5 Gift Ideas for the Coffee Geek In Your Life
by Lisa Elbert, Tastemaker in Residence- Celebrate Mom with my favorite Coffee Geek Tips
We did the research, you get the credit.
In the last decade or so, our taste for coffee has evolved through different waves, and now, in the fourth wave, craft coffee has taken the stage. Not only can you find the single origin, natural process pour overs in most cities, you can also have sustainably sourced beans delivered to your doorstep. Large conglomerate coffee companies are slinging nitro cold brews and matcha lattes, and small, independent shops boast mail-order subscriptions.
Serious coffee drinkers no longer see its consumption as just a method of survival—although some of us certainly cannot live without it—but as a way of life, and many of them are (justifiably) particular about every detail. So, here are five gifts that’ll help your beloved coffee geek live their best life.
1. BONAVITA ELECTRIC GOOSENECK KETTLE
Chances are your coffee-loving companion already has a preferred pour over, but do they have a proper gooseneck kettle? The variable temperature control on this kettle allows you to heat your water to the exact temperature at which you’re supposed to brew coffee (205°F). The thin spout allows you to evenly extract and pour in precise, concentric circles—both of which are integral to a balanced saturation, and thus improved aromas and flavors. Also, it can boil up to a liter of water in just a few minutes, which is great if you’re one of those people who's late out the door, like, every morning.
Buy it: Bonavita 1.0L Digital Variable Temperature Gooseneck Kettle, $65 on Amazon
2. BARATZA ENCORE COFFEE GRINDER
Let’s assume the person you’re shopping for owns more than one type of coffee maker and grinds their beans on a daily basis so they don't get stale. A high-quality, electric burr grinder will help them breeze through their literal “rise and grind." With 40 grinding settings, the Baratza Encore will suit every grinding need from French press to pour over to Turkish and drip. Coffee connoisseur tested and approved.
Buy it: Baratza Encore Conical Burr Coffee Grinder, $140 on Amazon
3. LE CREUSET FRENCH PRESS
She’s not just a pretty face, she’s practical and brews some solid coffee, too—filter free. Coffee filters don’t just filter out the grounds, they also soak up some of the oils and flavors. No filters equal more flavor and a more complex drink. The thick, ceramic walls retain heat better than glass (science!), so if you’re one of those people who orders their coffee extra hot, this is your best bet. But also, ain’t she a beaut?
Buy it: Le Creuset Stoneware 27oz. French Press, $68 at Bed Bath & Beyond
4. DARK MATTER COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION
This is the gift that keeps on giving, quite literally. Well, for at least three months, depending on how generous you’re feeling. Dark Matter Coffee, based out of Chicago, is a personal favorite for a lot of reasons:
- They source their beans sustainably, are aligned with fair trade organizations and practices, and the beans’ roots are traceable.
- They’ve established relationships with farmers in Central America and Mexico, so there’s no middleman standing in the way of the Dark Matter roasters and their hand-picked beans.
- The Dark Matter team is seriously creative, from the coffee itself to its names, packaging, and brick and mortar interior designs. It’s probably the most Instagrammable coffee, like, ever.
Buy it: Dark Matter Coffee Subscription, $18/month for 3 months at Dark Matter
5. STUDIO JOO BLACK AND WHITE TUMBLER
This is the gift you give to the coffee nerd that also has impeccable taste. Each of these tumblers are hand-crafted with unique markings and are too beautiful not to put on display, or your Instagram feed. Plus, they’re tumblers, so they can be used as a vessel for more than just coffee, because there are no rules. Brooklyn-based artist Elaine Tian crafts her products with respect to beauty and function, and in the wabi sabi aesthetic—embrace the imperfections! They are truly stand-alone works of art. Also, they’re dishwasher safe, which is important.
Buy it: Black and White Tumblers, $45 on Studio Joo - Big Cartel