X'mas gift or CNY gift for helper?

Hi, I am wondering if we are supposed to give X'mas gift and/or Chinese New Year red envelope for the helper? If so, how much and/or in what form (monetary/gift)? Thanks!

There is no obligation but it is considered good form to at least give a red packet for CNY.


We tend to give a more "personal" gift for Christmas and a nice fat red envelope for CNY (up to a month's salary but that is considered a lot). Others give nothing for Christmas and a token red envelope for CNY.

If your helper is fairly new to you, then a whole months wages might be considered a lot, unless you are happy and have the money to be extra generous, and set a precident for her expectation. If they have been with you a while, and you are very happy with their performance and honesty then a gift of money may well be appreciated.

You may prefer to give them something more personal you can wrap, like comfy warm pyjamas, a dressing gown and slippers, a warm winter coat,toiletries- nice soap perfume etc.

The Red envelopes are a token of Gratitude for service to convey good luck to the reciever, they do not normally contain large amounts, unless the employer is Chinese and doesn't give Christmas presents for religioous reasons.

Expat employers often give them as well, but just a token amount-maybe 100hkd in a new note,if the helper has had a Christmas present, they also give them to Children they know (10), regular bus drivers (10-20), regular waitress at restaurants, etc

Just a few ideas, basically you give what you think is within your means and the helper would appreciate.

There is no rule and no obligation on the part of the employer.


If your helper is fairly new you to, my suggestion is for you to start small. A small gift for x'mas and a small red packet for cny. Of course unless you think she is exceptionally good and worth a big gifts and bonuses. Because by human nature one tends to expect the gifts & red packets to get bigger and bigger year after year. So allow yourself more time to evaluate her performances before you are convinced she deserves such treatement. Most employees do try to put their best foot forward in the first few months of a new contract. Time can tell a lot on performances.


You also do not want to give her expectations that big gifts and red packets are granted. You want her to know you do this because you think she does a good job.


Don't forget there is also the birthday present too!!

Presents for any occasions would be welcome by your helper as she will feel appreciated but it is really up to you.

Although the Chinese New Year red packet ("lai see" meaning good luck) is not yours or your helper's tradition but you are both in HK, I would advise you to please give her one (HK$20 at least) as it is expected of as most if not all her friends working in HK will be getting it so that she will not feel left out.