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Tea Gifts

Top 5 Holiday Tea Accessories

December 2, 2021

Tea is a timeless cultural activity that has been popularized for its ceremonial and health benefits, as well as its universal nature. From the dawn of time, tea has been instrumental in holistic healing in ancient tribes, ceremonies in the Eastern world, and a part of countless traditions around the world. In today’s world, tea is a part of millions’ morning routines and can be partnered with accessories to enhance your tea drinking experience. In this article, we cover the top 5 tea accessories that will take your tea routine to the next level. 

A Reliable Commuter Cup for the Tea Drinker On-The-Go

A commuter cup can be the perfect practical gift for yourself or another tea lover in your life! Save the time and cost of going to the coffee shop, and take your favorite blend with you on the go! This cup is perfect for travel of all types, from the daily work commute to hiking and adventuring with the family. 

This product is designed to fit seamlessly into your morning routine, coming in either 9 or 17-ounce capacities. Whether you love cold or hot brews, this cup can do it all. You can keep your hot beverages hot for 5 hours, and your cold beverages icy for 18 – nearly an entire day. The classy ceramic-coated interior and the 360-degree spillproof lid make this the perfect holiday gift option. 

A Cocktail Infusion Recipe Book that Can’t Be Beat 

This accessory can quite literally change your tea routine. Tea Cocktails: A Mixologist’s Guide to Legendary Tea-Infused Cocktails by Abigail Gehring gives your tea lover the perfect push to mix it up a bit, and has countless delicious recipes to dive into for a change of pace. Every recipe is infused with different ingredients and blends, bringing the flavors of the world together right in your kitchen. 

The cookbook is 176 pages, each one filled with vibrant and unique recipes sure to stun at your next event. This accessory is perfect for one who loves to entertain and is always looking for the next taste-based adventure. 

Hint: Our China Keemun tea is a full-bodied delicious brew that is sure to be a delicious base for just about any tea recipe you find!

A Clear Teapot That Will Class Up Your Kitchen

Part of the beauty of tea is the intentionality and unique process of brewing. Tea was meant to be enjoyed both by taste and by observation. This pot is handcrafted to deliver an artisanal and minimalistic modern touch to your kitchen, all while allowing you to view the beautiful steeping process. The pot is built for durability, crafted from lead-free borosilicate glass. 

This accessory is the perfect option for the tea lover who seeks simplicity and ease. The pot is microwave safe and easy to clean. The capacity is perfect for your routine, holding up to 25 fluid ounces with each use. Enjoy the little things and begin your journey of intentionality with this beautiful pot! 

A Sleek Infuser-Styled Bottle That’s Perfect For Daily Use 

If you are looking for your perfect accessory on the go, but like slower brewed blends, sometimes the travel cups just don’t cut it. You need something that allows you to brew alongside your busy schedule, delivering that perfect potency with every sip. If this sounds like you, we recommend the Teabloom Infusion Tumbler. 

The sleek design and company commitment to sustainability and versatility make this the perfect tool to use in your daily routine – enjoying your tea in an ethically-minded way with a low-impact bottle that is designed for use no matter where you are! Whether you’re hiking the trail, camping or traveling, or simply going to work, this bottle is meant to travel and infuse with you. 

You can enjoy a 16 fluid ounce capacity, and an easy-to-grip design that comes in an array of stunning colors, including rose gold, navy blue, ruby red, black, and pearl white. 

We recommend a delicious tea to be used with such a beautiful bottle. Look no further than our distinctly light and flavorful Blackberry Jasmine green tea!

Screw-Top Tea Storage System in Packs of 1, 3, or 5 Jars

Storing your tea properly preserves the life and function of your tea leaves. Loose-leaf teas often lack preservatives or stabilizers found in other tea, which can lead to dulled tastes and impaired utility with prolonged exposure to air or poor storage methods. These jars are created to help you to store your tea in confidence and to preserve that bold flavor in every sip.

These handy jars come in packages of 1, 3, or 5 jars and feature easy-to-use screw top lids. They are made of classic and sleek ultraviolet glass that prevents light rays from damaging the fragile flavors and body of the leaves. The material is completely BPA-free, so you can sip in confidence knowing that your health is preserved.

