Sourcing Curated Collections of Teas, Drinking Chocolates, and Coffees for Christmas Gifts

As the festive season approaches, finding the perfect gift can sometimes feel like a daunting task. 

However, for the tea aficionados, coffee enthusiasts, and chocolate connoisseurs in your life, there’s one sure way to win their hearts: a carefully curated collection of their favourite indulgences. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to source exceptional teas, drinking chocolates, and coffees to make this Christmas truly special.

Why Curated Collections Make the Perfect Gift

Curated collections are more than just products; they offer an experience. Whether it’s the ritual of steeping a fine tea, savouring the first sip of a perfectly brewed coffee, or enjoying the velvety richness of hot chocolate on a winter’s evening, these gifts provide moments of joy and relaxation.

Additionally, gifting a collection allows the recipient to explore new flavours and varieties they might not have discovered on their own. It’s personal, thoughtful, and practical—an ideal combination for Christmas giving.

Finding the Best Tea Collections

For tea lovers, the world of loose-leaf and specialty teas offers endless possibilities. Look for collections that include a mix of classics (like Earl Grey or English Breakfast) and unique blends (such as jasmine pearls or chai spiced with cardamom).

When sourcing a tea collection:

Opt for Artisan Brands – Seek out local or independent tea makers who prioritise quality and sustainability.

Consider the Packaging – Festive or reusable tins add an extra touch of charm.

Look for Themed Sets – Seasonal blends, like spiced apple or winter berry, are perfect for the Christmas season.

Brands like Whittard of Chelsea, Bird & Blend, or T2 offer excellent collections with a variety of options to suit every palate.

Indulging in Drinking Chocolates

For chocolate lovers, drinking chocolate is the ultimate winter treat. Unlike standard hot chocolate, premium drinking chocolates are made with real grated chocolate or high-quality cocoa, delivering a luxurious, decadent experience.

When choosing a drinking chocolate gift:

Select High Cocoa Content – Look for options with 70% cocoa or higher for a rich, authentic flavour.

Experiment with Flavours – From salted caramel to spiced chilli chocolate, there are endless creative variations to explore.

Add a Personal Touch – Pair the drinking chocolate with a beautiful mug or a jar of handmade marshmallows for a complete gift set.

Brands like Hotel Chocolat and Knoops provide exquisite drinking chocolate collections that are sure to impress.

Choosing Exceptional Coffees

For coffee enthusiasts, a curated collection of beans or ground coffee is a thoughtful and versatile gift. From bold espresso roasts to delicate single-origin varieties, the key is variety and quality.

When assembling a coffee gift:

Focus on Freshness – Opt for roasters who roast to order, ensuring the coffee is fresh and aromatic.

Consider Brewing Methods – Tailor your gift to the recipient’s preferred brewing style, whether it’s French press, espresso, or filter.

Go International – Include coffees from renowned coffee-growing regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, or Guatemala for an adventurous tasting journey.

Look to independent UK roasters such as Pact Coffee, Union Hand-Roasted, or Origin Coffee for premium options.

Tips for Creating a Personalised Gift Hamper

If you’re feeling creative, why not build a bespoke gift hamper? Combine teas, coffees, and drinking chocolates with thoughtful extras such as:

Handmade biscuits or biscotti

A stylish tea infuser or coffee scoop

A festive candle for cosy evenings

Mini bottles of flavoured syrups or liqueurs

Arrange the items in a wicker basket or decorative box, wrap it with a ribbon, and include a handwritten note for a personal touch.

Where to Shop

To source your curated collections, explore:

Specialist Stores – Many tea rooms, chocolatiers, and coffee roasters offer gift sets during the festive season.

Christmas Markets – Local markets are great for discovering unique and artisanal products.

Online Boutiques – Websites like Not On The High Street and Etsy feature handcrafted and personalised options.

Final Thoughts

A gift of premium tea, coffee, or drinking chocolate is more than just a present—it’s an invitation to pause, indulge, and savour the moment. By sourcing high-quality, curated collections, you can create memorable Christmas gifts that bring warmth and comfort to your loved ones all winter long.

This festive season, let your gifts be as rich and satisfying as the flavours they hold. Happy gifting!

Perfect Christmas Gifts for Lovers of Hot Drinks

The Christmas season is nearly upon us, and the festive spirit fills the air with warmth and joy. If you’re on the hunt for Christmas gifts, you can never go wrong with a delightful selection of hot drinks.

