travel mug coffee gift

17 Best Travel Coffee Mugs for Hot and Cold Drinks

Commute with your coffee under control.

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For many of us, coffee is a constant companion — and that means you'll want a trusty travel mug as you head out the door. Whether you prefer a piping hot cup from your drip coffee maker or single-serve coffeemaker , a refill at Starbucks or a dose of joe from your cold brew coffee maker , your travel coffee mug should handle it all without leaking. Fortunately, there's tons of options out there, including stainless steel coffee thermoses to keep your beverages cool and ones with straws for easy sipping.

Over the years, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested 45 different travel mugs for hot and cold temperature retention, durability, resistance to leakage, ease of use and more. In our most recent tests, we called in samples of the latest travel mugs and used them both in the office and on our commutes to see how well they held up. We noted how they felt, how they traveled and, unavoidably, how they held up when dropped. Ahead, we rounded up the best travel coffee mugs based on picks that performed well during testing or come from brands that we trust.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Coffee Mug

Zojirushi 16-ounce stainless steel mug.

Best Value Travel Coffee Mug

Juro stainless steel vacuum insulated tumbler.

Best No-Spill Travel Coffee Mug

Stanley classic trigger action travel mug.

Best Travel Coffee Mug for Espresso Drinks

Avana sedona stainless steel thermal tumbler.

Easiest to Clean Leak-Resistant Travel Coffee Mug

Oxo good grips 16-oz travel coffee mug with leakproof simplyclean lid.

Best Travel Coffee Mug with Carrying Strap

Hydro flask flex sip lid coffee flask.

Best Self-Heating Travel Coffee Mug

Smrtmugg heated coffee mug.

Best Wide-Mouthed Travel Coffee Mug

S'well stainless steel traveler.

Best Locking-Lid Travel Coffee Mug

Contigo luxe autoseal vacuum-insulated mug.

Best Travel Coffee Mug with Handle

Yeti rambler mug with lid.

Read on for more information on our testing process as well as for tips on what to look for when shopping for a travel coffee mug. For more ideas on what to fill your cup with, check out these coffee recipes to make at home .

Zojirushi's travel mug with a locking lid opens with the push of a button but won't leak or spill (even in a backpack). It will keep hot coffee hot — in fact, the brand is so confident that it offers a five-year warranty on heat retention. Iced coffee fans will appreciate that the mouth is large enough to handle big ice cubes for that extra chill.

Our tester noted that the vacuum-sealed lid keeps water cold all day: "I always grab it from my backpack and think, 'There's no way this could still possibly be cool anymore,' and I'm always pleasantly surprised." We also like the slim design, which is easy to grip and fits nicely into backpacks or totes. It comes in several colors and a 12-ounce version.

This stainless steel mug is a great affordable option, especially considering its large 20-ounce size. What's more, it claims to retain the temperature of your coffee for up to six hours. Online reviewers like that it fits easily into car holders and won't sweat when filled with ice. The tumbler includes two lids: The featured slider lid as well as a flip-style lid , so you can choose which you prefer for the beverage you're drinking. It also comes with a reusable straw and a straw cleaner, though we found the straw was short and inconvenient to use.

Stanley has been in the thermal carafe game since 1913. This travel coffee mug delivers the company's insulated design and also includes a push-button "trigger action" lid that keeps the mug sealed unless pushed. We liked that it means the spout stays closed when you're not hands-on . Our pros did note that it requires some level of strength and dexterity to hold the button while sipping. This mug is available in several colors (even camo!) and in a 20-ounce size.

This 10-ounce travel mug from Avana is perfectly sized for espresso-based drinks, but it's also available in 20-ounce and 30-ounce versions. Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou likes that the simple two-piece design is easy to clean because the lid is just one solid piece, unlike many other lids. This is particularly helpful if you like coffee drinks with foam, like latte beverages , that can gunk up lids over time. The contoured mouthpiece makes sipping easy, but it doesn't seal closed, so watch out for leaks. The double-walled insulated construction keeps drinks hot or cold and helps prevent condensation from collecting on the outside.

We love when kitchen gear comes apart for a thorough cleaning, but would rather skip the guesswork that can follow when it's time to reassemble. The OXO travel coffee mug with SimplyClean lid solves this pain point: The four-piece lid is color-coded, numbered and etched with assembly instructions . It's easy to take apart and clean by hand (or in the dishwasher), and simple to put back together for your next cup. Never mind, it's also comfortable to hold. The mug comes in four other colors as well as a 20-ounce size.

Hydro Flask has a huge following when it comes to water bottles — in fact, we named the brand our best stainless steel water bottle — and we're fans of its coffee mugs (called coffee flasks), too . GH Lab tests found that its stainless steel, vacuum-insulated body kept drinks hot and cold for hours, and it was quite leakproof. Hydro Flask also offers a separate wide-mouth lid , which can be handy for cold beverages. (The included lid twists to open and close.) But, be careful drinking hot beverages with a wide mouth as it can spill easily. It's available in a range of colors as well as 16- and 20-ounce sizes , and the little handle helps make it easier to transport.

This SmrtMugg travel mug — rated our best self-heating travel mug — has built-in heat technology to keep coffee hot. Its large battery on the bottom — the manufacturer claims a 10-hour battery life — kept coffee hot (above the target temp of 135˚F) for the full four hours of our Lab tests . Once you get the hang of the controls at the bottom of the mug, the clear digital readout is helpful in setting the temperature and turning off the mug. This travel mug also aced our leak tests. Our tester noted that while the push-button lid is easy to use, the edge of the button can bump your lip while drinking.

