durian, bleh.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/30/world/asia/30iht-durian.1.5082196.html
You should ask HER. I’m reading these things and I’m thinking um, no.
It really will depend on how long her parents have been in Canada/Western Culture. My parents immigrated in the 60’s to the US. Chinese New Year is a big deal, but no one ever expected a significant other to do squat. My husband is not comfortable trying to speak Chinese to my parents (or anyone) and no one cares. The only exception is food, since that’s its name and only name. And even that he doesn’t like saying since he pronounces stuff wrong.
Anyway. A small gift should be plenty. I wouldn’t overdo it. If someone showed up and went full-tilt Chinese customs at our house, we’d think it was weird. We’re Chinese-American.
Lucky Money would not be expected until you are married in my family. Oh crap.
I’m sure the average Chinese immigrant parents would not be *offended *if a boyfriend showed up and said a passable variant of the traditional Chinese New Year greeting 恭喜发财/gongxifacai/kung hey fat choy. No more wierd than saying “Prosit” in German, “Salute” in Italian or “Mazel Tov” in Yiddish even if you didn’t speak any of these language.
Thank goodness durian is a not a typical Chinese New Year food, even in Singapore/Malaysia.
That said, modern Chinese, especially those overseas, do not expect adherence to our customs all the time (The generation of old folks who would kick up a big fuss are now passing out in Singapore, for example).
However, I think it wouldn’t hurt in trying to understand the culture/rites of your SO’s family, unless they are totally westernized. So yes, another vote for ask first.
Medicated, pray tell, how were the jellyfish and chicken feet?
It wasn’t quite like that. Her mother had a stroke last year, and is still recovering, so we had a somewhat muted New Year’s Eve dinner. Her family got together and had a hot pot. It was wonderful, actually. I’m quite honoured to have been invited. Her father was (it seemed to me) impressed by my horrific attempts at Cantonese, too 
For what it’s worth, I’ve already eaten the jellyfish. Not bad at all. The taste is fairly neutral, though the texture is a bit…er…rubbery. Then again, I like pickled octopus. Chicken feet are a rather odd culinary concept, though. Wouldn’t it just be skin and bone?
And thank you, all of you, for the advice. She was rather nervous having to deal with a French-Canadian Christmas for the first time, and so it was my turn. The day went well
Kung Hey Fat Choy!
Glad it all worked out then.