Tea is much more than just a drink. It is a ritual, a habit that allows you to explore an infinite variety of flavors, aromas and preparations. And, without entering into the argument of real teas (aka the leaves of Camellia Sinensis) compared to herbal teas, there’s a wonderful world of concoctions to try — from earthy oolongs to grassy matchas to smoky yerba mates and so much more. So while coffee may be the drink of choice in the West, this holiday season we wanted to put together a list of some of the best gifts to buy for people who enjoy the best cup of beer.
Hiware Borosilicate Glass Pitcher
After the handle on my previous pitcher cracked, I set out to find a simple but durable container that could support my iced tea addiction and after a year and a half, this thing did not disappoint. Its heat-resistant borosilicate glass means you can pour boiling water directly into the pitcher without worrying about it shattering, and its huge 68-ounce capacity holds enough to keep an entire family hydrated. Meanwhile, the stainless steel lid prevents leaves or substances like fruit pulp from escaping. And at $20, this pitcher offers great value.
Hario Cold Brew Bottle
If you know someone who always brings their “famous” iced tea to parties or picnics, take a look Hario Cold Brew Bottle. It holds up to 750ml of liquid and comes with a removable strainer to prevent tea leaves from spilling. There’s even a grippy silicone top for easy handling and a removable cap that acts as a stopper. And if you’re worried it’s a small pedestrian looking to make a lasting impact, Hario makes a champagne bottle version too.
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle
When it comes to boiling water in style, Fellow Stagg ECG Kettle can’t be beaten. It is available with a wide range of finishes and accents, including walnut, cherry and maple woods. An LCD panel built into the base allows you to choose a specific temperature (to the nearest degree) while the hold function keeps the water hot for up to an hour. The gooseneck spout is also ideal for friends or family who like to prepare mud water (i.e. coffee) with a V60 coffee maker or similar. And if that’s not enough, this fall Fellow introduced a new professional model with support for customizable brew settings, WiFi connectivity and more.
Subminimal nanofoam
While Subminimal Nanofoamer is marketed as a device for making the perfect frothed milk for lattes and cappuccinos, I’ve found it also doubles as an incredibly powerful whisk. It’s much quicker and more convenient than a traditional bamboo bowl, making it the perfect gift for anyone who loves an everyday cup of matcha. It comes in two models: one that uses AA batteries and a rechargeable version, the latter of which has a USB-C port (which I really appreciate as a gadget enthusiast). It also features two speed settings and a replaceable mesh sieve handle so you can whisk milk in a range of consistencies. And because it’s suitable for both coffee and tea, it’s a great multitasker for mixed households.
Breville IQ Electric Kettle
For those on your list who prefer function over form, you should definitely consider Breville IQ Electric Kettle. In addition to having almost double the capacity (57 ounces versus 30 ounces) of the Stagg, it has dedicated temperature settings for many major types of tea (green, white, oolong, and black). It’s also a little more powerful with an output of up to 1,500 watts, meaning less waiting for the water to heat up.
OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket
One of the easiest ways to make better tea is to ditch individual tea bags and switch to loose leaf teas. This is because tea bags typically contain lower quality leaves that often sit on shelves for months (or years), with the entire process prioritizing convenience over flavor. Additionally, the fabric or (most commonly) paper used to make tea bags can also impart undesirable flavors.
If you know someone who is looking to get into loose leaf teas, they will need an infuser, and OXO is one of the best. Its stainless steel basket won’t spoil the taste and its included lid traps heat during brewing while also doubling as a saucer to prevent dripping once the tea is ready to drink. The basket is also a perfect size to fit virtually any mug (and even many pitchers of iced tea), and at just $15, it’s cheap enough to buy two or more, so there will always be a clean one ready to use.
Rishi Tea Sampler
For someone who has just started their tea journey, Rishi Premium Sachet Sampler is a great place to start. They’ll be able to try high-quality flagships like English Breakfast and Jade Cloud, as well as fun blends like Peach Yuzu Green Tea and Valerian Dream. In total there are 12 different varieties with duplicates of a few classics (Earl Gray and Peppermint). That’s two weeks of new flavors in one convenient package.
Fellow Atmos vacuum cartridge
While Fellow Atmos Bottle was originally intended to preserve coffee, it is equally effective in keeping tea tasting fresh and flavorful, even after long periods of time. This is because simply turning its lid removes oxygen from the can, slowing potential oxidation that can make tea taste dull and lifeless. It comes in three sizes (0.4, 0.7 and 1.2 liters) and a range of materials, although you’ll probably want to stay away from the glass version, as light is another source potential oxidation. (Leave the clear one for cookies or something.) And while it’s a little pricey, in my opinion there’s no better way to keep even the fanciest sheets over time.
Breakaway Matcha Flight Kit
Getting started with matcha can be intimidating, even for longtime tea drinkers. Not only can matcha be expensive, but, because it is very finely ground green tea and leaves steeped in water, it has a very different flavor profile and texture. So instead of buying someone just one type of matcha, give them this matcha flight kit A try. It includes four different blends ranging from bright herbaceous varieties to more flavorful blends. There is also a handcrafted bamboo spoon, a sieve, a tea towel and above all, a motorized whisk to properly prepare the perfect cup.
Firebelly Tea Travel Mug
Tea is a drink all year round and for anyone who wants to take their infusion on the road (hot or cold), Firebelly’s Tea Travel Mug covered them. It comes with an interior chamber that can be filled with ice, allowing you to chill your brew in an instant. Alternatively for hot tea, you can simply lay your leaves on the bottom, fill it with hot water then insert the chamber when you wish to stop the brew. The mug is powder coated to better resist nicks and scratches, while the double-walled design keeps your drink at the right temperature for hours. There is also a flow control lid that helps prevent spills while still allowing drinkers to enjoy the scent of their tea.
Tea House Tea Scented Candles
For those times when you or a loved one desire the relaxing aroma of tea but may not have room for another cup, consider The range of scented candles from Tea House. There are eight different varieties to choose from, from creamy London Fog to spicy options like the Chai Latte. Each soy-based candle is hand-poured and available in eight or 14 ounce sizes. It’s the perfect way to add extra ambiance to those holiday get-togethers and maybe even convert some coffee drinkers.