gift guide: coffee + tea lovers
FEW THINGS inspire as much passion and joy on a daily basis in SO many people than a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether it’s in a styrofoam cup from the Dunkin’ drive through or made with near-surgical precision in your own kitchen, those first sips are pure magic. Which is probs why people have NFL-style love for their hot brew of choice. It brings friends, family and colleagues together. It’s the one self-care ritual that almost everyone makes time for. It gives space for people to seriously nerd out. And it just brings a lot of happiness. So naturally, all of the beautiful things out there to support these habits make really fantastic gifts.
I AM an all-day tea drinker. I love it hot or iced, morning and night. My husband has been intrigued by and tried just about every coffee-making method out there, from pour-over to stovetop to french pressing on the side of a river, so collectively we’ve tested out a lot of awesome products. You can shop this guide for Coffee Lovers or Tea Lovers and by Things Both Can Agree Are Awesome [click these links to jump to a section]. I have also included a few of My Favorite Ceramicists whose mugs would make a really gorgeous gift. I love functional art and there’s nothing more meaningful than seeing [and drinking out of] something each morning that reminds you of someone special. So make yourself a hot cup of something, settle in and enjoy. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo
Brands I Love: Fellow
image : Fellow Products
I LOVE nothing more than a truly brilliant intersection of form + function. It’s just a beautiful thing when something works like a dream and is also stunning to look at. And Fellow has absolutely nailed both. They’re self-proclaimed ‘coffee nerds’ and work tirelessly to create products that fully maximize the coffee-drinking experience for everyone from beginners to award-winning baristas. Their Stagg EKG Electric Kettle has reached near-cult status for pour-over lovers, earning high marks for its super dialed features and its stunning design, which comes in at least 13 different colors. I’m kind of obsessed with my Corvo EKG Electric Kettle for my tea drinking, too, it’s absolutely gorgeous and super functional. And their Ode Brew Grinder won the Specialty Coffee Association’s Best New Product Award for 2021. They' also launched the Aiden Precision Coffee Maker, designed to combine the art of hand brewing with the convenience of a machine. Fellow also carefully curates a really special selection of the best in small-batch coffee from around the country to create ‘Your Dream Coffee Aisle.’ Pair a few bags with a Carter Move Mug [LOVE love mine] for a fantastic gift for any serious ‘coffee nerd’ or casual coffee drinker you love.
Gifts for Coffee Lovers
~ This little AeroPress Go Portable Travel Coffee Press has a bit of a cult following in the outdoor world. It’s an all-in press, mug and lid in-one that’s super compact for traveling. Its rapid-immersion method brews hot [or cold], smooth, not-bitter coffee in one minute and takes a fraction of that to clean. And it’s made in the USA. YES. My husband is obsessed with his and says it makes THE best cup of coffee. Period. ~ $49.95
~ Everything Caraway makes is gorgeous and they’ve launched a new 10-Cup Coffee Maker with the same sleek design and non-toxic promise that comes with all of their other products. Your coffee only ever touches standees steel and glass in here, there are no plastic bits to be found to leach into your morning brew. It has one-touch control and a 90-minute warming plate and comes in 4 pretty colors to match your decor. ~ $495
~ Italians have been using the iconic Bialetti Moka Espresso Maker since 1930 and the Moka’s 2-part stovetop design still produces perfect, rich espresso. Several friends [and apparently 90% of Italians] swear by this low-tech, super high performing classic. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and comes in several pretty colors and sizes from 3-12 cups. The perfect marriage of form and function for nearly 100 years, the Moka is even part of the MoMa’s permanent collection. ~ from $49.95
~ Bring out the artist in your foam-lover with a Breville Latte Art Milk Jug. The silicone sleeve and pro-style spout lend the jug to precise pouring of fine lines so you can create rosettas or design your own signature latte logo. ~ $49.95
~ Make your Bialetti Moka experience even more Italian and more luxe with a piece from the Bialetti x Dolce&Gabbana collection. It’s SO fun. There are 3 iconic prints and several sizes to choose from, as well as a gorgeous gift box that also includes 2 porcelain cups and 2 golden stirrers. You’ll feel super chic with your pinky out each morning. Ciao bella. ~ from $140
~ The VSSL Java Coffee Grinder is perfect for your die-hard, adventure-loving coffee nerds. It’s a burr grinder with 50 unique settings to get everything just right for your brew. It’s incredibly durable (made with aircraft grade aluminum) and also super lightweight. Pair it with their equally brilliant Nest Pour Over Coffee Kit and you are set up for a fabulous, fully caffeinated morning, either in the very far reaches of the wild or your backyard. ~ $165
