Holiday Tea Gift Guide from Hackberry Tea
We at Hackberry Tea understand how challenging thinking of the perfect gift can be, and we're here to make that process easier for you. Socks and gift cards are nice, but why not change it up and give the gift of premium loose-leaf tea this year?
Tea is such a versatile drink and whether you like iced tea, hot tea, tea lattes, caffeine-free tea, fruit tisanes, or traditional loose-leaf teas, there is something for everyone. Tea is also full of history, culture, and tradition, making it a memorable and thoughtful gift. With every sip, your loved ones will be reminded of the unforgettable holiday memories you share.
Figuring out which tea to get someone can be a hard decision because there are so many options to choose from. That's why we've created this holiday gift guide. Tea types, flavor profiles, health benefits, and brewing methods are factors that can impact your decision-making process. We have gathered a list of questions to think about when picking out the ideal tea gift!
What Type of Tea Do They Normally Enjoy? Flavor Preference? Caffeine Level?
There is an array of tea types to choose from here at Hackberry. We offer black, green, white, and rooibos teas along with herbal or fruit tisane blends. All of these teas have unique flavor profiles and offer different health benefits.
Black Tea: If you are looking for teas rich in flavor, bold in color, and have just the right amount of caffeine kick, then black teas are the ideal choice. Black teas are extremely popular in the tea world because they are versatile and taste fantastic hot, iced, or as a tea latte. Many people drink black tea as an alternative to coffee. *Caffeinated (50 mg/cup)
Flavor Notes: Bold, Malty, Earthy, Vanilla, Chocolate
Green Tea: In the last decade, green tea has grown immensely popular in the U.S. We are confident that part of this growth is its delicious taste and refreshing aroma. Many people also attribute the popularity to the high number of antioxidants and its ability to brew a clean, earthy cup of tea. The flavor and color of green tea can vary depending on the origin. *Caffeinated (20-30 mg/cup)
Flavor Notes: Floral, Herbal, Fruity, Bittersweet
White Tea: While white tea may not be as popular or well-known as black and green tea, the flavors and benefits can be just as exceptional. White tea is minimally processed, which gives the leaves a light color and fragile texture. The delicate nature of white tea produces a cup that is subtly sweet and incredibly refreshing. *Caffeinated (15-20 mg/cup)
Flavor Notes: Mild, Floral, Fruity, Honey, Fresh
Rooibos Tea: Rooibos (roy•boss) is a herb native to South Africa. Unlike black, green, or white tea, rooibos is still new to the tea world and has only been around for about 300 years. Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free beverage with a smokey yet sweet flavor profile and is often compared to hibiscus and yerba mate teas. Many of our 'dessert' teas are of the rooibos variety. *Caffeine-Free
Flavor Notes: Smokey, Sweet, Nutty, Caramel, Vanilla
Herbal & Fruit Tisanes: Did you know that tisanes are not actually considered a true tea? Tisanes do not come from Camellia sinensis, which is the plant that produces black, white, and green tea. Although tisane is not part of the 'tea club,' it is gaining popularity worldwide due to its versatility, delicious flavor, and decaffeination. There are different types of tisanes based on their ingredients which can include leaves, bark, fruit, roots, seeds, spices, etc. *Caffeine-Free
Flavor Notes: Sweet, Spicy, or Citrusy depending on the ingredients.
What is Their Purpose for Drinking Tea?
Drinking tea can have many benefits, and certain kinds can aid with specific ailments or health goals. Along with having less caffeine, tea has an abundance of antioxidants and minerals. Listed below are common health conditions and the teas that can help improve them.
Insomnia: Herbal teas are the most popular option for relaxing and unwinding. Ingredients you want to look for that aid with sleep are chamomile, lavender, valerian root, and peppermint.
Digestion: Having a cup of tea after a big meal is one of the best ways to soothe the stomach and help with food absorption and digestion. Teas that can alleviate bloat and discomfort include oolongs or blends that include peppermint, ginger, or fennel.
Allergies: Many people drink rooibos tea to prevent or alleviate allergy symptoms. Much like an antihistamine, rooibos has bioactive flavonoids that work to block mast cells responsible for releasing histamine. If you have horrible allergies this time of year, then a rooibos tea is a must-have.
Immune System: In addition to green tea and blends that include chamomile and lemongrass, hibiscus blends are known to support the immune system. This is due to the high amount of Vitamin C and iron found in hibiscus tea.
How Often Do They Drink Tea?
Although tea does not expire like a gallon of milk would, it can become stale and less flavorful over time. For this reason, it is important to get a bag size that they will be able to consume within a specific time frame. The shelf life of tea depends on the method of storage and tea type. When storing tea, you want to keep it away from heat, light, moisture, and odor. They are best stored in our rice paper resealable tea bags or an airtight ceramic or tin container. Glass jars are acceptable if placed in a cupboard. If stored properly, black and white teas can be preserved for up to two years, and green tea for one year.
Most of our tea leaves are sold in 2 oz, 6 oz, and 12 oz quantities. We also offer sample-sized bags that are about 0.8 oz. Lightweight teas like our herbal or white teas are sold in 1 oz, 3 oz, and 6 oz amounts. If your loved one drinks one cup of tea a day, a 2 oz bag will last about three weeks. This number also goes back to the type of brewing method used because certain methods require more or fewer tea leaves. Our sample-size options are always a safe bet if you are unsure about the quantity and want to purchase various tea types and flavors. That way, your loved one can discover their new favorite by testing out different kinds.
One of our favorite ways to gift and introduce new teas is through our Combo Packs. These discounted combo packs focus on a specific theme (best-sellers, fruity teas, seasonal, etc.) and come with the option of three 2 or 6 oz bags of tea. With these bundles, we make the hard decision of picking teas for you. It also allows the person you are buying for to sample different types. As the saying goes, “variety is the spice of life!”
Our hope with this blog is to inform and help make gift shopping a simpler and more pleasant experience. At the end of the day, tea that is expertly sourced, blended, and given with love will be well-received by anyone.
If you have further questions or want to add a gift note, send us an email via our Contact Page, and we would be happy to assist you and provide recommendations!
