Coffee may be international but in Britain, even coffee drinkers like nothing better than a nice cup of tea, with or without milk, of an afternoon. And they'll have none of those fancy, spiced or gourmet teas if you please. Just good, solid black teas, brewed to perfection and served in the right sort of cup. These teas, teapots and kettles will deliver the real British cuppa for the tea lovers, British expats or anglophiles on your holiday list.
English Favorites Tea Sampler
A sampler of popular British tea flavors - plus a ringer or two. There are eight different loose teas to try, all packed in pretty tins. The package contains, Cinnamon, Earl Grey, English Breakfast, English Evening, Prince of Wales, Russian Caravan, Decaffeinated Earl Grey, and Decaffeinated English Breakfast Tea. Each tin holds between 0.75 oz and 1.25 oz depending on the leaf size of the tea. A great way to try out lots of different teas and to find the one that brings back the best memories of Britain.
Spode Flowers of the Month Bone China Teacups and Saucers
Price Grabber
A nice cup of tea calls for a really nice cup. English bone china maker Spode has an enormous range to choose from. Their Flowers of the Month collection features some real "raised pinky" numbers that make an ordinary cup of cha taste very special. A delicate gift for a collector, you could start with December, pictured here, or choose another month for a birthday or special occasion.
Six Cup Classic Teapot
Price Grabber
This classic, "Brown Betty" shaped teapot, in fire engine red, is just the sort of everyday teapot found in thousands of homes in the UK. It will bring back memories of B&B stays, small guest houses and self-catering in vacation rental homes. Made of glazed stoneware, it is the working man of tea pots yet, in its glossy red disguise, a festive addition to a holiday table.
Godinger Silver-Plated Repousse Tea Strainer
Price Grabber
A proper tea strainer is de rigueur for anyone who takes the trouble to brew good quality, loose leaf tea in a fine china teapot. This ornate silver plated strainer, brings back memories of tea at Claridges (even for someone who has never been!). An indulgent, luxury present for an indulgent tea lover.
Stainless Steel Tea Strainer
Price Grabber
A generous size soft mesh weave, in a polished stainless surround, makes this everyday tea strainer a pleasure to use. It sits easily a top a tea cup too. Tuck it in a Christmas stocking, along with a present of loose leaf tea - perfect for a traditional tea drinker who doesn't go for too much pomp and circumstance.
Lapsang Souchong Tea
This uniquely smoky flavored tea is so habit forming that it is packed for giving in a huge, two pound bag. A black tea from the Fujian Province of China, it is dried over pine fires which impart a distinctive flavor. I was introduced to Lapsang in Northern Ireland and I've been a fan ever since. Choose this one for giving to make a lasting impression.Twinings English Breakfast Tea
When it comes to tea, you can't get much more British than Twinings (they say "Twinnings" over here) and when it comes to Twinings, you probably can't get much more English than English Breakfast Tea. This is a gift of home for any British expat. And the solid, caffeine-rich tea drinkers flavor of English Breakfast Tea will brighten up a morning for anyone. Ironically, English Breakfast Tea was invented in Edinburgh, by a Scotsman. It was popularized in England by Queen Victoria and renamed by the restaurants and tea houses in England. Some think that, mixed with milk, English Breakfast tea has the aroma of toast - thus its name. Stock up with a six-pack of 7 oz tins to share with all your tea loving friends.Breville Tea Kettle
Price Grabber
No self-respecting British kitchen is complete without an electric kettle. It was the tea drinking habit that popularized these kettles but nowadays they're used to boil up water for just about anything. They're energy efficient and useful in the summer - when they don't heat up the kitchen. This is a smart looking, modern version is brushed stainless steel. It has a ready bell and an automatic shut-off when the water is boiled, plus safety features to release steam slowly when the kettle is opened. A nice present for a tea or coffee drinker and useful for safe heating of water in an office or studio.
