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The best Christmas gifts for coffee lovers in 2024
Amazon
Many of us love to start our morning with a cup of Joe, but we all know someone who takes their coffee really seriously. Whether it’s the coffee snob who only drinks a blend made from the finest beans or the person who always needs to have a fresh cup in their hand throughout the day, coffee enthusiasts are a special breed.
If you or someone you love can’t start the day without a warm cup of coffee, you’re definitely not alone. In a 2020 survey, over 50% of those surveyed said they “can’t have a positive morning” without coffee.
Here at CBS Essentials, we’re serious about finding you the best of the best in any category. From tool kits to the latest in cleaning trends, we’ve got you covered.
In our quest to give you the latest information on the best products, we’ve gone and done a deep dive into all things coffee — gifts for coffee lovers to be exact. Whether you’re looking to gift a killer espresso machine (how nice of you) or you want some help deciphering milk frothers, latte wands and cold brew, we’re here to help you find the best Christmas gift for the coffee lover in your life.
Give the gift you’ll also buy for yourself: Electric self-stirring mug
Amazon
They’ll be hard-pressed not to squeal “it’s so cute” when looking at this (yes) cute self-stirring mug. Affordably priced, this mug is designed for mixing milk in coffee or whipping up a matcha that’ll give their local barista a run for his or her money.
Why they’ll love an electric self-stirring mug:
- The mug is made from high borosilicate glass, which is capable of holding just boiled hot water or ice-cold water.
- The handle offers storage for stirring sticks so they don’t get lost.
For the coffee lover always on the go: BrüMate insulated coffee mug
BrüMate/Amazon
We tried BrüMate’s 32-ounce Toddy XL insulated coffee mug expecting another heavy mug that connotes an arm workout when carried throughout the day. To our surprise, Toddy doesn’t feel heavy, keeps our coffee and tea as warm as we like it, features a terrific no-spill top and is just the right size to avoid the unintended arm workout. Toddy has quickly become our go-to travel mug.
Why they’ll love the BrüMate insulated mug:
- This mug is generously sized and doesn’t feel as heavy as its competitors.
- The no-spill top really is leakproof.
- We like the color offerings, which have something for everyone.
Give the gift of coffee that’s always hot: Ember smart mug
Amazon
This smart coffee mug is built to keep hot beverages hot without back-and-forth trips to the microwave or necessitating a new pot of java. Its long-lasting battery ensures The recipient’s drink will stay at their preferred temperature between 120 and 145 degrees on a full charge.
The mug works with or independently of the Ember app, which can set the temperature, customize drink presets and more. The mug will even remember the last temperature it’s set to. It’ll go to sleep after two hours of inactivity or when the cup is empty, then wake up and start heating when it senses liquid or movement.
Why they’ll love the Ember smart mug:
- It keeps coffee warm for up to 80 minutes on a single charge or all day when used with the included coaster.
- It’s great for students or remote workers who like to keep their coffee warm through meetings or study sessions.
- It features a durable scratch-resistant coating.
For the traveling coffee connoisseur: AeroPress Go Travel coffee press
Amazon
The AeroPress Go Travel coffee press is the answer to bad (or overpriced!) hotel coffee and staying caffeinated while camping. This portable coffee press can brew delicious coffee in under a minute, or make cold brew in two minutes.
“The Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press Kit is an absolute game-changer for coffee enthusiasts on the go! As someone who appreciates a good cup of Joe, I cannot recommend this portable coffee maker enough,” an Amazon reviewer says.
Why they’ll love the AeroPress Go Travel coffee press:
- It brews smooth, rich coffee without bitterness or grounds sneaking into the brew.
- It’s a portable option for coffee fans who love to travel or go camping.
- It can be used for hot coffee, cold brew or espresso.
For the cold brew enthusiast: Chamberlain Coffee cold brew starter kit
Chamberlain Coffee
Cold brew is a coffee drinker’s favorite, but many people don’t realize how easy it can be to make at home. This cold brew starter set comes with a mason jar system cup with a handle and lid, a reusable metal straw, and a pack of coffee bags that can be used to make cold brew. Simply steep the coffee bags (similar to tea bags) in water for 8 to 24 hours, then remove the bag and enjoy.
“{This is the] best cold brew coffee I have ever had! I do the single servings and brew them for 24 hours and they are so good and a fun surprise each morning,” a reviewer says.
Why they’ll love the Chamberlain Coffee cold brew starter kit:
- You can choose what coffee blend to include in the kit.
- It’s a beginner-friendly at-home cold brew coffee kit.
- The recipient will be able to enjoy their beloved cold brew right at home each morning.