This sleek 16-ounce bottle has been redesigned to fit more comfortably in your hand. Though we have not tested this model in the Lab, our pros appreciate that i ts large size and wide mouth can easily fit ice cubes , which makes it a great choice for frequent iced coffee drinkers. We have also found other S'well products to be good at maintaining temperatures. It seals shut and is leakproof; plus, it will keep your drinks cold (or hot!) all day. The S'well comes in a ton of color options as well as 12-ounce and 20-ounce sizes.

This coffee mug from Contigo is super comfortable in your hands, and it has a unique locking feature that makes it leak- and spill-proof. When you want to sip (or chug) your coffee, just press the button to release the seal. During your commute, you can lock the button so you don't accidentally press it while on the go . It's also completely dishwasher-safe, even the lid. One tester did note that with hot beverages, the lid can feel too hot to handle.

This popular Yeti mug looks just like a traditional coffee mug, but it's designed to keep your drinks hot or cold and comes with a lid to prevent unnecessary spills. The sturdy and comfortable handle is large enough for even wide hands. It's available in a dozen different colors as well as sizes from 10- to 30 ounces. Another bonus is that when you buy from the Yeti site, you can customize your product with a short text, a monogram or a logo. Our tester found that the lid slides open easily but noted that it's not leakproof. The brand has also introduced the Rambler Stronghold lid , which screws on (rather than presses in), which we're actively testing in the Lab.

Fellow Carter Everywhere Travel Mug

This little cylinder makes a statement, with testers loving how compact it was. The sleek stainless steel shell contains a ceramic liner intended to keep your coffee free of metallic flavors. The screw top reveals a wide mouth that you can sip from any angle and is large enough for adding ice . It comes in seven additional colors as well as a smaller, 12-ounce size.

W&P Porter Ceramic Mug with Protective Silicone Sleeve

Papantoniou likes that the inside of this travel mug is easy-to-clean porcelain, which generally helps to prevent buildup over time that can negatively impart flavors . She also noted that it keeps coffee "nice and hot right off the bat." It includes a simple shape and a silicone sleeve for a comfortable non-slip grip. It comes in several colors and a couple of terrazzo prints . It's also available in a 16-ounce size.

Starbucks Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler Coffee Mug

Starbucks fans will appreciate that they can purchase this mug online rather than solely in the stores. The ceramic mug is easy to use — the lid just pops into place and is surrounded by a rubber seal to help keep it (and the coffee) in place — and easy to clean . "It keeps coffee warm like a standard ceramic mug would, and the lid helps to keep things a little warmer for longer," our tester says. "I like that it's not scalding hot like in a metal mug, so I can enjoy my coffee without burning my mouth." The 12-oz size is perfect for refills of Starbucks tall drinks.

STOJO Collapsible Travel Cup with Straw

Stojo's collapsible coffee cup makes it possible to travel light while avoiding single-use plastics. The brand impressed our pros with its other collapsible offerings — the Collapsible Bowl won a 2021 Kitchen Gear Award . Similarly, this travel cup is well designed: The cup includes a heat sleeve that provides a structured grip for the squishy silicone cup, and the 16-ounce size includes a straw (which is great for iced coffee or if you prefer to bring your own cup to fountain machines). The collapsed cup is just two inches in size. It's both microwave and dishwasher safe, with 8-ounce , 12-ounce and 24-ounce sizes.

MiiR Flip Traveler

With a 4.8-rating on Amazon, this stainless steel thermos comes in a slim design and an easy-to-open lid. Though we have not tested this pick in the Lab, we like its focus on giving back: T he bottom of each travel mug is printed with a "Give Code" that you can enter at Mirr's website for details on the brand's corporate giving , which is funded through every purchase. The Flip Traveler is available in several colors and 12-ounce and 16-ounce sizes .

JOCO Glass Reusable Coffee Cup

This glass bodied Joco mug has a colorful silicone lid and a matching thermal sleeve. It's microwave (and dishwasher!) safe, which makes it a great option if you like to reheat your coffee throughout the day. Since the glass is clear, it's easy to see how much coffee you have left — and hit your preferred shade when you add your creamer. Take note that the lid does not seal shut, so while it might be handy for car commuting, this isn't one that's great for tossing in your bag.

Zoku Instant Iced Coffee Maker

For iced coffee fiends, this mug is for you. Get your cuppa in flash: Simply store the inner core of the mug in the freezer, then slip the frozen cup into the protective plastic sleeve and pour in hot coffee. Our tester found that the travel mug will chill your coffee rapidly without watering it down with ice cubes. (The brand actually uses the same concept for its ice cream maker .) Slide in the lid with the provided straw, and you're ready for undiluted iced coffee — though you can add ice if you prefer. One caveat is that the freezable core holds only 11 ounces, which some might find too small.

How we test travel coffee mugs

When the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab test travel coffee mugs, they use thermocouples to track the temperature of the liquid inside the mug over time. Many of the mugs on this list were tested at home over months (even over commutes) to assess their durability, ease of use and temperature retention.

Our pros also evaluate the mugs for stability, cleanability and comfort of both holding and drinking. They test whether the mug is easy to open and close, and they drop each mug to assess its durability. To test for leaking, our pros roll the mug around on its side as well as turn it upside down and shake it vigorously.

