10 Gifts for Coffee Snobs-Even They Will Find Acceptable
How we choose
We believe that the best gifts for coffee lovers and enthusiasts are those that allow them to enjoy their favorite beverage in style. That's why we've rounded up ten top-rated gifts for self-proclaimed coffee nerds.
We read hundreds and hundreds of online reviews and made our selections based on product satisfaction, price, and unique ability. We did the heavy lifting so you don't have to.
Coffee snobs want their brews dark and delicious, not too sweet or too light. They want variety in flavor and roast, and they probably have a few favorite coffee roasters too — or even a favorite farmer — that they like to support.
The best gifts for coffee snobs should acknowledge their passion while also being practical enough to use every day. There are a lot of best coffee gift options out there for everyone: beginner baristas looking to learn some tips and tricks, serious aficionados who need new equipment or coffee accessories, and everything in between.
In this list, you'll find something perfect for your favorite coffee lover - no matter their level of expertise!
Portable Espresso Machine
Why it's on the list:
What sensible coffee snob wouldn't want fresh hot espresso when they are in the woods?
And the Wacaco Minipresso is a great little machine that packs in some pretty impressive features for its size.
It's not the most powerful machine on our list, but it makes a decent cup of espresso and has an easy-to-use design that makes it ideal for camping trips or road trips.
The Best Part: No battery or electricity is required
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Espresso tastes as good as a $6 cup at a coffee place
- As an espresso snob, this is incredible
- The portability is so great to be able to take on trips
Cons:
- Hard to clean
- Tastes good but what's the point if you still have to heat the water
- It's complicated and makes a
The World Atlas of Coffee
The World Atlas of Coffee: From Beans to Brewing -- Coffees Explored, Explained and Enjoyed
Why it's on the list:
This is a book that even the coffee snob can learn a thing or two, and they will adore having a coffee table book about coffee.
(That reminds me of a Seinfeld episode!)
The book features stunning photographs and concise, informative text, covering where coffee is grown, the people who grow it, and the cultures in which it is a way of life.
In this latest edition, James Hoffmann took his coffee research game up a notch and explored seven more coffee-growing regions: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Haiti, and Puerto Rico.
He even added 16 extra pages to cover all these new discoveries! Plus, all the statistics and data have been updated to the most recent available.
This book just keeps getting better, making it one of the best coffee gifts!☕️📚
The Best Part: Beautiful photography
From Reviews:
Pros:
- Everything you could want to know about coffee
- I wish I had this years ago, it's a must read
- Technical, cultural, and historical but not boring or dry
Cons:
- The author is biased and ethnocentric
- 5 stars but not on kindle
- He missed Turkey
Goldleaf Coffee Journal
Goldleaf Coffee Journal – Find YOUR Best Coffee With This Expert Log Book & Guided Notebook
Why it's on the list:
This gorgeous journal features an elegant design with gold accents and a matching leather cover, and let's be real, every coffee snob out there wants to keep track of all the best coffees they've ever had in one safe spot.
It's the perfect way to compare and reminisce, so their supreme taste in coffee will only keep improving.
The pages in this book are made from acid-free paper so they can use it for years and years to come!
And with 100 lined pages, there is plenty of room to jot down all their favorite various coffee recipes, coffee blends, and brewing techniques.
There's even a guide to help them find the perfect brew for their taste buds!
This would make an awesome gift for anyone who loves coffee or wants to start their own delicious brew journey down the rabbit hole. ☕️🎁
The Best Part: Infographics, tips, and it's a guided journal
From Reviews:
Pros:
- I plan on getting a few as gifts I was so impressed
- I'm a coffee snob and used to write down my notes on scratch pads and am so happy to have found this journal
- My coffee experience is getting better from this journal
French Press Coffee Maker
Why it's on the list:
Every coffee snob needs a French Press.
A French press is a classic and reliable brewing coffee method. It's easy to use, simple to clean, and produces a delicious cup of coffee.
This particular model from Cafe Du Chateau is made of borosilicate glass with stainless steel and a sturdy handle. The filtration system prevents any sediment or coffee grounds from entering the cup, so you get a clear brew every time.
And it requires no electricity, so it's perfect for camping trips or when they don't have access to power outlets in remote locations. Even if they have no access to hot water, they can make cold brew.
The Best Part: Not just for coffee, can use for tea also
From Reviews:
Pros:
- We returned our cold-brew coffee maker and use this instead
- The glass is thick and durable and can handle boiling water
- Able to make 2 full cups at once
Cons:
- Annoying to clean
- It's not plastic free
- I couldn't get the glass separated from the metal
Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine
Why it's on the list:
This machine is a great gift for coffee snobs who also want to look fancy!
It's a single-serve machine, that produces a delicious cup of coffee, without taking up too much counter space.
The removable tank makes cleaning easy, and there are several different settings for brewing strength and flavor profile.
