It’s the final count down! (Sorry, if I got the song stuck in your head!) If you don’t have a present for that coffee lover on your Christmas list, now is the time to get it done. While the deadline has passed for free shipping at some online stores, it’s not too late at others. Plus, I’ve noticed there’s a lot of good deals out there, that weren’t there a few weeks ago.

From a round up of suggestions, check out these holiday gift guide posts: That cover everything from the coffee they want, the coffee grinders they need, the coffee brewing equipment that will make them smile, the coffee mugs and travelers to drink from and once they’re done with that a few books about coffee so they can become java experts.

Last Minute Gift Ideas For Coffee Lovers

If you can’t find something online, or are waiting to the very last minute, I’ve got a couple of ideas for you.

Find the nearest local and independent coffee roaster. Ask them what coffee they would suggest and bring home two bags of it. One for giving and one to keep for yourself. Also, a lot of coffee shops sell all sorts of coffee equipment and accessories now. With a little help, I’m sure you can find the gift that will make the coffee lover on your Christmas list smile.

If you’re feeling brave and want to hit the mall. Check out Williams And Sonoma. I stopped by a location a couple weeks ago and was impressed with all of the gifts they had – from French Presses to Espresso machines.

And if it’s Christmas Eve and all of the stores have closed, make sure to check out GoCoffeeGo. They have a gift subscription where they will send the person on your shopping list coffee for a month, 3 months, 6 months or even a year. Plus, you can print out the gift subscription, put it in a card and pretend you weren’t shopping at the very last minute.

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2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Shopping Ideas is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

Let’s be honest, there’s a lot of things that a coffee fanatic would love to find under the tree on Christmas morning. I’m sure they’d love to get a new coffee gadget or even a book about coffee. However, ultimate gift for any coffee lover is more coffee! I’ve noticed that us coffee fiends need massive amounts of coffee to keep our addiction under control.

If you’re not sure what coffee to get the coffee lover on your shopping list, I have a few suggestions and some guidelines.

As far as the guidelines, start by getting them whole bean coffee. If they don’t have a coffee grinder, get them one so that they can grind the beans. Whole bean coffee equals better tasting coffee. They’ll appreciate it!

If you’re not sure what kind of coffee to get them, I have a few ideas so that you can make some safe bets. If they say they like a strong coffee, get them a dark (French) roast from a region like Sumatra. If they’re like flavorful coffees, get them a light roast from a country like Ethiopia. If you don’t know what kind of coffee drinker they are, a medium roast is probably the safest bet.

Now where should get you that coffee? My first suggestion would be a local, independent coffee roaster. They’re going to have the freshest coffee, probably aid you more towards the perfect gift and it never hurts to buy local.

If there isn’t a local coffee roaster near by, I have a few suggestions for online coffee shops. The first one I’m a little bias towards because it’s the Daily Shot Of Coffee Shop. Our little shop features two coffees, Peurto Rican Sunrise and Wake Up Call, which can be roasted however you want and come in either whole bean or pre-ground. (Get the whole bean.)

You won’t find any flavored coffee at the Daily Shot Of Coffee Shop, but if you’re looking for some, I would check out the Coffee Beanery. They have a peppermint twist flavored coffee that would be perfect for this time of the year. Also, they have a suitcase full of coffee and other related gifts for $47.99. Yes, I said a suitcase full of coffee! That sounds like a winner to me.

If the person on your shopping list is very social conscious, check out Equal Exchange‘s gifts. They have one gift box that comes with Fair Trade and Organic coffee, hot chocolate, chocolate and tea. Another winner in my books for the person that receives the gifts and the farmers that helped grow the products.

Last, but definitely not least is a way to keep the coffee lover on your list caffeinated for the next 3 months, 6 months or even the next year with a gift subscription from Go Coffee Go. You can choose from ten different tours, like their Green Tour, which features eco-friendly coffees, the Cafe Noir Tour, which features dark and smoky coffees, the Magical Mystery Groovalicious Tour, which features a surprise coffee every month or the Zen Decaf Tour, which sounds pretty scary to me but I understand that there are some people that like decaf.