This is the perfect gift for a lover of loose-leaf blends, or for someone who is just falling in love with the tea-making routine. These look classy on any countertop and are the perfect size for easy storage.

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Tea Gifts

Tea Gifts For Your Holiday Hostess Under $10!

December 22, 2016

It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time to party! It’s poor form to show up empty-handed, so we’ve selected an array of tea gifts that any host or hostess will appreciate this winter. If you’re a social butterfly, chances are you’ll be attending multiple parties, and hostess gifts can add up. Never fear: we’re here with six great gifts $10 and under so that you can attend all the festivities your heart desires without your bank account putting up a fight.  Ready, set, gifts:

1) Red Pointsettia Macaron Tea Tin ($5.37)

This cute tin from Teavana holds 2 ounces of tea and adds a splash of pink and white to the classic red poinsettia plant. Inspired by the classiest of cookies–the macaroon–this tin will add color and cuteness to your host’s tea station. Plus, it’s only $5.37!  But that can be our secret.  (Also comes in solid red, blue, magenta, and lime green.)

2) Tea Lids ($7.95) 

You’re running out the door, none of your travel mugs are clean, but you desperately need your cup of tea while you drive to work. Problem solved: these tea lids from Republic of Tea are here to keep you from spilling hot tea all over yourself in the car. Vibrant red and only $7.95 for a set of two, these tea toppers are a simple, practical, and affordable gift for the tea-drinking hostess in your life.

3) Morphing Mugs ($9.95)

These unique mugs from Stash Tea are a little magical: when you pour hot water inside, the black flowers and cherry blossom tree “bloom” with color. Thermographic ink’s to credit for this colorful surprise, but it also means these mugs aren’t safe in the dishwasher or microwave.  So give one to your host with a side note of caution. At only $9.95, magic’s never been more affordable!  (If you’re willing to shell out another two bucks: for $12, buy this Banned Books Morphing Mug, which unblackens the titles of banned books throughout history, from The Great Gatsby to I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Censorship has never been cuter.)

4) Wooden Mandala Coasters ($9.00) 

These laser-cut alder wood mandala coasters from Night Owl Engraving are a beautiful gift for any party thrower this holiday season. In the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the mandala is an image that represents the universe. Your hostess will be able to fit the whole universe in her hand and protect her tabletops with this stunning, inexpensive gift. A double win!

5) Harney & Sons Tea Sampler ($9.95)

This little black box contains 20 tea bags full of Harney & Sons’ best sellers, including Organic Green Tea with Citrus & Ginko, Pomegranate Oolong, and Japanese Sencha. For only $9.95, you can give your host a little box overflowing with flavor.  If they’ve read Miss Manners, your hosts will know to put the box out at the affair, so you’ll get to sample your own gift, too.

6) Cup of Tea Tree Ornament ($8.95) 

If you’re attending a Christmas party, bring along this cute teacup ornament to add a little tea to your host’s tree. This is the perfect gift if you want to stay on your host’s mind through the years, as he’ll remember you every time he takes out the ornaments to trim the tree come December. Just $8.95, this ornament is affordable and adorable, our favorite combination!

Happy Holidays!

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Tea Guides

Teas to Sip This Hanukkah

December 20, 2016

This year, Hanukkah’s “eight crazy nights” fall from Saturday, December 24 to Sunday, January 1. If you’re looking for a tea to sip while you celebrate or a tea to gift someone observing the holiday, look no further. Here are our suggestions for a tea-filled Hanukkah:

1) Blue, White, and Silver Teas

If you’re in search of a tea that goes along with your blue, white, and silver Hanukkah decorations, we’ve got you covered.   Consider these colorful creations when choosing what to brew:

Blue Teas

The True Blueberry tea from Celestial Seasonings is caffeine free, herbal, and packed with blueberry flavor thanks to blueberry leaves, wild blueberries, and natural blueberry flavors. Hibiscus, rosehips, orange peel, and blackberry leaves enhance the blue tea’s flavor profile. Added bonus: According to Livestrong, blueberry tea provides so many antioxidants that it can support brain function and lower your risk for developing type-2 diabetes. Also consider blue matcha from Blue Chai. This color-warped matcha comes in a cute bamboo tube. Plus, you can use it as a food dye for all sorts of culinary makeovers this holiday season. Or, opt for Blue Chai’s Butterfly Blue Pea Tea, made from sundried butterfly pea flowers native to South East Asia and India, also known as Asian Pigeonwing. For a fun party trick, you can turn this blue tea pink by adding lemon or lime juice to the liquid.

