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Finding the right gift for a coffee lover is no easy feat. Some taste buds are drawn to light roast, others to dark. Opinions vary on the ultimate brewing device to proper technique. Basically, if a coffee argument can be had, it will be had.
To simplify the process, we’ve rounded up our favorite gadgets, books, accessories, and more. Some picks are timeless staples, like a reliable French press or travel mug, while others are more out-of-the-box ideas. We also cover a range of prices for everyone from novices to world-class baristas.
Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or, any day, here are the best gifts for coffee lovers.
Bodum Chambord French Press Coffee Maker
Affordable
Classic design
Broad range of sizes and finishes
Plunger can wobble
Frame around glass slips slightly
Grounds occasionally end up in mug
This sleek and affordable French press will give you a delicious cup of coffee in a matter of minutes! Choose from nine different colors and four different sizes ranging from 12 oz to 51 oz. The coffee carafe is made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass and the stainless steel plunger has a mesh filter instead of a paper one—mesh filters do a better job of extracting flavors instead of absorbing them like paper would. Coffee enthusiasts will love how aromatic and flavorful each cup is.
After testing the Bodum Chambord, our reviewer called it extremely easy to use, especially for those new to French presses. "The transparent glass carafe ensures you don’t plunge too soon," she wrote, "because you can clearly see the color of the brew." This is another plus if you're thinking of gifting the item and aren't sure how familiar the recipient is with French presses.
"Its stylish design and variety of finishes make it a great value for the money and an excellent first French press for coffee lovers." — Tracey Minkin, Product Tester
AeroPress Coffee Maker
Delicious coffee
Portable brewing device
Small capacity
Can get messy
The AeroPress has quickly become a favorite brewing device among coffee experts. After all, it checks off all the boxes you could want: affordable, easy to use, and produces an extremely rich flavor. It's even portable and a great gift for those who camp or travel often. The only downside is that it makes about 1 to 3 cups per brew, so it's best for personal use.
"The AeroPress Coffee Maker is an excellent and inexpensive non-electric coffee maker. It brews high-quality coffee, travels well, and is easy to keep clean." — Cheyenne Elwell, Product Tester
Nuvo Eco Ceramic Handy Coffee Bean Roaster
Sleek design
Easy to use
Value for money
Great for beginners
Small capacity
No instructions included
Know someone who's intrigued but a little intimidated by the idea of roasting coffee at home? This little ceramic hand-held stovetop job can help them ease into the art and science of roasting at home. It essentially works like a manual popcorn popper: Put coffee into the base, crank the heat on a gas stove, and shake the coffee beans repeatedly until they're roasted to your desired level. When fresh is best, this can't be beat—talk about "hand-roasted!"
"With coffee, I think people lean toward single-origin beans because if they are familiar with the flavor profile of that region then they will get that profile in the cup. It doesn’t always equate to better taste, though. I like single origin because you can trace your coffee back to specific farms and know the farmers are being paid a living wage." — Nigel Price
Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Burr grinder
Easy to use
Highly adjustable grind size
Messy
Loud
For someone who is passionate about brewing their own coffee, the Baratza Encore Electric Grinder is the ideal gift—there’s no better way to get the purest, freshest-tasting coffee imaginable. This machine boasts 40 grind settings and an advanced burr set so that you can try out different brew methods. The bean hopper can hold an impressive 8 oz and the grounds bin capacity is 5 oz. This best-selling grinder is also easy to clean and virtually noiseless.
Bean Box Gourmet Coffee Sampler
Variety of options
Cheaper than coffee subscription
Very small bags (1.8 ounces)
Bean Box is a Seattle-based brand with the goal of helping people discover the vast (and delicious) world of coffee. The company offers coffee subscriptions that make an excellent gift option as well, but if you're looking for an individual gift to wrap up, try one of its many sampler boxes. They can be sorted by specific roast depending on the recipients' taste (light, medium, dark, etc.), and you can choose between whole bean and ground options. Keep in mind that each bag in the set is very small, however. They are designed to give a taste of each blend, not a week's worth of joe.