How to find the best travel coffee mug for you

✔️ Material : Many travel coffee mugs are stainless steel, though our list also includes porcelain, glass and silicone options. Double-walled construction is common with stainless steel mugs, and that can help keep your beverage hot or cold longer. Other materials may not be insulated. If you opt for a glass mug, consider borosilicate glass, which is tempered to prevent shattering with hot liquids and can be more durable if dropped. Porcelain mugs are generally easy to clean, and because the material is nonporous, the mug is unlikely to develop odd flavors. Silicone is a great lightweight option, but it can get warm if it does not have a heat sleeve.

✔️ Lid : Some lids are more spill-proof than others. Our Lab experts particularly love the locking feature on the Contigo Luxe Autoseal Vacuum-Insulated Travel Coffee Mug , which adds a level of safety if you plan to toss your mug in your bag. Lids that screw on are also often leak-resistant. Those who prefer a more traditional-style mug with a handle may find that slider lids are common; evaluate those for leaking, as some are prone to dribbles (or worse). Note that spill-proof lids often require more care to clean.

✔️ Washability : Check to see if the mug is dishwasher-safe. If it needs to be washed by hand, make sure you can thoroughly clean it with a sponge or bottle brush .

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Sarah Wharton is the Senior Editor and Analyst for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She tested several of the newest additions to this list as well as led the recent test of heated mugs. She's written about all kinds of kitchen gear as well as coffee advice like how to make a cappuccino and how to make an iced latte .

Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou oversees all testing of kitchen gear, including products like coffee grinders , coffee makers , espresso machines and Nespresso machines . She has tested almost all of these travel mugs and is constantly rotating through an assortment in her daily travel mug use. She is also the lead judge in the Good Housekeeping Institute's forthcoming Coffee Awards .

Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).

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• Gifts for grown-ups

The 34 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers

By Dorie Chevlen and Samantha Schoech

Many people love coffee. Yet it can be difficult to find just the right gift for someone who craves—sorry, appreciates—a good brew. To discover gifts for the person who worships at the altar of espresso and can’t stop tapping their heel at 4 in the afternoon, we spoke with a handful of experts, including the owner of New York City’s Ninth Street Espresso and Wirecutter’s coffee-obsessed staffers.

Coffee flowchart

Pop Chart The Compendious Coffee Chart

This illustrated poster cleverly documents all the ways people make and drink coffee.

Buying Options

Pop Chart’s Compendious Coffee Chart illustrates all the ways people can make and serve coffee. (And whoever made it must have been fully caffeinated.) Trace it backward, and you can figure out how to make your favorite coffee drinks as it outlines the ratios, ingredients, and equipment. Really, though, it’s just a fun way for the coffee lover in your life to display their devotion to the art of the bean. The 24-by-18-inch print comes unframed; you can have it mounted on a birch-plywood panel for an extra fee.

Say it loud

Dunkin’ Donuts Dunkin’ Pattern Sweatshirt

Loudly proclaim love for the brew with this bright, graphic sweatshirt.

Ben Affleck may be the most famous (unofficial) spokesperson for Dunkin’, but if the person on your list is also a passionate loyalist, give them a garment to represent. The polyester fleece-lined Dunkin’ Pattern Sweatshirt comes straight from Dunkin’ in sizes S to 2XL, ships for free, and leaves no question where one’s allegiance lies. The graphic ticker-tape pattern is both funny and fetching, and the shirt would make an especially nice offering for a displaced New Englander forced to drink some other, Pacific Northwest swill. And yes, you can get sweatpants , too.

Straightforward statement

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters Black Coffee T-Shirt

Even if they don’t—ahem—take it black, this 100% cotton tee puts coffee front and center.

There’s nothing cutesy about the straightforward Black Coffee T-Shirt from Mozart’s —it simply proclaims its wearer’s priorities in bold sans serif font. The Lake Austin, Texas, establishment it comes from is part café and coffee roastery, part music venue, part paddleboard-rental shop, and part bakery. So, you know, very cool. Mozart’s also has a limited-edition orange version , and each shirt ships quickly for less than $5.

A simple gooseneck kettle

Bodum Bistro Gooseneck Electric Water Kettle

This stainless steel electric kettle boils water and nothing more, but it does so reliably. It’s nicely priced, too, and it takes up little space.

The sleek, 34-ounce Bodum Bistro Gooseneck Electric Water Kettle does just one thing: It boils water, with the touch of a single lever. Compared with our favorite gooseneck kettle from our testing , it lacks bells and whistles such as adjustable temperature settings and a keep-warm function, but it also costs much less. If your favorite coffee lover prefers to keep things simple and unfussy, this compact, one-and-done stainless steel kettle may be just the thing. Bonus: It looks great sitting out on the counter.

Cheeky ceramic

New York Coffee Cup

This ceramic version of the classic New York City to-go coffee cup is both nostalgic and dishwasher safe.

Nothing can replicate the experience of grabbing a coffee from a street cart before running to catch the subway on a perfect New York City morning. But this ceramic New York Coffee Cup , inspired by the classic to-go design from 1963, replicates an element of that scenario, with a sustainable twist: Unlike the disposable paper original, this cup is dishwasher and microwave safe. It would make a particularly suitable gift for a Big Apple expat or nostalgia lover.

A workhorse grinder

Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder

For those who want a high-quality manual grinder that’s portable yet affordable, this aluminum canister is the best of its class in speed, ease of grinding, and consistency.

