The 12 Days of Teamas: Day 8

Dutch people are unmistakably Dutch.

As is this playful tea pot ($120) from Dutch designer Esther Derkx. Images of gymnasts, dancers and pinup girls- who perhaps indicate how you'll feel after four cups of tea, or after moving to Holland- are artfully screen-printed onto salvaged vintage teapots. That makes it ideal for any preachy, eco-conscious friends on your gift list.

Get one of these and you'll want to belt out "hit me with your best pot," but quietly, quietly- you don't want to give away what's all wrapped up in that box.

The 12 Days of Teamas: Day 7

It's sad but true- you probably can't afford to give anyone a trip to Hawaii for Christmas this year.

But you can give them the next best thing: 100% Hawaiian grown and processed green tea from Mauna Kea. It's produced on the big island of Hawaii using natural farming techniques, and it is one of the very few teas made in the U.S.


Give its everyday organic green tea ($10 for 15g), and you'll be showered with mahalos even without a pair of tickets to Honolulu in your other hand.

The 12 Days of Teamas: Day 6

Attention readers: We have a winner! Mazeltov to floatingink, who loves Iron Goddess oolong- please write me at teaspotnyc at gmail dot com so I can send you the goods. And now, on to the gifts...

If the thought of any more tea to drink has your friends or family clutching their stomachs, what about wearing it?

It's not possible to overdose on the luxe white tea eye cream ($23) and white tea night cream ($28) from Israeli-based soapsmith Sabon. (It's a favorite brand for germaphobes like me, because the retail outlets have a giant copper sink where customers are encouraged to wash their hands and test out the various lines.)

If you use these products, your skin will be so smooth that people might mistake you for a little lost child while you're out finishing up your holiday shopping.

Don't give away the fact that you're pushing 40 just yet, though- milk it and see if you can get at least a candy cane out of it, or a seat on some old fat guy's lap.

The 12 Days of Teamas: Day 5

For the open-minded tea-gift giver, check out The Art and Soul of Baking ($29.95) by pastry chef Cindy Mushet, published by chi-chi cooking store Sur La Table. I don't have this book so I can't speak to the over 250 recipes, but I've paged through it greedily and read endless positive reviews.

And how winter wonderlandy is that cover?

If you've never had anything other than Oreos to accompany your tea, this may very well be the book to help fill the kitchen with homemade cookies, cakes and breads. And if you give it as a gift, the recipient just might repay you with some of those. It's only fair.

Don't forget to enter the Tea Spot giveaway!

Just leave a comment on any of The 12 Days of Teamas posts by December 15th, and tell me your favorite tea to give or receive. After I consult my numerologist to pick a random number, Numi's fabulous flowering tea gift set could be yours, absolutely free.

The 12 Days of Teamas: Day 4

What better to go along with that matcha scoop than a unique chawan or matcha bowl ($37) from Inkypots?

This handmade, delicate ivory stoneware vessel would set off the emerald-green of the tea beautifully, and I imagine it would be a delight to wrap your hands around as you sip.

And you never have to drink alone- that little bird perched on the rim will be there to keep you company no matter how early you get (or stay) up.

Don't forget to enter the Tea Spot giveaway!

Just leave a comment on any of The 12 Days of Teamas posts by December 15th, and tell me your favorite tea to give or receive. After I consult my numerologist to pick a random number, Numi's fabulous flowering tea gift set could be yours, absolutely free.

The 12 Days of Teamas: Day 3

No, it's not an adorable mini field hockey stick for mice, though that would also make an amazing Christmas present.

It's a chashaku or Japanese bamboo tea scoop ($6) from Matcha Source, and with it you can dole out the proper amount of powdered green tea time and again. I've always wanted one because they feel so amazingly light and smooth in hand, and it would probably correct my little issue of accidentally dumping 1/2 cup of matcha into my sifter, cursing the day, and then carefully trying to pour the excess back into the container without losing any (that matcha is expensive stuff).

Plus, a little mouse could use it to play field hockey. That's cute.

Don't forget to enter the Tea Spot giveaway!

Just leave a comment on any of The 12 Days of Teamas posts by December 15th, and tell me your favorite tea to give or receive. After I consult my numerologist to pick a random number, Numi's fabulous flowering tea gift set could be yours, absolutely free.

The 12 Days of Teamas: Day 2

For any tea novices on your list, soothe their anxieties about making a cup with the expansive Harney and Sons guide to tea gift set ($75).

It includes the fascinating little book A Guide to Tea, which I have and refer to frequently, and a foolproof kit for perfect brewing, including three types of loose tea that are highlighted in the book, a measuring spoon and an instant-read thermometer.

Only an idiot could screw up a cup of tea after receiving this gift. (You may want to keep that in mind, and adjust your expectations of your next recipient-made cup accordingly.)

Don't forget to enter the Tea Spot giveaway!

Just leave a comment on any of The 12 Days of Teamas posts by December 15th, and tell me your favorite tea to give or receive. After I consult my numerologist to pick a random number, Numi's fabulous flowering tea gift set could be yours, absolutely free.