I read an article a while back that talked about the worst gift ideas ever. Much to my dismay, right atop the list sat the words coffee mugs. Mugs, as the article explained, are insincere, impersonal gifts that show zero creative thought or consideration of the giftee. Ouch.
After reading this, I immediately jumped into defensive mode and started rattling off the reasons I think coffee mugs can make the greatest gifts on the planet (I’m sure it was a pretty sad sight actually: me, alone in a room, emphatically proclaiming this list to myself). As a giver and receiver of numerous mugs, I’m a firm believer that drinking a cup a Joe (or green tea, for my under-caffeinated pals) from a delightfully adorable cup can act as an instant mood-lifter.
In our apartment, we drink coffee like it’s going out of style. Starbucks is our bean and bean house of choice, and after years of coffee-shopping (as in hanging at a coffee shop, not purchasing one. Ho hum), we’ve gathered quite a collection of Starbucks mugs in the ol’ kitchen cabinet. Some we just bought for kicks; some were gifts to each other; and some were presents from other people. But we love them all, and each one gets its share of spins during the year, depending on our moods and the seasons.
And to further emphasize just how much I love these guys, here’s a shout-out to some of my faves (with a nod to their life stories).
Name: Happy Birthday Lunch Mug
Gift from: My mom
Occasion: My 23rd birthday
Used most: During spring and summer months. Every sip says “Happy birthday to me.” Gotta love that.
Name: Herman
Gift from: Jared
Occasion: My successful completion of the G.R.E. Whew!
Used most: Early fall through Halloween. Herman knows how to party.
Name: Snowflake Cup
Gift from: Jared and I
Occasion: White Elephant gift exchange at Jared’s work three years ago (We strategically enter these things with one gift we’d love to take back home and one we hope to never see again. Sneaky, sneaky.)
Used most: During the holiday season and Christmas in July (which really stretches from June to August)
Name: Reindeer
Gift from: Santa
Occasion: Christmas, silly!
Used most: The holiday season when Jared and I are coffee-ing together (the only time of year we use matching mugs).
When it comes to gifting mugs for other people, we really do put a lot of thought into what we get for whom. There’s actually a lot to consider — size, weight, design, material — when selecting the perfect one. So if you receive a mug from us this year and find yourself questioning our creativity or thoughtfulness, do not fear! In our book, a coffee mug is a symbol of our love — for coffee and for you.
XO,
Katrina
As a teacher, I get a lot of mugs, but I LOVE personal coffee mugs. Whenever hubby travels, or when we go to a bigger city together, we always get their Starbucks mugs. I love them, and I love reliving our time in those cities when I use them. However, I do have my far share of UGLY #1 Teacher mugs. My first one meant something, now….I keep them at work for oatmeal, tea, etc. I love your mug stories!
We’re big fans of the Starbucks city mugs, too! You’re right; it’s a great way to remember fun times in fun cities! Thanks for reading!