Ember Mug²
Warms beverages to preferred temperature
Modern minimalist design
90-minute battery life
Easy-to-use app
Pricey for a mug
Interior coating is extremely delicate
The Ember Mug² is a stylish smart mug that will allow your loved ones to keep their coffee at just the right temperature—long enough for them to savor it. The mug is connected to the Ember app, which lets you, using your smartphone, choose a preset temperature depending on the type of drink and the ideal temperature it requires. You can even customize it with your own settings: just plug in the type of liquid, the brand (there's a limited selection), and your temperature preferences, up to 145 degrees. The battery lasts for 90 minutes—which our tester found was enough time for her to enjoy her coffee while it was still hot—but the Ember Mug also comes with a charging coaster should you wish to savor your drink for longer. It's available in two sizes and multiple colorways.
"From the moment I poured my coffee into the mug, it stayed hot until I was finished about 60 minutes later." — Cheyenne Elwell, Product Tester
Hirt's Arabica Coffee Bean Plant
Affordable
Packaged well to avoid damage
Decorative and functional
Best suited for warmer climates
Some say plant is smaller than expected
What if you could give your coffee-loving friend the promise of home-grown beans year after year? Ok, so it actually takes a lot of work and ideal conditions to grow decent coffee (to mention process and roast it), but coffee plants themselves are so beautiful, there's something to be said about the uplifting botanical power of having one in your home. The gift of a sapling Arabica tree provides years of beauty, and yes, even some coffee beans: A plant growing in tropical environments will produce about a pound's worth of beans, but one in the average temperature-controlled living room might produce a handful or so every year. Hey, at least there's the potential for being extremely farm-to-table!
KeepCup Travel Mug, 12oz
Multiple sizes
Convenient flip lid
Cork band breaks easily
Hand-wash only
Little heat retention
Ho-hum travel mugs make taking morning coffee to-go so boring, but the beautiful glass-and-cork combo of the 12-ounce KeepCup mug livens up any commute. The tempered glass is surprisingly durable, the cork is comfortable to hold, and the lid has a cover to plug the opening—which comes in handy when you're running to catch the bus. The cups are microwave safe and come in a huge variety of lid colors, one to match every personality.
The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffman
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Nice pictures and illustrations
Very informative
Written by award-winning barista
A little slim for coffee table book
Not well-suited for Kindle
Hands-down the most readable yet comprehensive book about coffee, this is a gem that every interested coffee lover should have. From explaining different coffee origins and how terroir and variety affect flavor, to breaking down the roasting process in an approachable way, to demystifying brewing techniques, The World Atlas is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about coffee. The author is a former World Barista Champion and the owner of Square Mile Roasters in London–he knows his stuff, and he knows how to share relevant information in a digestible way, without being overwhelming or intimidating.
"Now in its second edition, this book is more than coffee-table decor. It's easy to read but covers everything from the history of coffee to instructions for specific brewers. Hoffman is also one of the most popular coffee-content creators on YouTube." — Derek Rose, Coffee and Tea Expert for The Spruce Eats
Wax and Wick Espresso Scented Soy Candle
Authentic espresso aroma
Soothing crackle
Available in sleek white or black jar
A little pricey
Occasional problems staying lit
If you know someone who loves the smell of fresh coffee in the morning, allow them to indulge in the scent whenever they want. This warm blend of roasted coffee, espresso, and chocolate is universally appealing, and it mimics a freshly brewed pot of coffee. It's crafted from pure soy wax, which means that it will burn clean and without soot, and has a total burn time of 60 hours. Plus, the beautiful glass jar will look splendid on any countertop, table, or shelf.
Bamboo Coffee Filter Holder for AeroPress, Chemex, and Hario Pour Over Filters
Suitable for various types of filters
Compact and stylish
Not designed to be wall-mounted
A very clever design creates space for up to 140 paper filters, from Chemex to Hario V60 to Melitta pour-over devices. Any geek whose coffee-brewing shelf has a dozen different makers on it would appreciate this convenient and tidy place to store all their various filters. It's practical, affordable, and the bamboo design makes it a pleasant addition to any kitchen décor.
