Gift ideas for tea lovers

When it comes to perfect gift ideas for tea lovers, there are many options available. Whether you're looking to spend $5 or $100, consider the following gift items for the tea aficionado in your life.

Tea

The most obvious choice is tea, which is available loose, in a K-cup or in bags, with caffeine or without, and in small boxes or large tea chests. Some popular American brands are Bigelow, Lipton, Stash and Salada. If your gift recipient prefers English tea, Twinings is widely available in the United States.

If you want to buy a gift that will impress, consider the following:

• Bigelow offers a Charleston Tea Plantation Ta Chest with six types of tea bags for around $35.
• Stash sells tea chests made of acrylic, starting at under $16 and going up from there to elaborate wooden chests.
• Twinings offers a lovely wooden tea box that can be bought empty and then filled with the teas of your choice: black, mixed or green/herbal. The chest with tea is $60.

Teapot

If the tea lover in your life enjoys brewing tea, then a teapot makes an excellent gift. If they like loose tea, you can include a tea ball. Teapots come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. Choose a style that will complement your tea lover's personality and kitchen decor. Whether it is modern, traditional or oriental style, it is sure to please.

Teacups and mugs

An artisan ceramic mug or interesting tea cup is also a great gift option. Many cups and mugs are available, from portable mugs to delicate cups and saucers. If they enjoy drinking tea in a mug, the sky is the limit. It can be new or consider fine bone china from an antique shop.

Tea of the month club

For a gift that keeps on giving, a tea of the month club will make your gift recipient think of you every month. These can be quite pricey since you are really giving 12 gifts, but it's a nice option for that special someone.

Tea cookies

For the tea aficionado who has everything, buy a gift basket filled with a delicious array of goodies to enjoy at tea time. Many traditional tea cookies are available, including the ultimate buttery shortbread cookie. Traditionally, these are luxurious is imported from England or Scotland.

These are just a few of the many options you have when choosing a great gift for the tea lover in your life. If there is a tea shop in your area, why not stop by and browse, just in case there's something they might enjoy even more than these suggestions? Most of these gifts are also available online.