Start the Lunar New Year with wise buys

The Lunar New Year is probably the most important holiday for Chinese around the world. One of the traditional practices is the giving and receiving of red packets (also known as hong baos) which contain money, symbolizing good luck for the coming year. That's something many of us will need given the doom and gloom everyone's feeling due to the state of the world's economy. If you have a few extra dollars to spend after getting your red packets or need something to spruce up your home before your relatives come over to visit, we have here a list of ideas that won't cause you to live on next to nothing for the rest of the lunar calendar year.

From S$0-S$100

Microsoft Arc mouse
	By day a full-sized optical device, by night a tiny laptop accessory, the Arc mouse gives the best of both worlds by offering a comfortable mousing experience while folding down to a tiny size for portability. Though a little costly at S$85 (US$62.58), it comes in a festive red hue so you won't feel guilty splurging your hong bao money on it.
	PRICE: S$85 (US$62.58)

Thermapak Heatshift Laptop Cooling Pad
	For still unattached singles, going to Chinese New Year parties can be downright vexing. But you can still get your greetings out virtually, and this cooling pad will help keep your lap comfy from an overheated notebook while you reply to the 1,000th email on "when is it your turn to get married?"
	PRICE: S$85 (US$62.58)

Kingston Data Traveler Year of the Ox flash drive
	If you've been losing data or receiving viruses via your thumbdrive, then maybe you need a change of Fengshui. What better way to get some divine assistance by proclaiming your support for the year of the Ox with this unique flash drive. Just don't upload images of waygu beef on this device… It'll be just plain wrong.
	PRICE:RM$40 (US$11.20) for 4GB version. Item not available in Singapore.

X-mini Capsule Speaker
	A Chinese New Year ringtone is hardly a cool thing. But if you going to do it anyway, then do it proudly. Forget your puny laptop or mobile phone speakers. These inexpensive tweeters will not only fit into your pocket and budget, you can irritate your neighbors to no end with your rendition of The God of Fortune has arrived.
	PRICE: S$49 (US$36.08)

GP Solar Charger
	The carbon footprint from all those hong bao envelopes is a slap in the face for those of us used to bringing our own bags to the supermarket. Ease your guilt by going rechargeable. These batteries are not only better for the environment, drawing power from the sun takes the strain off our utility bills as well.
	PRICE: S$39.90 (US$29.38)