Silver and White Tea

The phrase “silver tea” is actually used to describe a tea party that doubles as a fundraiser, per Miriam Webster. If you want to throw a silver tea this Hanukkah, consider serving Teavana’s silver needle white tea. Teavana describes this white tea, which was once reserved only for the Imperial Family in China, as a “delicate and refreshing infusion with a sweet, silky ending.”  White tea is made from Camellia sinensis plant buds that are not rolled or oxidized, making them the most minimally processed tea available. Try any of the many flavors added to white tea bags by Republic of Tea, from pineapple guava and honey mango to orange blossom and ginger peach.

2) Glow-In-The-Dark Tea

Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, celebrating a miracle in which oil that should have lasted the Jews who reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem for one night instead lasted for eight. Lighting the menorah each night emphasizes the importance of light to this holiday. If you’re craving more light than a menorah can supply, keep your eyes peeled for glow-in-the-dark tea bags. South Korean designer Wonsik Chae invented the Lighting Bag, essentially a glow-in-the-dark tea bag. The fluorescent molecules inside the tea bag react with the liquid to make it glow. There’s not actually any tea inside the bag, but we’re hopeful that Chae will keep working on his invention until that’s the case. If you want to drink glow-in-the-dark tea, we recommend you serve your favorite tea inside a glow-in-the-dark mug, of which many are on the market.

3) Flavorful Teas

Want your beverage to contain some classic Jewish flavors? Try this babka-flavored dessert tea from Black Teas by Petali, this Apple Strudel Tea from Capital Teas, or this certified kosher Pomegranate Tea from Wissotzky Tea.

Happy Hanukkah!

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Tea Gifts

Holiday Gift Guide 2016

December 6, 2016

The holidays are coming up, and with it lots of gift shopping. Whether you’re buying for a tea-loving co-worker, teacher, paramour, or friend, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled 10 gift ideas sure to put a smile on any tea aficianado.

1) Matcha Starter Kit

If you were inspired by our post about how to host a Japanese tea ceremony, scoop up this Matcha Starter Kit from Teavana. It includes a 40 gram-canister of Organic Imperial Matcha, an 80-bamboo bristled matcha whisk, and a matcha bowl inspired by traditional Japanese pottery.

2) Tea of the Month Club

Give the gift of tea every month with this Tea of the Month Club from Teabox. Your recipient can take a quiz that gives Teabox data to select the best teas for him or her. Depending on how much tea she dinks, Teabox will send the tea lover in your life enough tea to make 12, 30, or 120 cups of tea per month. Every time your recipient brews a cup, he’ll have you to thank. It’s the gift that keeps on brewing.

3) Oceanstar Bamboo Tea Box

This Bamboo tea box provides a sleek organizational system for any tea lover’s assortment of bags. An acrylic glass lid covers the box without obscuring a view of the eight storage pockets. This box dresses up any basic black tea bag, and matches the sophistication of the most intricate blends.

4) Shark Tea Infuser

This cute tea infuser from HeroNeo brings a little danger to your cup of tea. Well, not really. This shark’s made of silicon rubber and it’s too cute to bring anything but charm to your afternoon cup of tea. This sea creature can survive in water from -22 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Pretty tough for something so adorable!

5) Old Havana Teapot

This teapot from Anthropologie delivers a feminine, turquoise presence to your kitchen, and can double as a gorgeous vase when not in use boiling water. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe. Practical and stunning? Your Secret Santa will be praising your gift giving skills through the New Year.

