Gifting season is always bittersweet when you want to take in the warmth and excitement of the holidays, but don’t want to contribute to the rampant consumerism that has been and still is driving the destruction of our planet. Balance, amirite? While opting out of gift season altogether is the most sustainable action to take this time of year, that’s just not me (and I suspect a lot of you). I may not completely boycott shopping for the holidays, but I am very discerning about where I do spend my money. And that means trading Amazon for buying directly from brands, shopping small and local whenever I can afford it, and most of all, making sure I only buy gifts the people on my list actually want and will use. Shopping for the coffee lovers in my life is no exception!
In our first gift guide of the season, we’ve spent hours looking for the perfect coffee lover gifts with sustainability in mind. It features brands making a positive difference like Driftaway which produces specialty coffee from sustainable small farms around the world. We also have handmade coffee themed accessories and goods by our vendors at wallflower, made in small batches by individuals or small teams to lessen their impact. It’s up to you to choose which is the perfect gift for the coffee lovers on your shopping list, and what aspects of each brand’s history and process they’ll appreciate too.
Top Sustainable Gifts For Coffee Lovers
Coffee + Chocolate Pairing Box from Driftaway Coffee
Driftaway Coffee & Chocolate Pairing Box – Driftaway is definitely the most sustainable coffee brand I’ve encountered, and I’m big on artisan coffee. This BIPOC brand has truly thought of every part of the process and the kind of impact it has, from its carbon-neutral operations to fair sourcing to plastic-free packaging and everything in between. What’s just as cool is their inclusive and unpretentious attitude toward premium coffee. Exploring, learning, and tasting is for everyone and they make it fun with coffee subscriptions, tasting kits, and tastings both in-person and virtual. (Btw, if you’re ever in NYC, stop by their new tasting room. I gasped at the photo of this gorgeous space!)
The Coffee & Chocolate Pairing Box makes our guide because it not only comes with three distinct coffee, but three Raaka chocolate bars and directions on tasting and pairing. Free US shipping included!
Single Origin Coffee
Their individual roasts also make perfect gifts for coffee lovers if you have a sense of what the recipient likes. You’ll find details on their origins, types of roasts, and tasting profiles on the site so you can choose what sounds best!
Porcelain Espresso Cups
The handmade porcelain espresso cups with matching saucers in our shop are embellished with genuine gold stripes to give these dainty little mugs a luxe twist. Glossed with a food-safe glaze, they’re perfect for elevating an at-home espresso connoisseur’s tasting routine.
Hand-painted Ceramic Mug
If the recipient is more of a coffee or latte person than a drinker of espresso shots, opt for a handmade mug like our lilac colorblock mug which was crafted by Turkish sister duo Merve and Deniz of Mano Works. They hand-shape and paint every coffee mug, making each piece beautifully one of a kind. Mugs are such an easy gift to give, but it’s also way too easy to give ones that are low quality, mass produced, and well, expected. Gift something handmade and they’ll know you get their appreciation for coffee, craftsmanship, and design.
Spill The Beans Coffee Book
Spill The Beans: Global Coffee Culture and Recipes from Lani Kingston and Gestalten explores how coffee is produced and celebrated in countries around the world. Purchase at bookshop.org to source from an independent retailer while supporting local bookstores.
Handmade Chemex Enamel Pin
For a cute little gift or gift topper, this handmade Chemex pin by The Gray Muse is such an adorable little nod to coffee culture.
Wooden Heart Shaped Teaspoons
This charming set of heart shaped teaspoons was hand-carved by a womens artisan cooperative called Creative Women. You can also find it here. I love this as a gift for coffee lovers who enjoy making their own lattes at home!
Espresso Chocolate Bars
Maeve (formerly Seattle Chocolate)’s Pike Place Espresso bar features rich roasted espresso layered amongst dark chocolate, utilizing espresso beans roasted just two miles away from their local chocolate factory. Maeve is a sustainable, carbon-neutral, ethical chocolate company that puts 10% of net profits back into the farmers who grow their chocolate.
Pink Coffee Dripper
I don’t think I’m the other coffee lover who is also obsessed with pretty pink things. The Origami Pink Dripper from Stumptown would make a beautiful addition to any barista’s pour-over setup! It’s made by Japanese brand Origami of Mino porcelain and comes with a wooden holder.
Coffee Lovers Bag Charm
Solar Eclipse makes accessories like this hand-painted coffee cup keychain and bag charm from cellulose acetate. I don’t own this product but have tested other acetate accessories by Solar Eclipse for wallflower (see here), so I know that the quality is really lovely and much better than a mass-produced, plastic bag charm!
Depending on its origin and production, acetate is a fairly “green” alternative to plastic. So while you’re shopping for accessories to fill stockings or gift bags with this season, opt for acetate over plastic when possible!
What other gifts for coffee lovers would you add to this list? Stay tuned for more gift guides this season!
your two cents