14 Gift Ideas for Coffee Lovers: A Guide for Every Budget
It’s officially the holiday season. You know what that means? It’s gift-giving time.
But it’s not always easy shopping for the people you care about, especially if they’re really into something that you don’t know much about. If you have a coffee lover in your life, but you don’t know the first thing about coffee, don’t worry.
In this article, we cover the 14 best coffee gift ideas sure to satisfy that special someone in your life. We’ve also categorized each present by budget, so you don’t have to break the bank when shopping. Keep reading to learn about the top 14 gifts you can choose from for a coffee lover.
Gifts for Coffee Lovers: From Under $30 to $300+
Whether you’re on a strict budget or have money to splurge on something, we’ve got you. Here’s a list of the top coffee-themed presents, from $30 to hundreds of dollars.
5 Coffee Gift Items Under $30
Iced Coffee Candles
Gift your favorite person a candle that smells and looks like their favorite drink. Iced coffee candles are a new trend among coffee lovers. These candles feature traditional wax and gel wax to create “ice cubes.”. If you want to give a coffee-themed gift that makes someone feel like they stepped into their favorite cafe, iced coffee candles are a budget-friendly option.
Not only do these candles boast the nutty aroma of a freshly brewed coffee, but they also look good enough to drink. Most iced coffee candles are under $30, with some even below $20.
Here are 3 top-rated iced coffee candles to buy for that special someone:
2. Fresh Coffee Beans
What says “You matter to me” more than a gifted bag of specialty coffee beans ready to be freshly brewed every morning? We don’t recommend just any beans—your favorite person deserves only the best.
Invest in a bag of high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans to ensure they don’t taste bitter or sour.
Here’s what to look for when gifting a bag of beans to the coffee lover in your life:
Check the roast date. Specialty coffee often has a roast date on the package, informing you how fresh the beans are. Coffee typically requires 2–3 days of rest after its roast date, with peak flavor developing 3–14 days after roasting. Anything over 2 weeks old is going to taste more stale and lose part of its flavor profile. There is an exception to this rule, which is beans that have undergone a nitrogen flush. This process preserves the beans for up to 6 months after they’ve been roasted, maintaining their flavor for an extended period. If you find specialty beans that have been nitrogen flushed, they’re still fresh for 3–6 months after the roast date and can be gifted to a coffee lover.
Inspect the label for origin information, flavor notes, and type of roast. The origin of the coffee beans impacts the flavor, from more citrusy blends to nutty profiles. Additionally, how beans are roasted, whether light, medium, or dark, also affects how the coffee will taste. If you know what your friend or partner enjoys, look for beans that match their preferred flavor notes and roast.
Smell the coffee (if possible). If you’re buying a bag of beans in person, trust your nose. Coffee that smells like its flavor notes (e.g., nutty, floral, fruity, chocolatey) is a good sign. However, if it smells burnt or sour, don’t gift it to a coffee lover; it most likely won’t meet their standards.
A bag of premium coffee beans usually costs around $20–$30. Although it’s a steeper price tag than generic coffee, it’s well worth the treat for that special someone.
If you want to buy beans that meet the high standards of a coffee lover and support a greater cause, consider buying Talitha’s beans. Talitha Coffee is a roastery based in Southern California that supports anti-trafficking through hiring, training, and providing holistic support for sex trafficking survivors. Talitha’s beans are nitrogen flushed, tasting as if they were just roasted for 3 months.
If you’re looking for an extra special bag of beans that’s a bit over the $30 price tag, check out Talitha’s limited supply of Columbia beans. Winner of a Global Coffee Awards 2025 Finalist seal in the Experimental Single Origin category, these beans are truly something special. They boast notes of candied watermelon, mango, and green apple, resulting in a fruity, well-rounded cup of coffee.
At Inicio Coffee in the San Fernando Valley, we use Talitha’s beans, and customers consistently rave about their quality and potent flavor. Order Talitha beans online or visit Inicio Coffee in Pacoima, CA, to buy a bag in our shop and try a drink from our menu while you’re at it.
3. Gift Card to Their Favorite Coffee Shop
Treat your friend or family member to a place they could spend all day in: a local coffee shop. Whether they’ve visited it before or it’s a new cafe they haven’t tried, give a gift that they can use on the days they need a pick-me-up. Coffee gift cards are often customizable in terms of pricing, allowing you to gift a card that covers one or multiple coffees, depending on your budget.
We recommend giving gift cards to independent, locally-owned coffee shops if there’s one in your area. You’ll support the local economy and gift someone better coffee than what they'd find at a chain coffee shop.
If you live in Los Angeles, buy a gift card at Inicio Coffee. Our shop is a hidden gem for coffee lovers in the San Fernando Valley. With a gift card from our cafe, that special someone in your life can enjoy specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and support a greater cause. Visit us in Pacoima to purchase a gift card for the holiday season!
