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Best Christmas gifts for coffee lovers
With over a decade of experience at Which?, Tom covers everything from tech advice to money-saving tips, highlighting the best deals during big sales events.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your own coffee-making setup or shopping for Christmas presents, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our gift guide.
To brew up this list, we asked Which? staff to share the products they've loved giving or receiving. Our final list includes coffee makers and accessories from big-name brands, plus some budget-priced alternatives including coffee chocolates and cups.
Keep scrolling for access to our first-hand recommendations, plus links to our expert product reviews that reveal the latest Which? Best Buys.
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Coffee prep
Krups Expert Burr Grinder GVX231
What is it? An affordable grinder to help you enjoy freshly ground coffee.
We like: Small and lightweight design
Watch out for: Non-removable bean hopper
The Krups coffee grinder sits neatly on your kitchen counter and lets you adjust the burrs for a fine or coarse finish. It automatically switches off once the right amount is ground, so nothing goes to waste.
Other handy features include a detachable bowl, a lid safety lock and a cleaning brush that comes bundled with the machine. It also has a non-slip base, designed to keep it steady during use.
Why we chose it
'This coffee grinder could be a savvy purchase in time for Christmas, and you can usually pick it up for around £40. The stainless steel finish looks smart in any modern kitchen and, if your giftee loves their coffee, it’s a thoughtful choice that delivers good results without the fuss.'
Tom Morgan
Get the freshest-tasting coffee with our verdict on the best coffee grinders from Sage, DeLonghi, Krups, Smeg and more
Bialetti stove-top coffee maker
What is it? An aluminium coffee maker that produces espresso-style coffee in minutes.
We like: No waste beyond the coffee grounds themselves
Watch out for: Not suitable for induction
This budget-friendly machine makes around three to four cups of rich, espresso-style coffee and is designed to sit neatly on your hob. It could be a great stocking filler for espresso fans.
You fill the lower chamber with water, add your chosen blend to the filter and screw the top firmly in place. Put the pot on the stove and your coffee will bubble over into the top chamber when it's ready – just give it a stir to balance the flavour.
Why we chose it
'Bialetti’s stovetop makers are classics. The brand has had plenty of design partnerships, including one with Dolce & Gabbana costing around £3,000. That’s a bit rich for me, but thankfully, there are plenty of much more affordable alternatives.'
Daniel Davies
Best coffee machines: find the right type of coffee machine for you with our Best Buy recommendations and expert buying advice
AeroPress coffee maker
What is it? A portable gadget for making coffee on the go.
We like: Small enough to tuck into a backpack
Watch out for: Only makes a couple of cups at a time
This is a compact coffee press that's able to serve up sediment-free coffee in just a couple of minutes. It’s used manually by adding ground coffee and hot water, then pressing down the plunger. Once you're done, the compressed puck of coffee grounds and paper filter pops out in one piece for easy clean-up.
It comes with everything you need to get started, including a plunger, chamber, scoop, stirrer and 100 paper filters.
Why we chose it
'The AeroPress is particularly useful if you're travelling. This is a well-suited gift for coffee aficionados who love experimenting with different brewing styles.'
Verity Cozon
DeLonghi Piccolo XS
What is it? A compact pod coffee machine that takes Dolce Gusto pods.
We like: Simple to clean, affordable
Watch out for: Pods are pricier than other coffee types
This coffee machine can make both hot and cold drinks, which is a bonus since most only make hot ones. It doesn’t include a milk frother, but you can use milk pods to prepare drinks like cappuccinos. Dolce Gusto’s pod range has more than 50 varieties, including coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
The DeLonghi Piccolo XS has an adjustable drip tray to prevent splashes when you're making drinks in a small cup.
Why we chose it
'I bought this for my dad last Christmas and it's probably the most successful present I've ever got him – he uses it all the time. And if, like me, you don’t drink coffee, it can also make other hot drinks for guests or when you fancy something different.'
Fran Roberts-Thornton
Le Creuset Cafetière
What is it? A one-litre brewer with a stainless steel plunger.
We like: Variety of colours to choose from, dishwasher-safe
Watch out for: Heavier than glass or stainless steel presses
This is a stylish coffee press from Le Creuset suitable for ground coffee or loose tea leaves. The jug is finished with stain-resistant enamel, and the brand says it'll serve up three to four cups.
Why we chose it
'The iconic Le Creuset Cafetière is used daily in our house for punchy black coffee. There's a range of colours to suit your recipient's style, and you can also pick up matching mugs in an array of sizes if you want the full set.'
Faith Strickland
- Double wall coffee press. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50022048 – this 600ml cafetiere uses ground coffee and is compact enough to take camping. It’s not too expensive, but it’s a real game-changer if you don’t have an electric hook-up and still want a decent coffee in the morning.
- Sage the Knock Box. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50022050 – a compact, stainless steel container for mess-free disposal of up to 10 coffee pucks. It has a removable knock bar for easy cleaning and a non-slip rubber base.
Serving & drinking
Chilly's Original Coffee Cup
What is it? An insulated, stainless steel cup for coffee on the go.
We like: Good for travelling with, multiple sizes available
Watch out for: Handwash only
This travel mug from Chilly’s is available in 340ml or 500ml sizes and is made from rust-resistant stainless steel. The brand promises that it’ll keep your coffee hot for 'up to six hours', which is good news if you’re out in the winter weather this Christmas and want your drink to stay toasty.
Why we chose it
'Any keen coffee drinker will be pleased to receive this practical treat. The cup comes in various colours and patterns, so you can pick a design to suit your giftee’s personality.'
Tom Morgan
Contingo AutoSeal Travel Mug
What is it? A thermal mug with double-wall insulation.
