The short answer
Real coffee lovers want two things: fresher coffee and gear that measurably improves the cup — not another novelty mug. The gifts that land are a bag of freshly roasted single origin they wouldn't splurge on, or a tool that removes guesswork: a scale, a gooseneck kettle, or a burr grinder. Get either and you've given something they'll use every day.
Gifts that improve the cup
• A digital coffee scale: the cheapest upgrade to consistency — it makes the brew ratio repeatable. See the scale topic.
• A burr grinder: fresher grind, better flavor — a bigger difference than most gadgets.
• A gooseneck kettle: pour control for anyone into pour over.
• Fresh single-origin beans: something special they can taste, like an Ethiopian or a Kenyan.
Gifts that keep giving
For a coffee lover who has the gear, give consumables and experiences: a coffee subscription that delivers rotating fresh roasts, or a drip bag sampler of coffees they can try on the go. These avoid the "another gadget" fatigue and keep them stocked with what they actually run through — coffee.
Not sure of budget? Coffee gifts under $50 has picks at every price.