4. Books About Coffee
Books are an ideal gift idea for coffee lovers who also enjoy reading. Coffee-themed books can double as both an educational read and a nice decorative item on the table.
Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite coffee books:
- The World Atlas of Coffee by James Hoffman for coffee beginners who want to know everything about coffee, from farm to cup. Slightly used versions can be found for under $30.
- Coffee: A Global History by Jonathon Morris for history buffs who’d love to learn about the origins of the coffee bean.
- The New Art of Coffee: From Morning Cup to Caffeine Cocktail by Ryan Castelaz for aspiring at-home baristas ready to try something new.
- Lonely Planet’s Global Coffee Tour for the travel enthusiast who wants to explore the world through café culture.
5. Coffee Passport
For a truly unique gift, consider giving a coffee passport to that special someone. Coffee passports are perfect for those who love to explore, find new places, and rediscover the place they live in. If that sounds like the person you’re giving a gift to, then buy them this one-of-a-kind guide.
Coffee passports are guides that help you explore and review regional coffee shops and roasteries. They list out cafes in a specific area and have a dedicated section for each stop, allowing you to write your own review about your experience. You can collect stamps at each spot, a complimentary drink or pastry, and exclusive deals. Some coffee passports even educate users about the coffee process, from farm to cup.
Coffee passports are the perfect, affordable gift for coffee lovers, especially those who like novelty, stepping out of their comfort zone, and trying new drinks.
The best way to find a coffee passport is to search for one in your area. Several are available for purchase online with a simple Google search.
If you’re in the San Fernando Valley area, we recommend The 818 Cafecito Passport™️, which tours 12 different cafes in 12 cities throughout the Valley. You can collect stamps, free or discounted drinks, and explore local cafes with The 818 Cafecito Passport™️.
6 Coffee Presents for $50–$150
Pour Over Setup
Help the coffee lover in your life become their own at-home barista with a complete pour over setup.
Here’s what to include in your pour over setup gift:
- V60: There are many pour over devices out there, but we like the V60 the best. With an open bottom, V60s drip coffee directly into the bug below it. V60s are known to produce flavorful coffee that draws out the notes nicely. For the coffee lover in your life, we recommend the Hario Glass V60.
- Paper Filters: Most V60 paper filters will work, but you can also purchase the Hario Glass Coffee Set, which includes paper filters, a glass V60, a carrier, and a coffee scoop.
- Kettle: Depending on how fancy you want to get, a quality kettle is the perfect gift for a coffee lover. Standard kettles at home, like a vintage tea kettle, can work, but an electric kettle (preferably a gooseneck model) is ideal for ease and temperature accuracy—two very important factors for a solid pour over. For those who’d like to splurge, the Fellow Stag EKG Kettle is the best. But if you’re on a tighter budget, the Hario V60 “Buono” Kettle works just fine.
- Scale: A flavorful pour over is all about the measurements and timing. That’s where a high-quality scale comes in. A pour over setup has to include a digital scale that weighs beans and water (and ideally tracks time). The Escali Primo Digital Food Scale is a simple, budget-friendly option. However, for coffee enthusiasts, the Acaia Pearl includes a timer and measures to the tenth of a gram.
- Coffee Grinder: Assuming your coffee lover uses whole beans, you’ll need to gift them a grinder to complete their pour over setup. Burr grinders are an excellent option for their affordability and ease of transport. They also allow adjustable grind coarseness, which is essential for pour overs. We like the TIMEMORE manual grinder. If you want to gift an electric grinder, go with the Baratza Encore.
So, there you have it—a complete pour over setup for the coffee lover in your life. Now, if you go with the more expensive options we recommended, you’ll be well over $150. However, if you choose the affordable picks or even give a few of these items as presents instead of all of them, you’ll stay under that hefty price tag and still satisfy that special someone.
2. Aeropress
An Aeropress is a great gift for latte lovers who’ve made a hobby out of traveling. Whether you want a standard cup of coffee or a fancy iced latte while you’re on the go, an Aeropress delivers.
Really, any Aeropress works, but here are two of our favorites:
- For the ultimate traveler who needs something compact, get them the Aeropress Go Plus Travel System .
- For someone who wants bigger portions, get them the XL Aeropress .
Aeropresses often run under $60 and are an easy gift for coffee lovers.
3. Temperature Control Mug
If your friend or family member drinks their coffee slowly, a temperature control mug is the perfect gift. They most likely have the problem of cold coffee, which no one enjoys. While they could microwave their coffee, that doesn’t do wonders for its flavor.
The real (and better) solution is a mug that keeps their coffee warm for over an hour. Temperature control mugs are heated and maintain your beverage at a set temperature for a specified period. They often have either built-in batteries or other heating elements that allow you to set the temperature via a button or smartphone app.
The most popular temperature control mug is the Ember Mug, which was even recommended by coffee expert James Hoffman himself. The Ember Mug pairs with your phone via Bluetooth, and its app allows you to adjust the temperature of your drinks. The brand even sells an Ember Cup, which is 6 oz and ideal for cappuccino or cortado drinkers. Running between $100 and $150, the heated mugs are a trend that has gained popularity over recent years and proved reasonably practical.
