She’s Taiwanese.

Thanks so much, Chieko! ~Wes

Sometimes people are helping others give red envelopes, and my mom taught me to give 2 if it’s coming from me and my husband, so conceivable you can see people giving a handful of envelopes. An example is my sister-in-law will give my daughter 2 envelopes from her and her husband, and then she’ll give another 2 envelopes from her parent-in-law to my daughter, so that’d be 4 envelopes from 2 zip loc bags 😀

Normally, the red envelope is something married people to give other unmarried people (usually relatives and children of friends). I don’t think it’s expected from a customer and not expected from someone who is not Chinese/Asian (I’m just making an assumption because of the name).

Hi Anna! To me, it’s less a question of obligation and more a question of whether you’d like to make this part of the cultural tradition you want to share within your family. If so, then by all means! ~Wes

Also noticed you’re still replying! I’m Chinese and my SO is not, am I obligated to give his nieces/nephews red envelopes? Thanks!

Hi Megan! Ooh, a subject near and dear to my heart. I would say the answer is more about whether your family celebrates Lunar New Year and less about whether you are ethnically or culturally Chinese! I would give your kids one envelope from the both of you. 🙂 ~Wes

Hi Lo, it’s a sweet idea. I might suggest avoiding money in the envelopes, as it might create a sense of obligation to reciprocate among other families in the class celebrating the holiday. Chocolate coins, a little playcard, etc, would be nice if the goal is to learn a little about Chinese culture. ~Wes