Hario V60 Coffee Drip Scale and Timer
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Compact and lightweight
Timer for brewing coffee
Automatic shutoff
Slight delay in calculation
Display isn't backlit
At 7 in the morning, it can be difficult—nay, impossible—to remember to both tare the scale and to start the timer when you're brewing coffee, but this Hario scale is a simple solution to both. Not only does it measure weight in .01 gram increments, it also has a built-in timer, which allows the user to meticulously brew based on time and weight—the two most accurate measures when making coffee.
“Whatever you already have in your house should be enough to make a good cup of coffee. But in terms of consistency, a scale helps you dose out the right amount of grounds every time. I’ve seen recipes that use tablespoons, but even if you use the same number of tablespoons, the amount of grams can really vary.” — Nigel Price
Alessi II Caffe Alessi Set of 4 Heart-Shaped Spoons
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Great for espresso cups
Suitable for tea drinkers too
Available in multiple sizes
Some say spoons are smaller than expected
These dainty and whimsical heart-shaped coffee spoons are a subtle way to show your love of the brew. Use them to stir a sugar cube into an after-dinner cup, or you can leave them out on display. They're made of dishwasher-safe stainless steel and were designed by Miriam Mirri for Alessi. Reviewers say these spoons are both elegant and functional, and can also be used for tea and yogurt.
Lino Coffee Mug Gift Set of Four
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Wide array of colors
Sold individually and in sets
Stylish matte design
Safe in dishwasher and microwave
Expensive
Same price per item if bought individually
These Lino mugs from notNeutral are a comfortable shape, size, and weight; plus, the handles are to die for. A set of four 10-ounce mugs makes a fantastic gift for any coffee lover who likes to brew for a crowd, and the porcelain material makes them dishwasher and microwave-safe. The mugs come in a variety of colors, ranging from a simple white to fun colors like Canary Yellow and Rhubarb Red.
Alessi B Gianni Glass Box with Hermetic Lid
Multiple sizes and colorways
Can store more than coffee
Kid-friendly
UV exposure bad for coffee beans
A little overpriced
The Italian design firm Alessi has developed useful, whimsical, and luxury products since 1921, and this hermetically sealable jar with the tiny hanging man is designed to store coffee beans for ultimate freshness. The jars are available in multiple sizes and colorways, and they can be used for other kitchen goods besides coffee.
ExceptionLab "We Are Happy To Serve You" Ceramic Cup
Affordable
Decorative
Microwave and dishwasher-safe
Hot to touch
Colors can fade
In 1963, a blue-and-white paper cup with an inviting saying on it began popping up at Greek-owned coffee shops throughout New York City. The iconic design has appeared in movies and television shows, been widely written about, and has now been captured in ceramic form. This gift idea is not only an homage to New York City but to an entire culture of coffee drinkers.
From actual coffee makers to miscellaneous accessories, there is no shortage of wonderful and unique gifts for coffee lovers. Two that we especially recommend are an AeroPress and an Ember Mug². The former is a budget-priced brewing device small enough to carry in a suitcase; the latter is a pricier option for those who want their favorite drink at their preferred temperature.
What to Look for in a Gift for a Coffee Lover
Recipient
Are you buying a gift for an avid coffee lover—someone who would appreciate advanced items and obscure gadgets? If so, your price range might go up a bit, but you can consider everything from books to memorabilia to tech options. If the recipient is more of a general coffee drinker, maybe you want to go with a safer, more practical gift that is assured to get some use. Think mugs, coffee-scented candles, or maybe even inexpensive non-electric brewers.
Price
Gauging gift prices can be tricky, especially if it's for a group gift exchange or if you're getting a present in return but aren't certain of the budget. One of the many (many) wonderful things about coffee, however, is that you can find options ranging from a $5 mug to a $15 bag of coffee beans to a $500 espresso maker.
Return policy
Coffee gifts shouldn't be too different from other kinds of gifts as far as return policy goes, but it's always worth a look. An item's warranty is also an important consideration, especially since many coffee products (including some on this list) have fragile parts or contain glass.
FAQs
How do you use an AeroPress?
