Here Are the Best Red Packets for Year of the Horse Lunar New Year 2026

Summary

• The Year of the Fire Horse (2026) sees luxury brands moving beyond simple envelopes into elaborate gift sets and collectibles
• Hermès and Louis Vuitton focus on art and tradition with 3D watercolor horses and ancient scrolls
• Gucci and Rimowa deliver heavy-hitting lifestyle objects, including a full Mahjong set and a wooden music box, while Victorinox and KENZO blend utility with playfulness

As we gallop into the Year of the Fire Horse, the humble red packet has transcended its role as a mere vessel for lucky money to become the centerpiece of elaborate luxury gift sets. 2026’s zodiac sign—celebrated for its untamed spirit and blazing energy—has inspired a shift from simple paper stationery to tangible artifacts of culture and leisure. From the gaming tables of Gucci to the nostalgic melodies of Rimowa, here are the most coveted red packets and gifts for Lunar New Year 2026.

The Parisian heavyweights have turned to art history and ancient custom for their 2026 offerings. Hermès, synonymous with equestrian excellence, delivers a masterpiece of paper engineering. Their packet unfolds to reveal a stunning 3D pop-up of a horse galloping, rendered in delicate watercolor strokes that capture the fluidity and grace of the animal in motion. Louis Vuitton takes a scholarly approach to tradition; their red packets are presented alongside ancient blessings written on miniature scrolls, blending the Maison’s travel heritage with the solemnity of centuries-old rituals. Gucci, known for its maximalist flair, wins the award for the most extravagant centerpiece. Going far beyond the envelope, the House has gifted top-tier clients a full, limited-edition mahjong set. Encased in signature leather, the tiles feature subtle Fire Horse motifs, ensuring the brand is front and center during family gatherings.

In the lifestyle sector, brands are focusing on tactile experiences and nostalgia. Rimowa steps away from its signature grooved aluminum aesthetic this year to offer something surprisingly warm and traditional: an ancient wooden music box. Victorinox pairs its famed utility with ceremonial calm. Their Lunar New Year set includes a themed Swiss Army Knife featuring the Fire Horse emblem, accompanied by an ancient tea set, encouraging recipients to carve out a moment of peace amidst the festive rush. Meanwhile, KENZO, under the playful direction of NIGO, captures the moment literally and figuratively. Their gift set includes a keychain of the iconic Boke flower alongside a fully functioning mini pocket camera, inviting the new generation to document their celebrations in lo-fi style.

Time is of the essence in the Year of the Horse, but the top watchmakers have chosen timelessness over trend. Rolex eschews the zodiac animal entirely, keeping their design strictly classic. Their packets feature the brand’s signature green and gold palette with the coronet logo, offering a “quiet luxury” alternative to the season’s noisy graphics. Parmigiani Fleurier takes a cerebral approach, showcasing their horological mastery with a design inspired by the Chinese round zodiac calendar. The packet features a complex, dial-like motif representing the lunisolar cycle, directly referencing their Tonda PF Xiali calendar complications.

For the sportswear giants, the Year of the Fire Horse is less about flashy reinterpretations and more about clean, impactful iconography. Nike and Jordan Brand strip back the bells and whistles, opting for straightforward, dignified horse motifs that integrate seamlessly with their logos, avoiding the “fire” gimmicks for a cleaner athletic aesthetic. BAPE delivers a premium touch to streetwear, featuring its classic Ape Head logo embossed in rich gold thread, signaling a move towards craftsmanship and texture over their usual bold camo prints.

Whether it is the clatter of Gucci Mahjong tiles or the tune of a Rimowa music box, the 2026 Fire Horse designs represent a high-octane, luxurious start to a prosperous new year.