Auspicious Ang Pow Amounts For Newborns: How Much To Give

The amount of money to put in an Ang Pow is a highly debated topic, with many factors influencing the final number. The Ang Pow is a staple baby shower gift in Singapore, containing money for the baby instead of baby items. The red colour of the Ang Pow symbolises good luck and happiness for the coming year, as well as blessings on the receiver. While there is no definitive answer, as it depends on your financial situation and relationship with the recipient, there are some general guidelines to follow. For example, it is recommended to avoid odd numbers and the number 4, as they are considered inauspicious in Chinese culture. New, crisp notes are also preferred, symbolising a new beginning. The amount can vary from $10-$30 for friends and colleagues to $100-$150 for close friends and special guests. Relatives typically receive higher amounts, ranging from $200 to $1000. Ultimately, the Ang Pow should be a thoughtful gesture, and it is essential to consider your relationship with the recipient and your financial capabilities when deciding on the amount.

Relatives

The amount of money gifted in ang pows to relatives for a newborn baby varies depending on the relationship between the giver and the receiver, as well as the givers' financial situation.

For grandparents, the market rate is between $200 and $1000. Aunts and uncles of the baby also tend to give ang pows to wish the baby good health, wealth, and fortune.

For other relatives, the amount is between $12 and $20. This amount is subject to consideration of how close you are to the receiver. If you are very close, a $20 ang pow would be a nice gesture. For relatives whom you only see once a year, a smaller ang pow will suffice.

Colleagues

When it comes to colleagues, it's important to consider your relationship with them and the cultural context of your workplace. Here are some guidelines for giving ang pow to your colleagues' newborn babies:

Amounts for Colleagues

The amount you give can vary depending on your financial situation and your closeness with your colleagues. A common range for colleagues is between $6 and $20. If you are giving ang pow to multiple colleagues' children, try to give the same amount to each child to avoid any potential misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

Cultural Considerations

In some cultures, it is customary to give even amounts of money, as odd numbers are considered inauspicious and associated with funerals. For example, in Chinese culture, the number 4 is avoided as it sounds like the word for "death" in Mandarin. Therefore, amounts like $4, $14, or $24 are typically not given. It is also considered polite to give new banknotes instead of old ones, symbolizing a new beginning.

Alternative Gifts

If you are unsure about the cultural preferences of your colleagues or want to give something more personal, you can opt for alternative gifts. Diapers are always a practical choice, and other suggestions include baby clothes, baby care items, or a diaper cake. You could also consider a gift voucher or a hamper with a variety of baby care items.

Timing and Presentation

When giving an ang pow, it is considered polite to express your blessings and well wishes to the recipient. In some cultures, it is customary to give with both hands as a sign of courtesy. It is also recommended to give the ang pow when you arrive or greet your colleague, rather than waiting until you leave.

In summary, when giving an ang pow to a colleague's newborn, consider your relationship, cultural norms, and your own financial situation. Alternative gifts like diapers or vouchers are also appropriate, and don't forget to include your well wishes for the new addition to their family!

Close friends

When it comes to giving ang pows to close friends to celebrate the birth of their newborn, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that the amount given is usually dependent on your financial situation and how close you are to the recipient.

In Singapore, it is common for ang pows to be given in denominations that are considered lucky, such as even numbers, with odd numbers typically associated with funerals. The number 4 is also avoided, as it sounds like the word for "death" in Mandarin. With that in mind, here are some suggested amounts for ang pows for close friends:

• $50 to $80: This is a common range suggested by sources for close friends. You can also give additional gifts or items you know the parents need if you wish.
• $60 to $100: Other sources suggest this range for close friends, with $100 being a good amount if you want to show your support for the parents.
• $80 to $100: If you are extremely close to the recipient, some sources suggest amounts at the higher end of this range.

It is also worth noting that some people prefer to give non-monetary gifts, such as baby hampers, clothes, baby bath items, or feeding sets. If you are unsure about the amount to give, you can also consider giving a gift voucher or prepaid gift cheque, allowing the parents to choose what they need.

Acquaintances

The amount of money you give in an ang pow for a newborn depends on your financial situation and how close you are to the recipient. For acquaintances, the amount can range from $6 to $80.

For example, if you are giving ang pows to colleagues' kids, $8 is a reasonable amount. However, if you are in a managerial position, you might want to give a larger ang pow. If you are giving ang pows to neighbours' kids, $6 is appropriate if you are not particularly close, but you can increase the amount to $12 if you have a friendly relationship.

It is also common to give ang pows to service providers, such as condo staff, dry cleaners, waiters, and teachers. In these cases, a token amount for luck is sufficient.

When giving ang pows, it is important to use new notes if possible, as they symbolise a new beginning and a new year. Avoid odd numbers and the number 4, as they are considered inauspicious.

Amounts

The amount of money given in ang pows varies depending on the relationship between the giver and the recipient, as well as the giver's financial situation. Here is a breakdown of the amounts that are typically given in different situations:

Relatives:

It is common to give larger ang pows to relatives, especially those who are unmarried or whom you are close with. Amounts can range from $12 to $20 for cousins, nephews, and nieces. For special relatives like parents and parents-in-law, it is respectful to give a substantial amount of $88 and above.

Friends:

The amount given to friends' children can range from $8 to $20. For close friends or best friends, a higher amount of $16 to $20 is appropriate. This amount can also be increased if you are financially able and willing to be more generous.

Colleagues:

For colleagues' children, the amount can range from $8 to $20. If you are in a managerial position, it is considerate to give a larger amount.

Acquaintances:

For acquaintances' children, such as neighbours' kids or children of church/temple/mosque mates, a smaller amount of $6 to $12 is acceptable.

Domestic Helpers or Tutors:

If you have a close relationship with your domestic helper or your children's tutor, it is a nice gesture to give them an ang pow of $12 to $20.

Domestic Helpers' or Tutors' Kids:

It is not necessary to give ang pows to the children of your domestic helper or tutor, but if you wish to, a token amount of $6 to $8 is sufficient.

It is important to note that certain amounts are considered taboo, such as odd numbers like $5, $15, or $30, which are associated with funerals. The number $4 is also best avoided as it sounds like the word for "death" in Chinese. Crisp new notes are preferred, and it is polite to give and receive ang pows with both hands.

Frequently asked questions