Chinese New Year is just around the corner. But whether it’s the dragon — the legendary animal up next in the 12-year cycle – or any other in the Chinese zodiac, there is one odd tend that I notice every year… Kjeldsens Butter Cookies from Denmark and Ferro Rocher chocolates from Italy as gifts.

The popularity of these foreign products can be seen in the amount of shelf space they took up at supermarkets like ParknShop and Wellcome. Whether they are “safe” bets as gifts or there is some fortune associated with the packaging (sweet taste, golden package, etc), I am still unsure.

If I may add a few questions, are they really consumed and not re-gifted to other recipients? Is wrapping them a mere formality if recipients can easily figure out that old familiar boxy shape?

One thing is certain though. As long as the tradition continues, Kjeldsens Butter Cookies and Ferro Rocher should continue to enjoy this annual surge in demand.