What is a gift?
Written by Winnie Yu
It is the time of the year again where a myriad of choices
of gifts are available, and a myriad of decisions need to be made. What would
be a gift someone would appreciate, something special, something they need?
My criteria for a gift is this: something meaningful,
something befitting the ethos and the values that we embody personally,
something that will produce a healthier and deeper lifestyle. I would not gift
computer games to my nieces and nephews, for example, even if that would please
them tremendously.
I think of all different ways tea can be gifted. For someone
who spends most of their time in an office, lacking the space and means to make
tea properly and resorting to teabags, I would gift a large basket infuser that
fits universally into any mug. Included with that gift would be Darjeeling,
Keemun, or Ceylon, a strong black tea that helps one stay awake during office
meetings. For a mom who has given her life and free time to the care of her
children, I would gift a white tea such as Silver Needle or White Peony, teas
that are low in caffeine but soothes and calms the nervous system. A commuter would receive our travelling
thermoses such as the Timolino brand of tea thermoses. My favorite this season?
Our new porcelain teapot travelling set, made with fine but sturdy porcelain,
including a server and 6 cups in their own inner pouches, protected in a padded
tote pouch. The pouch is large enough for me to carry a sampling of tea, and I
would serve myself or friends in style, anywhere in the world! My favorite world travelling tea?
Tikuanyin of course, compact in size, invigorating, aromatic. Tea is also a great alternative to wine
in a hostess gift, as great teas are hard to find and appreciated for pairing
with cheese and desserts. For some
one working on a healthier lifestyle, I would gift a matcha bowl and whisk with
some smooth sweet matcha, for a high antioxidant everyday ritual.
Gifting fine teas can contribute to a healthier lifestyle,
opening the doors to a whole new world of good taste. Classes are available to
learn about tea in depth, as well
as subscriptions your friends can use to choose whatever they want each month.
Introduce your friends to the deep, rich tradition of tea this season!
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