Every year, as Tet (the Lunar New Year) approaches, the question “What gift should I give?” becomes a familiar yet ever-relevant topic. Among the myriad of choices, giving cash as a Tet gift always sparks debate. Some argue it's the most practical and convenient gift, while others feel it lacks sophistication and emotional meaning. So, should you give cash for Tet? What is the most suitable choice for each relationship? This article will delve into various aspects to help you make the most thoughtful decision as you prepare for the upcoming Year of the Fire Horse 2026.

What is the meaning of giving cash for Tet?

Before analyzing the pros and cons, we need to understand the cultural significance behind this act. In East Asian culture in general, and Vietnamese culture in particular, giving cash during Tet is often expressed through the custom of lì xì (lucky money). New banknotes placed in vibrant red envelopes are not just about material value. They carry multiple layers of profound meaning:

• A wish for luck and prosperity: The red color of the envelope symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. The new bills inside signify a new year of wealth, success, and abundance.
• A prayer for health and peace: For the elderly, lucky money is a wish for good health and longevity. For children, it's a wish for them to grow up healthy, excel in their studies, and be well-behaved.
• A fresh start: Giving new money is a way to cast off the misfortunes of the old year and welcome a new one filled with hope and positive energy.

Therefore, giving cash during Tet is not merely a pragmatic act but a beautiful cultural tradition, a way to convey the best wishes to loved ones.

Why do many people choose to give cash for Tet?

In modern life, giving cash has become increasingly popular due to its outstanding advantages. Here are the main reasons why many people prefer this option:

• High practicality and flexibility: This is the biggest advantage. The recipient can use the money exactly as they need or want. Instead of receiving an unwanted gift, they can use the money for shopping, paying bills, saving, or investing. This is especially meaningful for those in difficult financial situations.
• Saves time and effort for the giver: Choosing a suitable gift that matches the recipient's taste, age, and needs requires a lot of time and thought. Giving cash solves this problem quickly and efficiently, especially when preparing gifts for many people.
• Avoids “disaster” gifts: Everyone has likely received gifts that don't match their taste, are the wrong size, or are duplicates of something they already own. Giving cash completely eliminates this risk, ensuring your gift is always useful.
• Suitable for many recipients: From children and young adults to employees in a company, cash is a welcome gift. It shows care directly and is easily accepted.

What are the disadvantages of giving cash for Tet?

Despite its many advantages, giving cash also has potential downsides that make many people hesitate:

• Lacks a personal touch and subtlety: An envelope of money, however valuable, sometimes fails to convey the giver's care and understanding. It can feel perfunctory, like a mere formality, and lacks an emotional connection. A thoughtfully chosen gift shows that you have spent time and effort thinking about the recipient.
• Easily forgotten: Cash is often spent and absorbed into daily expenses. As a result, the recipient may quickly forget the gift and the giver. In contrast, a physical gift like a good book or a warm scarf becomes a keepsake, reminding them of the giver whenever it's used.
• Creates awkwardness about the amount: “How much should I give?” is the most stressful question. Giving too little might be seen as stingy or disrespectful. Giving too much could make the recipient feel uncomfortable or indebted. This is particularly sensitive in social relationships or with people who have a strong sense of pride.
• Can lead to unnecessary comparisons: Especially within families or groups, giving cash can inadvertently create comparisons and jealousy among recipients. Who received more and who received less can become a topic of gossip and lead to negative feelings.

When should you give cash versus a physical gift?

The answer is not about whether cash or a physical gift is better, but about choosing the appropriate option for each specific recipient and situation.

When to prioritize giving cash:

• Children and teenagers: This group loves receiving cash the most. They can freely buy items they like or save up for their own plans.
• Employees and subordinates: A Tet bonus in cash is the most practical and anticipated form of appreciation. It is a direct recognition of their contributions throughout the year.
• When you are unsure of the recipient's preferences: If you are not very close or don't know their needs well, giving cash is a safe choice to avoid buying an unsuitable gift.
• For relatives living far away: A bank transfer is both fast and convenient, and it helps them with their Tet expenses.

When to consider giving a physical gift:

• Grandparents, parents, and elders: Older adults often value gifts that show care for their health and well-being more than material value. A box of health supplements, a blood pressure monitor, or a warm sweater is far more meaningful.
• Partners, clients, and superiors: In professional relationships, a carefully selected gift (like a premium Tet hamper, a bottle of wine, or a regional specialty) shows respect, professionalism, and helps strengthen the relationship better than an envelope of cash.
• Close friends and significant others: For these relationships, a personalized gift linked to a memory or the recipient's hobby is a wonderful way to express sincere affection.
• When you want to make a lasting impression: A unique, meaningful gift will remain in the recipient's mind much longer than a sum of money that has been spent.

How can you give cash tastefully and meaningfully?

If you decide to give cash, you can still make it a sophisticated and warm gift in the following ways:

• Invest in presentation: Never hand over cash directly. Place the money in beautiful red envelopes with elegant designs that are appropriate for the recipient.
• Choose new bills: Crisp, new banknotes, possibly with lucky serial numbers, show respect and carry more auspicious meaning.
• Accompany it with a sincere wish: When you give the envelope, make eye contact, smile, and offer your best wishes for the New Year. Your words and attitude are what make the gift truly meaningful.
• Combine it with a small gift: You can give the envelope along with a small, symbolic item like a box of fine tea, a flower, or a desk calendar. This approach combines the practicality of cash with the thoughtfulness of a physical gift.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no absolute answer to whether you should give cash for Tet. The smartest choice is a flexible approach that considers the situation, the relationship, and your understanding of the recipient. Sometimes, a red envelope is the most anticipated gift. At other times, a small, heartfelt gift is worth more than anything. The most important thing is not the value of the gift, but the sincerity and affection you convey. Wishing you and your family the best of luck in choosing your Tet gifts to welcome a warm, complete, and love-filled Tet 2026.