Best Gifts for Tea Lovers
Tea is the most popular drink in the world and you are sure to have at least one tea lover in your group of friends or family. Tea lovers do very much appreciate tea-related gifts, as long as you consider their likes and dislikes when choosing a present. Think about what types of tea they enjoy and, if you want to buy something that will be put on display in their home, consider their taste in décor. You can also consider something more functional such as a book, kettle or warmer, filters, or water dispenser.
A Little Tea Book: All the Essentials from Leaf to Cup
If your loved one is interested in all there is to know about tea, look no further that this adorable little book by tea aficionado Sebastian Beckwith and New York Times journalist Caroline Paul. The book is delightful to read. It provides a wealth of knowledge about this tasty drink – everything you need to know, from leaf to label.
Beckwith has travelled the globe in order to bring your tea lover the very best information about this beloved drink. To prepare his book, Beckwith visited farms in India, Taiwan, and China. He has included information about the history of tea and processing techniques in the book.
This stylish and refined book is an essential guide to exploring and enjoying tea. The book explains the varieties, subtleties, and enjoyable qualities of this famous drink. It helps readers to select the varieties of tea that suit them, and shows them how to brew it perfectly.
There are tips, fun facts, and great recipes in this book, to help your tea lover appreciate their favorite beverage even more. This sassy, sophisticated, yet unpretentious book is well-written and fun to read. It includes Beckwith’s gorgeous photographs, as well as charming watercolor illustrations by artist Wendy MacNaughton.
One thing to consider is the book is geared more toward the beginner and not the near-expert on tea.
Pros
- Written by tea aficionado Sebastian Beckwith and New York Times journalist Caroline Paul
- Provides a wealth of knowledge about tea, from leaf to label
- Explains the varieties, subtleties, and enjoyable qualities of tea
- Includes tips, fun facts, and great recipes
- Sassy, sophisticated, well-written and fun to read
- Includes gorgeous photographs and charming watercolor illustrations
Cons
- Not for the near-expert on tea; more for beginners
Bonavita Variable Temperature Control Kettle
This is an affordable kettle that will fit your budget, yet is worthy of a serious tea drinker. It pours well with its gooseneck spout, is light to carry, and looks good in the kitchen. Its main feature is its variable temperature control. Just press a button and the ideal water temperature can be set or adjusted.
It is an attractive kettle made of brushed stainless steel and goes well with any décor. The lid and handle are made of BPA-free plastic. Inside the kettle, there are markings to indicate specific volumes of water.
The variable temperature control can be adjusted in one degree increments and ranges from 140 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the desired temperature is reached, the kettle can maintain that temperature for up to one hour.
The temperature is digitally displayed in real time. There is also a count-up timer to keep track of the brewing process. Once steeped at the right temperature for the proper amount of time, the full flavors and aroma of the tea are brought out.
This kettle runs on 1500 watts of power, which ensures that it heats up quickly.
One drawback is the water volume markings are located on the inside of the kettle. Some users feel the markings would be more useful if they were on the exterior, for easier readability. Also, the handle tends to get hot.
Pros
- Affordable and yet is worthy of the serious tea drinker
- Heats up quickly
- Has variable temperature control in one degree increments from 140 to 212 degrees F
- Can maintain temperature for up to one hour
- Digital display shows temperature in real time
- Includes count-up timer to keep track of brewing process
Cons
- Water level markings are located on inside of kettle instead of outside
- Handle tends to get hot
Cuisinart PerfecTemp Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle
This is another handy kettle, perfect for tea lovers. With just a touch of a button, your tea lover can choose the ideal, preset temperature setting for black, white, green, oolong, or delicate tea.
It is an attractive kettle made of sleek stainless steel. It has a display section, backlit with blue LED lights, that indicates the water level. It also has a dripless pour spout. There is a two-minute memory function which makes it possible to remove the kettle from its base for that length of time without it shutting off. There is also a 30-minute keep-warm function.
The kettle is set on a 360 degree power base that swivels. The base itself has a 36 inch cord length.
This kettle runs on 1500 watts of power.
This kettle is easy to clean. The scale filter is removable and washable. It has a concealed heating element, which helps in preventing mineral build-up.
For safety, the kettle has auto safety shut-off and boil-dry protection. It also has a non-slip, stay-cool handle to prevent burns.
One drawback users have noted is the lettering on the buttons tends to wear away within the first few weeks.
Pros
- Preset temperature settings for black, white, green, oolong, or delicate tea
- Cordless, set on a 360 degree swivel base that has a 36 inch cord
- Concealed heating element helps in preventing mineral build-up
- Two-minute memory function allows removal of kettle from its base without shutting off
- 30-minute warm function
- Auto safety shut-off, boil-dry protection, and non-slip, stay-cool handle for safety
Cons
- Lettering on buttons tends to wear off in first few months
Finum Disposable/Biodegradable Paper Tea Filter Bags for Loose Tea
These tea filter bags are great stocking stuffers for the tea lover on your list. They are made with paper that is chlorine-free-bleached and biodegradable. They can be thrown into the compost bucket once they have been used.
Finum disposable tea filters are made of natural FSC-certified fibers. These filters have a filling flap which make it easy to remove the filter after brewing. As a result, a filter holder is not needed. The flap can be used to affix the filter to the rim of your tea pot.
These tea filters have a lid that can be used as a drip tray – handy!
They are available in a variety of sizes. There is a size for any small cup or large pot.
