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Essential oils are a brilliant way to make unique handmade gifts and one idea is to infuse a favourite tea bag with some oil to create a tasty and healthy drink to give as a gift. Making homemade essential oil infused tea is very simple and there are fun ways to decorate it to make it into a more eye-catching present.
Table of Contents
How to choose the right essential oil
When looking at essential oils to infuse tea bags, think about the common ones that are used to make herbal or fruit teas. Examples include lavender which is calming and relaxing, peppermint that helps you feel energetic and mood boosting citrus teas. All of these are easy to re-create with essential oils. Other flavors to try include bergamot, clove and cinnamon.
The other thing to check is that the oil you use is suitable for consumption. Some oils won’t say either way so unless it specifically states that you CAN consume it, don’t take the risk. Look for ones that state they are okay to eat, drink or that they are ‘food grade’. While this isn’t a guarantee of quality, it is good sign to watch for.
What tea bags do you need?
The base of your gift teas are purchased black tea bags. Any brand will do since the flavor and aroma are from the essential oils. You could use something you know is a favourite of the person you are giving the gift to or choose something fairly standard that any tea drinker would appreciate.
What You Need
- Individual black tea bags
- Essential oils – organic is preferred
- Clear glass cups
- Zip lock baggies
- Cellophane or clear plastic cling wrap
- Ribbons
- Card stock
- Garnish
Instructions
The method is the same for each flavor of tea.
Lay the tea bags in a single layer on paper towels. That way if you drip any oil, the paper catches it.
Place one drop of essential oil on each tea bag. When you’re finished, let the bags rest 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the oil. If you have the time, before you need to give the tea, store the tea bags in zip lock baggies and let them mellow. Just keep the bag sealed so the essential oil doesn’t evaporate.
Assembly
Place three tea bags in the clear glass cup. Add the garnish so it’s visible. For example, the peppermint tea could be garnished with mini candy canes or the citrus tea with dried orange slices.
Place a square of clear cling plastic wrap or cellophane large enough to wrap up the cup with about 6 inches more underneath the cup. Bring up each corner of the wrap above the cup and secure with a rubber band right above the cup rim. That leaves a flourish of cellophane above the cup. Thank of a gift basket. Cover the rubber band with a bright ribbon and bow.
Write the flavor of the tea on the card with directions of one tea bag per one cup of boiling water. Steep for three to four minutes and enjoy. Punch a hole in the card and thread onto the ribbon.
Project Tips
An alternative to the glass cups is to package the tea bags in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. Or put the tea and garnish in a clear glass air-tight container and offer three different teas as your gift.
Essential Oil Infused Tea Bags
Make a simple gift with this essential oil infused tea bag and give someone a tasty and healthy present
Materials
- Individual black tea bags
- Essential oils
- Clear glass cups
- Zip lock baggies
- Cellophane or clear plastic cling wrap
- Ribbons
- Card stock
- Garnish
Tools
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Coloured pen(s)
Instructions
The method is the same for each flavor of tea.
Lay the tea bags in a single layer on paper towels. That way if you drip any oil, the paper catches it.
Place one drop of essential oil on each tea bag. When you're finished, let the bags rest 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the oil. If you have the time, before you need to give the tea, store the tea bags in zip lock baggies and let them mellow. Just keep the bag sealed so the essential oil doesn't evaporate.
Assembly
Place three tea bags in the clear glass cup. Add the garnish so it's visible. For example, the peppermint tea could be garnished with mini candy canes or the citrus tea with dried orange slices.
Place a square of clear cling plastic wrap or cellophane large enough to wrap up the cup with about 6 inches more underneath the cup. Bring up each corner of the wrap above the cup and secure with a rubber band right above the cup rim. That leaves a flourish of cellophane above the cup. Thank of a gift basket. Cover the rubber band with a bright ribbon and bow.
Write the flavor of the tea on the card with directions of one tea bag per one cup of boiling water. Steep for three to four minutes and enjoy. Punch a hole in the card and thread onto the ribbon.
Notes
An alternative to the glass cups is to package the tea bags in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. Or put the tea and garnish in a clear glass air-tight container and offer three different teas as your gift.
