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Sep 12, 2023

Holiday Gift Guide 2021: The Best Gifts For Tea Lovers

Amy Truong at PARU, the San Diego teahouse she co-founded with Lani Gobaleza.

Amy Truong at PARU, the San Diego teahouse she co-founded with Lani Gobaleza.

Making their favorite brews at home has become more important than ever for tea lovers since the pandemic caused many tea houses, hotels and restaurants to end popular afternoon tea services.

No worries because we’ve found some great blends and accessories so they can create their own afternoon (and morning and night) tea.

After the year and a half we’ve all had, you may want to try some of these yourself.

The Qi Rosy Ritual Set

The Qi Rosy Ritual Set

Transform their daily cup of tea into a sensory experience with this stunning set from The Qi – which means Life Force and which is focused on flowers, the source of the most Qi. The ceramic Flower Cup is made by Recreation Center (whose work you should check out) and is the perfect vessel for the whole flower tea that comes with it. When they see how beautifully the flower blooms – and smells! And tastes! – they will never go back to drinking regular tea again. This is a very special gift for a very special tea lover. Price: $70

Tea Forte Warming Joy Gift Set

Tea Forte Warming Joy Gift Set

Ahhh. One whiff of these holiday-inspired teas will spark joy and let them know you truly understand them. There's Raspberry Ganache, Sweet Orange Spice, Cherry Marzipan, Harvest Apple Spice and Winter Chai, all housed in Tea Forte's instantly recognizable pyramid infusers. Plus, the set comes with a limited-edition red porcelain Café Cup and Tea Tray so they can relax and have some much-appreciated me time. Price: $55

The Republic of Tea The Crown: Two Tin Royal Gift Set

The Republic of Tea The Crown: Two Tin Royal Gift Set

Tea lovers will enjoy sipping these fit-for-royalty brews while binge watching their favorite series. The gift set features the brand's newest flavor, The Princess’ Peach Bellini Tea, inspired by Diana's favorite cocktail, as well as The Queen's Afternoon Tea, a black tea with honey essence that's especially delicious with a splash of milk. If you’re lucky, your gift will be reciprocated with a tin of Thanks You’re a Peach — or maybe you’ll be invited to afternoon tea. Price: $28.45

DAVIDsTEA Bubble Teapot & Bubble Cup Set

DAVIDsTEA Bubble Teapot & Bubble Cup Set

This pretty set is all about tea for two, and features a bubble-shaped teapot – complete with infuser and saucer – as well as a pair of ceramic bubble cups. (If you’re lucky, that second cup will get you an invitation.) The teapot holds 45 ounces of their favorite blend — DAVIDsTEA has an extensive collection of unique flavors, including chocolate and even coffee — so tea time can last all afternoon. The set comes in half a dozen colors to add a lovely touch to any kitchen shelf. Price: $35

Harney & Sons Taupe Wooden Heirloom Tea Chest Featuring Nine Teas – Teabags

Harney & Sons Taupe Wooden Heirloom Tea Chest Featuring Nine Teas – Teabags

There are so many reasons tea lovers will get excited about this gift, not the least of which is that it's from Harney & Sons, an iconic name when it comes to tea. The beautiful wooden chest is an elegant way to both store and serve but, because it's what's inside that really counts, they’ll be thrilled by the selection of 9 classic flavors, including Hot Cinnamon Spice and Organic Peppermint. The box comes with a generous 90 tea bags but you may still want to add a tin of the new Williamsburg Holiday Heritage Tea ($12) to help support the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation – if it hasn't already sold out for the third time. Price: $79.95

TAZO Tea Adventures Variety Box

TAZO Tea Adventures Variety Box

A great way to sample some of TAZO's most popular teas, this special gift package includes 40 tea bags featuring 8 must-try teas. From the caffeine-free Passion to the time-to-get-moving Awake English Breakfast, it truly is an adventure for the tastebuds. Plus, if your tea lover scans the QR code on the inside of the box lid, they’ll be treated to some deliciously surprising tea-inspired recipes. Price: $18.99

Atlas Tea of the Month Club Subscription

Atlas Tea of the Month Club Subscription

Give them a new tea from around the world every month with this palate-pleasing subscription. Each surprise box comes with two beautifully packaged bags of premium loose leaf teas with flavor notes, a muslin pouch with recyclable filters, a postcard from the country of origin and steeping tips. It's like giving them a tasting trip around the globe. Price: From $60 for a 3 month subscription

Vadham Iced Tea Pitcher

Vadham Iced Tea Pitcher

Some like it iced, and this beautiful pitcher has an infuser inside so they can easily brew their favorite blend, stick it in the fridge and keep it readily available for whenever they want it. Oprah, Ellen and Mariah are all fans of the brand and you may want to include a holiday gift set – maybe Turmeric Tea Tales, which was actually curated with Oprah – so they can try out some new flavors for the new year. Price: $29.99

PARU Tea Filter Bags

Paru Tea Filter Bags

The perfect stocking stuffer for tea lovers, these unbleached paper filters let them turn their favorite loose leaf tea into a tea bag so they can enjoy it even on the go. PARU is a great little indie tea bar in San Diego, and you’ll want to add one of their bestselling signature blends – maybe the ocean-hued Blue Chamomile – and a Kinto Glass Cup to take in the stunning view. Better yet, take your recipient there in person for a curated communal tasting omakase style. Price: $12

Sama Tea Keepsake Sampler Tea Box

Sama Tea Keepsake Sampler Tea Box

Bestselling author/life coach/podcast host/former monk Jay Shetty swears by a morning tea break as a form of self-care, and he and his wife, Radhi, have created a line of adaptogenic teas that are designed to help your body recover and resist stressors. They also taste delicious. This sampler box includes 20 tea bags of four signature blends: Protect & Support, Awaken & Energize, Focus & Clarity and Calm & Relax. Price: $39.95

Alicia Boateng AFRO Glam Collection

Alicia Boateng AFRO Glam Collection

Alicia Boateng is all about female empowerment, and these gorgeous cups will make your tea lover sit a little straighter as she sips her beverage of choice. Handmade and emblazoned with handcrafted gems, each Bistro Cup is a work of art in itself and a tribute to the power of women. (There's even a killer Notorious RBG cup.) Tiffany Haddish and Octavia Spencer call themselves fans and your recipient will, too. Price: $27

The TeaBook LiTEArary VarieTEA Sampler

The TeaBook LiTEArary VarieTEA Sampler

Anyone whose favorite accompaniment to a cup of tea is a good book will adore this author-inspired sampler featuring Agatha ChrisTEA, Shake Spearemint and Mark Twainquility. They’re real conversation pieces, showing good taste in both literature and tea quality. This clever company makes lots of other themed teas, as well, from Black HisTEAry to the MighTEA Women of Herstory. Price: From $8.99