I hope this list helps, but if it doesn’t feel free to ask me any questions you have and I’ll try to point you in the right direction.

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Fine Print.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Coffee, Coffee And More Coffee is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

If the coffee fanatic on your Christmas shopping list loves to read, why not get them a book or two about their favorite drink? I have more than a few coffee related books on my book shelf and there’s probably hundreds more out there that cover everything from the history of coffee to an in-depth look at the positives and negatives of fair trade.

Coffee Quest: One Guy’s Journey to Find a Decent Cup of Coffee

Probably the coffee book that I was most excited about this year is called Coffee Quest, by artist and author Dave Wodnicki. The story is about a regular joe who is tired of drinking bad coffee, so he decides to go on a search for the perfect cup of coffee.

Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World

Sure it’s 480 pages, but it was a quick, easy and very informative read. By the end of it, I felt like a coffee expert. It’s perfect for the special someone that wants to know everything there is to know about coffee.

Brewing Justice: Fair Trade Coffee, Sustainability, and Survival

I’m not going to lie, this book is a bit of a downer. However, it is one of the best stories about fair trade and coffee farmers that I’ve come across. It goes pretty far in depth, but by the end of it, the reader will know a lot more about what fair trade really means.

The Art and Craft of Coffee: An Enthusiast’s Guide to Selecting, Roasting, and Brewing Exquisite Coffee

Everything you wanted to know about making the perfect cup of coffee. Perfect book for the person on your shopping list that wants to improve the quality of their coffee or learn more about the hobby of coffee.

What’s your favorite coffee related book out there?

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Coffee Books is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

Need some gift idea for the coffee lover in your family or the coffee fanatic on your Christmas shopping list? I’ve got a few ideas for you that are a little out of the ordinary…in a good way.

They’re perfect for the person that has everything already, the perfect coffee maker, the top of the line coffee grinder, etc. It’s also perfect for when you’re not exactly sure what you want to get them. I have a feeling they’ll like these gifts.

When it comes to treats, it doesn’t stop at chocolate covered coffee beans anymore. They’ve put coffee into just about everything for some delicious results – coffee flavored candy, marshmallows made with coffee and cookies infused with java bites.

If you are one of the luck ones like me who have a fireplace, why not use a Java Log to start your fires this winter. The Java Log is made of used coffee grounds, made without chemicals and burns longer than other man made logs. The bad news for coffee lovers is that the coffee smell is limited and overall smells like a natural fire. Okay, maybe that is a good thing.

Homemade, all natural soaps are becoming more and more popular. A homemade bar of soap, made with coffee of course, would make the perfect stocking stuffer.

It’s a little bit early to start thinking about iced coffee (unless you’re in Florida), coffee bean shaped iced cube trays would be the perfect template to make iced coffee.

If the person on your shopping list is a true coffee addict, they need a t-shirt to show off their love (obsession) for coffee. Two of my favorites are the Caffeind and the Coffee Is Cheaper Than Crack, which is perfect for extreme coffee fanatics.

There’s also these coffee gifts for those who need their daily shot of coffee.

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Fine Print.

Random Coffee Gifts Full Of Awesome is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

Up until recently I didn’t think it was possible to have too many coffee mugs. Now, I’ll admit that it is possible when you have coffee mugs taking up more space in your cabinets than the dishes. However, I still wouldn’t mind getting another coffee mug or two for Christmas, and I have a feeling that the coffee lover on your shopping list wouldn’t mind one either.

Here’s a traveler that’s on my wishlist this year! I have probably about a dozen travelers, but the majority are junk because they either leak or fall apart after a week or two. The Contigo 16-Ounce Double Wall Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler promises to be spill proof and keep your coffee hot for hours.

On sale at Amazon for $13.67.