The lightweight Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder is our favorite model under $100. Our testers appreciated its impressively smooth and speedy grinding action. And the handle comes off, so this grinder is easy to store or to travel with—excellent for outdoorsy coffee devotees who don’t want to sacrifice fresh grounds. Dedicated brewers can dial in the coarseness and chop through about 3 tablespoons of coffee at a time.

Cute storage

Airscape Ceramic Coffee Canister

These airtight ceramic containers feature no-slip cork bottoms and a double-lid system to keep coffee beans fresh.

To keep coffee beans fresh, you need to store them in an airtight vessel, somewhere cool and dry. Airscape’s Ceramic Coffee Canisters are just the thing. Available in small (5.25 by 4 inches) and medium (5.25 by 7 inches), these canisters are the perfect size for the moderate coffee drinker, the java fiend, or the person who likes to have different bean options. The vessels’ vacuum seal pushes air out to keep the contents fresh. And thanks to their streamlined aesthetic and bamboo lids, these canisters look adorable on a countertop or kitchen shelf (though we don’t love the logo printed on the outside).

Sleek stacking mugs

Hasami Mugs

These stoneware cups hide their microwave- and dishwasher-safe functionality behind their cool, modern good looks.

Whether you’re shopping for a minimalist or a maximalist, you can’t go wrong by giving them a mug from Japanese ceramics company Hasami, which has been making porcelain items for more than 400 years. And these sleek mugs look cohesive even in a collection of different sizes and complementary colors, especially since they stack effortlessly. Each Hasami Mug is dishwasher and microwave safe, and several Wirecutter staffers have enjoyed drinking from their own for years.

Forever warm

Ember Mug 2

The heat source is built into the base of this somewhat pricey mug, so it stays warm even when you’re on the move. And in true tech-era fashion, it allows you to control the temperature via an app.

The concept of a mug that keeps a drink at your preferred temperature may initially sound absurd, but James Hoffman, coffee expert and co-founder of Square Mile Coffee Roasters , eventually warmed up to the idea (pun intended): “I drink coffee while working, and I’m prone to distraction—never having to worry about missing that window of temperature when your coffee tastes best is a fantastic thing,” he said. In our testing, we were impressed by the Ember Mug 2 , which allows you to control the temperature (from a toasty 120 °F to a piping-hot 145 °F) via an app on your phone.

An easy-to-transport mug

Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug

Available in a variety of colors, this travel mug offers amazing heat retention, and it comes with a locking, leakproof lid that you can operate with one hand.

At Wirecutter, we’re obsessed with the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug , which has remained our top pick over four years of testing. And when your loved one receives this travel mug , they will be equally enthusiastic. With its vacuum insulation, the Zojirushi mug keeps coffee hot for hours, even in cold environments, so it’s equally good to use on winter hikes and in chilly apartments. And thanks to the secure lid-locking mechanism, the Zojirushi vessel doesn’t spill a drop. This model also comes in several cute color options, so you can choose the one that suits your gift recipient’s style.

A wee espresso cup

Felt+Fat Espresso Cup

This 3-ounce ceramic cup has a charming, handmade quality, and it can go in the dishwasher with ease.

The espresso drinker on your list will adore the tiny, colorful Felt+Fat Espresso Cup . Available as a single piece or in sets, and in an assortment of colors (including off-white, gray, red-orange, and pink), the cup holds 3 ounces of liquid, so it’s the perfect vessel for a caffeinated pick-me-up. Senior editor Marguerite Preston, who has owned a number of these little cups for a few years, said she would get them for “anyone who makes espresso at home, whether with a machine or a moka pot.”

Insulated glasses

Bodum Pavina Double Wall Glasses

These sleek, stylish cups are made of a heat-resistant borosilicate glass that’s comfortable to hold and dishwasher, microwave, oven, and freezer safe.

It’s annoying when hot coffee gets cold or when iced coffee turns lukewarm. To avoid both scenarios, senior staff writer Lesley Stockton swears by Bodum’s Pavina Double Wall Glasses . The stylish tumblers feature a double-wall construction and are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, which keeps beverages at their desired temperatures longer. These glasses are also just nice to hold, and they’re safe to put in the dishwasher, microwave, oven, or freezer.

An artsy dripper

Origami Dripper

This beautiful ceramic coffee dripper from Japan makes a great cup of pour-over, works with standard coffee filters, and looks elegant on a shelf.

The crisp pleats and vibrant colors of the Origami Dripper are certainly hard to resist, but staffers on our kitchen team also laud the cone’s shape and heat-retaining construction. Made of Japanese Mino-ware clay, this pretty dripper is compatible with wave and conical paper filters. The small version makes one to two cups, and the medium makes up to four. Although the dripper is compatible with most pour-over holder stands, if your coffee-loving pal brews directly into a mug, throw in the $15 wooden collar , too.

Waste-free filter

Barista Warrior Reusable Coffee Filter

Never buy another paper coffee filter again. This fine metal mesh cone comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Made from titanium-coated stainless steel, the Barista Warrior Reusable Coffee Filter saves money and eliminates paper waste. And unlike paper filters, this super-fine mesh version doesn’t strip the natural oils from the coffee, so it can produce a richer cup. This version fits the Chemex and the Hario V60, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. Staff writer Samantha Schoech has been using hers for more than 10 years (and admits that she has never done the recommended vinegar soak), and it still works beautifully.

Grinds to go

Cafflano Klassic All-in-One Coffee Maker

This lightweight, all-in-one grinder, brewer, and insulated mug works well anywhere—just add beans and hot water.

