From nursery rhymes to imaginary parties with dolls and teddy bears, tea time captures children’s imagination like nothing else. Perhaps it’s the element of ritual, or the opportunity to be fancy with dresses and good manners. Or perhaps they just like the way tea tastes! Whatever the reason, if a child in your life is fascinated with all things tea, encourage their exploration into this vast and wonderful tradition, and it’s bound to turn into a lifelong passion.
Very young children might start with a toy tea set, sized just for them. With a sturdy set made of wood or plastic, even toddlers can practice pouring and serving, and sip their imaginary Darjeeling.
Older children, meanwhile, might be ready for the pleasure of a real china set, whether it’s a tiny, doll-sized set or one just large enough for a kid-sized serving of actual tea.
Books make another always-appropriate gift option for kids of all ages. For story lovers, choose a classic that involves tea and tea parties, such as Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, or A Bargain for Frances by Russell and Lillian Hoban.
Budding chefs might enjoy a cookbook of teatime recipes for scones and cookies, and older children might enjoy learning about the history of tea traditions or about the etiquette of tea parties and tea ceremonies.
And, finally, there’s the tea. While it’s not recommended for children to drink tea or other drinks with caffeine until adolescence, there are plenty of non-caffeine varieties out there, including tisanes and rooibos. Choose naturally sweet flavors, such as fruit varieties, chamomile, or those with a bit of dried honey incorporated into the blend.
And be sure to cool the tea to a temperature more tolerable for young palates. Many children prefer their tea to be lukewarm.
Take a look at our roundup of tea-related gifts. There is sure to be something perfect for any tea-loving boy or girl.
Waterstones| Paint A Tea Set
Paint your own miniature tea set with colorful ceramic paints. Follow the designs on the box or create your own unique tea set and get ready for the most stylish tea party in town. A fun and creative activity. | white ceramic miniature tea set comprising teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, 4 cups, 4 saucers plus 12 x 3ml ceramic paints, paintbrush, and guide.
£11,99 | www.waterstones.com
Peppa Pig Tea Party
It’s time for tea with Peppa’s Teddy, and George’s dinosaur. In this 11-piece set, Peppa has prepared a full afternoon tea for you to enjoy, with plush Mr. Dinosaur and Teddy, cupcakes, teacups, saucers, and spoons. Press the knob on the teapot to hear different phrases, including “Would you like a cup of tea?”, “Yes please”, and “There’s a cup for everyone!”, as well as cute tea-making sounds!
$16.99 | www.ChaptersIndigo.ca
Kidzlane | Boys & Girls Tea Set
This popular 15 piece tea set by Kidzlane features the classic teapot look in gender-neutral colors that appeal to little boys and girls. Unlike other unusable play tea sets, children can actually use the teapot to pour the liquid into their little mugs! So put your chores aside, sit down with your kids, and enjoy a fun little tea party together while they’re still young. BPA-free, dishwasher safe, arrives in a gift box. Set includes 15 pieces teapot with lid – creamer – sugar cup with lid – 4 cups – 4 saucers – 4 spoons
$24.99 | www.amazon.com
Pottery Barn| Rainbow Unicorn Tea Set
Precious and ready for pretend, this Rainbow Unicorn Tea Set has everything they need to host a magical tea party. The small case can be packed up for on-the-go adventures. The tea set features beautiful details with a unicorn and hearts decorating the platter and teapot. Each teacup is designed with a different color and has lovely accent details with gold handles and bottoms. Everything fits neatly inside the carry case for easy mobility to the park or the back yard for an impromptu tea party. Carry case of cardboard and iron alloy, polymeric coating affixed to the metal surface. Recommended 3+. Set includes 1 teapot with lid, 1 sugar jar with lid, 1 creamer, 4 teacups, 4 saucers, 1 serving tray, and 1 carry case. Teapot: 4.75″ w x 3″ deep x 3.5″ tall, holds 7.5 oz. | Case: 9.75″ w x 4″ deep x 6.5″ tall
$49 | www.potterybarnkids.com
Porcelain Disney Frozen Tea Set
Their favorite sisters from Arendelle join in for teatime with this beautiful set. Hand-painted with silver trimmings, this porcelain set is perfect for afternoon tea with siblings and friends. Each cup is adorned with scenes from Disney Frozen so they can enjoy the most magical make-believe. The porcelain tea set showcases beautiful artwork and is finished with delicate touches, such as silver painted trim. Recommended for 8+. Food safe, BPA, phthalate- and lead-free. Set includes 4 teacups, 4 saucers, and 1 lidded teapot
$89 | www.potterybarnkids.com
Palais des thés | Children’s Tea
Created by Palais des Thés for tea lovers of all ages, Children’s Tea is a fruity blend of black tea, citrus fruit, apples, red berries, hibiscus and rose petals. Natural and rich, this tea is very low in caffeine, with a delicious cherry flavour.| 100g
8,50€ | www.palaisdesthes.com
Playwell | Bird Tin Tea Set
All the birds in the sky are on display in this nature-themed tin tea set. This play tea set for four includes a teapot, tray, plates, cups & saucers. Tray measures 25cm x 17cm (10″ x 6.5″). Constructed of metal alloy with polymetric decorative coating. The 15-piece set comes with a carry case to easily transport the party from the bedroom to the back yard.
$34.99 | www.amazon.ca
A Mythic Tea Infuser
Teach your child how to brew loose tea in an infuser from Ototo with this adorable sea creature. Baby Nessie comes in three colors (turquoise, green, and purple) and its silicone body pops open to hold a generous amount of loose tea leaves. Children will be delighted to see Nessie’s long neck rising out of a steaming mug of tea.
$16.95 | www.ototodesign.com
Betjeman & Barton | Merveilles Tea Caddy
Infusion with sweet notes of honey in a beautiful tea caddy in tribute to Alice in Wonderland, for a visual and gustative delight. The delicate taste of almond and pistachio makes it a gourmet, compelling beverage: kids will love it! | 125g
23,75€ | www.betjemanandbarton.com
Davidson’s Organics | Children’s Christmas Tea
Older children can trade up from imaginary tea to the taste of children’s tea in their new tea set. Davidson’s offers a caffeine-free boxed tea selection for Christmas. Davidson’s Children’s Christmas Tea is a sweet, fruity blend with a Christmas spice finish. The tea is an all-herbal, caffeine-free blend of seasonal herbs and spices, enhanced with real organic, dried honey crystals.
$14 | 100 ct. | www.davidsonstea.com
$25.95 | 100 ct. Individually Wrapped in Decorative Box
