How to build a tea hamper

Step 1: Pick the tea

Start with the person, not the tea. Three questions narrow it down fast:

1. Do they drink caffeine in the evening? If not, go caffeine free: rooibos, honeybush or herbal.
2. Do they take milk? Milk drinkers suit a malty black tea like Russian Caravan or Kenilworth Black.
3. Sweet, fruity, spiced or floral? Match it to the biscuits or candle they already like.

A gift tube looks the most finished in a hamper. Mulled and Gingerbread make it a Christmas hamper without trying.

Step 2: Add a way to brew it

Loose leaf needs something to hold the leaves. A heart-shaped infuser looks best in the box; cotton muslin brew bags are easiest for someone new to loose leaf. Neither needs a teapot.

Step 3: Choose three treats

Mix types rather than tripling up. One to eat, one to light and one for later works for almost anyone.

Step 4: Add a card

Pick a plantable Christmas card and we'll write your message by hand. If it's going straight to them, choose "send to them" and we'll write the names inside.

Five tea hamper ideas

All five can be built in the hamper builder for £56.

Building one yourself at home?

Three things keep a homemade tea hamper looking right and tasting right:

• Keep tea away from strong scents. Loose leaf picks up smells. Keep it in its sealed pouch or tube, and don't pack it touching an unwrapped candle or soap.
• Fill the box. Use paper shred so nothing moves; a half-empty box looks smaller than it is.
• Put the tea in the middle at the front. It's the reason for the hamper, so it's the first thing they should see.