With the holidays approaching, it’s that time of year where you have to figure out what the heck to buy for your family and friends for the holidays.
If you’re like me, you probably wait until a few days before Christmas to start your shopping and get angry at the herds of people making every store line feel like you’re at the DMV.
We’ve released a few holiday lists in the past for beer lovers and I decided we need to make it into a tradition. With that said, here is the 2013 beer lovers gift guide.
If you’re shopping for the beer lover in your life, choose anything on this list and I’m sure they’ll be pretty happy.
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Beer
Ok, this should be your obvious choice. If they love beer, get them what they love. Anytime I pick up a package and hear the clinking of bottles, I’m generally pretty pleased.
If you’re not sure what to get them, head over to your local bottle shop and ask for some help. For those really creative people out there make a gift basket filled with beer and other goodies (be as creative as you want).
What if they don’t live by you? Check out this craft beer gift basket at Gift Tree. Don’t get them the international beers. That’s a waste with pretty crappy beers. The American IPA basket is much better.
You could also check out LetsPour, which is one of the best online shops to buy beer. They are also carrying a decent selection of ciders, sodas and wine.
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Nuts, Cheese or Meats
While beer is good, it’s always fun to get some food that pairs well with it. If you know what the recipient likes, get them that.
You generally can’t go wrong though with some artisan cheeses and meats.
If they like nuts, you have to try Doug’s Nuts out of Eugene, Oregon. In full disclosure they sent me a package awhile back (although they aren’t paying me to say this). They were so freaking awesome.
I’m not sure exactly what they put on them, but my whole family devoured them quickly. It’s one of those things I’m hoping santa will bring me this year because they are good (and paired incredibly well with an IPA).
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Beer Books
Every beer lover should have a solid collection of craft beer books. With hundreds of books to choose from, here are the ones I’m liking for this year.
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Beer Lover’s Oregon
Ok, a shameless plug for my books. If your recipient is in Oregon or wanting to visit soon, this is the best book to get them.[/one_third]
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Beer Lover’s Washington
My newest book that was just released in November of 2013. It covers the entire beer scene in the state of Washington.[/one_third]
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Beer Crafts
This is the perfect gift for the person who loves crafts and beer. This book shows you how to make some cool stuff.[/one_third_last]
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The American Craft Beer Cookbook
Seriously an awesome book. Over 150 food recipes you can make at home, all of which use craft beer as an ingredient.[/one_third]
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The Audacity of Hops
A fantastic read that takes an entertaining look at the history of the craft beer industry in America.[/one_third]
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Cheese & Beer
The title alone puts a smile on my face. Two of the best things in this world all in one incredible book.[/one_third_last]
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Brewtis the BottleKeeper
Everyone needs a stocking stuffer or two. Brewtis the Bottlekeeper might just be the right option for you. It’s like a koozie meets a cooler.
The bottom unscrews so you can fit a bottle inside, keeping it cold and safe. Then just pop the top and you’ll have cold beer.
Sure, you could use it to hide beer as it looks like a water bottle, but I wouldn’t suggest that. A better use would be to throw in your backpack on a hike. Once you reach the peak you’ll have a cold beer ready to be consumed.
Check it out the The BottleKeeper website.
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Beer of the Month Club
I’ve been a part of a few beer of the month clubs and have to admit it’s a pretty awesome gift. I love getting beer in the mail, especially when it’s beer from another region I can’t get here.
There are multiple beer clubs out there, but I generally suggest four that I’ve tried and have been fantastic.
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The Original Craft Beer Club
They offer either a 12 beer or 24 beer option that is shipped to your recipient monthly. You can choose the length of time you want it sent starting at just 1 month or ongoing. Throw in free shipping along with beers from around the country and you have a great gift.[/two_third_last]
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[/one_third][two_third_last]Clubs of America Beer of the Month Club
One of the oldest clubs around, they ship out 12 bottles per month for as long as you choose. Their selection is pretty unique with a good mixture of beers from smaller breweries spread around the country.[/two_third_last]
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[two_third_last]Rare Beer Club
If you’re looking for a gift for a total beer snob, they will love The Rare Beer Club. They get 2 bottles a month of some of the finest beers from around the world that aren’t easily found around the US.[/two_third_last]
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[/one_third][two_third_last]The Original Microbrewed Beer Club
What’s nice about this club is they generally have a mix of both American and internationally brewed beers. It’s also cheaper than the other clubs, but they do charge shipping which evens it out.[/two_third_last]
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Beer Glasses
Every beer lover needs a set of really good beer glasses. The main reason to serve beer in the correct glass is that it greatly enhances the drinking experience.
