If you have friends or family members who are passionate about tea, surprise them with gift baskets inspired by their favorite beverage. Not only do tea-themed baskets make thoughtful birthday and holiday presents, they are ideal housewarming, anniversary, bridal, and retirement gifts as well.
You can either include a variety of different types of teas, such as black, green, white and herbal, or just stick to one type if you know the recipient's favorite blend. The options are endless, as each variety is available in a wide range of flavors, such as peach, apricot, and lemongrass. Floral-inspired flavors include rose, hibiscus, and even lavender. Some teas offer warm notes of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamon.
If you're not sure what your friend or loved one prefers, you can't go wrong with darjeeling Himalayan tea, a Chinese tea that grows in India and is both delicate and flavorful. This popular black tea can be found unflavored, in its natural state, or enhanced with spices, fruits, and florals.
Here are some tips for assembling the perfect tea-inspired gift basket:
1. Choosing the Basket
When picking a basket to hold the tea-themed goodies, presentation is as important as usability. Pick a container that the gift recipient can put to use even after all of the tea and treats are gone.
As one idea, choose a rustic picnic basket featuring a sturdy leather strap. Fill the basket with treats that the recipient can use outdoors on a picnic lunch, such as iced tea mixes and sausage and crackers. You can even find baskets featuring picnic essentials, including either reusable plastic or silverware, and cups and plates.
If a picnic basket is out of your price range, stick to just a plain wicker basket, which your loved one can use to store books, small collectibles or any other household item when the tea is gone.
2. Picking the Teas
Depending on the size of the basket and your gift-giving budget, choose one or several boxes or tins of tea. You can either go with all hot or all iced varieties, or a mix of both.
3. Including Snacks
Although you can give a basket filled with strictly teas, consider adding a few complementing snacks if you have the space. Some ideas include scones, delicate crackers, baked goods such as cookies and muffins, or biscotti.
As a fun presentation, nestle a personalized mug or tea cup in the basket and fill it with a few small edible goodies. For assistance, talk to a professional like Tea Composer.