One downside is that this machine does not have a built-in milk frother, like other espresso machines, but it does come with complimentary capsules to get them started.
This is one of the more expensive coffee makers on our list, but it's worth it if you want to impress your coffee lover with the best of both worlds: convenience and quality.
The Best Part: The coffee pods are recyclable
From Reviews:
Pros:
- The pods eject themselves
- It has a small footprint
- Gave up Starbucks after I purchased this
Cons:
- The pods are a little hard to find locally
- We loved it until it broke
- The coffee didn't taste good
Manual Coffee Grinder
Why it’s on the list:
Coffee lovers know that the best coffee starts with grinding coffee. The Hario Skerton Plus is a great choice for the coffee snob who wants to enjoy delicious coffee on the go, or they don't want to wake up the rest of the house with a noisy electric grinder.
The magic is in the ceramic conical burrs. They transfer less heat and shave the beans rather than cracking them like blade grinders do making a uniform grind. (coffee snobs know what this means)
And- it's also super easy to use, The Japanese design is ergonomic, with a crank handle that detaches for easy storage and travel.
The Best Part: Shaves coffee beans rather than cracking them for the best flavor
From Reviews:
Pros:
- It grinds coffee perfectly
- I never thought I’d be this excited about a coffee grinder
- I like how simple it is and how good the quality is
- My kids love to grind coffee beans with this
Cons:
- It takes a lot of turns for a cup of coffee and aggravated my tennis elbow
- The grind is not consistent
- The nut inside keeps coming loose
Coffee Masters Around the World in Twelve Coffees
Why it’s on the list:
The Coffee Masters Sampler Pack is one of the best coffee snob gifts, for those who love to experiment with different types of coffee.
This variety pack contains pre-ground beans from around the world, so they can try something new every time they brew a pot.
The package comes in stay-fresh, nitrogen-flushed foil packages, which makes it easy to store.
It's a fun way to let them try out new tastes without having to commit to expensive whole beans every time!
The Best Part: The back of the box has a write-up about all the different coffees From Reviews:
Pros:
- Bought as a gift but I opened the box and the smell was amazing- now I will buy one for myself
- The packaging makes it such a great gift for coffee lovers
- As a coffee snob, I was very surprised at how good these were
Cons:
- I got duplicates instead of 12 different ones
- They all tasted the same
- All the coffee tasted stale
Bialetti Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker
Bialetti - Moka Express: Iconic Stovetop Espresso Maker, Makes Real Italian Coffee
Why it’s on the list:
Coffee snobs most likely will be aware of this iconic coffee pot from Italy, and the reputation of Italian coffee.
The Bialetti Moka Express is a simple, easy-to-use stovetop espresso maker that makes an Italian-style cup of coffee in just minutes.
Just fill the removable aluminum pot with water and ground coffee, place it on your stovetop burner, and wait for the gurgling sound to indicate when it's time to pour your drink.
This Moka pot is made in Italy using high-quality materials and has a patented safety valve which makes cleaning up after use a breeze.
It's one of the most eco-friendly coffee makers on our list, and available in different sizes.
The Best Part: Totally Eco Friendly, With Zero Waste
From Reviews:
Pros:
- A smooth and rich cup of coffee
- We replaced our Nespresso with this
- I couldn’t find anything for the home that was as good as the fancy espresso machine the coffee geeks have at work until I got this
Cons:
- Only the 6-cup pot is made in Italy, the other ones are inferior
- Has some safety issues, if you’re new to this type of coffee brewing be careful
- Love the coffee but the seal leaks
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug
Why it’s on the list:
The Ember Mug is a stylish mug that was designed to be used in both the home and at work and might just be one of the most frivolous gift ideas on the list.
The design features a sleek, modern look with easy-to-use controls on the side of the mug, with over an hour of battery power, for those leisurely Sunday mornings in bed.
For the perfect temperature coffee all the time, save your coffee snob the annoyance of having to heat their coffee in the microwave if they take too long to drink it.
Coffee snobs might think coffee warmers are ridiculous until they have one!
The Best Part: There’s an app for that!
From Reviews:
Pros:
- My wife loves it, she usually takes about an hour to drink her coffee and now it stays hot
- Why did I wait so long to get this?
- If it lasts I will never get another cup
Cons:
- Not for Android users
- It broke after 4 months
- The 10 oz is too small should have got the bigger size but too expensive
Veken Coffee Canister
Veken Coffee Canister, Airtight Stainless Steel Kitchen Food Storage Container with Date Tracker and Scoop
Why it’s on the list:
Coffee snobs would never compromise the freshness of their quality coffee beans, and they know that storing coffee correctly is key.
This airtight stainless steel container would make a perfect gift to keep their expensive coffee fresh. It even has a date tracker which makes it easy to keep track of when the coffee should be replaced.
The lid features a one-way valve that helps prevent oxidation from occurring, ensuring that the coffee stays fresh even after being sealed in the canister.