The AeroPress can be daunting at first because of its multiple parts and unique design. It may take a few uses to get acquainted with the brewing process and find your preferred coffee-to-water ratio, but in time using the little device becomes quick and easy. Here are the steps.
First, place a filter in the filter cap. It is recommended but not mandatory to rinse the filter with hot water to eliminate any potential paper taste. Second, attach the filter cap to the chamber and place the AeroPress on top of your mug. Third, fill the chamber with ground coffee. Tap the chamber until the grounds form an even bed inside. A medium-fine grind, somewhere between drip and espresso, is recommend. Coffee-to-water ratios vary, but a 1:15 ratio (one part coffee to 15 parts water) is generally suitable. For those without a scale, use one rounded AeroPress scoop (roughly 2.5 tablespoons) and fill the chamber with water up to the #1 line or between the #1 and #2 line. Fourth, pour the water. The brand recommends using water at 175 degrees, but hotter temperatures, even near boiling, can be used too. Fifth, stir the coffee slurry for 10 seconds. Sixth, insert the plunger and slowly press down for 20 to 40 seconds. Finally, enjoy your delicious cup of AeroPress coffee!
What is a burr coffee grinder?
There are two kinds of coffee grinders, blade and burr, and the latter is superior for several reasons. A burr grinder consists of two serrated plates—these are called the burrs—that crush coffee beans to your preferred grind size. Burr grinders are known for being extremely consistent and grinding evenly throughout. Burrs don’t produce as much heat as blade grinders when in use, which helps to keep the flavor of your coffee beans intact. The main downside is that burr grinders are significantly more expensive. There are also two kinds of burr grinders to choose from: conical and flat. Both are good options, but the former is generally considered better because it’s a little smoother, slower, and quieter.
How do you use a French press?
The steps for brewing French press coffee are the same no matter what type of press you use, but some small details can vary, like the water temperature, amount of coffee grounds, and length of steep time. We’ll go through each step below, but feel free to experiment until you find your perfect cup.
First, rinse the French press with hot water to pre-heat the material. This is not a mandatory step, but it will keep your coffee hot longer after you finish brewing. Second, fill the carafe with coffee grounds. A coarse grind is best, and a coffee-to-water ratio from 1:12 to 1:16 should lead to a strong, flavorful brew. Third, pour a small amount of water (195 to 205 degrees) over the grounds until they are lightly and evenly saturated, then allow the coffee to “bloom” for 30 seconds. This small but important step, which is called coffee blooming, helps the grounds release carbon dioxide. Finish this step by stirring the coffee slurry with a wooden spoon. Fourth, slowly pour the rest of the water into the carafe, cover it with the lid, and let steep for four to six minutes. Finally, press the plunger—you want to feel a slight resistance here to know the grounds are the right size—and enjoy a fresh cup of French press coffee.
Why do you need a coffee scale?
It is certainly possible to make good coffee without a scale, but investing in one can help you make good coffee more consistently. This is especially true if you own a non-electric brewing device, like a pour over or French press, which are more susceptible to changes in flavor based on the amount of coffee used. The reason coffee scales are so helpful is that measuring coffee in weight is more accurate than measuring in volume. Grind sizes vary so much that one scoop of fine-ground coffee is heavier than one scoop of coarse coffee. A reliable scale will help you use the same amount of coffee every time.
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Erin Meister has spent years both working in and reporting on the coffee industry. Since moving to New York City in 2003, she has worked at Joe Coffee Company and Counter Culture Coffee. Her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Serious Eats, Rachael Ray Every Day, and more. Erin is also the author of "New York City Coffee: A Caffeinated History" (view at Amazon).
This piece was edited by Derek Rose, the coffee and tea expert for The Spruce Eats. He researches a variety of coffee products, from measuring scoops to commercial espresso machines, and interviews field experts for their insight. He typically makes coffee with the Bodum Brazil French Press (view at Amazon)—a great budget option, especially for those who prefer non-electric brewers.
Nigel Price is the founder and owner of Drip Coffee Makers in New York City and has worked in the coffee industry for more than a decade. Established in 2015, Drip now has multiple locations.
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