Here’s a great gift for someone that is serious about enjoying their cup of coffee. This set of Bodum Bistro Double-Wall Insulated Glass Mugs doesn’t just look cool, but they have a purpose too. They will keep their coffee hot while protecting your skin from the heat, plus it allows them to look at the color of their java. Believe it or not, but you can tell a lot from the color of the coffee.

More than 50% off at Amazon right now. Buy for $22.99.

If they’re a big sports fan, it doesn’t hurt to get them a mug with the logo of their favorite team? Can I suggest that you get them a mug like this New York Yankees one. Sports fans from all over the country, especially Boston would love it!

Buy for $27.99 at Amazon. Amazon does sell other teams and other sports, but it will make me cry if you buy one of them.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Coffee Mugs And Travelers is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

I’m not exactly ready to start my holiday shopping, but I do know that there are people out there that started weeks ago. I’ve heard your questions about coffee. What kind coffee maker should I get my girlfriend? Should I get my husband a french press or a coffee grinder? (The answer is both!) What’s the ultimate gift for a coffee fanatic?

It’s time for me to start answering those questions with the annual Daily Shot Of Coffee holiday shopping guide. Each week until Christmas, I’ll examine different types of coffee related gifts, from ways to brew coffee to books about coffee. Along the way, I’ll answer as many questions as I can to make sure that you get that special someone that perfect gift!

I’m going to start of this week with presents that involve brewing coffee.

French Press

If you have a budding coffee fanatic on your shopping list and they don’t have a french press, this is the year to get them one. It’s an essential item in every coffee enthusiasts collection and once they try a french press, they probably will never go back to their drip coffee maker. It really does brew better tasting coffee that brings out all of the flavors.

Pros:

• Excellent Coffee
• Price Is The Same As Most Drip Coffee Makers
• Did I Mention It Makes Incredible Coffee

Cons:

• Fragile & Lack Of Padding In Shipment
• Not As Quick And Easy As A Drip Maker To Make And Clean

Buy the Bodum Chambord Coffee Press $34.45 at Amazon.

Read my full review of the french press.

Drip Coffee Maker

If the person on your list has a beat up little Mr. Coffeemaker drip coffee maker hanging around their kitchen, it’s time to give them an upgrade. I’ve tried a lot of drip coffee makers and there’s very few that I will recommend. However there is one that I have no problem suggesting to people looking for a drip coffee maker, it’s the Zojirushi Fresh Brew Coffeemaker. It brews coffee at a hotter temperature than most drip coffee makers and I can taste the difference.

Pros:

• Thermal carafe keeps coffee warm without burning it.
• Coffee brews hotter, bringing out more flavor.
• Easy to set the time and to program it.

Cons:

• Tall, may not fit under some cabinets.
• Thermal carafe with no marking for cup measurement.
• Coffee filters didn’t fit in perfectly.

Buy the Zojirushi EC-BD15BAFresh Brew Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker for $69.20 at Amazon.

Read my more detailed review of the Zojirushi.

Chemex

The Chemex is the perfect gift for the family member or friend that’s really starting to get serious about their coffee. It makes great coffee, looks cool and I’m sure they will use it proudly, showing off their coffee nerdiness. I know I do! My awesome girlfriend got me one of these last year and it quickly became one of my favorite coffee gadgets.

Buy the Chemex Drip Coffee Carafe – 6 Cup for $39.95 at Amazon.

Read my review and watch my Chemex video.

Aeropress

Speaking of coffee gadgets, the Aeropress is a cool little doodad that doesn’t look like any other coffee maker that I’ve ever seen. In fact, it kind of looks like a giant syringe, but it makes amazing, extra smooth coffee. It’s small enough so that it’s perfect for the son to use in his college dorm room, the busy wife at the office or for the business man that’s always traveling.