We like: Dishwasher-safe, multiple colours
Watch out for: You need to keep the trigger pressed while drinking
Take a closer look at this travel mug if you're shopping for a stylish yet practical gift. It's designed to keep coffee warm for several hours; it has a lid that opens as you sip and seals automatically between drinks.
Why we chose it
'This travel mug is excellent at keeping coffee hot, and it fits neatly into our car’s cup holder, which is a big plus. I’ve found it really handy for all sorts of occasions, whether that’s taking it to the park, on a long walk, or just having it with me while travelling.
'The only drawback is that it can be a bit fiddly to clean, but overall it has become one of those everyday items I rely on.'
Lisa Galliers
Our tests reveal the best travel mugs and reusable coffee cups from Bodum, Thermos, Stanley and more
St. Nectans Pottery espresso cups
What is it? Handmade cups made in Tintagel, Cornwall.
Available from: St. Nectans Pottery
We like: Every cup is unique
Watch out for: As the cups are handmade, refunds aren’t available
These handcrafted espresso cups are made in Cornwall, giving them a unique, artisanal feel that makes every piece special. The cups are available in beige or blue and each one is individually glazed, which means no two are exactly alike.
Why we chose it
'Cute espresso cups just make me happy. There’s something soothing about holding one in your hands as you sip.
'Over the years, I’ve collected a variety of styles – some second-hand from Vinted, eBay and flea markets, some new, some gifted, some with handles and some without. A few of my favourites even have handles that have been glued back on.
'The most recent additions to my collection are these cups from St Nectans Pottery. I love them for their satisfying, homemade feel.'
Daniella Delaney Mendes
- Demitasse spoons. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50022059 – If you have a friend who loves espresso, these mini spoons are ideal, ensuring the spoon doesn’t dwarf their cup. They’re also handy for scooping out the last remnants of sauces or other bits from small jars and bottles.
Accessories & tools
Lakeland Milk and Hot Chocolate Frother
What is it? Creates cold milk foam, perfect for iced coffees.
We like: Creates café-style drinks, suitable for both hot and cold drinks
Watch out for: No spout for pouring
This versatile gadget would make a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys barista-style drinks at home. It has several settings that let you whip up froth for cappuccinos and lattes, or create rich hot chocolate.
The milk can be heated up to 60-80°C to enhance flavour without burning. Other features include automatic switch-off and non-slip feet.
Why we chose it
'A milk frother has turned my morning coffee up a notch, with frothy, silky milk for the most addictive at-home cappuccinos.'
Faith Strickland
- Aeroccino 4 (available from Nespresso) – a sleek milk frother that makes hot or cold froth for cappuccinos, lattes and iced coffees. You can also heat milk without frothing.
Read more: we've tried and tested which is the best milk frother for your coffee or hot chocolate.
Whittard coffee scoop clip
What is it? A useful tool for scooping up fresh coffee.
Available from: Whittard of Chelsea
We like: Very affordable gift idea
Watch out for: Handwash only
This brass-finished coffee scoop measures out a 7g portion (enough for one cup) and doubles up as a clip to seal the bag and keep the coffee fresh for longer.
Why we chose it
'A great little tool for anyone who uses ground coffee. It measures out the right amount for your brew. This is one of those small accessories that ends up being surprisingly useful every day.'
Verity Cozon
- Coffee stencils (available from Etsy) – a fun extra when serving cappuccinos to guests. To jazz up your drink, simply use a chocolate shaker to dust cocoa over the frothed milk.
Treats & subscriptions
Pact coffee subscription
What is it? Hand-selected speciality coffee delivered to your door.
Available from: Pact Coffee
We like: Plenty of coffee types to choose from
Watch out for: Might not suit someone who prefers supermarket brands
Gifting a coffee subscription means your loved one will receive freshly roasted beans each month. Pact offers a range of plans, with prices starting from £29.85 for three months. Each delivery includes a 250g bag.
When redeeming their voucher, your recipient can choose between regular or decaf, whole bean or ground, and select the coffee they’d like to receive. A subscription can be cancelled, paused or rescheduled at any time.
Why we chose it
'I was gifted one of these coffee subscriptions a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. The coffee is excellent quality, and the regular deliveries make it super convenient because you never have to think about it or worry about running out.'
Victoria Purcell
UpCircle coffee body scrub
What is it? A scrub designed to gently exfoliate and clear the skin.
We like: Made with natural ingredients
Watch out for: Can be messy to rinse off
This vegan-friendly body scrub is a revitalising treat made with caffeine-rich arabica coffee. The mixture is infused with lemongrass, lime and coconut essential oils to brighten and refresh the skin.
A thoughtful and sustainable gift worth adding to your shortlist.
Why we chose it
'This body scrub can be a bit messy to use, but the lovely smell more than makes up for it, and my skin feels incredibly soft afterwards.
'I also like knowing that it’s sustainable – it gives a second life to used coffee grounds that would otherwise go to waste.'
Fran Roberts-Thornton
- Coffee candle. SQUIRREL_TEXT_50022068 – this natural soy wax candle fills your home with the scent of freshly roasted espresso beans.
- Dark espresso chocolate (available from Seed and Bean) – Fran Roberts-Thornton says: 'I shared this chocolate with my husband and really enjoyed it, despite not being a big fan of coffee.'
Thanks to the following Which? staff for their support in creating this guide: Alicia Day, Daniella Delaney Mendes, Daniel Davies, Faith Strickland, Fran Roberts-Thornton, Hannah Fox, Lisa Galliers, Ruby Gordon, Verity Cozon, Victoria Purcell.