I think I’ve finally solved the annual holiday puzzle of what to get the “impossible” people on my list. You know the ones: the dads who have enough ties, the brothers who buy themselves whatever gadgets they want, or the friends who just really don’t need more clutter.
The answer, for me, is almost always consumables – specifically, coffee. But with the sheer volume of craft roasters and grocery store brands out there, picking a bag can feel like a shot in the dark. But trust me on this one; My coffee recommendation for this year comes straight out of California: the Graffeo Coffee Gift Box.
Graffeo isn’t just another popup brand; they are San Francisco’s oldest coffee roastery, operating out of the North Beach neighborhood since 1935. For anyone with relatives who live in the Bay Area, or anyone who simply holds a nostalgic soft spot for the city, this gift hits a wonderful sentimental note. It feels like a piece of West Coast history.
But even if you have no ties to San Francisco, the quality speaks for itself. While most roasters scorch their beans on hot metal, Graffeo uses a custom-built fluid-bed hot-air roaster. They roast with warm air, which eliminates that acrid, burnt aftertaste so many dark roasts suffer from. Don’t just take my word for it; legendary food critic Ruth Reichl of The New York Times has praised Graffeo, calling the brew “rich, full and never bitter.”
The Gift Box ($55.00) is a 1.5 lb lineup featuring three distinct “green packs” that cover every base for a coffee lover:
- The Dark Roast: Bold and intense. This is ideal for espresso shots or those mornings when you need a serious kick to get moving.
- The Light Roast: A nuanced, aromatic option that highlights the bean’s natural flavor profile.
- The Swiss Water Decaf: All the premium taste without the caffeine. Because it uses the Swiss Water process, it’s chemical-free, making it a thoughtful inclusion for late-night sippers.
Flavor and history aside, this set is just incredibly giftable. It arrives in a curated, elegant box that looks great instantly, meaning you don’t need to wrestle with wrapping paper. It feels substantially more personal than a gift card, yet practical enough that you know it won’t sit collecting dust.
It is the kind of gift that upgrades a daily ritual, which is really all I ask when I’m buying for my family.
