Lai See for Children

Posted by MumBee (156 days ago)

What is the usual amount to give in the Lai See packets for relatives childrens (all are under 10 years old, so assume huge amounts are not needed?)? And we give 2 packets, is that correct?

OT - but any suggestions for amounts to give cleaners/doormen/security guards?

Thanks. :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (156 days ago)

you give two packets (one from you and one from your spouse).

as for amounts, technically, it is a token, however, if they are close and play together a lot, then I'd give more.

generally... i would give...

kids around the village $10/pack
kids my children play with regularly $20/pack
my children's close friends $50/pack

my kids don't have any cousins in HK so I don't have family that we have to worry about.

doormen etc i would give $10/pack

(i'm canadian, my hubby is chinese)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (156 days ago)

forgot to say... if both you and hubby are western, i wouldn't worry about it at all!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by MumBee (155 days ago)

Thanks Cara, that is very helpful. Does anyone have suggestions for how much to put in Lai See packets for relatives children/cousins?

Thanks again.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Wheelymate (155 days ago)

in singapore, you only give one packet out as a couple instead of 2. we have relatives in singers so the breakdown as follows:

cousins and the older ones' partners too if they are unmarried: SGD 10
nephew: SGD 50
regular baby group kids: SGD 8-10 (really depends how much 'fresh' notes i have managed to get from the bank)
my part-time cleaner: SGD 80
my part-time babysitter: SGD 50 (she just started)
security guards/cleaners: SGD 6-10 (again, depends on availability of 'fresh notes' in the right denomination)

hope this helps. don't worry too much about it, it's the thought that counts at the end of the day. have a good time!

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by ldsllvn (155 days ago)

someone told me that $20 is accetable minimum and $10 is way too low even for the doorman - is this not so?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (155 days ago)

"someone told me that $20 is accetable minimum and $10 is way too low even for the doorman - is this not so?"

Yes. However Wheelymate is quoting SGD, and SGD 10 is about HKD 55.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (155 days ago)

no, $10 is fine...
my m-i-l even stuffs them with $1USD notes, thereby saving $2/packet.

the rule is that it cannot be a coin. so a $10 note is fine. remember, you are giving 2 of them, so it really is $20.

(I am based in Hong Kong)