4. Customized Coffee Gift Box
If you’re on the lookout for personalized gifts for coffee lovers, try out a custom coffee gift box. These often include a bag of coffee, a mug, a snack, and other items. Sometimes you can personalize the mug with a name, or hand-select a specific blend of coffee.
If you want to buy a pre-made coffee gift box, Etsy has a couple of great choices, including:
For Him: A luxury coffee gift set, including Fellow mugs, Fidalgo coffee, and chocolate.
For Her: A cozy winter coffee set with a blanket, a bag of coffee, a candle, and other items.
For an even more personal touch, you can create your own coffee gift set for your friend or family member. You can order a customized mug online, put in a bag of their favorite coffee, add a gift card to a local cafe, and add any other touches you think they’d appreciate.
5. Coffee Tasting Class
Who said a gift always has to be a physical item? Sometimes, experiences make for the best presents.
Coffee tasting, or cupping, is the perfect gift idea for a coffee lover who wants to improve their ability to recognize coffee’s unique notes and body. What’s even better is that you can join them in the class and make memories you’ll talk about for years.
During a coffee tasting class, participants will be introduced to coffee and learn about its production process. Often, instructors will explain the entire process, from harvesting the beans at a farm to roasting and brewing the coffee. After the presentation, participants are invited to taste different blends of coffee from around the world. The instructor will most likely show you how to evaluate a coffee’s aroma, flavor notes, and body, making the act of drinking coffee an entire experience.
Coffee tasting classes are truly a one-of-a-kind gift, and giving one shows how much you care about your friend or family member’s passion for coffee.
Local roasteries or coffee shops in your area may offer coffee tasting classes. You can do some online research to find local classes in your area. Platforms like Eventbrite also detail regional coffee tasting classes and allow you to buy a spot in one. While there are free coffee cupping options, it’s best to pay for one so you can get a fuller, more 1-1 experience.
Coffee tasting classes can range from $60 to $150, depending on where you’re located and how in-depth the class is.
6. 3- to 6-Month Coffee Subscription
Give a gift that keeps on giving with a coffee subscription. Roasters usually allow you to select the frequency of coffee deliveries, the type of beans you prefer, and the duration of your subscription. Coffee subscriptions make a great gift for someone who loves coffee and wants to enjoy their favorite brew at home.
Here are a few of our favorite options:
Talitha Coffee offers a 3- or 6-month coffee subscription. The roastery allows you to select the size of bag, frequency, and the duration of the subscription.
Counter Culture Coffee offers gift subscriptions at 3-, 6-, or 12-month durations. They allow you to select the blend of coffee, each with different flavor notes.
A local roastery nearby is an excellent option for a coffee subscription present. Many roasteries provide subscriptions and will happily make it a gift for that special someone in your life.
Depending on the duration and type of coffee, a 3- to 6-month coffee subscription costs around $100–$140.
3 Splurge Coffee-Themed Gifts: $200+
Professional Grinder
We have already detailed grinders in the pour over setup option, but what if you wanted a really high-end one for the coffee lover in your life? Several professional options make the perfect choice for espresso, pour overs, and more.
We recommend the Baratza Encore (as stated previously) or the Breville Smart Grinder Pro as electric grinder options that are nearly as good as the grinders found at a specialty coffee shop. High-end grinders can range from as low as $150 to hundreds of dollars.
2. At-Home Coffee Roaster
If you want to give a gift to a coffee lover that allows them to elevate their game, consider investing in a high-quality coffee roaster they can use at home.
The Behmor 2000AB Plus Roaster is an award-winning drum roaster that features precision controls and smoke suppression. It runs around $480, but is well worth the price if you’re able to purchase it for a gift.
The Gene Cafe coffee roaster allows for manual adjustments to the time and temperature of the roast cycle, making it an ideal gift for more experienced coffee roasters. It runs for about $690.
Accompany your gift with green beans from Sweet Maria’s, a coffee company that provides beans from around the world.
3. Espresso Machine
Let’s take the at-home barista idea a step further—what if your friend or family member could have the espresso machine to make it happen? Gifting an espresso machine is a massive investment, but it’s one that the coffee lover in your life won’t forget. You can go all in on it with a few other people to even out the hefty price tag.
Our favorite at-home espresso machine is the Breville Barista Express. It includes everything you need: a burr grinder, a portafilter, high-pressure extraction for the perfect espresso, a milk frother, and more. They cost around $700 but can last for years, making them a dreamy gift idea for every coffee lover.
What Gift Will You Buy for the Coffee Lover in Your Life?
Whether you gift someone a coffee tasting class or a pour over setup, it’s the thought behind the present that counts. Whatever gift you choose from this list, the coffee lover in your life will appreciate it. Good luck hunting for the perfect present!