The Best Part: A built-in coffee scale and a date tracker
From Reviews:
Pros:
- It’s nice to scoop coffee out of a canister and not a bag
- It’s stunning on my counter
- My coffee stays fresh until it’s gone, each time I open it I get that fresh coffee smell
Cons:
- The high gloss lid is a smudge and a fingerprint magnet
- Mine didn’t come with a scoop
- Very think sealing
Frequently Asked Questions:
What's a coffee snob?
A coffee snob is someone who appreciates the nuances of high-quality, freshly roasted coffee. Coffee snobs are usually familiar with the flavor profiles of different roasts and brewing methods and enjoy experimenting with these variables to find their favorite cup of coffee.
They tend to be curious about all things related to coffee, including its history and production, as well as how it's prepared in restaurants and at home.
What is something a coffee snob would never buy
A drip coffee maker. While there are plenty of ways to make a good cup of joe, the coffee snobs we talked to agreed that a traditional drip machine doesn't make great coffee.
You might be surprised at how many people you know use a standard coffee maker but this is an appliance that true coffee aficionados avoid. And while they're more common now than they used to be, instant coffees aren't something a true snob would buy either.
Do Coffee Snobs ever go to Starbucks?
It's a common joke that Starbucks is for people who don't really like coffee. It's more of a place to go to hang out with friends than an actual purveyor of java. Then again, it's not as if the average person can afford trips to high-end coffee shops anyway, so sometimes you have to make do with what you've got. The snobs among us may scoff at the notion of going to Starbucks, but they probably aren't spending their time and money in line at fancy coffee shops either.
There are other options besides picking up their daily cup from a convenience store or gas station vending machine –With the right equipment and accessories, they can do most of their coffee brewing at home. with a French Press or pour-over brewer (if they're willing to shell out extra cash or if someone like you gets them a gift).
Where can you get the best cup of coffee in the world?
Our answer: You might think that there's no such thing as a bad cup of coffee, but it's surprisingly easy to make a drink that tastes just sub-par. Even in the most reputable cafes, you may encounter an iced coffee that's watery and weak or a cappuccino that tastes too milky and lacks the perfect blend of chocolate flavors.
If you're hunting for the best cup of coffee in the world, start by doing some research on your local specialty roasters. Many cities have them; do some digging, and talk to other coffee enthusiasts to find one with a reputation for making high-quality beans.
After you've found a few places with good coffee, stop by and order something hot (either espresso or drip). Be specific about how you'd like it prepared, and even ask for recommendations if they don't seem busy. Don't be shy; baristas are often happy to talk about their favorite brews if given half the chance!
Once your beverage is ready, get down there and take note: does it smell delicious? Does it look appetizing? Does it taste exactly what you were expecting? If any of these things aren't exactly right, say so politely when paying and let them know what would make it perfect next time!
Do coffee snobs only drink their coffee black?
Not necessarily. Some people call themselves "coffee snobs" even though they'll add flavorings (like vanilla or hazelnut) to their joe. It's not uncommon for a self-respecting coffee snob to order their favorite blend in any number of ways (including iced).
There are some people who limit themselves solely to straight black coffee, but this is not the norm. If you're interested in joining the ranks of so-called "coffee connoisseurs," don't feel like you have to stick with plain old black coffee all the time! Go crazy and experiment with different flavorings and brewing methods until you find your perfect cup!
Is drinking coffee bad for your health?
We are not medical professionals, so as with any health-related topics you should always check with your physician. But, there have been plenty of studies that have shown the answer is no. Or rather, not really.
While there are some downsides to drinking too much coffee, the benefits of moderate consumption almost always outweigh them.
Coffee has been shown time and time again to have positive impacts on your health in general and your mental well-being in particular. For example, one study found that people who drank between two and five cups of coffee each day had a lower risk of death from all causes than non-coffee drinkers.
Other studies indicate that drinking around three cups of coffee per day can help improve memory and cognitive function in women (and men too). This seems linked mainly to caffeine's effect on dopamine production within the brain's reward center – something it shares with other stimulants such as cocaine but without any of the harmful side effects or addictive potential.
There are also links between moderate consumption of coffee (particularly dark roast) and reduced risks for conditions including type 2 diabetes, liver cirrhosis, gout, high blood pressure, depression, colon cancer, and heart disease among others according to research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. So, after you check with your doctor drink away!
Conclusion
The best gifts for coffee snobs are ones that cater to their specific tastes and preferences. Whether they're looking for a special blend of beans or want an upgrade in their brewing equipment, these thoughtful presents will make any caffeine lover happy!
From quirky novelty items to high-end accessories, there's something out there for all types of coffee enthusiasts. So next time you're searching for gift ideas for a friend or family member who loves their daily cup of joe – look no further than this list of great gifts for coffee snobs!
Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy making your coffee snob happy with one of the best coffee gifts from our guide.
Happy Shopping!
Stacy
