We examine the gift-giving patterns of Chinese in America, using a qualitative research approach. Based on the interpretation of data, the gift-giving patterns of Chinese in America model merged, which focuses on the following ideas: (1) Chinese in America discriminate their gift-giving patterns when dealing with intra-ethnic members versus with cross-ethnic members;(2) Chinese in America experience three stages when exchanging gifts with cross-ethnic members, with a distinctive gifting philosophy and pattern at each stage: ”Chinese cultural agent” stage, conformity stage, and ”understanding” stage; (3) Chinese in America avoid the dark side of traditional Chinese gift-giving rules when exchanging gifts with other Chinese people, while maintaining the bright side.