“For someone who’s always on the go, I recommend the Cafflano Klassic,” said Yuki Izumi, coffee director at Hi-Collar , a café and sake bar in New York City’s East Village. “I bought it for one of my friends who constantly tours as a musician, and he loves it.” The Cafflano Klassic contains everything a person needs to brew and hold their coffee: a ceramic burr grinder, a kettle, a stainless filter dripper, an insulated tumbler, and a lid. Amazon reviewers have left positive reviews, noting that it’s lightweight and practical, and that it can come in handy anywhere.

A delicate stovetop kettle

Tsuki Usagi Jirushi Slim Pot

This elegant enamel stovetop kettle from Japan provides excellent pour control.

Wirecutter’s coffee aficionados (including a former barista) swear by this little stovetop kettle from a Japanese enamelware maker for several reasons. For one, this pot’s pour spout provides excellent precision and control . And because of its slender profile and elegant design, the Tsuki Usagi Jirushi Slim Pot looks beautiful on any shelf. Some people even water plants with it!

Drip coffee for one

Kalita Wave 185 Dripper

The flat bottom of this dripper produces evenly extracted, flavorful coffee directly into a cup.

If your coffee-loving friend likes java that offers intricate flavors and the perfect balance, it’s hard to beat a good pour-over. In our search for the best dripper, we brewed more than 150 cups of pour-over coffee . And we found that the single-cup Kalita Wave 185 Dripper made consistently flavorful, balanced cups thanks to its even water drainage and easy-to-use design. Plus, it comes in three different materials—glass, ceramic, or stainless steel—to suit anyone’s style.

A generous pour-over

Chemex Six Cup Classic Series

This beautiful glass vessel makes plenty of delicious, brightly flavored coffee all at once.

If you want to give a brewer that’s also a statement piece, the Chemex is the pinnacle of pour-over gear . Designed in 1941, this minimalist coffee maker has earned a spot in the MoMA’s permanent collection . It doubles as a carafe, and in our tests it produced a bright, delicious brew that our panelists loved. Also, the Chemex can brew six cups of coffee at a time, unlike our other favorite dripper, the aforementioned Kalita Wave 185, which maxes out at 12 ounces.

Coffee cozy

Hexnub Cozy

This neoprene cozy zips over glass Chemex carafes to insulate hot brews and to pad the vessel, guarding it against drops and scratches.

We love the Chemex coffee maker, but we admit that its brew cools off quickly. Enter the zip-up neoprene Hexnub Cozy , which seems made to solve that very problem. It comes in multiple sizes to fit every Chemex model, and in addition to keeping the coffee warmer longer, it protects the glass from bumps, bangs, and scratches. To clean off any spots or spills, your gift recipient can simply rinse the cozy under a faucet with a little dish soap.

Cold capsules

Cometeer Gift Card

Cometeer’s frozen capsules of delicious, concentrated coffee provide a quick and versatile caffeine jolt. Just combine them with hot or cold water, or toss them into an instant machine. This gift card comes in the right amount to buy a box.

For someone who is as committed to sustainability as they are to excellent-tasting coffee, we suggest a Cometeer Gift Card , which is good for a box of the company’s frozen coffee pods. Each recyclable-aluminum capsule houses an iced tab of concentrated coffee; you just add hot or cold water or milk, or toss the tab into a Keurig or Nespresso machine. The resulting drinks are nothing short of transcendent, especially considering the minimal effort required. Their flavor, of course, reflects rigorous production standards. Cometeer instantly freezes each of the seven different brewed extractions at -321 °F, ensuring that each one tastes coffee-shop fresh for up to two years of residing in the freezer.

The best-o Nespresso

Nespresso Essenza Mini

This mini espresso machine makes the same great-tasting espresso as $400 Nespresso machines.

In the ’90s, a true coffee flex was owning an espresso machine, in all its bulky, generator-sized glory. These days, that same person may enjoy owning a Nespresso Essenza Mini . In our tests , drinks made in the pint-sized Nespresso were of the same quality as those made in models costing $400 or more, and our testers were smitten with the Essenza Mini’s simplicity. Budding espresso enthusiasts need only fill the reservoir with water, pop in a capsule, and choose espresso or lungo. What follows, in seconds, is a rich crema atop a perfect espresso. Even more wonderful, the Essenza Mini comes with a two-year warranty, lifetime access to Nespresso’s technical hotline, and flat-fee repairs in perpetuity.

Cold brew for one

Modern Joe’s Cold Brew Infuser

This 100-micron mesh stainless cold brewer is an infuser and filter in one.

Cold-brew devotees will appreciate Wirecutter’s top-pick cold-brew maker from OXO ( mentioned below ). But for a dabbler or someone who has a small kitchen, the no-frills Modern Joe’s Cold Brew Filter is the perfect alternative. Coffee grinds go into the mesh tube, and the cylinder fits snugly in a quart-size mason jar. After the coffee lover in your life tops the grinds with water and leaves the whole thing alone for about 12 hours, they’ll be able to enjoy a strong, silt-free brew. The fine sieve keeps out particulates and is dishwasher-safe, with no risk of warping.

A superlative French press

Espro P6 French Press

This French press offers superior filtration alongside excellent heat retention, thanks to a double-walled carafe. It’s available in brushed stainless steel or matte black.

For someone who doesn’t have endless counter space and wants a full-bodied, smooth cup of joe in a jiffy, a French press is a great brewing method. After testing 15 presses and making more than 75 pots of coffee over the years, we’ve selected the shapely Espro P6 French Press as our upgrade pick. Not only does it make great-tasting, grit-free coffee, but it also keeps that coffee hot for hours, thanks to its insulated double walls. As is the case with all Espro models, the P6 is designed to stop extracting once you’ve pressed, so your coffee won’t turn as bitter or sour if it sits in the press for a couple of hours. And best of all, the P6 is dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze.

