19 Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers
How to pick the perfect present for your favorite caffeine aficionado
by Patrick JanelleAs you may know, I have a passion for all things coffee. Of course, I love drinking it in its many forms (especially as a cortado), but I also revel in the brewing process, appreciate the beautiful vessels that contain it, and marvel at the many beans and roasts available to try. And while I usually love visiting one of the best coffee shops in New York, sometimes staying home and cozying up with my own, homemade cup is preferred.
If you have a friend or family member who loves coffee as much as I do, you’re in luck. In this guide, I’m going to share all of my favorite makers, tools, mugs, and coffee subscriptions so you can find the perfect gift for a coffee lover. From a geeky-yet-incredible AeroPress and a barista-level espresso machine to precise grinders and a handy scale, I’ve gathered every item you could need or want to prepare a phenomenal cup of coffee at home, using any brewing method. I’ve also rounded up the most stunning cups that will make you feel like you’re sipping in a cafe, as well as the ceramic travel mug that’s my go-to for portable caffeination. Last but not least, I’ve selected the coffee subscriptions I completely trust to provide me with expertly roasted, sustainably grown beans from around the world. What more could a coffee drinker want?
Things you buy through links may earn me a commission.
Brewers
AeroPress Coffee Maker
Let’s begin with the nerdiest brewer of the bunch. This pressure-powered, cylindrical device is revered for its ability to consistently yield the cleanest, smoothest cup of coffee without any trace of acidity or bitterness. It’s also extremely lightweight, durable, and compact, making it an ideal travel companion for brewing coffee on the road.
Bialetti Moka Express
A staple in Italian kitchens since 1933, this octagonal, aluminum espresso maker works on the stovetop. Though it’s not as precise as an espresso machine, its Art Deco design and old European charm make for a romantic brewing experience that transports me to cobblestone streets and leisurely sipping — which counts for a lot in my book!
Breville Barista Pro
This barista-quality espresso machine has been the savior of my quarantine. With its fast ThermoJet heating system, convenient integrated conical burr grinder, and user-friendly milk frother, it turns out expert espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos straight out of the box. The intuitive LCD screen provides all the information you need to brew coffee the way you like it. Plus, you can fine-tune the pulls if you want to get even geekier.
Chemex Pour-Over Glass Coffeemaker
Pour-over fans are obsessed with this gorgeous glass coffeemaker for a reason. For one, the timeless, hourglass-shaped piece is beautiful enough to display on the counter. More importantly, though, it’s super simple to use and delivers an excellent, flavorful batch of coffee for a small crew. It’s engineered to allow coffee to be covered and refrigerated for reheating without losing flavor, too. To gift your favorite coffee lover a Chemex, consider including a box of the brand’s paper filters as well.
Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Pour-Over Kettle
For an aesthete, I’d recommend this stylish electric kettle whose long, thin spout provides both a precise pour and an elegant, minimalist look. Thanks to its electric design and advanced heating mechanism that works quickly, offers perfect temperature control, and maintains temperature efficiently, you don’t need a stovetop to brew. As long as you have an outlet and a bit of counter space, you’ll be set with delicious pour-over.
Hario V60
If you’re flying solo like I am, a maker that creates pour-over for one is key. This ceramic coffee dripper is my top choice in the small scale category for its ability to retain heat during the brewing process and maximize flavor. Its cone shape adds depth of floral and fruit notes, while its spiral ribs expand the coffee.
Yield French Press
Whether you opt for amber-hued borosilicate glass or grey matte ceramic, this French press is the chicest one I’ve ever seen. The copper pull, angular handle, and rounded edges come together for a sleek, artful vibe. Though it’s not as exact as a pour-over brewer, it requires less effort and complexity when it comes to preparation.
Tools
Acaia Scale
To achieve precision (and therefore the most perfect cup of coffee), you absolutely must weigh your beans. This attractive, minimalist scale is at once good-looking, fast, and accurate. It’s also equipped with Bluetooth technology so that you can connect it to a suite of apps that will further help with your brewing.
