Whether it’s you or one of your friends, we all know someone who, when faced with the decision between coffee or tea, will choose the latter nearly every single time. Tea drinkers range from absolute fanatics, with knowledge and opinions about tea that rival only those of wine connoisseurs, to casual sippers who enjoy a cup while they relax at night or when they’re feeling under the weather.
Thought to be older than even beer, tea has been enjoyed for thousands of years. And throughout those thousands of years, we’ve been developing and inventing accessories and items that help a tea drinker make the perfect cup of tea in the way that best suits them, whether they’re going for quick and convenient or whether they have a little more time to enjoy the beauty of the process.
So if you’re on the hunt for a gift for the tea lover in your life, you’ve come to the right place. Whether they’re more interested in the most attractive teapot or the one that boils the water the quickest, here’s a list of tea gifts that will help any tea drinker have the perfect tea experience.
1. The Perfect Stovetop Kettle
A tea kettle is, of course, one of the first steps to making the perfect cup of tea. And while it’s easy to grab one from Target that will simply get the job done, it’s better to invest in one you (or someone you’re gifting to) would love. A high-quality gooseneck spout kettle could do the trick, with the shape and style being trendy right now, or a classic whistle kettle with a nice finish, or a beautifully crafted ceramic kettle of any color or design. Either way, any kettle that someone has spent time picking out will be appreciated by a tea drinker.
2. Electric Kettle
The classic stove top kettle isn’t for everyone, and some of us simply don’t have the spare time to wait for water to boil. Electric kettles have changed all that. In minutes (or less), you can have piping hot, boiling water ready to be poured over tea. And now, these electric kettles are more attractive than ever, so it won’t be an eyesore on your kitchen counter.
3. Tea Subscription
It’s sort of like a gift that keeps on giving, at least for a year. A tea subscription allows the person receiving it to select a few teas each month, whether they have a favorite they go for every time or they’re into experimenting and broadening their tea horizons, and those teas will be shipped directly to them. No grocery trips needed. Subscription boxes often include extras like filters, steeping instructions, and some information about the teas selected. You can get the best teas right to your doorstep every month, and get a little tea background too. Who would turn that down?
4. Tea Tray
The underrated MVP of the perfect tea set up is a tea tray underneath it all. A tea tray is often beautifully hand crafted, and it’s the perfect thing to buy from an artist or local business that sells ones you won’t find anywhere else. Not only is it decorative, it’s also functional, as it can be the home of your entire tea bar when you’re not using it or it can be used to carry teas and everything that comes with them around your house.
5. Themed Tea Set
If you don’t want to opt for a whole year’s subscription, you could just give a tea set instead. Tea sets come in just about every option imaginable, whether it’s themed for a holiday or event (Valentine’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Week), curated with a specific purpose (sleep aid, wellness), or is simply a collection of one kind of tea with different variations (an Earl Gray collection). For anyone who drinks tea, a tea set is the perfect gift.
6. The Perfect Mug
It’s hard to overstate the importance of having the perfect mug, that one staple mug that you reach for first every day when you make your morning tea or coffee. And often, that mug is simply one that has some intrinsic value, maybe one that was gifted to you. You, too, can give someone else the perfect mug as a tea gift. Whether it’s a double-walled mug, a tall mug, a short and wide mug, or a mug with an inspiring message on the outside, there’s certainly something out there for everyone. And no one can complain about a great new mug.
7. Tea Storage Jar
Another tea gift that’s both practical and decorative: a tea storage jar. These jars are now more purposefully crafted than ever, with materials and layers that help keep tea as fresh as possible. With no more bags of loose leaf teas piled on top of each other, a good tea storage jar will be the perfect addition to a home tea tray or a tea travel kit.
8. Tea Infuser
Whether you’re brewing tea for a group or just for you, there’s a tea infuser for whatever the occasion. You can find tea infusers that can make over a liter of tea, so you can make a few cups to share, or you can find an individual tea infuser just for a cup or two at a time. It’s just a simple, mess-free way to brew tea. And if you’re willing to spend a bit more, there are even electric infusers out there that keep your tea at the perfect temperature and brew for the exact amount of time for a perfect pot.
These are just a few ideas to start with as you pick out the perfect tea gift - and even if you’re just shopping for yourself. You can also consider travel mugs, loose leaf filters, books that teach how to brew various kinds of teas, books about the history of teas, or simply just a really, really nice tea. If you know a true tea fanatic with a taste for the best, there are individual teas that have a hefty price tag that would be much appreciated by an avid tea drinker. But regardless of what you end up going for, when you’re giving a gift, it’s really the thought that counts!