Do We Really Need Another Mug?
Short answer? Probably not. At least, not another one.
You know the cabinet I’m talking about — the one at home or in the office break room. The door barely closes because it’s stuffed with random logo mugs from conferences, vendors, old employers, and that one “World’s Best Boss” gift someone thought was hilarious in 2017.
Some are meaningful. Most… just take up space.
So, when the holidays roll around and we’re planning employee gifts, it’s natural to ask: Do my employees/family/friends really need another mug for Christmas?
Let’s talk about it.
The “Easy Button” Gift vs. the Meaningful Gift
Mugs are easy. They’re fast. They’re everywhere. And on the surface, they seem practical. After all, people drink coffee, hot chocolate or tea right?
But here’s the problem:
Most mugs don’t feel like a gift. They feel like more stuff.
Your recipient can tell the difference between:
“We needed to check the box and get something ordered,” and
“We took time to think about you, how you live, and what you’ll actually use.”
One says: Transaction. The other says: Relationship. In my world, it’s always relationship over transaction.
What People Actually Want from a Gift
When you strip away the packaging, our recipients aren’t really looking for “a thing.”
They want:
To feel seen – as a person, not just a job title.
To feel valued – like their work and presence actually matter.
To feel considered – that someone thought about what they’d enjoy, not just what could be ordered in bulk.
The right gift does three things:
Fits their life. It’s something they’ll truly use — at home, on the go, with family, or in their daily routine.
Reflects your values. Quality, care, thoughtfulness, maybe even “we support small/local” or “we buy USA-made.”
Tells a story. About your culture, your appreciation, and what it feels like to be part of your team.
A random mug rarely checks the box.
But… Could a Mug Ever Be the Right Gift?
Here’s the twist: I’m not anti-mug (although the cost of shipping is a game changer). I’m anti-thoughtless mug.
If you’re going to do a mug, it should:
Be excellent quality (no flimsy, chipped-by-February ceramic).
Be part of a bigger experience – maybe bundled with locally roasted coffee, hot cocoa mix, tea from a favorite small business.
Be personalized or purposeful – an inside joke, a value statement, a word of the year, or each person’s name/initials.
Otherwise, it’s just another object in an overstuffed cabinet or on your local Goodwill shelf.
Questions to Ask Before You Order ANY Gift
Instead of starting with, “What’s cheap and easy?” try asking the way John O’Leary does:
What’s the most I can do or give?
• No explanation needed.
Where do my people actually spend their time?
Office? Car? Job site? Kitchen? Ball field with kids? Traveling?
What would make their everyday life easier, safer, or more enjoyable?
A tool they’ll use 200+ times a year.
Something their family will enjoy with them.
Something that solves a real problem.
What story do I want this gift to tell?
“I appreciate you.”
“I care about your family.”
“I invest in quality because you are worth it.”
Will they still be using this next year?
If the answer is “no” or “probably not,” keep looking.
Ideas That Go Beyond the Mug
Here are some alternatives that often land much better than a basic mug:
Premium drinkware (yes, even here, it can be done thoughtfully!) that gets grabbed daily — in the car, on the sidelines, on job sites.
High-quality kitchen tools that become part of family meals and memories.
Cozy comfort items – blankets, sherpa pullovers, or items that say “rest & recharge.”
Workday upgrades – a great bag, backpack, tech organizer, or tool that makes their daily grind smoother.
Experience (+ tangible combo) – an outing (and you could pair it with a physical gift that reminds them of the experience every time they use it.)
The common thread? These gifts don’t just sit. They serve.
So… Do We Need Another Mug for Christmas?
If you’ve made it this far, you probably know the answer. No — no one needs another mug.
What you need to express in your gifting this holiday season is:
You see them.
You value them.
You’re willing to invest in quality, not just quantity.
And if a mug is involved, let it be intentional, elevated, and part of a meaningful story — not just another logo drop.
This is where I live and breathe.
Brailo Sales & Service is your source for ALL things branded — purposeful promotional products, thoughtful gifting, custom apparel, premium items, and strategic brand experiences that leave lasting impressions. I help leaders, business owners, nonprofits, and teams move beyond “check-the-box gifts” into thoughtful gifting that:
Leaves long-lasting impressions
Gets used, loved, and talked about
Reflects your brand, your values, and your gratitude
One conversation at a time, I can take your holiday gifting from meh to meaningful.
If you’re staring down the Christmas countdown wondering what to do, ask yourself one more question:
“Do I want to give something that will lost in the shuffle or on a thrifted store shelf… or something they’ll actually remember?”
When you’re ready to ditch the mug and gift with intention, I’m here to help. Relationship over transaction. Always.
💚 jamie AKA, urBRANDgirl