Pros
- Great stocking stuffers for your favorite tea lover
- Made with chlorine-free-bleached and biodegradable paper
- Can be thrown in compost after use
- Filters include filling flap which makes it easy to remove the filter after brewing
- Flap can be affixed to rim of tea pot
- Available in a variety of sizes
Cons
- None mentioned by users
ZeroWater 40 Cup Ready-Pour Glass Dispenser
Tea lovers like to use clean water that is free of additives or odd flavors. It makes a better tasting cup of tea. After all, most of what is in the tea cup is water. As a result, a good water filter can make a great gift for the tea connoisseur in your life. A large capacity dispenser results in more convenient tea making.
This water dispenser uses five stages of filtration, and includes both carbon filters and ion exchange technology to reduce contaminants. It removes 99.6% of dissolved solids, which is twice as much as other brands. It provides clean, good tasting water, perfect for that next cup of tea.
This handy device is made of glass, so it is free of BPA and will not introduce chemicals or flavors to the tea. It includes a water quality meter which is NSF-certified, and will help reduce lead, chromium, and other heavy metals.
It is an attractive device with its clear glass body and chrome lid and base. It will look fabulous with any kitchen décor. It holds enough water to pour 40 cups of tea, and the dispenser has a no-drip spigot.
One drawback is sometimes the glass contains small air bubbles, which could be a safety risk. Also, the spout has a very slow pour rate.
Pros
- Five stages of filtration, including both carbon filters and ion exchange technology
- Removes 99.6% of dissolved solids, which is twice as much as other brands
- Made of glass, so it will not introduce chemicals or flavors to the tea
- Includes a water quality meter which is NSF-certified
- Attractive-looking device with clear glass body and chrome lid and base
- Holds enough water to pour 40 cups of tea
Cons
- May have small air bubbles in the glass, which could be a safety risk
- Spout has very slow pour rate
Zojirushi America Corporation Hybrid Water Boiler And Warmer
This device provides temperature-controlled hot water all day long. It is especially handy in the winter months, and holds a generous amount of water – four liters. This durable unit has an attractive stainless steel exterior and will look wonderful in any kitchen.
This device has a micro-computerized control system that brings water to precisely the right temperature without boiling. Once at the desired temperature, the device beeps to let the user know. The steam-reduce feature turns off the heater right before the water boils, to reduce the steam emission.
It has four keep-warm temperature settings: 160 degrees Fahrenheit, 175 degrees F, 195 degrees F, and 208 degrees F. The device keeps the water at the desired temperature for about one hour.
This water warmer is vacuum-insulated to stay warm with very little electricity. It is set on a swivel base, which makes it easy to pick up and serve. It also has a detachable lid.
The device has a safety function that shuts off the power to the heater to prevent overheating. This safety function may kick in if the device was plugged in without water, if boiling is attempted with a very low water level, and for various other reasons.
It is easy to clean and the interior is non-stick. The exterior is clear-coated for ease of cleaning.
Pros
- Provides temperature-controlled hot water all day long
- Temperature control system brings water to precisely the right temperature without boiling
- Steam-reduce feature turns off the heater right before the water boils
- Four keep-warm temperature settings: 160, 175, 195, and 208 degrees F
- Vacuum-insulated to stay warm with very little electricity
- Safety function shuts off power to the heater to prevent overheating
Cons
- None mentioned by users
Choosing a gift for tea lovers
The above suggestions are just a smattering of the options available for your favorite tea lover. Here is a longer list of gifts you could consider and your tea lover is sure to appreciate.
Favorite tea blend
There are many different types and blends of tea. Try to find out what your tea lover’s favorite is, and buy up a few cartons for gift giving. Depending on the occasion, you could choose a theme-based or holiday tea blend.
Tea mugs
This is a nice, easy gift. There are many tea mugs available, some of which are insulated to keep tea warm for longer. You could give your loved one a mug in their favorite color or with designs that you know would appeal to them. Or if they appreciate the delicate things in life, look for a dainty tea cup and saucer or a set. They will be sure to think of you whenever they use it.
Gift sets
These may include different types of tea such as masala, fruit tea, and other varieties, along with a variety of tea cups.
Travel or office tea kit
Tea lovers who travel often still love to make tea. You could find or put together a tea travel kit for them. This could include a travel tea mug and a steeper that can be used for travelling. This sort of kit could also be handy for people who want to make their own tea at the office.
Tea-inspired décor
Why not consider a lamp made in the shape of a teapot? Or for a tea lover who loves Chinese décor, think about a decorated Chinese teapot they can put on display. These kinds of gifts will add special charm to your tea lover’s décor, but make sure the gift actually fits with their aesthetic and is not just something you think is cute.
Tea FAQs
Does tea contain caffeine?
Most types of tea contain caffeine. The exceptions are fruit teas. Even some herbal teas contain minute traces of caffeine but the amount is negligible compared to black teas. Green teas contain caffeine but they vary in the actual amount.
Can tea be reheated?
Well, yes, tea can be reheated but you really should not do this. Instead, chill the tea with an ice cube or in the fridge. Or simply throw out the tea if it has been sitting around a long time and brew a new batch. Green and white teas, especially, should not be reheated.
Can tea affect weight loss?
There are indeed some varieties of tea that can help with this, but the most important part of losing weight is eating a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle.
As you can see, the list of items you can buy your favorite tea lover is endless. By considering their tastes and comparing the plethora of gift ideas available on the market, you are sure to find something to satisfy even the most discerning tea lover on your list.