Since I am known to be hard to buy for but people find buying gifts for a "coffee lover" to be easier than buying gifts for someone that is super meticulous otherwise, here are some helpful suggestions, most under $50 or $100.
A Coffee Subscription
For the person that likes to try many different coffees, try a curated coffee subscription service like Bottomless. Bottomless allows you to tailor the deliveries to your roast profile and flavor palette preferences, follows up with you for feedback to better tailor future deliveries, AND ensure you never run out by using a (provided) connected smart scale to automatically send the next bag in your queue based on when you’re going to run out! The website interface is super clean and easy to use whether you're not sure what you want, or you're gifting a subscription to someone else. 12 ounce bag pricing is discounted form retail pricing as part of the $5/month membership fee that also covers the cost of the provided scale and service. There are a lot of pretty solid subscription models out right now, but for all the busy people I know that don’t want to actively manage to make sure they don’t run out of coffee, this is the only real-time, usage based model I’m aware of.
Brewing Devices or Kits
The Aeropress makes great coffee at home or on the go, and can be brewed a variety of different ways, including iced.
Manual brewing equipment is great because it's hands on, allowing the user to play Barista, and the equipment (provided they have a quality burr grinder) is relatively inexpensive, so it's easy to add new methods and accessories without spending a ton of money. Here is a list of some of my favorites under $100.
Aerobie Aeropress
The Aeropress is such a fun, easy, and unique way to make good coffee. I love it's lightweight portability and ease of use when traveling and camping, and it really makes a coffee somewhere in between brewed and espresso that is very unique. It's also great because there are tons of different "recipes" and brew methods to keep the user occupied trying it iced, inverted, classic or otherwise. Just $33.90 on Amazon here.
Hario V60 Pourover Starter Kit
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If you follow along with the weekly #whatsCTpulling posts, detailing a little about what coffee I'm using that week and how it's treating me, you will know that my go to brewed coffee method is the Hario V60. There are some brewed methods, like an Immersion Brewer that can be a bit more forgiving, but in terms of pourover coffee, the V60 is a go to classic that provides the user a lot of control and ability to make wonderfully nuanced, transparent, sweet, and balanced coffee. This kit has everything you need to get started for just $19.50; brewer, filters, decanter/brewing container, and even a lid.
Fellow Stagg EKG Pour Over Kettle
And for if you’re seeking one of those special gifts that a person may not otherwise buy themselves (those are always the best kind), the Fellow Stagg EKG is sure to provide the highest level of gram worthy appeal to one’s brewing area as well as be an actually great pourover kettle.
Merch / Coffee Swag
What if the coffee lover in your life already has good coffee and all the brewing gear? Why not get them some coffee themed art or apparel? And as far as that goes, look no further than Department of Brewology. They have beautiful coffee themed prints, cool apparel and wares, and more.
The prints and shirts these guys have are absolutely beautiful, click through to purchase and see more!
A common run around of questions when we have guests over is, "what can I make you?" "what are the options?" "do you want an espresso drink or brewed coffee?" so on and so forth. This drives my wife nuts. Maybe the solution is to offer a menu of sorts. This poster breaks down pretty much all of the various espresso based beverages into functional art for your guests' decisions.
Drinkware is always a good idea as well and can be a fun way to change up the look of your coffee bar and provide a different sipping experience. The gradient colors on these Le Creuset cups is fantastic in person.
Thanks for reading, and if you have any other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments section below! Happy Holidays!