Pros:

• Easy And Quick To Use
• Easy Clean Up
• Great Tasting Coffee

Cons:

• Fits Only On A Traditional Sized Cup
• Need A Thermometer
• Clean Up Can Be Messy

Buy the Aerobie AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker for $25.95 at Amazon.

Read my review of the Aeropress.

Moka Stove Top Espresso Maker

You say they have every coffee gadget out there and you still don’t know what to get them? Do they have a Moka Stove Top Espresso Maker? If they don’t pick one up for them. It falls into the cool, retro gadget category and is perfect for making coffee on the weekends.

Pros:

• Makes amazing tasting Italian style espresso
• Simple to use
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Can take ten (plus) minutes long, but really I’m not going to complain too loudly about that. Good coffee is worth waiting for.
• Small learning curve

Buy the Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Makers for $24.48 at Amazon.

Check out my full review of the Moka Pot.

Do you still need more suggestions or are looking for something else? Let me know in the comments or ask me your questions via the contact page and I’ll do my best to help you out!

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Coffee Brewing Equipment is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

This is a guest post by Tara Alley. Learn more about how you can guest post for Daily Shot Of Coffee here.

Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year, and while I enjoy the presents under the tree and the big Christmas dinner feast, to be honest, my favorite part of the entire day is opening up my stocking. There’s something about stocking stuffers that’s just ridiculously fun. Everything is whimsical and miniature sized. It’s a chance to be creative and completely, 100% unpractical, but that’s the point. And I love it. Since we’re all coffee friends here, this is my top 10 list of stocking stuffers for those coffee addicts. We all know one, don’t we? Or, better yet, here’s to hoping it’s YOU. In that case, just print this list out and leave it “lying around.”

USB Beverage Warmer: How cool is this?! This warmer plugs right into the USB drive on your computer, keeping your coffee warm all morning long while you peruse and surf.

Gum: Gum is just a must in any stocking stuffer, and with coffee in mind, the options are almost endless. Check out Jolt gum for “caffeinated gum.” Two pieces gives you the equivalent of one 12 oz. cup of coffee. That’s 6 coffees in a pack, and if you eat 144 pieces, that’s 72 cups. Just a little FYI. You could also try a coffee flavored gum. Wrigleys Doublemint Kona Crème is a good choice.

Coffee Beans: Splurge on a fantastic bag of coffee beans that you could never afford to drink on a daily basis. There’s going to come some bleak, wintry morning when nothing else will be good enough to pull you out of bed.

Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans: If you haven’t become addicted to these, it’s about time you joined the crowd. I might even venture to say that I enjoy these more than drinking espresso, and a little package of these is an excellent addition.

Milk Frother: Depending on the size of your stocking, you may have to get creative to make this fit, but a milk frother is a very exciting gift.

Milk Frothing Thermometer: If you’re shopping for the die-hard coffee addict, they may already have a milk frother, but I bet they don’t have a thermometer to go with. EG&H sells a great stainless steel version with a wide dial face that makes it easy to get accuracy.

Espresso Glasses: For anyone with espresso machines, you can’t go wrong with an awesome duo of espresso glasses. Starbucks sells a set of Double Wall Espresso Glasses by Bodum that I really like.

Coffee Stirs: These guys are silly and fun. I’ve seen them in raspberry, vanilla and cinnamon flavors. You can find them at any coffee retail shop

E.S.E: For those into espresso, find some special E.S.E. (Easy Serving Espresso) pods. They’re super quick, easy and a good way to try out new brands and experiment.

Chocolate Cabarnet Liqueur Sauce: I first tried Anette’s Chocolate Cabarnet Liqueur Sauce at their store in Napa Valley, CA, and let me tell you, this stuff is so good chances are you’ll just end up drinking it, but it’ll last a lot longer if you use it properly and mix it in your coffee. It’s also really good on ice cream… And, it comes in chocolate port, chocolate amaretto and chocolate raspberry too.

Tara Alley is a freelance writer native to Montana and now living in Orange County, CA, writing and working for Coffee Home Direct. You can reach her at: tara[at]coffeehomedirect[dot]com.

