The opening of a red packet (and bao) in Chinese customs always promises excitement and suspense. We wanted to amplify the experience of unveiling the and bao by introducing a pop-up mechanism. Instead of the sedentary treatment of the money just sitting there, we made the money lunge forward to the recipient when they open the and bao.

Our red packet (ang bao) sleeve looks like the stripes of a tiger and helps to contain an ang bao that seems to want to burst open at any chance. Once the sleeve has been removed, we can see the colours of the tiger. The fullness of the ang bao beckons one to open it, and once they do – a lovely surprise springs forth. The tiger’s jaw pops out and holds the money in place, conveying a sense of giving, abundance and bountiful harvest, akin to a good hunt for a tiger. This adds to, and changes, the entire experience of receiving and opening an ang bao. The ang bao itself has become the highlight, and the bursting out gesture delights and captivates the receiver.

The mechanism is employed in the form of a tiger’s mouth to coincide with the year of the Tiger, with money seemingly spilling out of its mouth to convey a sense of bountiful harvest, akin to a good hunt for a tiger. To add intrigue and serve as a primer before the internal card springs to life, a complimentary translucent sleeve is designed to contrast the vibrancy inside.

We could only have done this from the plentiful lessons we’ve learnt last year – like how to transform 2D graphics into 3D forms with paper (keep a lookout for that). We hope this adds a pop of joy to your Chinese New Year, and with it – a bountiful year full of wealth, health and blessings.