According to our tests, the $30 Zojirushi Stainless Mug offers the best balance of heat retention and versatility. It has a svelte physical and lid design that's easy to use, drink from, and clean. And, of course, it insulates hot liquids exceptionally well. After a full eight hours of testing, coffee kept in the new Zojirushi Stainless Mug was a full 20 degrees hotter than it was in the next mug down in our test group -- the difference between drinkable and lukewarm.
There are a number of other touches that make this a great gift, too. It's designed for one-handed usability for those who need to keep their eyes on the road (or sidewalk), plus it has a foolproof locking mechanism that guarantees it won't spill if your giftee tosses it into a bag.