I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for McCafé packaged coffee. I received product samples as well as a monetary promotional incentive to thank me for my participation.

Let’s face it!

We don’t need all those gifts that aren’t very practical and that will only go in our regift basket or garage sale bin, right?

If you are a teacher, coach, or some other mentor, you receive a gazillion little gifts that only clutter your desk or make you bigger than a whale during the holidays.

Yes, it’s the thought that counts, but let’s just be organic- unless it’s money or a gift card, we don’t jump hoops about it.

So this year, I decided to give my children’s teachers a gift that will be not only useful, but truly enjoyable. In fact, I guarantee they will fall in love with it as much as I did, and will soon be restocking to replenish their stash. 

I’m giving the gift of McCafé packaged coffee without the festive holiday mug. I highly doubt anyone needs another Christmas mug to clutter their kitchen cabinets. And if you do, please come and raid my cabinet. I have enough for you and your friends.

This practical gift idea came into my mind after I enjoyed several McCafé packaged coffees in the enjoyment of my own home. I have highly enjoyed the Breakfast Blend, Hazelnut, and Espresso Roast flavors. All of them are fantastic, but the Hazelnut is my ultimate favorite. 

I set my coffee maker to go off about 15 minutes before I get up in the morning, and the aroma I smelled when I woke up from the Hazelnut flavored coffee was truly divine. I absolutely didn’t have any trouble getting my lazy self out of bed that particular morning. The flavor is quite mild and simply perfect for the early mornings. I’m one of those that usually prefers flavored coffees in the afternoons, but the hazelnut McCafé packaged coffee hits the spot for me any time of the day.

My older son prefers the Breakfast Blend and Espresso Roast packaged coffee flavors. He likes to sweeten his coffee, unlike me. He also likes the flavored creamers; I dig my coffee black.

Made with 100% Arabica beans, McCafé packaged coffee comes in seven varieties including different roasts and blends, such as Premium Roast, French Roast, Breakfast Blend and Colombian, and different flavors, such as French Vanilla and Hazelnut. So, you have many flavors to choose from to fit all taste buds.

McCafé packaged coffee is available where you buy your groceries. Prices will vary across regions, retailers and calendars, but the average, non-promotional prices will be as follows:

• 12 oz roast & ground: $7.49
• 12 count K-Cups: $8.39
• 18 count K-Cups: $11.99

For gifting purposes, it’s probably safe to say that most coffee drinkers use K-Cups, but if you are not sure, you can always buy them the McCafé packaged coffee in ground form.

And don’t worry, you can still enjoy McCafé at your local McDonald’s, but this just makes it easier for you to take advantage of the rockin’ hot McCafé coffee any time of day in the luxury of your own home.

Have you tried McCafé packaged coffee yet? If not, go buy yourself a stocking stuffer. Shh, I won’t tell Santa.