For the coffee enthusiast that loves to try new blends: Atlas Coffee Club coffee world tour gift subscription
Atlas coffee club
Real coffee lovers like to explore new tastes and terroirs. Plus, coffee drinkers are likely going to buy new coffee each month anyway, so this subscription is a great clutter-free gift that any coffee enthusiast will enjoy.
Each month the Atlas Coffee Club subscription features a coffee from a different country. You can select whole beans, ground coffee, espresso, Keurig cups and more. There are also different roast options, so your gift recipient can get a light, medium or dark roast to suit their preferences.
Get a one-year coffee subscription for $189 (regularly $240).
Why they’ll love the Atlas Coffee Club coffee world tour subscription:
- Each coffee comes with a postcard from the coffee’s country of origin with tasting notes and the origin story of the coffee.
- It’s a fun way for the recipient to try all kinds of coffee while still getting their preferred bean style and strength.
- It’s a gift that keeps on giving for an entire year.
For the friend in need of an at-home coffee upgrade: Keurig milk frother
Amazon
Gifting this standalone frother is a great way to upgrade the recipient’s coffee experience without buying them a whole new coffee maker. This kitchen gadget is great at frothing milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It offers hot and cold frothing modes, so you can also make iced drinks with it.
It can be used alongside standard drip coffee makers, Keurig brews or any other coffee maker for the perfect latte experience. This frother is also a bit easier to use than handheld frothers. All you have to do is add your desired milk type and push a button.
This milk frother is currently $52, reduced from $80.
Why they’ll love the Keurig milk frother:
- It works with milk, cream and non-dairy milk alternatives.
- It provides nicely frothed milk with foam, so the recipient can have the coffee shop latte experience right from their own kitchen.
- Amazon reviewers call it quiet and easy to clean.
For the at-home barista: Torani Syrup coffeehouse variety set
Amazon
Give the gift of coffeehouse flavor with this Torani Syrup coffeehouse variety pack. It comes with four flavors: vanilla, salted caramel, classic hazelnut and French vanilla.
“I love to get coffee shop-level lattes at home and having these on my coffee bar makes it super simple to whip one up,” an Amazon reviewer says.
Why they’ll love the Torani Syrup coffeehouse variety pack
- It comes with four popular flavors to help the recipient make fun flavored lattes.
- Torani syrups are used in thousands of coffee shops.
- They have a two-year shelf life.
For the French Press newbie: Bodum Chambord French press coffee maker
Walmart
For the coffee fan who is looking to transition to a more involved coffee-making process, the French press is an easy, hands-on way to get more familiar with your morning brew.
“The coffee made with this press is smooth, not bitter,” a Walmart customer says. “No matter how strong I make it, it’s still smooth and delicious! Don’t waste your money on another electric coffee maker. This is a coffee lover’s dream.”
Why they’ll love the Bodum Chambord French press coffee maker:
- The French press brews rich coffee in only four minutes.
- It features a stainless steel plunger designed to prevent grounds from getting into the brewed coffee.
- French pressing coffee is more environmentally friendly than several of today’s popular brewing methods.
For the friend that loves the smell of fresh coffee: 96North coffee soy candle
Amazon
Know someone who loves the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning? Get them this candle to keep the smell of roasted coffee in the air all day.
“First of all, it came in the most beautiful presentation,” an Amazon reviewer says. “The scent is exactly as represented. It fills the air with a non-overpowering scent of coffee. It burns nice and slowly. I love it and would buy it again.”
Why they’ll love the 96North coffee soy candle:
- The candle has a delectable roasted coffee scent, making it the perfect gift for a true coffee lover.
- It’s made with all-natural soy wax.
- It comes wrapped up nicely in a giftable box.
For the latte addict: Nespresso Vertuo Next espresso maker
Amazon
Do you know someone who can’t go a day without heading to the coffee shop for their favorite latte? Consider gifting them a machine that will let them make it right from their own kitchen — and save themselves a ton of money.
The Nespresso Vertuo Next allows you to brew single-serve coffee or espresso at the touch of a button. The espresso maker can brew three cup sizes and offers an ultra-fast, 25-second heat-up time.
Even better: The company is always introducing new coffee flavors and seasonal favorites, like Pumpkin Spice Cake for the fall.
This espresso maker is currently $170, reduced from $209.
Why they’ll love the Nespresso Vertuo Next espresso maker:
- The espresso machine is only 5.5 inches wide, making it a compact option that works even in small spaces.
- It offers six cup size options.
- They can discover new flavors and seasonal favorites throughout the year (hello, pumpkin spice).
- Comes with a 37-ounce water reservoir so you can make several cups without having to add more water.
