Tis the Other Season! That is, the spring-summer round of gift-giving occasions to celebrate those we love, from new graduates of high school and college, bridal couples pursuing a new life together, and of course, special days to honor moms and dads.

Here are a few inspiring ideas to suggest to your customers for their favorite parent, child, or friend. And, no surprise, we think every gift box should include some delicious fine teas and selections from our AdagioBees tea honeys. What a delicious, healthful, way to say sweet things to those you love.

PACKAGE GIFTS IN CLEVER WAYS

Speaking of gift baskets, how about these ideas for innovative boxes your customers will love:

-Paper Hat Boxes: Available in rounds or oblongs, these are a fun twist for men or women. Scout thrift shops for antique ones or buy from a wholesale hat maker.

-Upcycle Easter baskets for women or girls and match the pastel colors with similar pastel-colored teapots, cups, and pretty linens. Look around your shop; what other packaging can be upcycled as gift baskets with a little wrapping paper or a creative use of stickers?

-Serve it Up on a Plate: Use your best platters, sandwich stands, or dinner plates. Arrange tea tins, packages of cookies, and some recipe cards; wrap with cellophane and garnish with ribbons. This enables you to sell pretty plates in your inventory plus “basket” items; double purpose, double the price!

-Go Tiny: While gift baskets can be quite the splurge, remember those customers for whom a gift under $20 is more in their budget. The solution? A pretty teacup and saucer or a fun mug, stuffed with teabags, a measuring spoon, and/or tea filters or whatever small items you can add. Wrap with cellophane, tie up with a ribbon, and offer as a pre-packaged, easy-to-buy item. Place by your register for impulse sales.

ACCESSORIES EVERYONE NEEDS

Whether to pack a gift box or an open basket, consider adding something delicious to eat, packaged or freshly-made, accessories like measuring spoons, infusers, crystal tea sugar, candies, candles, notebooks and special pens, and whatever you think would add to the significance of each recipient. If customers cannot decide, suggest a Gift Certificate; perhaps in one of your curated greeting cards. P.S. Add some sample packs of favorite Selefina Spices for those who love to add delicious flavorings to their herbals or teas.

Paper Filters make it easy for anyone to transition from teabags to loose-leaf teas. They’re easy-to-use, disposable, and need no fancy holder or other equipment; just fold over the edge of a cup or teapot. Chlorine free, so taste neutral. This is perfect for the office worker who needs a discreet and, again, neat way to

EQUPMENT AND TEA SUGGESTIONS

FOR THE GRADUATE we suggest our ingenuiTEA brewer. So simple to use, easy to clean, and brews up two full cups. A gotta-have whether your kid is in a dorm or apartment and wants his favorite beverage. BPA free and a stainless steel filter basket. To make this gift totally complete, add loose-leaf Tea Portions, with different herbal and tea selections to suit every mood, every taste.

FOR THE NEWLWEDS we’re giving them April in Paris tea even if they’re honeymooning on Fiji. It’s a romantic blend of vanilla, pomegranate, and caramel blended with black and oolong teas. Tres magnifique! For total charm, and something that will age beautifully as they do, add a Harbin Yixing teapot, handmade with classic zi sha clay aka Qing Shui Ni clay. Matching cups available. This simply designed pot is perfect for dedication to one singularly special tea and holds 6 delicious ounces; tea can be re-infused several times.

FOR MOM, give her dessert first, with our Almond Cardamom Cake tea, with toasted almonds, sweet cinnamon, luxurious cardamom along with caffeine-free, drink anytime rooibos, in loose leaf or teabag selections. Add a superb glazed iron pot that does double duty as kettle and brewing vessel. Our Particle teapot in elegant oyster, will add sparkle, and function to mom’s tea brewing experience.

FOR DAD, what better tea utensil than a variable-temperature electric kettle, the utiliTEA to accurately heat water to suit any tea or herbal he loves? Keeps water hot between infusions and looks great in the kitchen, den, or office. Pair it with everyone’s favorite Glass Mug and Infuser. Take it anywhere, use it anytime. Borosilicate glass cup (dishwasher safe!) and generous; holds 14 ounces. Lid doubles as a coaster for the removable stainless steel infuser.