~ The Hario Original V60 Pour Over Dripper has been carefully and intentionally designed to make the perfect cup. The 100-year-old Japanese company has strategically designed the Dripper with a 60 degree cone angle and special curved ridges for smooth flow and optimum filter grip, coming together to produce a super delicious cup of coffee. Plus it takes only 3 minutes to brew and I love the peaceful, minimalist process. ~ from $25
~ If your espresso lover is more concerned with time than process, a Nespresso Virtuo Next might be their new BFF. It scans the barcode on the pod you insert and instantly knows which settings to use to brew the perfect shot. This model also comes with an Aeroccino 3 that makes hot milk, hot milk foam and cold froth to perfect your cup. My husband loves his for a quick coffee drink between calls. ~ $239.95
~ Skip all of those little cans of cold brew and make your own with this innovative, super easy to use Hario Cold Brew Coffee Bottle. Just pop in the grounds and water, put it in the fridge overnight and let the special design work its magic to make your perfect morning cup. ~ $25
~ Ooh I love a functional art piece. These pretty Ceramic Spoons are handmade in NC and come in lots of pretty glazes. They’re the perfect addition to your coffee-making ritual and would be such a beautiful gift. ~ $18
~ A Coffee a Day: Contemporary Café Designs is a celebration of the shared culture of coffee shops. It looks at the spaces, concepts, and design of cafes all around the world. ~ $39.95
~ West Elm has the most adorable, super detailed collection of Coffee & Tea Ornaments that would make perfect gifts or gift toppers. I especially love the Pour-Over Coffee and Tea versions, they’re just so charming and cute. ~ $16
~ One of my favorite ceramicists, Linda Hsiao of Knotwork LA, hand-sculpts the most awesome ‘bird’ series of Pitchers and Creamers. Each one is completely unique and they all make me smile. They would be a such a special gift. ~ from $48
~ Aside from looking like a stunning piece of art, the classic glass Chemex Drip Coffee Maker is lauded for producing a super clear, pure and not-bitter cup of pour-over coffee. Make sure to use the Chemex Filters for optimum function and flavor. It’s also kind of mesmerizing to watch, so you get a little meditation in, too. ~ $49.95
~ Want super high quality coffee in seconds with zero gadgets, grinders, or beans? Try Cometeer. It’s a perfect little [recyclable] pod of brewed coffee that’s been flash-frozen at -321 degrees to maximize flavor and aroma. It can live in your freezer for up to 3 years and when you’re ready for your perfect cup, you just melt it right in. Hot, cold, with milk or without. Voila! Isn’t that cool?! They have a zillion high quality roasting partners to choose from or go for a Bundle for super easy, pretty gifting. ~ prices vary
~ Similarly, Jot Ultra Coffee is a concentrate that can be added to water, milk, ice cream or cocktails. Just one tablespoon provides a fully-realized cup of coffee, easy peasy. It comes in a bunch of yummy flavors, so you can get creative. And the bottles are really pretty, just made for gifting. They also have an Instant Cold Brew Coffee in a jar that’s so perfect for travel. ~ $26.60
~ Save a trip to the coffee shop by making your own fancy barista drinks at home with this adorable, stylish SMEG Mini Electric Milk Frother. It has three preset modes for hot froth, hot milk and cold froth and can make enough for 3 drinks at a time. It comes in 5 pretty SMEG colors to match your other appliances, too. You can also use it for hot chocolate and chai. Yum. ~ $169.95
~ This Black + Decker Coffee and Spice Grinder is the highest rated, simple grinder I could find. It has a stainless steel bowl and blades, a locking lid and one-touch controls that allow you to customize the courseness of your grind. It’s designed to handle coffee beans, grains, herbs and spices with precision and it’s super reasonable. ~ $25.99
~ Spoil your coffee-lover with the gift of never running out of their favorite beans with a subscription to a local or loved roaster. Ampersand Coffee Roasters in Boulder is organic, fair trade and supports women’s empowerment, making your gift even more impactful. ~ from $65
~ Saudi Coffee: The Culture of Hospitality is a stunning book from Assouline celebrating the long history of the cultural importance of coffee in Saudi Arabia, as well as the coffee itself. ~ $120
~ Aerolatte’s Steam-Free Frother will give you perfectly frothed milk of any kind without any cords or a big ol’ espresso machine. It’s portable, battery-operated and froths in 60 seconds or less. It comes with a little counter stand, too and there are several colors to choose from. ~ $22.99
~ Get your coffee fix in a different way with Hopjes classic Dutch coffee hard candy. They’re so yummy and won’t burn you or leave you all jittery. ~ $8.99
