International Tea Day 2024: Five sets to gift every tea lover

International Tea Day, observed annually on May 21, celebrates the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of tea. Tea has been a vital part of many cultures for centuries, with unique rituals and traditions associated with its preparation and consumption.

It symbolises hospitality, friendship and comfort in various communities worldwide. This day aims to promote and foster collective actions to implement activities in favour of the sustainable production and consumption of tea and raise awareness of its importance in fighting hunger and poverty.

International Tea Day is a day to reflect on the challenges faced by tea producers and to explore ways to promote fair trade and sustainable practices in the tea industry.

This Chai Tea Assortment Gift Set from VAHDAM India comes in a regal red pack, featuring six luscious blends that resonate with traditional Indian palates. Inside, you'll find 60 tea bags, with 10 of each variety, including Indian Original Masala Chai, Vanilla Spiced Masala Chai, Turmeric Spiced Herbal Tea Tisane, Sweet Cinnamon Masala Chai, Earl Grey Spiced Chai Tea, and Turmeric Ginger Herbal Tea Tisane. Sourced from the finest estates and spice gardens, each tea bag is wrapped in individual envelopes to retain its freshness. ₹1,199. Available online.

Ilem Japan's Ocha Bento box offers a carefully curated selection of Japan's finest teas. This set includes Japanese Matcha, Sencha Japanese Green Tea (a greenish-golden hue that delights with its light aroma and bittersweet notes), Hojicha Japanese Green Tea (this tea from Kagoshima Prefecture embodies a distinctive mellow and nutty flavour), and Genmaicha Japanese Green Tea (its warm, nutty taste with a roasted aroma and a subtle sweetness is complemented beautifully by a pale yellow color when brewed). ₹4,140. Available online.

With the Makaibari Festive Edition, indulge in a lively tea assortment featuring Awaken - Orange & Spice Black Tea, a heady infusion of citrusy orange and spice. Revere - Jasmine & Mint Green Tea, with Himalayan jasmine buds and mint, brings forth tranquillity, peace, and renewal. Evoke - Saffron & Rose Black Tea, rich with Himalayan saffron balanced by aromatic wild rose, unfurls earth’s bounty in your cup. The set includes a Kettle Tea Infuser, a convenient and stylish kettle-shaped infuser that can be opened from the top and closed after adding the tea leaves. ₹3,399. Available online.

The Tea Lover’s Bliss box by 1868 by Tata Tea, carefully curated, is a collection of six bestselling teas. It includes Masala Chai, crafted with a rich blend of spices and bold Assam tea, and Kolkata Street Chai, bursting with the robust flavours of cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg. Cream of Assam Tea is renowned for its strength, aroma, taste and rich malty notes. From the pristine hills of Munnar, known for producing some refreshingly floral teas, comes Jasmine Green Tea. Chai Biscotti tea is infused with natural almond flavour and a whiff of freshly baked cookies. Finally, the rich flavours of Kesar Pista and the dessert-like aroma of cardamom in Dessert Chai fulfil the ultimate desire to relish an Indian sweet. ₹2,000. Available online.

A Journey with Tea by Tea Culture of the World invites you to embark on a voyage of flavours, aromas, and traditions from around the globe. Begin with Assam Tea before heading off to Rooibos, originating from a mountainous region 200 kilometres from Cape Town in South Africa, followed by Mate Tea in South America, Sencha from Japan, English Breakfast, Moroccan Mint, Jasmine Tea from China, Oolong and finishing with Dimbula Ceylon in Sri Lanka. The box also includes a Long Handle Infuser. ₹3,700. Available online.