For the indecisive coffee drinker: Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker
Amazon
If you’re looking for a coffee maker to gift the person who likes to change things up and can’t decide between a traditional drip coffee maker and a single-serve model, we’ve found the perfect choice. The Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker allows you to use single-serve K-cups or brew a larger serving with ground coffee. The coffee maker features a 60-ounce water reservoir, so you don’t need to refill in between every brew. There is also a pause feature that allows you to stop the machine for 20 seconds while brewing a pot of coffee so that you can pour yourself a fresh cup right away. It’s rated 4.5 stars on Amazon.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker! This versatile machine has revolutionized my morning coffee routine and has become an indispensable part of my kitchen,” one verified Amazon purchaser says.
This coffee maker is $199, reduced from $229.
Why they’ll love the Keurig K-Duo Plus coffee maker:
- You can use K-cups to make individual cups of coffee or brew larger pots with grounds.
- Auto-brew setting allows you to schedule a brew up to 24 hours in advance, so hot coffee is waiting for you when you wake up.
- The adjustable multi-position water reservoir can be positioned to the left, right or back of the brewer.
Gift our readers’ favorite espresso maker: Philips 3200 series fully automatic espresso machine
Philips via Amazon
If your gift recipient’s Keurig coffee maker is collecting dust because they’d rather enjoy a daily latte — without the Starbucks costs — gift them this fully automatic espresso machine from Philips.
The 4.3-star-rated device can make up to five black and milk-based coffee varieties at the touch of a button. Its classic milk frother system dispenses steam, allowing you to prepare silky smooth milk froth for your cappuccinos and more. This kitchen gadget even lets you adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage, and choose from three settings to suit your preferences. It was also a Black Friday best-seller among CBS Essentials readers last year.
“I’ve simply never had a better cup of coffee,” an Amazon reviewer says. “I go to sleep thinking about the delicious cup I’m going to have in the morning and wake up excited to have it. If you haven’t dipped into the world of fully automatic machines before, you’re in for a serious treat.”
Regularly price at $700, this machine is currently $599.
Why they’ll love this espresso machine:
- It can make a variety of coffee drinks with just the press of a button.
- You can adjust the intensity of your beverages to suit your taste.
- It features a milk frother.
CBS News
Capybaras are the “it” animal inspiration for toys, slippers and T-shirts this holiday season
The world’s largest rodent is having a big moment.
The capybara — a semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig — is the latest in a long line of “it” animals to get star treatment during the holiday shopping season.
Shoppers can find capybara slippers, purses, robes and bath bombs. There are cuddly plush capybaras and stretchy or squishy ones. Tiny capybaras wander across bedding, T-shirts, phone cases, mugs, key chains, crochet patterns and almost any other type of traditional gift item. Last year, it was the axolotl that took pride of place on many products, and the endangered amphibian remains popular. Owls, hedgehogs, foxes and sloths also had recent turns in the spotlight.
Trendy animals and animal-like creatures aren’t a new retail phenomenon; think the talking Teddy Ruxpin toys of the 1980s or Furby and Beanie Babies a decade later. But industry experts say social media is amplifying which animals are hot — or not.
© Liudmyla Konkina @LudovicToys on Etsy; Liudmyla Konkina’s Ravelry Story
“It’s really the launch on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms that allow these characters or animals to blow up like crazy,” said Richard Derr, who has owned a Learning Express Toys franchise in Lake Zurich, Ill., for nearly 30 years and is also a regional manager for the specialty toy store chain.
Social media is also speeding up the cycle. Must-have animals may only last a season before something new captures customers’ imaginations.
“It’s really important to keep feeding that beast,” Juli Lennett, a vice president and toy industry advisor at market research firm Circana, said. “If you are an influencer, you’re not going to talk about last year’s stuff.”
Skyrocketing plush toy sales — fueled by a need for comfort during the pandemic — are also increasing the demand for new and interesting varieties, Lennett said. In the first nine months of this year, sales of plush animals were up 115% from the same period in 2019, she said. Overall toy sales rose 38% in that time.
/ Getty Images
Consumers are seeking out increasingly exotic species that they see in online videos, games and movies. Highland cows, red pandas and axolotls, a type of salamander native to Mexico, have all popped up in popular culture. According to Google Trends, searches for axolotls shot up in June 2021 after Minecraft added them to its game.
“Nobody knew what an axolotl was in 2020,” Derr said. “Now, everybody knows axolotls.”
Cassandra Clayton, a Vermont Teddy Bear Company product designer, said rising sales to adults are also fueling the demand for unique – and collectible – plush toys.
“Stuffed animals are really becoming an ageless item,” she said. “Especially with the boom of self-care in adults and turning towards comfort objects to help de-stress and relax in your life.”
Clayton expects demand for unusual stuffed animals to continue to grow. Among the oddest she has seen: a stuffed version of a water bear, a type of microorganism also known as a moss piglet or a tardigrade.
