Leaf It to Us: A Diwali Tea Gifting Guide

Every Diwali, the same question comes back for the umpteenth time: what do you give people who already have everything and still stand out in a pile of gifts? Mithai is gone in two days and half the family is watching their sugar these days anyway. Diya sets are pretty, but it’s the fourth one on the shelf, or fifth? Tea is a better bet. The tin sits in the kitchen, gets opened every day and every time it does, they remember who gave it.

Here is how we’d go about it, person by person.

For the elder who likes it light: Himalayan Darjeeling

Think of that gentle person who says “not too strong, beta” every time you make them a cup. Darjeeling is for them. It is light and floral, with a hint of crisp mountain air and it never overpowers. It is also easy to get right: water at about 85°C, a teaspoon of leaf, two to three minutes. No milk needed, though there are few who cannot do without milk, so one is always welcome to add some. If they have been drinking the same everyday tea for thirty years, this may be the cup that makes them pause.

For the family: Kashmiri Kahwa or Masala Chai

Pick by the house you are visiting. If the evening ends with long conversations and a second round of sweets, take the Kashmiri Kahwa. It is a green tea with select spices, warming and a little special, and it makes people sit longer. If the house runs on chai, take the Masala Chai, or one of our regional chais like Kolkata Street Cha or Jaipur Royale if you know their taste. Boil it with milk, let it rise, keep it on low for a few minutes, and serve it with whatever is left of the meal or mithai. A tin like this gets used by everyone at home, which is the whole point of a family gift.

For the health-conscious friend: a Functional blend

We all know that one. Morning walk, no sugar, a steel bottle always in hand. Our Functionals are Ayurvedic-rooted blends meant for everyday balance, with options for immunity, sleep, digestion and a clear head. Choose by what they would want more of: a calmer evening, an easier stomach after the festive food, a steadier morning. These like to be brewed slowly. Use hot water, one and a half teaspoons of leaf and cover the cup for five to six minutes. They are made to be sipped, so they suit someone who is already trying to slow down.

For anyone you are unsure about: the Discovery Pack

The boss, the neighbour, the cousin’s husband/ wife. You don’t know their taste, guessing is risky and you want to give something meaningful. The Discovery Pack lets them do the choosing. It brings a taste of our six collections together, so they can find out for themselves whether they are a Darjeeling person or a Kahwa person. It is also the easiest first order for anyone new to Aamez.

A few small things

• Along with a personalized note, write the brewing temperature. Elders will thank you. A good Darjeeling likes 85°C, and green tea likes the kettle rested for a few minutes first.
• Buy two. From experience we can safely suggest that the person giving always wants one for themselves.
• Order early. Diwali is on 8 November and the last week gets drowned in last minute hiccups
• Shipping is free above ₹600, and we ship internationally, so that cousin abroad is covered too.
• Use YoursTruly10 for 10% off your first order.

Not sure which one to pick? Message us on WhatsApp at +91 97119 56700 and we’ll help you match the tea to the person.

Happy Diwali, from all of us at Aamez.