~ If you’re just getting started learning to make the perfect cup of coffee in your own kitchen, Brew: Better Coffee at Home is the guidebook you need. Learn about beans, brewing techniques, supplies and more all in a pretty, concise package.. ~ $32
~ The World Atlas of Coffee: From Beans to Brewing is a super comprehensive guide to all things coffee, from the most famous coffee growing regions of the world to detailed brewing techniques. Written by James Hoffman, a coffee expert and award-winning barista, this book provides your coffee nerd next-level beta to fuel their passion and perfect their craft. ~ $39.95
Gifts for Tea Lovers
~ A kettle so nice, I’m mentioning it twice. I obsessed over this Fellow Corvo Electric Kettle for a looong time before receiving it as a gorgeous gift and it does NOT disappoint. Aside from being super beautiful, it’s also perfectly functional. It has easy temp control, heats quickly, shuts off automatically after 15 minutes. And it is SO pretty. Add a Carter Move Mug so you’ll have perfect tea anywhere you go. ~ $195
~ If you prefer to boil your water the analog way, the stunning Caraway Whistling Tea Kettle is perfection. It’s stainless steel, so nothing grody gets in your water, but the beautiful outer shell is ceramic, which allows it to come in 7 REALLY pretty colors. The handle gets a wee bit hot, so an equally stylish mitt is included to keep your hands safe. It’s all delivered in a super elegant, well-designed package, making it just perfect for gifting. ~ $265
~ Take your tea or matcha-lover’s ritual to the next level with a stunning handmade Tea Bowl. The beautiful bowl is made by Koide Studio in Berkely and comes in several different gorgeous styles and glazes. She has loads of other really pretty bowls, mugs and tea sets, too. ~ from $45
~ Combine two things you love by having your pet [or up to three] sculpted into a fully handmade Custom Mug, so with each sip, you get a little peek at your favorite furry friend. The lead time is a bit longer because of the custom nature, but totally worth it if you plan ahead. This is such a special gift and awesome way to start or end your day. ~ $52
~ If you’ve ever fumbled around with a sub-par tea infuser, you’ll really appreciate this Bodum Tea Press as much as I do. It’s the perfect size for one or two and does a fantastic job of straining out the leafy bits. Plus it’s so darn pretty. ~ $39.95
~ You’ll feel super fancy with this Degenne Salam Insulated Teapot inspired in 1953 by Bedouin style pots. It’s a French-designed porcelain pot with a removable aluminum infuser, which is all lovely, but the real kicker is the felt-lined stainless steel cover that insulates the pot and keeps your tea warm for up to an hour, so you can enjoy [or share] all 33 oz of liquid gold. It comes in 10 pretty colors, too. ~ from $187
~ Celebrate your tea lover AND help them stay organized with a Personalized Tea Storage Box. The pretty acacia wood box has 10 compartments for storing all of your favorite tea varieties and there are two charming, classic options for personalizing the lid. Love it. ~ $75
~ If you like your tea with a little drip of honey, this pretty ceramic Honey Jar will keep it easy to access and beautiful to look at. It's handmade in small batches in PA and would make a really special gift for your honey lovers. ~ $54
~ Fans of loose leaf tea can enjoy the convenience of a perfect cuppa on the go with The Tea Spot’s Mountain Tea Tumbler [16oz] or Everest Tea Tumbler [22oz]. They’re both tea-infusing travel mugs that steep your brew while you’re on-the-go and then keep it nice and warm for hours. Pair one with a Loose Leaf Tea Sampler for a really fantastic gift. As a bonus, Tea Spot is a certified B Corp and donates 10% of all sales in-kind to cancer survivors and community wellness programs. ~ $33.95
~ Fans of SMEG’s cool retro look will love their Electric Tea Kettle. It’s stainless steel, has a soft-opening lid and an auto shut-off feature. The base swivels 360 degrees and it comes in 12 fabulous colors So cute. ~ $229.95
~ Inspire a slow moment with a stunning Fellow Matcha Set. It comes with all the pieces you need to make your favorite and it comes in 4 really pretty colors. Add some Yama Matcha from Japan’s Southern Alps for a complete ritual and perfect gift. ~ $129.95
~ If your tea-lover prefers to keep things icy, try The Tea Spot’s new Craft Cold Brew Filter. Fill any wide mouth jar with tea or fruit or whatever you want, pour on cold water and let it chill in the fridge for a bit. Voila! When you’re ready to pour, the Filter perfectly strains out the floaty bits. You can use it for cocktails too, I won’t tell. Brilliant. They have a Cold Brew Tea Sport Bottle, too, if you like to take it on the go. ~ $18.95
~ Add another layer of specialness to your tea ritual with The Qi Blooming Tea. The gorgeous little tea truffle bundles ‘bloom’ while steeping, leaving you with a delicious cuppa and a pretty site. There are 3 different options to choose from depending on the intention and flavor profile you like best. ~ $38
