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The 5 Best Tea Pets of 2025: From Yixing Toads to Color Changing Lychees

Care Warning: No Soap!

Authentic clay tea pets are porous. Never wash them with soap or dishwasher detergent, as they will absorb the chemicals and ruin the flavor of your tea. Rinse with hot water only.

A Tea Pet (Cha Chong) is more than a decoration; it's a commitment. You want a companion made of real clay that will absorb tea oils and develop a shine ("patina") over the years. We tested dozens of companions—from the classic wealth-attracting toad to fun color-changing novelties—to find the ones with the best clay quality and charm.

We specifically avoided cheap plastic knock-offs. The winners below are either genuine Yixing Zisha clay or high-quality resin for interactive fun.

A collection of clay tea pets including a toad and pig on a bamboo tea tray.
Best Traditional
Authentic Yixing Golden Toad Tea Pet

1. Authentic Yixing "Golden Toad" (Jin Chan)

★★★★★ (The Classic)

The Money Toad is the gold standard of tea pets. This model is made from genuine Zisha (purple clay), giving it a rough, sandy texture that drinks water instantly. After two weeks of "feeding" it Ripe Pu-erh, we noticed the edges softening and darkening beautifully. It is heavy, stable, and holds the heat well.

Pros:
  • Real unglazed clay (develops patina)
  • Heavy and stable on the tray
  • Classic wealth symbolism
Cons:
  • Requires months of care to shine
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Best for Beginners
Happy Clay Piggy Tea Pet

2. Happy Clay Piggy

★★★★☆ (Easiest to Maintain)

If the toad is too serious, the Happy Pig is the perfect alternative. Symbolizing luck and abundance, this pig has a smooth, rounded surface that makes it very easy to "raise" evenly. The lack of deep crevices means it develops a patina faster than detailed figures. It brings a smile to the table every time.

Pros:
  • Smooth surface is easy to brush
  • Cute and jovial design
  • Very affordable
Cons:
  • Smaller size
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Best Novelty
Color Changing Lychee Fruit Tea Pet

3. Color Changing Lychee Fruit

★★★★☆ (Crowd Pleaser)

This is a showstopper. It looks like a realistic brown lychee nut. When you pour hot water (above 45°C) over it, the thermochromic resin instantly turns bright red/pink, mimicking a ripe fruit. While it is made of resin (so it won't absorb tea oils), it adds a fun, interactive element that guests love.

Pros:
  • Instant visual feedback
  • Fun conversation starter
  • Very realistic texture
Cons:
  • Made of resin (won't improve with age)
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Best Action
Pee-Pee Boy Tea Pet

4. Pee-Pee Boy (Water Spray)

★★★★☆ (The Classic Trick)

The infamous "Pee-Pee Boy" uses physics to spray a jet of water when hot tea is poured over him. It is a classic tea shop trick that doubles as a thermometer—if he sprays far, your water is hot enough for Oolong. To load him, submerge in cold water for 10 minutes first.

Pros:
  • Functional thermometer
  • Hilarious party trick
  • Classic history
Cons:
  • Requires prep (soaking) before use
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Best for Zen
Little Monk Tea Pet

5. Little Monk / Buddha

★★★★★ (Peaceful)

For a calmer session, the Little Monk or Laughing Buddha is ideal. Often made of colored sand clay (Ge Yao), these figures develop a "crazed" crackle glaze pattern as they absorb tea. They represent mindfulness and the connection between tea and Zen (Cha Zen Yi Wei).

Pros:
  • Develops beautiful crackle glaze
  • Promotes mindfulness
  • Elegant design
Cons:
  • Delicate finish
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Read Next: Master the Ritual

Learn how to care for your new companion.

What is a Tea Pet? History & Rituals

Gongfu Brewing Guide: The Basics

Yixing Teapot Guide: Clay Types