Gifts

These are objects made by a small number of people and chosen by hand, which is most of what makes them worth giving. What follows is what to send, and one thing about international parcels that nobody mentions until it is too late.

The short answer: the Starter Set at $89 is the present that goes wrong least often, because it works on its own and needs nothing bought afterwards. Below that, incense asks nothing of the person receiving it. Above that, the Complete Tea Set is a considered gift rather than a bigger one.

What to send

Gift wrapping

Wrapping is $20 and is charged once for the whole order rather than per item, so add it at most once. It includes a handwritten card, and you can ask for prices to be left out of the parcel. Both are set in the cart rather than on the product page, for the same reason: they belong to the order, not to the object.

One thing I cannot leave out of the parcel. The customs declaration on the outside always carries a value, because declaring it accurately is not optional and I will not under-declare. The invoice inside can omit prices; the label outside cannot.

The awkward part, said plainly

If you send this abroad, the person receiving it may be asked to pay import duty at the door. Duty is not included in the price and is not collected at checkout. For a parcel to yourself that is a mild annoyance. For a present it is genuinely awkward, and it is the reason I would rather tell you now than have you find out from a message from your friend.

Into the United States this applies at any value, since the de minimis exemption ended. Elsewhere it depends on the country and the amount. There is no version of this I can solve by charging you more — a shop that collects duty at checkout and posts the parcel anyway has simply charged you twice. The full explanation is on Shipping & Duties.

If the gift is going to someone in the same country as you, none of this applies.

Timing

Orders are dispatched within two business days, and typical delivery is 7 to 14 days. Customs inspection can add about a week and is outside anyone's control. For anything that has to arrive on a particular day, count backwards three weeks rather than two. Shipping to the United States is a flat $9.90; everywhere else it is free on orders of $199 or more.

Common questions

What is a good Japanese tea gift?

The Starter Set at $89 is the one that goes wrong least often, because it works on its own and needs nothing bought afterwards. Below $30, incense asks nothing of the person receiving it.

Will the person receiving it have to pay anything?

Possibly. Import duty is paid by the recipient on delivery if their country charges it, and into the United States this now applies at any value. For a present that is awkward, which is why it is said here rather than buried in a policy page.

Can you leave the prices out?

Yes. Ask in the cart and no prices go inside the parcel. The customs label on the outside must still carry a declared value, because under-declaring is not something this shop does.

How much is gift wrapping, and is it per item?

It is $20 and it is charged once for the whole order, not per item, so add it at most once. A handwritten card is included.

How early should I order for a particular date?

Count backwards three weeks. Dispatch is within two business days and transit is usually 7 to 14 days, but customs can add a week and nobody can predict it.

Can I send it directly to the person?

Yes — enter their address as the delivery address and ask in the cart for prices to be left out. The handwritten card is where your message goes.