 Whether your loved ones are coffee aficionados, tea enthusiasts, or hot chocolate connoisseurs, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a steaming mug on a cold winter’s day. 

To help you with your gift-giving this Christmas, we’ve compiled a list of perfect presents for anyone who enjoys a cosy cuppa.

1. Specialty Coffee Gift Packs

For those who can't start their day without a cup of coffee, a thoughtfully curated coffee gift set is a guaranteed hit. Opt for a selection that includes beans or ground coffee sourced from various regions. Look for brands offering unique blends, like rich, full-bodied coffees from Colombia or fruity, lighter roasts from Ethiopia. Many roasters now include detailed tasting notes, which can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Gift Idea: For a touch of luxury, consider a gift pack that includes flavoured syrups, like vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, along with a bag of freshly roasted beans. Alternatively, subscription boxes that deliver fresh coffee every month are a gift that keeps on giving.

2. Artisan Loose Leaf Tea Sets

Tea is more than just a drink—it's a ritual. Whether your giftee prefers classic English Breakfast, soothing herbal infusions, or fragrant chai, a beautiful tea set can transform an everyday moment into something special. Look for high-quality loose leaf options presented in elegant tins or boxes. To create a truly luxurious gift, include a tea infuser and a charming mug.

Gift Idea: Consider selecting a themed set, such as a winter wellness tea box filled with blends designed to warm and comfort. Matcha enthusiasts might appreciate a matcha starter kit complete with a bamboo whisk, bowl, and premium-grade matcha powder.

3. Indulgent Hot Chocolate Hampers

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a cup of hot chocolate. Perfect for a cosy evening by the fire, a hot chocolate gift set can be a heart-warming present for both children and adults alike. Look for kits that include artisanal hot chocolate powders, marshmallows, and perhaps even a dash of peppermint or cinnamon for added festivity.

Gift Idea: For a luxurious twist, seek out hot chocolate flakes made from real chocolate rather than powder. Add a selection of gourmet toppings like salted caramel sauce, chocolate shavings, and flavoured marshmallows for a truly indulgent experience.

4. Specialty Mugs and Drinkware

A beautifully crafted mug can make enjoying a favourite hot drink even more special. Opt for hand-painted ceramics, double-walled glass mugs to keep drinks warmer for longer, or insulated travel mugs for those always on the go. Personalised mugs with names, initials, or a heartfelt message are also a thoughtful choice.

Gift Idea: Pair the mug with a matching coaster, or include a reusable coffee cup for eco-conscious friends who love grabbing a coffee to go.

5. Luxury Drink Accessories

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a gift truly special. If you’re looking for something a bit different, consider adding a few accessories to enhance your loved one's hot drink experience. From electric milk frothers for making café-quality lattes at home to temperature-controlled smart mugs that keep drinks at the perfect sipping temperature, these gifts are perfect for the true hot drink enthusiast.

Gift Idea: A beautifully crafted tea storage box, a set of flavoured coffee creamers, or a collection of botanical syrups can elevate their daily beverage routine.

6. Themed Gift Baskets

If you’re undecided on one particular type of drink, why not combine a few? Themed gift baskets are a versatile option that can be tailored to suit different tastes. You could create a “Winter Warmers” basket filled with hot drinks, cosy socks, and a scented candle, or an “Around the World” hamper featuring coffee and tea from different countries.

Gift Idea: Assemble your own basket by selecting artisanal products from local shops or markets. You could even add some homemade biscuits or chocolates for a personal touch.

7. Subscription Services

For a gift that keeps on giving long after Christmas, consider a subscription service. Whether it's a coffee subscription delivering fresh beans from different roasters, a tea club that introduces new flavours each month, or a hot chocolate subscription with seasonal flavours, this is the perfect present for anyone who loves trying new things.

Gift Idea: Pair the subscription with a beautifully designed journal so they can keep track of their tasting notes and favourite brews.

(Christmas) Wrapping It Up: Thoughtful Extras

To add an extra layer of festivity to your gift, consider including a few thoughtful extras. You could pop in some cinnamon sticks, a jar of locally sourced honey, or a small bottle of flavoured syrup. A handwritten note with a heartfelt message wishing them a warm and cosy Christmas would be the perfect finishing touch.

This Christmas, help your loved ones find joy in the little moments—like sipping a hot drink by the fire on a cold winter’s night. With these gifts, you're not just giving a drink; you're gifting comfort, warmth, and a touch of holiday magic.