You wouldn’t drink a bottle of wine without pouring it into a glass, right? Same thing with beer. It needs the right glass to enhance it’s characteristics based on style.
I highly suggest this 4 glass set from Spiegelau. I use this set every single week and it’s definitely helped increase my appreciation for beer.
If the recipient loves IPAs, check out these IPA glasses also from Spiegelau. They look goofy, but they can make a mediocre beer smell amazing.
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Beer Nerd Board Game
Think your recipient likes board games along with beer? Then you need to get them Beer Nerd, a board game that is filled with trivia and tasting to test your beer knowledge.
Not only will you have a blast playing this game, you’ll also learn a ton about beer and its history.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a beer expert to win, it’s multiple choice.
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Beer T-Shirts
Pretty much everyone loves a good t-shirt. There are plenty of funny, cool, and just plain awesome beer shirts you could get.
Here are a couple of suggestions to check out.
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This is perfect for both beer fans and fans of the show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Check it out.[/one_third]
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A simple shirt that proudly lists the 4 main ingredients of beer. Check it out.[/one_third]
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Humulus Lupulus is the Latin name for hops. Oh, and this hop cone glows in the dark. Check it out.[/one_third_last]
For even more beer related t-shirts, check out Brewer Shirts.
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Homebrewing Equipment
Every homebrewer or aspiring homebrewer will appreciate equipment or supplies to help them brew more beer.
Depending on how well you know the recipients love for the hobby, you have multiple options. Head over to you local homebrew shop and get them some new equipment. If you’re not sure what they need, get them either a gift card or ingredients.
For those that might be interested in starting the hobby, get them a beginners kit. I suggest the Starter Kit from Midwest Supplies.
You can also find a whole range of equipment and ingredients online at Midwest Supplies as well.
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Beer Magazines
A magazine subscription is the gift that keeps on giving throughout the year. I personally have a subscription to about 5 beer magazines and it makes going to the mail box a lot more fun.
Here are three I recommend:
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Brew Your Own
Every homebrewer needs a subscription to Brew Your Own. With recipes, techniques, and in depth brewing info, it’s simply the best. Check it out.[/one_third]
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Draft
Draft is the magazine for the foodie beer lover. Plenty of food and beer pairing articles each month. Check it out.[/one_third]
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All About Beer
All About Beer is exactly what the title suggests. It looks at beer from all over the world along with events, food, and other fun stuff. Check it out.[/one_third_last]
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Beer Bottle Cufflinks
There is always that time when we need to dress up. Whether it’s to attend a wedding, funeral, party or just another day at work, everyone wants to look good.
While there have only been a handful of times in my life I’ve worn cufflinks, I’m pretty sure I’d were them more if they had beer bottles on them.
These stainless steel beer bottle cufflinks from KONOV Jewelry should do the trick for any beer lover. Plus for just $8.99, they make an excellent stocking stuffer.
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Brew Cave
Looking to make a HUGE impression. Look no further than The Brew Cave, the largest kegerator on the residential market.
Sure, it has a pretty big price tag, but most beer lovers would probably appreciate this much more than buying them a new car.
With shelves to hold more than 30 cases of beer, space for at least 6 kegs, and multiple taps on the outside, this walk in cooler would be the ultimate addition to any house.
Each one comes with multiple options to customize it for you exact needs. How cool would it be to have a commercial grade cooler in your garage or basement?
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Bottle Openers
There are always an abundance of bottle openers to choose from to give as gifts. Here are some of the coolest ones I’ve seen.
BROpeners – Turn anything into an opener.
Pop a Cap Bullet Bottle Opener – Open your bottles with a cartridge of a 50 caliber bullet.
Kebo One-Handed Bottle Opener – Use 1 hand to open your beer, plus it doesn’t bend the cap.
Brewsees Sunglasses – These sunglasses also moonlight as a bottle opener.
Kikkerland Luchador Bottle Opener – Put your beer bottle in a headlock and open that thing.
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[box type=”success”]Now, if you want this stuff for yourself, make sure to spread the word on this post. Tweet on Twitter, share this on Facebook, and talk about on Google+ using the links below to let your friends and family know what you want this holiday season.[/box]
That’s it for this years gift guide.
