One of my favorite discoveries is Choice Organic Tea, a tough one to beat not only in taste and variety, but also for responsible business practices. A pioneer in Fair Trade Tea, more than half of Choice Organic Teas' offerings are Fair Trade Certified supporting fair wages, respectable living and working conditions, and a worker-managed premium that supports community development. If you are thinking all of this compassion drives the price up, you may be surprised that Choice compares very well at $3.25 - $4.70 a box and is available online and nationwide at grocers like Wholefoods and Wild Oats.

Not sure which variety to try? Pick your old favorite or try something new, sipping tea can easily be compared to tasting fine wines, both have incredible variety and nuance. For a head start, here are a few words to add to your tea tasting vocabulary (Courtesy of Choice Organic Teas):

Astringent - A puckering, almost sour feeling in the mouth.

Brothy - A comforting, savory quality.

Busy - Too much going on. Specific flavors overpower or dominate the tea.

Citrusy - A fruity quality, like lemons or oranges. This is just how the tea tastes; no flavoring has been added.

Complex - Multiple flavors that come across at once. Like a well-crafted symphony, they are balanced and don't clash with one another.

Floral - Smells and tastes strikingly like flowers. Might include orchids, lilacs, or roses. This is just how the tea tastes; no flavoring has been added.

Malty - Combination of flavor and body similar to malt syrup or chocolate malt.

Toothy - We use it for teas that have a more assertive body or strength.

As spring is finally showing itself here in Southern California I will be sipping my iced oolong tea on the porch, looking out over the beach and smiling knowing I am helping to create positive change. Which of the varieties will you try?

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For a decidedly british twist consider giving a gift basket full of organic goodies. Called "hampers" in the British isles, they are a wonderful way of introducing a friend or family member to the beauty of organic food.

Viva Terra, one of my favorite online suppliers, has put together a lovely selection of coffee and tea time indulgences in their Organic Coffee Break Set. Filled to the brim with organic fair trade coffee, organic cookies from Duchy Originals, one pound of chocolate covered espresso beans, and six mugs inscribed with gentle daily reminders everything is beautifully presented in a colorful and stylish box made from recycled board. Currently on sale for $129.

If you prefer to shop in person than take a stroll down to your nearest Wild Oats and choose from their large selection of holiday baskets. With a variety of themes including the Italian Feast Basket and the Sweets and Treats Basket it is easy to find a gift to suit any taste.

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Domori, known for creating high quality European chocolates, recently introduced a new line called "Chacao Organic" offering 70%, 90% and 100% bars. While I have not yet tasted these new additions, reviews enthusiastically suggest Domori has created a line on par with its already highly respected offerings.

Viva Terra has put together a nicely packaged Organic Chocolate Tasting Set for this holiday season. Currently on sale at $29 it offers a wonderful opportunity to sample a variety of Dagoba's popular bars.

Tasting pure bars at 70% and above allows you to experience the quality and nuance of the chocolate but if you are like me and prefer to experience organic chocolate at its sensual height there is no other way to go than fine truffles or bonbons. With gorgeous titles like "Bachanal" and "Tango Nostalgico" Cocoa Vino creates fair trade organic chocolates infused with wine and spirits like malbec, sambuca and eaux de vie. Holding top honors on my Christmas wish list are their Drunken Figs. Described as "figs gone wild" they are beautifully packaged in a tin with four chocolate covered organic figs filled with vintage port and creamy organic dark chocolate. Sounds absolutely sublime.

Intemperantia, Latin for self-indulgence, has also entered the foray with a selection of traditional swiss style truffles. Made without artificial ingredients, colors, or flavorings they use 100% organic chocolate and come in an exquisite selection of gift packages.

By no means a complete guide these are a few gift ideas from the growing number of fine organic chocolatiers. What are your favorites?

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Today's tip is perfect for the foodie in your life. The Sushi Board, from designer Leonhard Pfeifer, is a beautifully designed multifunction piece consisting of two rubberwood plates and two sets of rosewood chopsticks nestled within a sleek stainless steel exterior. Each plate has it's own well for dipping and can slide completely inside the casing, rest partially out (as seen in the large photo) or come apart for an independent presentation.

Recently featured at the Eco Design Fair the Sushi Board is made from sustainably managed wood and treated with a non-toxic lacquer. Available for $78 in the U.S. from Design Public.

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Take the Innercalm Organic Dark Chocolate Bar for example. Sporting ingredients like 74% organic and fairtrade dark chocolate (for its antioxidant power), L-theanine (to promote relaxation), organic blueberries and Australian sandalwood oil this is an indulgence that you can truly feel good about. The fun doesn't stop there, gift sets include the Love Therapy Gift Box designed to enhance your sex life and the Winter Warmup Gift Box including organic/fairtrade cocoa, hand roasted organic/fairtrade coffee, organic agave sweetener, and two Innercalm chocolate bars. At last, someone brings us sensual nutrition.

Available online at Intelligent Nutrients or your local Aveda lifestyle store.

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