This set is a great value. There are other sets on Amazon with less pieces for the same cost. Overall, the stuff that's actually "useful" are the bowl, the chashaku /scoop, the sifter, the whisk, and the whisk stand. The whisk stand is totally necessary, but it's nice to sit it on and let it dry there. It also can make it more of a subtle display piece in your kitchen, depending how you have things organized. Everything looks exactly as it is pictured. The cup/bowl is really what had me eyeing this set. I also liked the two-tone aesthetic of the whisk compared to most other whisks that are a simple light bamboo color. This gives it a little more character. It works great too. The sifter works very well with the curvature of the chashaku. You can easily press your matches into it and get a perfectly broken up powder into the bowl. The little duck rest is super cute, but not necessary. It is basically a chopstick rest, though, and could be used for that purpose as well. The cloth is also not so necessary, but can be nice if you're not the best at keeping the counter clean. It's a good looking cloth with a traditional Japanese aesthetic. The box and packaging is very simple and doesn't try to be beautiful. The little paper 'ribbon' on the outside if the most lavish thing about it, but this is good IMO. I like that the packaging uses thin/light materials that are easily recyclable and isn't wasteful. This also surely kept the cost of the package down. It might not make the most impressive unboxing experience, but the set will still make a great gift for anyone who is into Japanese culture, tea drinking, or may want to get into it.