As for me? A luxury chocolate drinks hamper is Christmas gifting perfection! 

Happy gifting, and cheers to a season filled with warmth and togetherness!

This Christmas Give The Gift of Tea: Ahmad Tea Unveils 2023 Christmas Gifts Collection

You can really please the loved ones in your life by giving them the gift of tea this Christmas with a real treat from Ahmad Tea’s 2023 Christmas Gifts collection.

Starring in the new collection is a New! Beyond the Leaf Infuser Mug Gift Set and Beyond the Leaf Teabag Selection from the brand’s Great Taste Award winning collection with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

 Plus, a special Festive 24 Days of Tea Advent Calendar (the perfect way for tea lovers to enjoy the countdown to Christmas), Beyond the Leaf Tea baubles, and New! Teabag Selection Boxes from the brand’s stylish Give the Gift of Tea range.

 A gift from Ahmad Tea’s Christmas Collection is one that gives back, as the brand donates 20% of its profits to local grassroots projects to help communities in need all around the world.

The New! 2023 Christmas Gifts collection from Ahmad Tea includes:

New! Kew Beyond the Leaf Infuser Mug Gift Set: Perfect for loose leaf tea lovers, the luxurious new gift set from Ahmad Tea’s Great Taste award-winning Beyond the Leaf collection with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, features a 100g Majestic Breakfast loose leaf tea caddy, plus a stylish ceramic infuser mug with lid. RRP £34.99

 New! Kew Beyond the Leaf Teabag Selection: The Great Taste Award winning collection from Ahmad Tea in collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is now available in an elegant 3x10 teabag selection caddy! Choose from Majestic Breakfast, Elegant Earl Grey, and Garden Afternoon. 3 x 10 foil fresh teabags. RRP £6.99

New! Give the Gift of Tea Teabag Selection:  A stylish Christmas gift housing an exquisite selection of Ahmad Tea’s favourite blends, perfect for adventurous tea lovers. Featuring Earl Grey, English Tea No 1, English Breakfast, Evening Tea Decaffeinated, Green Tea, Cinnamon Haze, Cardamom Tea, and Chai Spice. 8 x 6 teabags. RRP £9.99

 New! Give The Gift of Tea 3 x10 Teabag Selection: A brilliant stocking filler, this 3 x 10 Teabag Selection features three of Ahmad Tea’s most popular classic blends - English Breakfast, Earl Grey & Green Tea – housed in a stylish festive selection caddy. 3 x 10 teabags. RRP £5.99

 24 days of Tea Advent Calendar: What better way for tea lovers to count down to Christmas than with this fun calendar? Featuring 24 foil fresh teabags, there’s a tasty blend to try each day, from classics such as Darjeeling, Earl Grey, Cardamon, Ceylon and English Tea No.1, to more exotic flavours such as Mango & Lychee Green Tea, Apple Refresh, Cinnamon Haze, Camomile & Lemongrass, Honey & Vanilla, Rooibos & Cinnamon, and Berries & Hibiscus. RRP £13.99

 Kew Beyond the Leaf Baubles: Spread the joy this Christmas with Great Taste Award winning loose leaf teas from Ahmad Tea’s collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in a stylish Christmas bauble! Choose from Majestic Breakfast, Splendid Ceylon, and Elegant Earl Grey. 25g loose leaf tea bauble caddy. RRP £3.99

 Gary Winslade, Ahmad Tea's UK Business Development Manager says: “Our new Christmas collection is the perfect and ideal way for tea lovers to spread a little joy during this Christmas period.

 “At Ahmad Tea, our mission is to inspire a love of tea, and this means an incredible amount of skill and dedication goes into making our blends to ensure that every sip is worth it, from hand plucking the best leaves in the world’s finest tea gardens to tasting the tea at each stage in its journey, so tea lovers can be sure they are getting only the very best.

 “AS we have already pointed out, beyond great tasting tea, an Ahmad Tea gift is also one that gives back, as we donate 20% of our profits to local grassroots projects to help tea communities around the world.” (EDITOR: In our opinion this means that Ahmad Tea really holds to the true meaning of Christmas.)

The 2023 Christmas gifts collection from Ahmad Tea is available to buy from uk.ahmadtea.com and Amazon from October 2023.

If you are a retailer who wants to stock Ahmad Teas please contact their UK distributor, Petty Wood https://www.pettywood.co.uk.