Sep 09, 2023
The 15 Best Gifts for the Tea Lover in Your Life
Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission
Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Afternoon tea is about to get a lot more chic.
It's hard to find a beverage that is as beloved across the world as tea (in fact, it's the most widely consumed drink next to water). Its origins can be traced back to 2700 B.C.E. when fresh leaves were boiled in water as a medicinal drink in China, thus making it one of the oldest beverages in history. Tea has since grown to become a mainstay in countless cultures and households for its diverse blends and its meditative qualities.
We all have someone in our lives that takes tea as seriously as a sommelier takes wine or a mixologist takes cocktails. Why not help them elevate their tea game with a new gorgeous teacup or delightful loose-leaf tea? From a handmade kyusu steeped in tradition to a boozy tea liqueur shaking up the spirits industry, we've found the best blends, tools, and accessories to gift to the tea enthusiasts in your life. Here, the best gifts for tea drinkers. (P.S.: We expect an invite to the next tea party!)
They'll be sipping pretty with the help of these elegant porcelain teacups and saucers. Made in Italy, the bold green stripes accentuate the cup's stunning fluted shape as the precious branches at the center of the saucer bring a sense of whimsy to the set.
The kyusu is the ideal teapot for fans of green or herbal teas. The traditional Japanese vessel offers a lot of room for the tea leaves to unfurl, allowing the pure flavors of the tea to develop. The best part is that there's already a strainer built into the spout which means they don't need to worry about buying a separate one.
When it comes to choosing an electric kettle, they can never go wrong with a sleek Stagg. The game-changing kettle allows users to adjust the temperature setting by one-degree increments. This ensures they can brew their favorite teas at their recommended temperature without worrying about over-extracting the leaves or making a bitter brew.
Fortnum and Mason has been regarded as a purveyor of tea since its inception in 1707. In celebration of King Charles III's coronation, Fortnum and Mason created a commemorative gift box filled with tea and sweets. Inside the box, there's a bold Darjeeling blend (the King's favorite type of tea!) along with chocolate crowns and English berries preserves, all presented in exclusive packaging.
If they’re just getting into matcha, Omacchaya's Sayamakaori ceremonial-grade tea is a great starting point with its balanced earthy notes. This gift set includes a tin of the beloved matcha along with a chasen (wooden whisk) and measuring spoon, both designed by Japanese artisans.
If they love to host people for tea parties or often drink more than one cup, consider getting a reliable glass teapot. This one by Bodum gives the tea leaves room to breathe and allows drinkers to see when their tea reaches their desired shade.
Tea snobs can enjoy classic English tea right in the comfort of their homes thanks to Mrs. Bakewell's one-of-a-kind cream tea boxes. Each set comes with handmade scones, fruit preserves, clotted cream, and tea—everything they need for a proper tea party.
Chih Jung-Sien, also known as Tea Parker, shows people how to properly pair different teas with food in his new book, The Tea Sommelier. The book looks at various cuisines from around the world and goes into detail about what flavor profiles and types of teas will complement each dish—and the ones to avoid.
Moving from using bags to loose-leaf tea will immediately change their tea game, but they need a trusted strainer that's easy to use and easy to clean. Finum's large filter is large enough to allow the leaves to fully unfurl and fits snugly in most mugs. Also, it's dishwasher-safe which makes cleaning up a breeze.
Atlanta-based tea company, The Chai Box, works with farms in India's Kerala region to create one-of-a-kind chai that has rich aromas and flavors. Each blend is inspired by a different region of India from the Hill Station Shimla at the foot of the Himalayas to the tropical landscape of Kerala.
For those always on the go, a stylish yet reliable travel tumbler like this one by Fellow is a must. The Carter mug features a double-wall vacuum that keeps liquids hot for 12 hours and a wide mouth that allows drinkers to enjoy the tea's full aromas.
Tea leaves start to lose their flavor and aromas over time—especially when exposed to too much air and sunlight. While designed for coffee, these airtight containers can help preserve the freshness of tea thanks to their opaque exterior and patented inner lining.
Tea enthusiasts will agree that a smooth mint tea makes for the ideal nightcap. Sharp yet refreshing, this mint tisane from the Art of Tea blends together spearmint and peppermint grown and harvested straight from the Pacific coast.
Liven up their tea spread with these darling glass spoons. The quirky creations are purposefully designed with a rounded and polished bowl to ensure they don't hurt their lips. Bonus: the stirring spoons also come in a variety of colors and patterns to fit everyone's personal style.
It's about time we combine teatime and happy hour. Fortnum & Mason and Conker Spirit Distillery teamed up to create a revolutionary tea liqueur that's expertly cold-brewed for 24 hours. The result is a complex and citrus-forward spirit that stands out beautifully in a spritz or on its own.
Sarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things art, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand.
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