Brewista Precision Frothing Pitcher
While most milk pitchers are sufficient, a pitcher with a delicate V spout and thick-top handle will offer the most control for crafting latte art. This stainless steel one—which makes it dishwasher safe— is used by some of the world’s top baristas. It checks all the boxes and has allowed me to master my hearts and rosettas.
Brewista X-Series Hand Grinder
Though it’s on the more expensive side, this sexy hand grinder is worth its price. Handbuilt by artisans with a sophisticated polyhedron design, it offers 60 coarseness settings that can be adjusted using a ring on the exterior. The multi-tiered burrs and Z-shaped handle execute perfectly-ground coffee in a fast and easy fashion.
Fellow Ode Brew Grinder
A new tool on the scene, this design-forward, matte black coffee grinder is as close as you can get to a professional version — for a fraction of the $1,000 such a precise piece would normally cost. With impressive flat burrs, 31 settings, and single-dose loading for maximum bean freshness, it’s specifically intended for brew coffee (not espresso), so that it can be the best in its field.
Porlex JP-30 Grinder
My preferred reasonably-priced grinder is this travel iteration that can pull off a precise grind on the go. The Japanese-made, stainless steel piece does require a bit of forearm effort, but the accuracy and non-electric element make it worth the sweat. I pair this grinder with my AeroPress for a flawless travel coffee setup.
Novelty
Grady’s Cold Brew Bean Bag Cold Brew Kit
For the easiest, kitschiest cold brew, this clever kit is the tops. All you need to do is add a bean bag and water to the reusable, sealable plastic pouch and let it soak overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, remove the bean bag and pour your delicious coffee from the convenient spigot. Tah dah!
Joy Resolve Barisieur Coffee Alarm Clock
I’m a sucker for a fun, novelty item, and this brilliant coffee alarm clock has me weak at the knees. The bedside maker will wake you up with the gentle sound and arresting aroma of fresh brew at whatever time you want to arise. It’s outfitted with a Peltier mini fridge to keep your milk chilled, so you truly don’t have to leave the covers to enjoy your morning cup.
Vessels
Frama Otto Cups
I first discovered this Danish lifestyle brand on a trip to Copenhagen and I’ve been smitten ever since. These stackable, stoneware cups are not only the epitome of minimalist, Scandinavian style, and they’re also my dream cortado container and small coffee mug. Available in three colorways — white, black, and natural — they’re an asset to any kitchen.
Frank Green Ceramic Reusable Cup
Sustainability is the specialty of this Melbourne-based brand that uses a clean, simple design to make eco-friendly goods lust-worthy. With a ceramic inner layer and stainless steel outer layer, its reusable, insulated travel mug maintains the coffee temperature, flavor, and aroma. It also comes in three sizes depending on your desired brew — the adorable small cup for espresso is my favorite.
Subscriptions
Misto Box
My favorite feature of Misto Box’s coffee subscription service is the “Brew Queue” a list of coffees from over 50 artisan roasters that you can choose from for your shipment. Once you’ve identified what you like, you can save a “Playlist” of roasters to revisit. MistoBox is also integrated with Alexa, so you can use your Amazon Echo to control your delivery schedule and update your order.
Trade Coffee
With Trade’s seven-question quiz, you can find your perfect coffee match from the subscription company’s network of over 400 top roasters, from Sightglass Coffee to Tandem Coffee Roasters. Then, the brand will use your feedback to customize your future deliveries even more closely. It’s a great way to discover new favorite roasters from across the country.
YesPlz
Two industry experts are behind YesPlz, a creative subscription company that sources beans from first-class farms all over the world and thoughtfully roasts them in Los Angeles to provide a new blend or single origin release each week. Select your preferred size and frequency and never look back. It’s a mailbox miracle.