Gifts for Tea Lovers

There are a lot of gift-giving holidays on the calendar, and most of us have at least one person in our life that is a total pain to shop for. Tea-lovers can easily fit into that category, but I'd like to think I can help.

Gift ideas, in no particular order

First, a couple of things to avoid, in general:

Tea balls, unless your recipient happens to collect them for their artistic value. They're kind of a pain to use and clean.

Tea bags, unless you know with absolute certainty that they are your recipient's preferred way of drinking tea. There are some very good ones out there, but also a lot of junk. A lot of tea enthusiasts drink loose-leaf tea only.

So what should you do?

Ask what the recipient likes-- and perhaps more importantly, what they don't like. Some people drink the same tea day in and day out. Some have a favorite teacup, or a teapot that is reserved for a specific tea. Some people collect teacups, or teapots, or tea infusers, cozies, books or other tea-themed items. Some drink only a particular type of tea, such as oolongs, or white tea. Some people drink herbals exclusively. Some people love to explore flavored teas, while others are all about pure tea. Some people care very much about issues like organic growing or fair trade. It's important to respect that.

Pay Attention to their home and their clothing. Just because someone likes something, that doesn't automatically mean they like to decorate their home with it or wear it. I love cats, and hockey, and tea, and ducks, and my car, and reading and gardening. While I would wear a t-shirt proclaiming my love for any or all of those things, I would not use a hockey-themed tea towel in my kitchen. And I may be an outlier, but Alice in Wonderland gives me the creeps, so I definitely wouldn't appreciate an Alice-themed gift.

Below is a list of items that would make good gifts for your tea-loving friend, or even to treat yourself:

Greeting & Note Cards: We used to sell Kimberly Shaw's work in our gift shop. I can't say enough good things about her illustrations.

Tea Infuser: I've been using this type of infuser since 2007, and I love them. Countless trips through the dishwasher, and they keep on going. Lots of room for the tea leaves to unfurl, easy to clean. In a pinch, I've even used one as a milk strainer.

Infuser Mug: Self contained, makes a very large cup of tea

Electric Kettle: These heat water to the temperature you choose quickly

Tea Kettle: Simple, one-handed operation

Zojirushi Water Boiler: Heats a lot of water at once, and holds the temperature

Tea Cozy: Keeps the pot of tea hot for longer. We used Thistledown Cozies exclusively in the tea room.

Stainless Teapot: My husband uses this one every. single. day. for his morning oolong

Glass Teapot: Allows you to watch the tea infuse, and comes with a removable infuser. These are awesome for blooming teas. However, no matter what any manufacturer claims, you'll never catch me using a glass teapot on the stovetop.

Storage Tin: Keeps your tea leaves dry, airtight and out of direct sunlight

Gaiwan: I love the 3D koi fish built into the design. I can't comment on how it functions, as I use it on my desk to hold paperclips, but it is utterly adorable.

Professional Cupping Set: This a tool for the serious tea taster

Digital Scale: Tea leaves come in a myriad of sizes and shapes, and their weights can vary a lot. To get a consistent cup of tea, and to compare different teas, measuring the tea leaves by weight rather than volume is the only way to go.

Tea Journeys: A journal to record memories and impressions from visits to tea rooms and afternoon tea events. Any other book by Jennifer Stowe is a good bet, too.

Blending Workbook: For the person who likes to blend their own teas and herbal tisanes, a place to record experiments and recipes. I co-authored this book with my friend and mentor, Jennifer C. Petersen.

Reservations for afternoon tea: Take them out for tea and enjoy time spent catching up. This site lists places to go for afternoon tea across the US.

If all else fails, a gift card to a local tea shop, tea room or a good online retailer is a safe bet. It's always good to support local business whenever you can.