It may feel as though a lifetime has passed since December 31, but if your memories of New Year’s Eve are fading, the good news is that another is less than a month away.
In 2026, Chinese or Lunar New Year, also known as chunjie, kicks off on February 17 with celebrations running until March 3. The calendar follows the 12 animals of the zodiac, and 2025’s Year of the Snake is slithering off to make way for 2026’s Year of the Fire Horse.
What does the Fire Horse symbolise?
Feeling like you’ve been treading water lately? Locked in a state of ennui? Scrabbling for a way out of the rut? Take the horse as your cue for forward momentum, freedom and independence. If you set store by Chinese astrology, things are going to happen this year.
Matched with the fire element, which speaks to dynamism, passion, and energy, the pairing could mean a wave of new opportunities, personal growth, and dramatic changes. In other words? Buckle up, boys and girls — 2026 is set to be a ride.
What gifts should you give for Chinese New Year?
You could go the traditional route (cash in auspicious red envelopes), but if you want to, ahem, horse around with it, looking to the collections of some of the world’s biggest luxury brands and retailers won’t disappoint. Horse themes abound across shopping, from the continuing cowboy obsession to elevated equestrian-focused motifs, as seen at Gucci, Longchamp, Ralph Lauren. If you’re considering jewellery, there’s a double meaning to be found in the horseshoe, which conveys good fortune, success and protection.
Whether you’re celebrating or know someone who is, I’ve created an inspiring edit of the best horse-themed gift ideas to give this incoming Lunar New Year.
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Fortnum’s The Lunar New Year Hamper
Where there’s a special occasion in the calendar, Fortnum’s is ready with a hamper to mark it. For Lunar New Year, its signature F&M-stamped wicker basket comes loaded with themed goodies, from a limited-edition box of biscuits to a Cup of Good Fortune loose-leaf tea.
Buy now £170.00, F&M
Johnnie Walker Blue Label x Robert Wun Year of the Horse
If they love a drop of whisky, treat them to Johnnie Walker’s 2026 edition of its Blue Label, with the packaging and bottle designed by fashion designer Robert Wun.
Buy now £225.50, Mastr of Malt
Crystal Head Year of the Horse Vodka 700ml
Dan Akroyd’s vodka brand Crystal Head is no stranger to a collab, but it seems to have gone all out for Chinese New Year. The skull-shaped bottle has a suitably festive makeover, complete with a galloping horse surrounded by cherry blossoms on the side.
Buy now £90.01, Master of Malt
Cutter & Squidge Lunar New Year Mixed Brownie Box
What party host wouldn't love to receive this festive box of brownies? Cutter & Squidge has put four flavours in its selection box of 12 — Yuzu Raspberry Blondie, Strawberry Matcha Blondie, Salted Yolk Caramel Brownie, and Mandarin Dark Choc — allowing you to share or hoard as you wish.
Buy now £21.99, Cutter & Squidge
Penhaligon's Fortuitous Finley EDP
For a fragrance that plays straight into the hands of this year’s theme, look to Penhaligon's. The fragrance house has let Fortuitous Finley out of the stable to set course for your bathroom shelf. The EDP bears notes of salted pistachio, violet and leather, making it a fragrance for stallions, not show ponies. Get it personalised for an extra special touch your recipient will love.
Buy now £245.00, Penhaligon's
Kiltane Year of the Horse Royal Stewart Cashmere Scarf - Gold
We're not out of the woods with winter just yet. Keep warm while you celebrate with Kiltane's cashmere scarf, which nods to the incoming Year of the Horse with embroidery of the animal in the corner. It comes in a solid block red or Stewart tartan look.
Buy now £69.00, Kiltane
Woolroom Wild and Wool Horse Wool Throw - Latte
Crafted from soft and cosy wool fibres, a statement blanket offers an easy update to tired sofas. This equestrian-themed one from Woolroom comes in soothing biscuit and cream colours.
Buy now £56.24, Woolroom
Burberry Stallion Portrait Cashmere Scarf
Cashmere is a crowd-pleaser. Burberry offers this Italian-made scarf in the prized fibres, finished with its much-loved Equestrian Knight design on horseback.
Buy now £795.00, Burberry
Gucci Horsebit 1955 Small Leather-Trimmed Printed Coated-Canvas Cardholder
For those who value the sleek simplicity of cardholders, but don’t enjoy the fact that the card slots are often exposed, this Gucci ‘1955’ Horsebit purse is for you. Crafted in Italy from supreme coated canvas and trimmed with sumptuous leather, this understated option features zipped inside pockets and one framed outer pocket for your ID.
Buy now £485.00, Gucci
The Chloé Chain Horse drop earrings
My Little Pony gets a designer upgrade in the hands of Chloe’s jewellery designers, which puts a pristine-maned mare on each ear, finished with chain fringing.
Buy now £350.00, Harvey Nichols
Loveness Lee Horse Chinese Zodiac Necklace
Chinese luxury jeweller Loveness Lee is welcoming the incoming Lunar New Year with a new calligraphy necklace in the brand's signature textured style. Bearing the Chinese character for Horse, it comes with 18ct gold over recycled silver.
Buy now £158.00, Loveness Lee
Faberge Guilloché Enamel Year of the Horse Surprise Locket
Long prized by the wealthy, Fabergé has a wearable version of its coveted egg for Chinese New Year — one that's hiding a surprise within.
Snap back the trinket to reveal an 18 karat yellow gold Shetland pony, complete with diamonds for eyes. The piece also uses red guilloché enamel and round white diamonds, making this a treasure in every sense of the word.
Buy now £12000.00, Faberge
Mulberry Keyring Chalk Horse
The luxury brand has returned to its West Country roots with this charming keyring, which pays tribute to both the incoming Zodiac animal and the chalk horses found on Somerset hillsides.
Buy now £195.00, Mulberry
Burberry Leather Hobby Horse Charm
Burberry is also leaning in on the keyring charm action with this design, modelled on a hobby horse, complete with Burberry check reins.
Buy now £325.00, Burberry
Villa Bologna Pottery Pair of Blue Horse Bookends
Whether for sandwiching your favourite books, punctuating shelves, or bringing some stable style to bedside tables, these chic horsehead sculptures are the frontrunners to livening up your interiors, especially if you go with the cobalt blue (white and green are also available).
Buy now £120.00, Villa Bologna Pottery
Swaine Limited Edition Oak Umbrella with Tassel
Sporting a rich red eight-panel design, Swaine's brolly is one of the priciest you can buy. The Bond Street brand, established in 1750, has joined the Lunar New Year celebrations with this limited edition design, finished with a festive tassel at the handle.
Buy now £870.00, Swaine
