Beer lovers are notoriously easy to shop for. Give us beer and we’ll think you’re awesome. This holiday season, take gift giving to a whole new level by showing the beer lover in your life there is more to life than beer (pfft yeah right). Here are some of our recommendations for every Beerist, from the novice to the seasoned drinker.
Stuff to put beer in.
The New Belgium globes are John’s go-to glass for every episode, they are inexpensive (8.99$ for 2) and are a great start to any glassware collection. Logo glasses from a favorite brewery or bar are also sure to please. And don’t forget about glass (usually under 10$) or ceramic (starting around 45$) growlers. Here in Austin you can purchase an empty glass growler and get it filled for under $25! Stainless steel growlers (starting at 25$) are good for the outdoorsy beer lover.
Stuff to read while drinking.
For the book lover, know-it-all, or new palate in your life! Here are three must have books: Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher, The Brewmaster’s Table by Garrett Oliver, How to Brew by John J Palmer. A magazine subscription is also a good way to keep your buddy in the know year-round.
Stuff to write about beer.
Does the beer lover in your life scrawl notes on any writable surface in the bar (napkins, coasters, your arms)? Maybe they just have a terrible memory? Look no further than a beer journal. 33 Beers offers a pocket sized one for easy tasting notes, while Moleskine offers a larger, more in-depth journal, packed with sections and information any novice beer enthusiast can use.
Stuff to wear while drinking.
It’s cold out there! Help your buddy stay warm with a brewery t-shirt, hat, beanie, or hoodie. If the gift receiver doesn’t have a favorite brewery, or is more of a home brewer, BrewHeads has an awesome mash paddle hat. There are also beer socks, scarves, and gloves out there. Happy hunting!
Stuff to make beer.
If you love beer so much, why don’t you make it?! Sign your beer lover up for a beginners brewing class, or an all-grain glass- and sign yourself up too! Brewing is a great bonding experience. Better yet give the gift of equipment! Northern Brewer, and Austin Homebrew Supply offer great starter brewing kits, but don’t forget to check out your local homebrew shop.
Stuff to eat while drinking.
Beer and food are a perfect pair. Treat your beer lover to a beer pairing dinner at a local restaurant. Or bake up a storm with beer baked goods. The Beeroness has plenty of tasty recipes (Anastacia swears by this recipe for chocolate stout cupcakes). TCHO makes a Beer Lovers Chocolate Box that is meant to be paired with Samuel Adams Winter Variety pack. Cheese makes a great accompaniment to beer, so why not buy a nice selection of artisanal cheese and beer for a pairing?
Stuff related to beer.
For those who have it all (or those who like it all), there’s always schwag: coasters, stickers, labels, and pins. These items can usually be collected at bars or brought from a brewery’s website. Mindy’s Beer Gear has awesome handmade wallets, dog collars, headbands and other items made from beer schwag. For those anal friends of yours who do not like to bend bottle caps, Mike recommends this Crate & Barrel Bottle Opener. For you lazy shoppers out there, don’t forget about gift certificates to bars, online shops, and homebrew supply stores.
BEER!
Last but not least, you can give the best gift out there: the gift of beer! A number of breweries offer gift, or sampler, packs. Look for Samuel Adams Winter Classics (as mentioned above), Southern Tier’s Superpack & Pack of Pales, or Global Beer’s Sour Power. There are also gift packs that contain logo glassware! Look for Duvel, Chimay, and Ommegang. A recent trend popping up is the ‘beer of the month club’, there are many out there so research carefully and make sure they ship to the gift receiver’s state! The Rare Beer Club & the Microbrewed Beer Club, Craft Beer Club, and Half Time offers a variety of clubs.