6) Tea Cocktails: A Mixologist’s Guide to Legendary Tea-Infused Cocktails

For the tea and sprit-loving gentleman or lady in your life, this cookbook delivers innovative tea-based cocktail recipes. Your giftee will learn how to make concoctions such as: the Rooibos Berry Daiquiri, the Chai White Russian, the Riesling Jasmine Hot Toddy, and the Dark and Stormy Ginger Tea. Tea just got a little more grown-up, and this gift is perfect for those 21 and over.

7) Heart Shaped Mugs

Pick up these heart shaped mugs and personalize them with you and your significant other’s names. If your loved one is in a committed relationship with tea, this mug shows him that you are also his perfect match. 

8) The True History of Tea

As one of the most consumed beverages in the world, tea has a long, rich history as an important trading commodity that linked empires in manners both enriching and violent. The True History of Tea explores that complex history. Author Erling Hoh of Archaeology and Natural History teams with University of Pennsylvania and The Tarim Mummies Professor Victor H. Mair for a book that explores tea in the ancient worlds of China and Japan to the modern European empires. For the tea-drinking history buff in your life, a book on the history of one of the world’s most important commodities is a slam dunk.

9) Personalized Tea Blend

Blends For Friends crafts a custom-blend of tea that perfectly encapsulates your gift recipient’s personality. You’ll get 125 grams of tea in a decorative tin with a “personalized and quirky blend recipe descriptor subtly referencing the personality traits of the recipient.” It also comes with a gift box so you won’t have to worry about gift wrapping. If you want to give a thoughtful, personal gift, you can’t get much better than this.

10) Sugar Doilies

If your giftee is on the fancier side, a cube of sugar just won’t do. So give him or her these sugar sculptures that add beauty to a cup of tea and dissolve in about 2 minutes.

Happy Holidays!

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Tea Recipes

5 Classic Holiday Desserts With a Tea Twist

December 1, 2016

As the winter holidays approach, parties abound at work, home, and friends’ apartments, which means there are plenty of opportunities to bake. Partygoers are surely looking forward to classic desserts like apple pie and Sufganiyot, but why not delight their taste buds with a tea surprise? Here are 5 recipes that add tea to the classic holiday desserts you and your fellow party animals will relish:

1) Green Tea Gingerbread Cookies

Green tea gives these gingerbread cookies from Eat Green Tea a little something extra. Start by mixing green tea leaves and butter over heat for about ten minutes, then stir in add molasses and chocolate. Add flour, brown sugar, baking soda and powder, milk, salt, and ginger to create dough. Chill the dough, and then cut into gingerbread men (or women!) before popping in the oven. Decorate as you wish with icing, and enjoy!

2) Chai Sufganiyot with Orange-Pumpkin Buttercream

Hannukah Donuts enjoy notes of chai in this recipe from Chowhound.  One chai tea bag joins cinnamon, cardamom, salt, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla, eggs, butter, and flour to make the donuts themselves. A tasty orange-pumpkin buttercream  filling seals these donuts’ spot in innovative territory.

3) Green Tea Shortbread Cookies

Green tea gives these shortbread cookies from Smitten Kitten a holiday makeover, and white chocolate filling offers a snowy accent. Mix unsweetened green tea powder with flour, salt, sugar, butter, and almond extract to create a yummy dough ready for your favorite holiday cookie cutters. The green dough is a perfect candidate for cookie trees, leaves, and wreaths, but who wouldn’t love a green snowman cookie?

4) Black Tea Apple Pie

This recipe from Sift and Whisk adds black tea to classic apple pie. Pour black tea over apple slices and then let them dry before baking them into the pie. According to the author, “The tea flavor in this pie is very light and only peeks out every few bites or so.” That means it’s a great candidate for an audience expecting a classic but is open to a little adventure.

5) Chocolate Matcha Babka

Babka typically enjoys extras like walnuts or raisins, but for maximum holiday cheer, follow this recipe from Aloha Belly and add chocolate and matcha to the sweet yeast treat. This recipe requires you to plan ahead, as the dough must rise overnight. Plus, working with yeast is not especially easy. But if you’re feeling more ambitious than buying a store-bought mix, roll up your sleeves and attempt this tea-infused babka.

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