The approaching holiday season is often a source of consternation and stress for many who are at a loss for new gift ideas. The standard approach of giving items of clothing, jewelry, perfumes, or the last-minute, last-resort gift card can leave a sense of unfulfilled wishes and dissatisfaction for the giver more than the receiver, in most cases.
In fact, the marketplace is flooded each year’s end blooming tea with trendy and impractical items whose appreciation often won’t outlast the wrapping they come in. This scenario is played out again and again, raising the obvious question – what in the world can one do to find a unique gift idea?
The idea of a tea gift may not be the first answer. It may even draw a harrumph or two, considering the commonplace nature of tea in the realm of social events. Yet there have been some changes in the world of tea brewing and serving that have disrupted the playing field forever.
It may be true that the serving of tea is one of a practical nature, even though it carries a certain significance in the areas of entertaining, hospitality, and social standing. This applies as much to the ceremony as it does the actual tea that is served, which requires a level of quality yet is more of a perfunctory choice than it is of personal pleasure.
This reality has been changed by the introduction of herbal teas to the market for acceptable brewed beverages. The re-discovery of the wealth of choices that are available in the area of botanical brews has created a firestorm of interest in the importance of healthy living, not only in an individual sense but as an aspect of society at large. More people are integrating a healthy approach to their dietary lifestyle than ever before, so much so that it has become almost unthinkable to live any other way.
Consequently, the practice of giving gifts during the holidays has been altered to include this approach to expressing one’s awareness of social issues. A tea gift such as a glass teapot can actually carry more significance than a pricey bit of jewelry in today’s health-conscious world.
The giving of a glass teapot or other tea gift is made easier now because of this increased interest in herbal teas. The herbal tea market is flooded with choices, from the standard oolong or black and green teas to more exotic fruit infusions and the blossom teas that create a visual art display when brewed. These new choices in tea serving have opened up the gates to creativity in gift-giving.
There are nearly as many options in a tea gift as there are in types of herbal teas. A tea gift of a mug set, complete with a selection of choice teas, is a unique and thoughtful idea that will be appreciated greatly, especially by the single person who may not have time for, or interest in, a tea ceremony per se. There are also complete tea sets – consisting of a quality glass teapot, tea cups, and a selection of herbal teas – that will likely be received with a great deal of interest and appreciation. All in all, a tea gift will certainly be treasured long after the service is over.