Easy and elegant, and better than bags

A freshly brewed cup of loose-leaf tea is now as simple to make as dunking a teabag. No measuring with unreliable finger pinches. The Teastick ($20, plus $5 to $6 for shipping), from Gamila of North Carolina, is an all-in-one scoop, measuring spoon, and strainer. Shaped like a tube of lipstick with an umbrella handle on the end, this shiny stainless-steel gadget is eye candy for your teacup. Just scoop the leaves, slide the strainer cover into place, and drop it into your 10- to 14-ounce mug before filling with hot water. Afterward, gently tap the stick to remove the leaves, and place it in the dishwasher. You can even choose your favorite brew in the morning, load up the Teastick, and carry the pocket-sized tool to work. When you get your hot water, while your morning tea is brewing, pass those desk-drawer teabags to someone else. Available by phone at 919-834-3552, extension 207 or www.gamilacompany.com. -- EMILY SCHWAB