The best cold brew

OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker

This easy-to-assemble maker consistently produces the strongest, boldest coffee.

Anyone who loves to drink iced coffee year-round is likely to love receiving a good cold-brew coffee maker . For this method, you soak grounds for several hours in cold water; the process creates a sweeter, milder-tasting coffee that’s also low on bitterness and acidity. (There’s even a camp of people who heat up their cold brew for a smoother hot cup.) After all our testing, our very favorite cold-brew model is the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker , which produces cold coffee with balanced acidity, a stronger aroma, and a cleaner finish than the competition. On top of that, we found that the OXO model is the easiest to use and clean.

A classic moka pot

Bialetti Moka Express

We love the classic design of this moka pot. It’s especially simple to use, and it brews rich, flavorful coffee.

Ubiquitous in Europe and Cuba, a moka pot uses heat from your stove to pass boiling water through ground coffee, creating a beverage that’s close to espresso but less involved. Senior staff writer Sarah Witman tested six moka pots and confirmed that her beloved Bialetti Moka Express was the best, in terms of both function and fashion. This pot has a simple design, so it’s easy to use and clean, and it brews coffee that tastes just as smooth as what you can get from pricier models. With its mid-century modern shape, it looks chic on any countertop, too.

A stylish drip

Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select

This staff-favorite coffee maker is stylish, simple to use, easily repairable, and backed by a solid warranty.

We’ve tested plenty of great drip coffee makers , and even though the Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select is no longer one of our picks, it still makes an excellent gift, according to supervising editor Hannah Morrill, who has owned hers for a decade. The Moccamaster has no settings or timers, so it isn’t prone to malfunctions, and it brews 10 cups in under five minutes. (One writer had more to say about the Moccamaster’s simplicity .) Since the machine comes in several beautiful colors—including a shimmery rose and a pastel green—it’s also an eye-catching counter dweller.

For coffee on the go

AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Press

This lightweight, compact coffee and espresso maker is perfect to travel with—it produces an excellent-tasting cup of coffee, without electricity.

Wirecutter’s coffee devotees are obsessed with the original AeroPress —it’s one of the best devices out there for making delicious coffee on the go because it requires nothing more than ground beans and hot water. And making coffee while you’re traveling is even easier with the AeroPress Go , thanks to its included container, which holds all the accessories (stirrer, scoop, and filters). Plus, the AeroPress Go is petite, so it tucks beautifully into a holiday stocking and packs up nicely for shipping.

A chic filter display

Unibene Bamboo Coffee Filter Holder

This bamboo stand is a pretty vessel for storing cone coffee filters.

If the coffee devotee on your list uses several methods to brew, they may appreciate having a better way to organize all those filters. The Unibene Bamboo Coffee Filter Holder neatly stores all of the filters for a standard coffee maker, an AeroPress, and a pour-over dripper. And it looks so much neater than a random stack of cardboard boxes.

For homemade lattes

Bodum Latteo Milk Frother

This inexpensive manual frother is surprisingly efficient, thickening milk in a minute or two of plunging.

For your latte-loving friend, a milk frother can make the difference between a medicinal cup of java and an enlightened morning experience. For several years, editor Signe Brewster has been using the Bodum Latteo Milk Frother , and she reports that the method is “surprisingly efficient and requires very little effort.” The carafe is made of glass, so your gift recipient can pop it into the microwave to heat up the milk and then run the whole thing through the dishwasher afterward. They’ll think of you every time they sip their cappuccino.

Luxurious exfoliation

Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub

This skin-smoothing body exfoliant is made with coffee grounds, natural oils, and sea salt.

If you know a coffee aficionado who swears that they love java enough to bathe in it, make their dreams come true with this Insta-famous body scrub from Frank Body, an Australian skin-care company known for its coffee-based products. Inside the cheery pink Original Coffee Scrub bag is a finely ground blend of coffee, almond oil, vitamin E, and sea salt; it smells invigorating and washes down the drain easily. It’s also not overly rough, and it leaves skin polished and smooth—with absolutely no jitters.

A versatile warmer

Bestinnkits Smart Coffee Warmer

With this simple coffee warmer, sippers can warm their favorite mug to just the right temperature.

A mug warmer will allow your favorite coffee drinker to sip all day long without having their cup go cold. Among the models we tested, the Bestinnkits Smart Coffee Warmer stood apart because it accommodates any mug (as opposed to a proprietary mug) and keeps the contents in a consistent temperature range (between 133 °F and 135 °F) for hours. Though the wall plug limits where your giftee can use the Bestinnkits warmer, it has a small footprint, so it can easily live on any desk or side table.

Coffee sampler pack

Onyx Coffee Lab Collection Box

This cleverly packaged, roasted-to-order coffee sampler will surprise and delight even the most expert coffee enthusiasts.

This cardboard box containing eight 4-ounce bags of beans looks unassuming, but it unfurls like a scroll, revealing intricate line drawings and brewing advice. And each bag within the Onyx Coffee Lab Collection Box indicates the roasting date, the coffee’s origins, tasting notes, details on how the beans were processed (natural or washed), and where the flavor falls on a scale of “traditional” (chocolaty, nutty) to “modern” (citrusy, floral). If your coffee-loving pal happens to fall for a certain bean, they can order bags up to 5 pounds directly from Onyx or start a subscription .

