Top Ten Holiday Gifts for Tea Lovers

The holidays are upon us, and it is time to pick out the perfect gift for the tea lovers in our lives.  Below is a list of ten suggestions for great holiday gifts which I know will be helpful (but please feel free to include your suggestions in comments as well!).

(By the way, the following tea merchants are offering some special deals for the holidays:)

Mighty Leaf:

Enjoy Free Shipping on All Orders – No Minimum Purchase Needed!

Winter Sale – Save up to 30% on Tea Pouches, Loose Teas, and Select Tea Gifts

Save up to 20% on Select Eco-Friendly Gifts and Other Top-Selling Gifts!

Adagio:

Adagio Teas – Free Wrapping of All Gifts

Top Ten Gifts for Tea Lovers:

1. A Noisy Timer

Many a pot or cup of tea has been ruined by its maker becoming distracted and letting it steep too long. A timer that makes noise when the tea has steeped is the key to preventing frustration and waste.  A great selection, including some that you can clip to your belt (so as to remind you of your tea even when you have stepped away) can be found at Amazon.com.

2.   A Thermometer

Whenever someone tells me that they dislike white or green tea, I always ask them whether they used boiling water to prepare it. Usually the answer is “yes”.  Too-hot water can scorch green and white teas, making them taste bitter and disagreeable.

Water temperature matters, so a thermometer is a must for tea lovers who want to make sure that their water is the right temperature for the type of tea that they are preparing.

(Incidentally, a Polder Original Cooking Timer and Thermometer, combines a thermometer with a timer rather nicely.)

3.   A Water Filter

Tea is mostly water, so that water had better be good. Many tea experts advise experimenting with different spring waters to see what produces the best cup, but for those who don’t have the time to seek out spring water, or the money to buy it, a water filter is the next best thing. A pitcher-type water filter is convenient and inexpensive as well.

4.   A Scale

While teaspoons are typically fine for most black teas, green, oolong, and white teas can be difficult to measure properly. The size of these leaves (and buds), or the fact that the leaves are rolled, can make getting the right quantity difficult. A gram scale can ensure precise measurements of tea.

5.   Unusual/Antique Teapots and Teacups

There are few tea lovers who would not appreciate some beautiful and unusual teacups and teapots to add to their collection. Your local antique mall will have loads of tea ware to choose from.

(Not an antique but definitely unusual (and stunning), is the Soropot that my Tweep Gennefer Snowfield pointed out to me today.)

6. Blooming, Performance, or Flowering Teas

These are so much fun! Tea and other herbs/flowers are sewn into little bundles that “bloom” into “floral arrangements” when infused in water.  Many tea shops sell these individually, as well as in sets or kits. (Note, if you get these for someone, make sure that they have a large glass teapot so that they can enjoy watching these teas infuse.)

7. Electric Kettle

Tea lovers like electric kettles for several reasons:

a. Nobody likes to wait any longer than they have to for their tea, and electric kettles heat water faster than the stovetop variety.

b. An electric kettle is portable and can provide one with boiling/very hot water in dorm rooms, offices, and other places where a sink and stove aren’t handy. Also, while many dorms won’t allow hot plates, they will allow electric kettles.

c. Some electric kettles let users choose the temperature of the water, thus eliminating the need for a thermometer!

8.  A Tea Maker

Now that more people are aware of the superior flavor of loose leaf teas, they are also looking for faster and more convenient ways to prepare them.Here are some options:

Adagio features the triniTEA Electric Tea Maker as well as the IngenuiTEA (which comes in a gift pack with tea and a tea book).

Teavana sells the Teavana Perfect Tea Maker (16oz.)

Tea Gschwendner offers the Miraculous Tea Maker.

Amazon.com sells the Zarafina Tea Maker Suite with Ceramic Tea Pots, Cups, and Serving Tray

9.  Tea Tins

Tea needs to be protected from air, smells, heat, and moisture. The best way to do this is with an air and watertight tin. Any serious tea drinker will appreciate tins to store their tea stash in!

10.  Monthly Tea Club

So many teas, so little time. Force the tea drinker in your life out of complacency by enrolling them in a tea of the month club! Here are a few to choose from:

Tea of the Month Club

Golden Moon

Culinary Teas

Tea of the Month Club at Teavana: the gift that keeps giving!

Flying Noodle Gourmet Gifts

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