If you’re anything like me, you’ll know that one of the biggest issues I take with the Chinese New Year is that everything — and by everything, I mean every single object I lay my eyes upon — tends to be too bright. The reds, the pinks, the gold, the neon — it’s as though everything in the universe is conspiring to blind me. And they usually end up looking a bit tacky, too.
But tradition is tradition, and for every glitter-covered object out there (yes, enemies are objects too), there is a classier, more sophisticated version available. So as a tribute to the Lunar New Year, here are eight red, but non-tacky things you can still order and receive in time for CNY. Trust me: your relatives will love you.
1. JAWBONE Up Move in Ruby Rose
This is for the fitness junkie who will not rest, even during the CNY festivities. The Up Move can be clipped onto your clothes or worn on your wrist, and tracks movement, calories burnt, as well as amount and quality of sleep. The best part? You can purchase additional straps separately, so you won’t have to wear a bright red tracker to work past the CNY period.
Price: US$49.99 via Amazon
2. Beats Solo HD Headphones in Matte Red
This is for the ones who can’t live without their music. Or, you know, the ones who want to block out the Chinese New Year music.
Beats by Dr. Dre needs no introduction, and these ones come with matching ear cups, headband and cord in addition to their usual features. It also folds into a pretty compact size, so they’ll fit just fine next to your stash of red packets.
Price: US$169.95 via Beats by Dre
3. HTC One (M8) in Red
If you absolutely must have a red smartphone (why, though?), your best bet would be the HTC One M8. We raved about it here, so if anything, you know you’ll get a camera good enough for all those CNY selfies you’ll be taking. If you get sick of the bright red post-CNY, a phone cover in more subtle colours will do the trick.
4. mophie Power Reserve in Red
With all the food photography and #ootds you’ll be taking, it’s likely your phone will need a pick-me-up sometime during the day. Enter the mophie Power Reserve: it comes with a USB connector so you don’t have to spend time — which would be better spent on feasting — trying to disentangle wires/cables.
Price: S$69 via Apple Store
5. Selfie Stick in Red
If you’re planning to jump on the selfie stick bandwagon this CNY, why not make it a red one? After all, if you can’t beat them — join them. This selfie kit includes the stick itself, as well as a Bluetooth wireless shutter remote, which will make family photos a lot easier and less cumbersome.
Price: £9.99 via Amazon
6. Parrot Bebop Drone in Red
This is for the budding drone enthusiast. It lets you take videos and photos (with a fish eye camera, no less), controlled via two ultra precise joysticks. Guess who’ll be watching in on her neighbour’s lion dance performance this CNY?
Price: from US$499.99 via Parrot
7. UE Mini Boom Wireless Bluetooth Speaker in Red
If you’re having guests over this CNY weekend, you’ll probably need more than just an amazing menu. And if ancient Chinese New Year myths are to be believed, then you’ll want to make as much noise as possible to scare Nian away. Rather than annoying your guests with bad music, though, may I suggest a carefully curated playlist, delivered through these speakers?
Price: US$79.99 via Amazon
8. Accessories Bag in Red
Now that you’ve gotten your hands on the requisite red items, you’ll need something to keep them organised. This accessory bag fits your phone, cables, charger, and even stationery, and rolls up neatly to fit into your bag (or suitcase, if you’re lucky enough to be travelling).
Price: £13.99 via Amazon