You get your coffee in the morning. What about the mug? Not just any cup. It can read, “Don’t talk to me until I’m done with this,” or it might flash the word “boss” across your dog’s face with the word “boss” written underneath. There are printed mugs all over the place now. These things pop up like daisies after a nice rain, at home, at work, and even at gatherings. You don’t believe me? Next time, take a look inside your coworker’s pantry. You will see a lot of ceramic warriors with messages.
What’s going on? First of all, mugs with prints are a subtle method to show a little bit of who you are. Some people prefer quotes that are snarky. Some people want their grandchild’s finger painting to be stretched awkwardly across the edges of porcelain. There are also fandom mugs. You drink Earl Grey for a minute, then you grasp a handle that looks like a wizard’s staff.
Giving someone a printed mug isn’t only for lazy Secret Santas anymore. People really thought about them. Do you remember when your friend left for college? You might have chosen one that says, “Call your mom” or “Fill with noodles as needed.” The phrase on the mug can stay in your thoughts long after the drink has cooled down.
Of course, there are a lot of design alternatives. Some people like the edges to be loud and colorful. Some people like things that are simple, such small monograms and one-line designs. There are a lot of choices, from funny pictures to inside jokes. It’s a designer’s paradise and a shopper’s marathon all at the same time. You could call it mug chaos.
Businesses also got the message. Picture walking into an office where every desk has a mug with a nickname or a funny picture on it. It works as an icebreaker, a way to start a conversation, or a peace offering after a crazy Zoom chat.
There are a lot of branded mugs at trade exhibitions and conferences. People bring back things that they can truly use instead than pens that they will forget about. Every sip reminds them of where they received it, which is even better. Some people could claim it’s marketing genius hidden in porcelain.
Production doesn’t force users to use stock photos. You can put your own doodles, messages, or doodads on mugs at online stores. Some have wraparounds that go all the way around, while others have tight logos on one side. It’s a cheap, tiny method to leave your mark on the world.
Care is a big deal. Will the print be okay in the dishwasher? Will it come off in pieces after twenty uses? There are differences between mugs. After a few too many scorching cycles, some prints fade away and become ghosts of what they used to be. If you care about how long something lasts, pay attention to the type. For the lively ones, hand-washing can be less traumatic.
People say that mugs proliferate when no one is looking. Gifts for the holidays join the crowd. Old wedding gifts last. Mugs with cartoon characters on them last longer than their corresponding plates. Before long, cupboards are full of porcelain with stories on them.
If you’re not sure, think about your favorite quotation, picture, or group photo. Picture it looking back at you while you eat breakfast. It’s positive, strange, and even strangely comfortable. It’s not surprising that printed mugs are popular right now. They’re more than just containers; they’re little billboards of what you love and pieces of your individuality. Let’s face it, they make the first cup of the day a lot more exciting.