The Tea Grotto owner Bradley Heller serves up a cup of the shop's specialty tea.
The Tea Grotto owner Bradley Heller serves up a cup of the shop's specialty tea.
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Gift Ideas from Indie Utah Businesses 2021: The Tea Grotto

By
December 1, 2021

Shop Local

The holiday season is upon us. As a responsible adult, you’ve definitely prepared for it and you’re definitely not sweating right now, on the verge of getting gift cards or stalking social media for any inkling of what to get someone. Completely unrelated, here are some gift ideas from independent Utah businesses that are sure to shake up the typical rolodex of holiday fair. Whether it be thrifted gold or fantastical comics, we’ve got inspiration for just about everyone!

The Tea Grotto

401 E. 900 South unit B, SLC   |   801.466.8255    |
M–Sa 11a–7p   Sun: 10a–6p    |    teagrotto.com

The Tea Grotto offers a wide variety of kettles, presses, cups and more that range from practical and simple to ornate antiques.
Photo: John Barkiple

Owned and operated by Bradley Heller, The Tea Grotto exists as a quaint, cozy shop for all tea-lovers. Situated in Salt Lake’s ever-changing Central 9th neighborhood, the store has described itself as the city’s “premium loose leaf tea house” since its opening in 2004. Inside the warm, woodsy shop, the herbaceous overtones of tea flood visitors’ senses. While you can (and should) stop in for a to-stay cup as you enjoy a good book at one of The Tea Grotto’s rustic tables, the store also offers a range of products for take-home purchase.

On the merchandise end, The Tea Grotto offers a wide variety of kettles, presses, cups and more that range from practical and simple to ornate antiques. The former could provide the perfect gift for the burgeoning tea fiend, while the latter is an apt choice for the loved one in your life who wants to elevate their tea experience with imported ceramics from countries such as China and Japan.

Then there’s the tea. On their site shop, The Tea Grotto currently lists 150 different blends for sale, from a range of classic greens and jasmine teas sourced from East Asia to unique flavors such as Chinese Dragon Pearls and Chocolate Mint Rooibos. More than just boasting the flavors of their teas, The Tea Grotto also looks toward the health and medicinal benefits of the herbal drink, offering a set of medicinal teas that can assist with allergies, stress relief, lung health and more. –Audrey Lockie