Beans by the month

Atlas Coffee Club

Atlas will take your coffee-drinking beloved on a world tour of coffee, with beans from a different country arriving every month. They come ground (or not) and roasted to the customer’s liking, and they are available in decaf and coffee-pod variations.

Use promo code WCMOMS24, new subscribers only

Wirecutter staffers love coffee subscription services . Our resident coffee snob, supervising editor Ben Keough, insists that an Atlas Coffee Club subscription makes the best gift. Each month’s coffee comes from a different country, and not just from Colombia or Ethiopia (as is true of many other services); Atlas also gets beans from countries such as Peru, Rwanda, and Papua New Guinea. So this subscription is ideal for globetrotters as well as those with global-oriented palates. Each package includes a postcard with fun facts about that country’s coffee industry, and the recipient can select their roast and grind preferences.

Excellent instant coffee

Verve Coffee Roasters Streetlevel Craft Instant Coffee

This hand-roasted instant coffee has notes of citrus, apple, and molasses, and it blows away old notions of instant coffee.

For a long time, instant coffee had a reputation for tasting awful. But today you can find some really great instant coffees . And for the busy coffee drinker on your list—or the one who travels a lot—being able to make a cup sans gear will be well worth the skeptical looks they might receive. Streetlevel Craft Instant Coffee from Verve Coffee Roasters makes a particularly good gift. With notes of citrus, apple, and honey, it has some acidity, but its mild flavor isn’t likely to offend anyone. Note: We prefer it brewed with 9 ounces of water instead of the recommended 10.

We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend .

This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guides

Dorie Chevlen

Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Beyond her Wirecutter work, Dorie writes screenplays and contributes frequently to other sections of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The LA Review of Books, and Slate, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—“a lot.”

Samantha Schoech

Except for the time she gave a boyfriend her mother’s old toaster for Christmas, staff writer Samantha Schoech has a reputation as an excellent gift giver. She lives in San Francisco with two teens, two cats, a geriatric betta fish, and a bookseller husband. Her first book of short stories, My Mother’s Boyfriends, is coming out in 2024.

Mentioned above

• Through multiple rounds of testing since 2013, the Cuisinart CPK-17 has remained our favorite electric kettle. It’s fast, accurate, and easy to use—all at a great price. The Best Electric Kettle  
• We’ve been testing coffee grinders since 2015 and have yet to find a better value than the consistent, reliable, and repairable Baratza Encore. The Best Coffee Grinder  
• If you rarely get to enjoy your coffee or tea before it gets cold, we can relate. Here are a few great ways to make sure every sip is a warm one. The 3 Mug Warmers We Love for Keeping Our Coffee (and Tea) Hot  
• After testing travel mugs for over 10 years, we’re still confident that the Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug is the best mug to keep drinks hot for hours. The Best Travel Mug  
• We’ve collectively tasted more than 350 cups of coffee over the years to find the best easy-to-use dripper for making pour-over coffee. The Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers  
• Nespresso machines can make good espresso quickly and conveniently. We recommend the Essenza Mini because it’s compact, efficient, and easy to use. The Best Nespresso Machine  

Further reading

Wirecutter’s Best Picks for Coffee and Tea Lovers

by Wirecutter Staff

Give your caffeine routine a jolt with these Wirecutter-recommended electric kettles, coffee makers, tea steepers, mug warmers, and more.

The Best Coffee Makers

We think the easiest way to make good coffee is with the Bonavita Enthusiast 8-Cup Coffee Brewer . We also have picks for a budget option, an espresso machine, and more.

The Best Drip Coffee Maker

by Marguerite Preston and Kathleen Squires

We’ve been testing coffee makers since 2014, and we think the Bonavita Enthusiast 8-Cup Drip Coffee Brewer offers the best combination of convenient features and delicious coffee.

Here’s a Subscription Service Wirecutter’s Coffee Nerd Swears By

by Ben Keough

Subscribing to Atlas Coffee Club means you’ll never run out of coffee again.

Unique Travel Gifts Under $50

E very traveler appreciates a thoughtful gift. Skip generic gift options, and opt for a unique gift that stands out. Give it as a token of curation and care. Each carefully chosen item is a chance to highlight the recipient’s individuality. Have they shared details of the hardships they experience when traveling? Well, a unique gift can provide ease, comfort and love on their journey. 

Whether it’s a handcrafted luggage tag or a personalized map, these gifts not only help the recipient but also serve as a reminder of your relationship. 

Here are our top five unique travel gifts for under $50 that you can get for the explorer in your life. 

Travel Noire’s Top Five Unique Gifts

Scratch off world map poster and deluxe united states map, riemot luggage travel cup holder free hand drink carrier.

• Airplane Pockets Airplane Tray Table Cover

Fancyou Travel Gear Hanging Packing Cubes

Apekx self heating coffee mug with 15w wireless charging pad.

The Scratch Off World Map Poster and Deluxe United States Map is a premium wall art gift designed for travelers. It features a large, detailed world map and a separate map of the United States. Both are adorned with a scratch-off foil layer. As travelers visit new destinations they can scratch off the foil to reveal vibrant colors and map details underneath. This gift is a personalized visual record of their adventures. The set includes complete accessories such as scratch tools and all country flags, making it a comprehensive and interactive gift for globetrotters.