The Top 10 Stocking Stuffers for Coffee Addicts is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

Time is just about up, but if you’re quick, lucky or upgrade to rush shipping you still have time to do your Christmas shopping. Here’s a round of the 2010 Holiday Shopping Guides, which includes just about everything a coffee fan is dreaming about finding under their Christmas tree this year.

Daily Shot Of Coffee Gear Gift Guide: Official t-shirts, coffee mugs and of course coffee!

Coffee Shopping Gift Guide: The perfect presents under $50, under $100, under $150 and the ultimate coffee present.

Coffee Grinders Gift Guide: Every grinder from the basic beginners grinder to the advanced, technical one for making the perfect espresso shot.

French Press Gift Guide: If the coffee lover on your holiday shopping list doesn’t have a French Press, you have to get them one this year!

Coffee Makers And Machines Gift Guide: Everything from the Presso, a portable espresso maker to the ultimate coffee maker.

Single Serve Coffee Machines Gift Guide: Find the perfect single serve coffee maker for making coffee at home or the office.

Coffee Cups And Mugs Gift Guide: You can never have too many coffee mugs! Never!

Coffee Books Gift Guide: For the avid reader that’s always drinking coffee.

And if you’re still looking for the perfect gift, check out Go Coffee Go’s gift subscriptions. Buy one of these and the person that you give it to will get a freshly roasted coffee from a different top roaster every month. They have prepaid subscriptions for 3, 6, or 12 months.

They have 9 different “tours” to choose from. My favorites are the Green Tour which includes only eco-friendly tours and the Playboy Tour that includes a full spectrum of different coffees and roasters.

Plus they have a certificate that you can print out right at the last minute.

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Photo by stephend9.

2010 Holiday Shopping Guide Wrap-Up is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

If the coffee lover on your Christmas shopping list doesn’t have a French Press, give them the gift of delicious, flavorful coffee this year. I love my French Press and the amazing coffee it brews. I’m sure your friend or loved one will feel the same way about the French Press that you get them!

Bodum Chambord Coffee Press
Buy for $39.25 at Amazon

This is the French Press that I own and I use it about every day, including for the reviews. This is how coffee is supposed to taste.

• Brews 32 ounces of coffee; retains beans’ oils for rich, complex flavor
• Sturdy, chrome-plated brass frame; easy-to-clean glass carafe
• Stainless-steel press mechanism; replacement parts available
• Turn lid to close spout; not for stovetop use
• All parts are dishwasher-safe

Bonjour Ami-Matin Unbreakable BPA Free 3 Cup French Press, Noir Black
Buy for $19.76 at Amazon

This would be the perfect French Press to bring camping. Or really the perfect French Press for me or anyone who has the tendency to break things.

• Classic carafe made with BPA-free Tritan plastic: crystal clear and shatter resistant
• Stainless steel press features flavor lock patented shut-off infuser that stops the brewing process
• Patented filtering lid reduces sediments
• 3 cup capacity, black
• Dishwasher Safe

Bodum Stainless Steel Vacuum Travel Press Coffee Maker with Red Silicone Grip, 16-Ounce
Buy at Amazon for $29.94

This is the French Press that’s on my wishlist this year. This would be the perfect French Press for bringing to the office or just about anywhere you want to take it.

• Tall stainless steel travel mug;16-ounce capacity
• Doubles as French press; plunger included in closable lid with a stopper
• Double-wall stainless steel construction is vacuum sealed to better maintain heat
• Wide silicone band in purple with raised lettering for a firm grip
• Dishwasher safe

Bodum 1308-16 Columbia 8-Cup Stainless-Steel Thermal Press Pot
Buy for $89.95 at Amazon

I’ve had some people ask me about a thermal French Press to keep their coffee warm longer than a traditional glass one. This one is on the large side of things, but they do have smaller versions.

