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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.
Getty Images
With the fall semester coming to an end and the spring semester fast approaching, undergraduate, graduate and professional students who must borrow to pay tuition or living expenses should start exploring student loan options sooner rather than later. Borrowers can take out federal loans, including direct subsidized or unsubsidized loans, Grad PLUS loans or Parent PLUS oans. However, these federal loans have annual and lifetime limits and come with a fixed interest rate set by law.
Private student loans are another option, though, and they come with some big benefits. With interest rates dropping and the likelihood of federal loan forgiveness diminishing as the Trump Administration takes office, private student loans may, in fact, be the best option for some borrowers. Rates and terms for private lenders can vary from one lender to another, though, unlike with federal loans.
As a result, it’s important to understand how to get a low rate on these loans for the spring 2025 semester.
Find out how affordable a private student loan could be now.
How to get a low student loan rate for the spring 2025 semester
Here’s what experts say you can do to keep your borrowing costs affordable as you move into the spring semester.
Shop around among private student loan lenders
Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer private student loans — and it’s important to explore all of your options if you want your loans to be as affordable as possible.
“Always shop around to see what the best possible rates are available to you,” says Domenick D’Andrea, co-founder at DanDarah Wealth Management.
Jack Wang, a wealth advisor and college financial aid advisor at Innovative Advisory Group agreed, noting that “rates on private student loans can vary significantly.”
Most private student loan lenders allow you to get rates quotes online, often without a hard credit inquiry, so your credit score won’t be impacted. However, as you’re shopping around, you must be sure you’re comparing similar loan offers.
“Loan terms impact the rate,” says Wang. “For example, borrowers can choose a fixed or variable rate, whether payments are required during school, and the loan repayment time.”
By focusing on all of these details, you can compare multiple loan offerings and understand monthly payments, total borrowing costs and how long it will take to be debt-free after graduation.
Start comparing your top private student loan options online now.
Improve your credit
It’s also a good idea to get your finances in order if you want to get the best student loan rates.
“Generally, the lowest interest rates are for those with the best credit and debt-to-income ratio, who also pick full payments while in school and who pick the shortest repayment term,” Wang says. “After all, these terms reduce the risk for the lender.”
D’Andrea suggests that you take steps like paying down existing debt to reduce your debt-to-income ratio and limiting the number of new credit cards and loans you apply for, as applying for too much new debt can hurt your credit score. It’s also important to make all loan payments on time to avoid lowering your credit score, D’Andrea says.
The more qualified you are as a borrower, the more loans you’ll be eligible for and the lower your rates will be.
Apply with a cosigner
Unfortunately, improving your credit can take time and it’s often not possible to do things like increasing your income while you are in school. The good news is that you still have options to pursue a private loan at an affordable rate even if your credit is less than stellar.
“Investigate a cosigner if you have a limited credit history or considerable debt already,” D’Andrea says.
A cosigner agrees to share responsibility for your loans. You’ll need to provide their financial details when you apply. If they have more income or better credit, their credentials can help you borrow more affordably.
Starting shopping early
The last key to getting an affordable loan is to start the process early.
“People tend to shop for student loans according to their college billing cycle. So if a college bills by semester, busy times tend to be early summer for fall bills, and November or December for spring bills,” Wang says.
While Wang notes that there’s no time during the year when loans go “on sale” and no specific seasonality to shopping for student loan rates, it can still be smart to start the process of borrowing sooner rather than later. The simple reason for that is that you’ll have more time to compare rates and terms — and to take steps like lining up a cosigner if you aren’t being offered great rates.
The bottom line
You don’t want to end up in a situation where spring tuition is due, you don’t have a loan yet and you’re forced to accept the first loan you’re offered despite unfavorable terms. If you get started comparing rates and offers today, you’ll have plenty of time to find the loan that’s best for your situation.
Washington — The Georgia Court of Appeals on Thursday ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be removed from the 2020 election case against President-elect Donald Trump, reversing a trial judge’s decision that allowed her to remain on the case.
Trump and more than a dozen allies were charged last year by Fulton County prosecutors related to what they said was an alleged scheme to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. The president-elect pleaded not guilty.
“After carefully considering the trial court’s findings in its order, we conclude that it erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office,” the Georgia Court of Appeals said in its decision.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
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