5 Great Gifts That Tea Can Give YOU
It’s closing in on us. Can you feel it?
Closer…
Closer…
Yes, it’s that special time of the year. Right about now is when you flip through your address book— the old-school paper version, or the easily-accessed virtual one on your phone— and slowly feel panic seeping in as the question hits: “What the dickens am I going to get these folks for the holidays*?”
It’s ok. We all experience this every year, and there’s no need to— wait a sec.
Come to think of it, if you’re perusing this article already on Adagio’s Teamuse magazine, home of gift options for every occasion, then chances are that you’re not actually feeling the aforementioned panic.
This is good! Please, congratulate yourself— I’m serious. You don’t have to be a Capricorn like me to enjoy thinking ahead for your loved ones. I bet you’re already ahead of the curve, planning out how to pair each dear friend or family member with a delectable tea that suits their individual personality. (Or a fun sampler if you can’t decide, or if the recipient is especially multifaceted they may enjoy a customizable gift box.)
So you’re fine. Maybe it’s time to think about softer stuff— like the gifts that tea can bring us that don’t come in a well-wrapped and thoughtfully-handled package.
Health
This is the easy one. I’ve spent the year telling you about all the ways to benefit from the healing, happy properties of tea, so get out there and play with them! Adagio’s wellness collection will always have my vote of confidence to explore how tea can bring you a quieter stomach, easier breathing, and better cardio for post-New Year’s go-get-it season. (See? I didn’t say resolutions. No pressure.)
Wealth
A teaspoon in the cup is often only a few cents to make. (Adagio is great about this because they help break down the cost for you. The larger sizes you buy, the less expensive it is per cup!) Instead of buying an expensive styrofoam cup of dubious outside preparation, enjoy saving a hefty chunk of cash by treating yourself to your own tea experience. May you curl up with a cute ceramic double wall mug or travel infuser that makes you feel as warm and fuzzy inside as the comforting drink within!
Friendship
There’s something about entering the world of tea, a certain sparkle that lends itself to solidarity instead of solitude. If you haven’t checked out the TeaChat forums or gotten in with the CommuniTEA, now is your chance to give your swiping thumb a rest from meetup apps, as you’ll be getting the chance to meet real people based on a mutual love of tea.
Culture
Pick any type of tea— black for instance— and you’re immediately signing up for a magic carpet ride through countries that no one can ever hope to visit without buying a plane ticket. Safely in the cozy nook of your home, you can learn about the wilds of China, Japan, India, and Taiwan, plus more! Taste the world through the varied nuances of each environment and terrain while saving money on that plane ticket with a great handful of samplers, such as Teas of India and Sri Lanka, Premium Teas of China, and Teas of Japan. (Wealth in your pocket again, my dear!)
Humor
Face it: tea has a lot of inside jokes and really terrible puns associated with it. This season, make merry with them. You know you want to. I won’t judge you until next year, and no one else should, either. Also, can't hurt to surprise someone with Chili Lime Green- it certainly packs a playful punch. Careful not to oversteep!
There you go. What are you waiting for? Go make yourself a cup of well-deserved health, wealth, friendship, culture, and some no-hold-barred holiday cheer.
Cheers!
Nat Nesic
NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach
* You’ve probably been around long enough to know that “holidays” is short for any day of celebration you might partake in between Halloween (or plain old October 31st, if you don’t celebrate) and about a week after New Year’s Day (or plain old January 1st, if you follow a lunar calendar). This is to cover everything including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah/Latke Week, Advent, Kwanzaa, Jinglemas, Agnostic Day**, the two different Christmas Eves and Christmas Days shared by Western and Eastern Orthodox faith, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and any extra time you might need to send cards to the folks you missed at the beginning of the season but still want to wish well.
**Not an official calendar holiday, but come on. Everyone should be able to have an excuse to drink something seasonally-special and celebrate making it through another weird, wonderful year!