“It doesn’t necessarily inspire you to cuddle with them, but you’re really seeing the industry start turning towards those characters,” she said. “I think that’s the next trend.”
Figuring out the next “it” animal — or microorganism — is a challenge for toy makers.
“You never know exactly when they’re going to hit and how big they’re going to be,” said Sharon Price John, the president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, a chain of nearly 500 stores that offers an expanding menagerie of animals and characters for customers to customize, including capybaras and axolotls.
Jeff Roberson / AP
The St. Louis-based company watches social media and gets ideas from talking to store employees and patrons, John said. It usually takes Build-A-Bear up to a year to introduce a new stuffed toy, she said, but the company can move faster if it spots a trend. It sometimes tests a small batch online to make sure a trend is sticking, John said.
Annual trade shows in Asia, Germany and elsewhere are another place to spot new trends. Punirunes – digital, interactive pets that also come in plush varieties – are big in Japan right now and will likely take off in the U.S., toy store owner Derr said.
“Here, I can’t give them away. They’re too new. But give it a year or two,” he said.
Companies can kick off their own trends too. Build-A-Bear’s Spring Green Frog, introduced in 2020, was an immediate hit thanks to videos posted by customers. It remains popular, with nearly 2 million sold, John said.
John suspects people are drawn to friendly, slow-moving capybaras because watching videos of them are so relaxing. But shoppers who want one need to act fast. A Build-A-Bear holiday capybara with red and green sprinkles on its fur – dubbed a “cookiebara” – has already sold out, she said.
___
Durbin reported from Detroit. Crawford reported from Lake Zurich, Ill.
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In a move that has stunned Washington, President-elect Donald Trump is now urging Congress to eliminate the debt ceiling, dramatically shaking up talks among lawmakers, who are at an impasse over federal spending and government funding, which is scheduled to lapse this weekend.
While some on Capitol Hill have balked at Trump’s latest demand, the president-elect was unwavering on Thursday. He said he is determined to hold his position that lawmakers should both oppose any sweeping spending measure that includes “traps” from Democrats and abolish the debt limit before he takes office next year.
“Number one, the debt ceiling should be thrown out entirely,” Trump said in a phone interview. “Number two, a lot of the different things they thought they’d receive [in a recently proposed spending deal] are now going to be thrown out, 100%. And we’ll see what happens. We’ll see whether or not we have a closure during the Biden administration. But if it’s going to take place, it’s going to take place during Biden, not during Trump.”
Trump’s comments, which have sent negotiators in both parties back to the drawing board ahead of the expiration of government funding at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, came a day after he called a bipartisan spending deal “ridiculous and extraordinarily expensive” and said that any legislation to extend the federal government’s funding should also include plans for “terminating or extending” the debt limit.
Still, Trump, who built a decades-long business career as a negotiator and dealmaker, appeared to leave room for House Speaker Mike Johnson and other top Republicans to find consensus on new options that he would find sufficient.
When asked how he would like to see this standoff end, Trump replied, “It’s going to end in a number of ways that would be very good.”
Trump said the discussions are ongoing and it is too soon for him to spell out more details on what the contours of a final agreement should be.
“We’ll see,” Trump said. “It’s too early.”
But Trump said he will continue to closely track how Democrats might seek to influence any revised deal and voiced displeasure at how the initial bipartisan deal had Democratic provisions.
“We caught them trying to lay traps. And I wasn’t going to stand for it,” he said. “There are not going to be any traps by the radical left, crazy Democrats.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a billionaire who spent almost $300 million to back Trump and other Republican candidates in the November elections, also opposed the initial bipartisan spending deal, which he called “terrible.” When Johnson scrapped it, Musk wrote on X, “The voice of the people has triumphed!”
Trump’s focus on the debt ceiling, which caps the federal government’s borrowing authority, comes as he faces a showdown over the issue during the first year of his upcoming term. That prospect, several people close to Trump say, has drawn his attention because he wants to spend his time and political capital next year on other issues and would prefer Congress addresses it now.
While the current cap on federal borrowing is suspended until Jan. 1, 2025, the Treasury Department would be able to take steps to avoid default for a few months into next year. Nevertheless, the government could face an economically fraught default sometime early next year should the debt ceiling not be extended or addressed by Congress.
When asked Thursday about Trump’s call to address the debt limit, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the House Democratic leader, said, “the debt-limit issue and discussion is premature at best.”
Capybaras are the “it” animal inspiration for toys, slippers and T-shirts this holiday season
Government shutdown looking more likely after spending bill tanked
Trump shakes up spending talks with call on Congress to eliminate debt ceiling
Capybaras are the “it” animal inspiration for toys, slippers and T-shirts this holiday season
Government shutdown looking more likely after spending bill tanked