 The Riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder is a convenient accessory designed for travelers, offering a hands-free solution for carrying drinks while on the go. It has the ability to hold two coffee mugs securely, and easily attaches to the handles of roll-on suitcases. Now you travelers can finally free up your hands for other tasks. This innovative gadget allows travelers to say goodbye to the days of juggling luggage, passports, and boarding passes, and beverages. It is also, Perfect for flight attendants and frequent travelers, it’s a practical and thoughtful gift that enhances the travel experience.

Airplane Tray Table Cover 

The Airplane Tray Table Cover is a versatile travel accessory designed to enhance comfort and cleanliness during flights. Its dual functionality as a seat back organizer and tray table cover ensures that travelers have easy access to their personal items while keeping their space tidy. With expandable pockets for storing essentials and a media pouch for gadgets, it offers convenient storage solutions for in-flight entertainment and travel essentials. Also, its sanitary design provides peace of mind by creating a barrier between travelers and potentially unclean surfaces. Compact and easy to pack, this travel essential is perfect for staying organized and comfortable during air travel.

The product is a set of 6 packing cubes designed to streamline and organize luggage during travel. These cubes come in various sizes, perfect for neatly compartmentalizing clothing, accessories, and toiletries within a suitcase. By keeping items separated and easily accessible, they help travelers stay organized and efficient while on the go. Made from durable materials, these packing cubes also help protect travelers belongings and maximize space within your luggage. Whether embarking on a short weekend trip or a long-haul journey, these packing cubes are an essential tool for hassle-free and organized travel.

APEKX Self Heating Coffee Mug with 15W Wireless Charging Pad is a must-have for travelers who love their hot beverages. With its innovative design, this mug keeps drinks at the perfect temperature for longer periods, eliminating the need to constantly reheat. Whether you’re on a road trip, hiking adventure, or just exploring a new city, this mug ensures that your coffee or tea stays warm and enjoyable wherever you go. Its portable and sleek design makes it easy to carry in your bag or car, adding convenience and comfort to your travel experience. Say goodbye to lukewarm drinks and hello to satisfying sips on the move with the APEKX self-heating coffee mug.

Tips for Buying a Unique Travel Gift

Here are some tips on buying unique travel gifts:

Consider the recipient’s interests

Think about what the traveler enjoys. Are they adventurous, outdoorsy, or more into luxury travel? Tailoring the gift to their interests will make it more meaningful.

Focus on practicality

Travelers often appreciate gifts that are useful and enhance their travel experience. Items like compact travel accessories, portable gadgets, or versatile gear are great options.

Look for unique and niche items

Explore specialty shops, artisan markets, or online stores that offer unique and handcrafted travel items. These can include personalized maps, locally-made souvenirs, or culturally-inspired gifts.

Prioritize quality

Opt for gifts that are well-made and durable. Travelers rely on their gear to get them from point a to b, so choosing high-quality items ensures longevity and reliability.

Think compact and lightweight

Space and weight are essential for travelers, especially those who prefer to pack light. Look for gifts that are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport.

Consider versatility

Choose gifts that serve multiple purposes or can be used in various travel scenarios. Versatile items like multi-tools, convertible clothing, or travel-sized kits are practical and space-saving.

Personalize whenever possible

Adding a personal touch to a gift can make it more special. Consider customizing the item with the recipient’s name, a meaningful message, or their favorite travel quote.

Read reviews and recommendations

Before making a purchase, research the product and read reviews from other travelers. This can help ensure that you’re choosing a gift that meets expectations and delivers value.

Stay within your budget

Unique travel gifts come in a wide range of price points. Set a budget and explore options that fit within your financial means while still offering quality and uniqueness.

Think beyond material items

Not all travel gifts need to be physical items. Experiences, such as booking a guided tour, a cooking class, or a travel-themed subscription service, can also make memorable and unique gifts for travelers.

Disclaimer : Our editors love finding you the best products and offers! If you purchase something by clicking on one of the affiliate links on our website, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Mother’s Day tech gift ideas | What the Tech?

Mother’s day tech gifts | what the tech.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. ( WHAT THE TECH? ) — Mother’s Day is May 12 so if you haven’t started thinking about gifts, we have some tech ideas for the special day.

Keenray Towel Warmer

The idea is, before you get in the shower, throw your towel in here. By the time you’re done, you pull it out and the towel is nice and warm.

Espresso-Making Travel Cup

She can take her coffee on the road with a portable espresso machine. Fill the cap with coffee grounds and the container with hot water. When she’s ready… just press the button to make a perfect espresso.

Ember Coffee Mug

To keep her coffee or tea warmer for longer, there’s the Ember coffee mug. Keep it charged on a special coaster and, when she’s ready, she can take it anywhere. The mug keeps the drink at the temperature she wants for up to 2 hours.

Paperwhite and eReading

A Kindle is always a good gift for someone who reads to relax. The Paperwhite is water-resistant, and can easily be read in the sun. She can’t do that on a phone or iPad.

If she already has a Kindle, send a new book from her favorite author. If she’s still using an iPad from 10 years ago, get her an updated one. The iPad Air and Pro models come in different sizes. She’ll be able to check social media, play games, listen to music, binge Netflix and anything else she likes to do online.

An Apple Pencil is a good iPad companion. Take notes in her handwriting, draw, color, and control. It helps keep the screen free of smudges too since she’s not using her hands.

The Apple Pencil is $100, but frankly, some of the other brands work fine for around $20.

One more Mother’s Day gift to consider that isn’t a tech idea: Getting out of the house and tackling chores!

For more “What the Tech?” stories, click here .