A tea caddy is a container specifically designed for storing tea leaves. Traditionally, these caddies were made from materials like wood, metal, or ceramic and often featured decorative designs. They help keep tea fresh by protecting it from light, moisture, and air, which can degrade the quality of the leaves over time. In the past, tea caddies were popular among the upper classes, especially during the British tea culture of the 18th and 19th centuries. Some caddies even had compartments for different types of tea, allowing users to organize their collection. Today, tea caddies are still used by tea enthusiasts and collectors.