. Pineapple tarts are rich, buttery pastry filled with pineapple jam. It is impossible to stop at just one piece, so you might want to purchase a few tubs for the party!

FairPrice has an array of pineapple tarts from various brands. Halal and Vegan options are also available. Prices start from $3.92. Check it out.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Happy Year of the Tiger, 2022! Celebrate the auspicious Lunar New Year with an assortment of takeaway delicacies and goodies in this list.

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