~ Soul Chai in Portland, OR makes sustainable, small-batch chai powder with an intentional focus on the soulful spices. It has no milk or sugar, so you can blend it just the way you like it, plus the powder makes it super portable. There’s a spicy Masala Chai and a decaf Rooibos Masala Chai, both delivered in a gorgeous 40-serving tin perfect for gifting. ~ from $19.50
~ Inspire your tea lover’s imagination with Infused: Adventures in Tea. It’s part travel memoir, part recipe book and is ‘infused’ with gorgeous photography. ~ $26.95
~ If your tea-lover also enjoys gardening, Homegrown Tea will teach them how to plant, harvest and dry their own tea blends, whether they have a whole garden or a kitchen ledge. It has information on the benefits of each plant, too. Very cool. ~ $24.99
gifts that Tea AND Coffee Lovers agree are awesome
~ Do your brain a favor and replace at least one hot cuppa a day with a Clevr Blends SuperLatte. These oat milk-based blends are brimming with adaptogens, mushrooms, probiotics and superfoods to help improve brain function and boost your mood. There are 6 awesome flavors to choose from [my husband loves the Matcha], including one for supporting Sleeptime. They’re dairy + refined sugar free, responsibly sourced and just need water to blend. The Starter Kit would be a really beautiful gift for anyone who’d like to add a little delicious healthy boost to their daily routine. They also have non-creamy Super Teas. ~ from $28
~ Well this is genius. The Ember Smart Mug allows you to control the temp on your favorite drink all day long so you never have a tepid cup of tea or coffee [like I do right now]. Use the app to change the temp depending on your drink’s ideal or just set it once to the temp you like best and forget it. It lasts up to 90 minutes on its own or all day on the charger. I got one for my dad for his birthday and he loves it. There are several different colors to choose from, including a few metallics. ~ from $129
~ Keep drinks super toasty [or freezing] with a beautiful Fellow Carter Move Mug. It’s so much more chic than the average industrial travel mug and it comes with a splash guard that keeps you from dribbling all over your clean shirt. I LOVE mine. It comes in 3 sizes and tons of beautiful colors. ~ from $29.95
~ Talking Out of Turn has a whole collection of adorably-designed glass and ceramic mugs with clever quips on them. Fair warning, some of them would make a sailor blush, but they’re pretty darn funny and a fun gift for those who would appreciate the salty humor. ~ $18
~ Ok, if you want the Cadillac of airtight storage containers, check out Montana-based Planetary Designs’ Airscape Collection. It doesn’t just rely on one lid’s seal to do the job, it has a patented plunger lid that forces oxygen out as it’s pushed down onto the contents of the canister. Your precious coffee beans or tea leaves [or grains, nuts, etc…] will be kept pristine, both at home and while traveling. There are a bunch of sizes and colors to choose from and a glass version if you like to see what’s inside. ~ from $19
~ The Home Café: Creative Recipes for Espresso, Matcha, Tea and Coffee Drinks is full of creative ways to turn your everyday coffee or tea into an experience, from fruity matcha spritzers to dessert -inspired lattes. ~ $22.99
~ No matter the season or your activity of choice, everyone needs a Yeti for hot drinks on the go and they make awesome gifts. They’ll keep your bev of choice super hot [or super cold] for almost ever and there are loads of sizes, colors and styles to choose from. Bring it tailgating, camping, après skiing, picnicking, horseback riding, soccer-watching or anywhere else you’d love to sip a piping hot cup of your favorite. ~ from $25
~ Fellow’s Atmos Vacuum Canisters use vacuum seal technology to keep your ‘valuables’ safe from oxidation. With a simple twist, the air is removed and your beans or leaves are snuggled in tight until your next cup. It comes in 3 sizes and colors to match your decor, too. ~ from $30
Mugs from Some of my favorite ceramicists
THERE’S NOTHING like sipping your favorite hot drink out of a beautiful piece of art and a special mug makes a really stunning and meaningful gift. After all, there’s nothing more sweet than being reminded of someone special each and every morning. These artists all hand-make their gorgeous wares one by one and don’t always have inventory on hand, but if you can be patient, I promise it’ll be worth the wait. If you find an artist you love, I recommend following them on Instagram or subscribing to their email list to find out first when they’re releasing new stuff. xo
Pawena Studio in Los Angeles, CA
Mortar and Stone in Austin, TX
Knotwork LA in Los Angeles, CA
East Fork in Ashville
O-M Ceramics in Los Angeles, CA
Pigeon Toe Ceramics in Portland, OR
Haand in Burlington, NC
Sandbox Ceramics in St. Helens, OR
Luvhaus in West Oakland, CA
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