A quick guide to choosing your mug or glass

Ceramic, melamine, double wall: what changes

Glazed ceramic is the breakfast classic: it holds the heat, never picks up flavours and takes daily use without complaining. The melamine we use for the letter tumblers is light and doesn't shatter on the first drop, which makes it the safe choice for kids, terraces, camping and birthday parties. Insulated travel cups with a lid are the ones you take to the car or the office. And espresso glasses are the small format, made for the short coffee after lunch.

What size do you actually need?

Think about how that person drinks their coffee. Short and strong? An espresso glass. A milky coffee mid-morning? A standard mug of around 300-350 ml. Cereal and a spoon involved? Go for a wide bowl-style mug. Every product page lists the exact capacity and measurements, so there are no surprises when the box is opened.

Heat-changing mugs

Thermosensitive mugs hide a second design that only appears when you pour a hot drink in: they are the ones that get the biggest reaction when unwrapped. In exchange they ask for a little care, so we recommend washing them by hand to keep the effect intact for years. The rest of our ceramic mugs need no special treatment.

How to get it right as a gift

Three routes almost never fail. First, the phrase: pick the line that person would say at eight o'clock on a Monday morning. Second, the character, if they are a declared fan of someone. Third, the role: mum, dad and boss mugs work on their own for birthdays and special days. Still unsure? Let the style decide — boho, floral, retro or plain colour goes with any kitchen.

When it works

A mug with a message is the small gift that gets used the most: office Secret Santa, birthday token, Mother's or Father's Day, leaving presents, housewarmings, or simply a random Wednesday. It costs little, it looks good and it gets used every single day, which is exactly what makes a gift memorable.

Frequently asked questions about our mugs and glasses

Are they dishwasher and microwave safe?

Most of our ceramic mugs are fine in both. The exception is the heat-sensitive ones, the mugs that change colour when you pour something hot in: those prefer washing by hand. It says so on each product page, so check before you load the dishwasher.

Which mug should I give as a gift?

Think about the line that person would say on a Monday morning. We have mugs for bosses who run the place, survivors of pointless meetings, drama queens and people who cannot function before coffee. If you are stuck, the best sellers are best sellers for a reason.

What are the glasses made of?

It depends on the piece. We have glass, ceramic and melamine, the last one being the sensible choice for outdoors, picnics and anywhere with children and hard floors. The material is listed on every product page.

What if it arrives broken?

We pack ceramics carefully, but couriers have their moments. If something arrives damaged, send us a photo at [email protected] and we will sort out a replacement.

Do insulated cups work for cold drinks too?

Yes. Double wall insulation works both ways: it keeps coffee hot and it keeps a soft drink or iced water cold, and it stops the cup sweating all over your table.

What's the difference between an espresso glass and a regular mug?

Size and use. The espresso glass is small and concentrates the aroma of a short coffee; the standard mug is for a milky coffee, tea or herbal infusion. Plenty of people end up with both: one for after lunch, one for breakfast.

Still looking for ideas? Have a look at our best sellers, our original candles or our cushions with slogans. And if it's a housewarming gift, a mug plus a funny doormat never fails.