Happy Holidays, tea friends! Here are a few tea finds that I couldn’t resist sharing about this year. Are any of these on your wish list?
1. Crabtree & Evelyn London’s Tea Selection
Over Black Friday weekend, I discovered that Crabtree & Evelyn carries tea. Little did I know that the company features edible products from holiday time through spring. I thought they only carried lotions and soaps here, but no, they carry tea, biscuits and even jam! This set of 6 types of bagged tea is both elegant and easy to enjoy.
Oh wow, wow, wow. Gorgeous, right? This sophisticated black tea tastes of oranges, cardamom and ginger, and pairs exceptionally well with rich breads like cinnamon rolls or brioche. This limited edition holiday tin celebrates the 150th anniversary of Kusmi Tea. This is a drink inspired by Russian Princesses, a sip of romance and history.
3. Rise Fressko FlaskThis handsome to-go tea bottle is a combination of good looks and utility. The 2-part filter works well for infusing both loose tea or fruit. It’s an added bonus that the flask is made with heat-resistant glass so that you can enjoy the color of your brew and also minimize residual flavors from previous brews. Start 2017 the healthy way with this beautiful flask!
4. Royce’s Maccha Bar Chocolate
Matcha had to make its way onto this list somehow! For matcha-based confections, Royce is one of my favorite companies. They are well-known for their Nama Chocolates, but personally I prefer these Maccha Bar Chocolates, which taste like a spruced-up, green tea version Nestlé Crunch Bars.
This fresh and modern looking teapot may be called a cooler, but it’s equally great for brewing both hot and cold teas. It comes in 2 sizes, and is ideal for overnight cold brews. Create a colorful accent to your tabletop by simply switching out the lids. Lightweight and practical, this is one of my favorites for everyday brewing.
6. Tea-Spiration by Lu Ann Pannunzio
My awesome tea-friend, Lu Ann, recently came out with this charming book. Tea-Spiration provides a refreshing perspective on how to enjoy tea without all those dos and don’ts. One of my favorite lines is where she reminds readers to “follow your own tea path to find what works best for your happiness.” A relaxing read, ideal for tucking into over a cozy cup of tea.
I’m a season passholder to Disneyland, which means that I have lots of time to peruse Main Street for teawares. I recently discovered the Shop Disney Park App, where they carry the full selection of Disney teapots sold inside the parks, including this blue and white Cinderella Teapot. Definitely download the app if you want to check out their entire collection!
This jar has everything you need for a proper tea time, including the cup, tea and treats! These make festive gifts when you want to spread Christmas cheer without breaking your budget. If you’re feeling particularly generous, attach a Cost Plus World Market gift card to the jar. There’s no better place to shop for teas and teawares from around the world!
9. Scales and Timers
For dedicated students of tea, these are important tools. Steeping according to weight and not volume is a good way to fully appreciate your pricier loose leaf tea. These gadgets make great stocking stuffers, and create the context for a thoughtful and meticulous tea session.
Whoever created this machine is a genius! This is an alarm clock and tea maker all wrapped up into one compact machine. If you’re not a morning person (I’m not!), this definitely makes it easier to get out of bed on these chilly mornings. A great reason to not oversleep! Photo courtesy of Swan.