• French press makes coffee directly in thermos
• Holds 34-ounces, nearly seven 5-ounce cups
• Keeps coffee hot for two hours
• Made of stainless-steel polished to mirror-finish
• Safe to use in dishwasher

French Press – 2010 Holiday Shopping Guide is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee

I’m the type of person that’s always reading at least one book, sometimes two. On my bookshelf, there’s more than a few books about coffee. Reading about coffee probably isn’t as exciting as drinking coffee, but books make great presents.

Brewing Justice: Fair Trade Coffee, Sustainability, and Survival by Daniel Jaffee
$24.95 at Amazon

I read this book earlier this year and while it was a little on the text book side of things, I couldn’t put it down. It was an informative, yet depressing look at the conditions coffee farmers live and work in.

Fair trade is a fast-growing alternative market intended to bring better prices and greater social justice to small farmers around the world. But is it working? This vivid study of coffee farmers in Mexico offers the first thorough investigation of the social, economic, and environmental benefits of fair trade. Based on extensive research in Zapotec indigenous communities in the state of Oaxaca, Brewing Justice follows the members of the cooperative Michiza, whose organic coffee is sold on the international fair trade market. It compares these families to conventional farming families in the same region, who depend on local middlemen and are vulnerable to the fluctuations of the world coffee market.

I Love Coffee!: Over 100 Easy and Delicious Coffee Drinks by Susan Zimmer
On sale at Amazon for $11.55

This is the only book on this year’s list that I haven’t tried, but it sounds delicious.

In I Love Coffee! coffee connoisseur Susan Zimmer shares expert advice and techniques, from how to brew the perfect cup and how to make a basic cappuccino without a machine to a World Barista Latte Art Champion’s tips for making masterful latte art designs. It is brimful with a wealth of coffee understanding from the “ground” up, from bean to cup, including international coffees and brewing techniques best suited to a variety of preferences, all topped off with plenty of problem-solving tips and delectable full-color photographs.

The Art and Craft of Coffee: An Enthusiast’s Guide to Selecting, Roasting, and Brewing Exquisite Coffee by Kevin Sinnott
On sale at Amazon for $16.49.

Everything you wanted to know about making the perfect cup of coffee. Perfect book for the person on your shopping list that wants to improve the quality of their coffee or learn more about the hobby of coffee.

Sinnott’s guide to primo coffee enables readers to fill their cups to the rim… with greatness. Readers will learn the differing qualities of producing countries (good acidity but light body from Peru; the distinctive Liberica espresso from Laos), the particulars of roasting, and even the best times to buy and brew. Sinnott deftly navigates the thorny issues of production, preferring to focus on the enjoyment of the product. Even readers who don’t know their Arabica from their Robusta or a French Press from a percolator will appreciate Sinnott’s informative and egalitarian approach; suggestions are the order of the day, not mandates. Whether the barista-to-be prefers to create custom blends to roast at home in the hopes of an ultimate cup, or simply wants to get a better pot from the auto drip she bought for $20, Sinnott’s guide will result in a better cup of joe.

Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World by Mark Pendergrast
On sale for $13.57 at Amazon.

Sure it’s 480 pages, but it was a quick, enjoyable and informative.  If the person on your Christmas loves coffee and wants to know about their favorite beverage, this is a must read.

Caffeinated beverage enthusiast Pendergrast (For God, Country and Coca-Cola) approaches this history of the green bean with the zeal of an addict. His wide-ranging narrative takes readers from the legends about coffee’s discovery, the most appealing of which, Pendergast writes, concerns an Ethiopian goatherd who wonders why his goats are dancing on their hind legs and butting one anotherAto the corporatization of the specialty cafe. Pendergrast focuses on the influence of the American coffee trade on the world’s economies and cultures, further zeroing in on the political and economic history of Latin America.

Are there any books that I’m missing that you would add to the list?

Coffee Books – 2010 Holiday Shopping Guide is a post from: Daily Shot Of Coffee