Of the three tea mugs I stock, the Smilla is the understated one: matt, a single design, nothing asking for attention. That also makes it the easiest to give away — you don't have to guess whether someone likes flowers, and you know in advance what comes out of the wrapping.

Four hundred millilitres, with the stainless steel filter included. Finely lasered, with an open perforation so the water really moves around the leaf instead of just past it. Loose leaf, then, without any fuss.

That New Bone China is thin and light; full, it feels lighter than this height suggests. Dishwasher and microwave safe.

Add a tin of loose leaf and the present works straight away.

New Bone China, matt. Capacity 0.4 litres. Height 15 cm, diameter 8.8 cm. Stainless steel filter included. Dishwasher and microwave safe.