Printed Drinkware: A Practical Way to Keep Your Brand in Circulation

Printed drinkware sits in a useful spot between promotional product and everyday essential. Unlike flyers that get skimmed or emails that get archived, mugs, bottles, and cups tend to stick around. They’re used daily, seen repeatedly, and often shared at home, at events or in office spaces, which makes them one of the more reliable long-term branding tools.

We think that simple, custom ceramic mugs are a winning giveaway item, and at around £3 ex VAT per mug, they are also very cost-effective.

What counts as printed drinkware?

At a basic level, it’s any drink-related item customised with your design, logo, or message. The most common options include:

• Ceramic mugs
• Plastic and metal water bottles
• Travel mugs and tumblers
• Paper cups for events or takeaway use
• Coasters and beer mats

Most ranges cover both small orders and bulk runs, so you’re not locked into ordering thousands just to get started. Minimum order quantities often start as low as 10 or 20 per order, giving you better volume discounts the more you buy in a single order.

You can upload and print if you are au fait with designing, or you can use our free online design tool.  It's a drag & drop system similar to other online design platforms and offers you a handy 3d preview to check your changes as you design.

Why businesses use printed mugs

1. It stays in use 

   A mug on a desk or a bottle in a gym bag is repeated exposure. Someone might see your logo dozens of times a week without thinking about it, which is exactly the point.

2. It’s practical, not decorative 

   People don’t keep things they don’t use. Drinkware avoids that problem entirely. It earns its place by being functional first.

   Water bottles are especially effective here. They’re portable, visible, and tend to travel between locations, which means your branding does too. 

3. It works across different contexts

   Printed drinkware can be used for:

• Event giveaways
• Staff onboarding packs
• Client gifts
• Retail merchandise
• Café and takeaway branding
• Merchandise sellers who specialise in fun slogans or logo related merch on platforms like Etsy and Marketplace.

The main types (and when to use them)

Mugs

Still the most recognisable option. Reliable, simple, and suitable for offices or home use. You can go for our best-selling standard (330ml ceramic), which is available from a single unit or slightly more distinctive with finishes like matte or cork bases.

You’ll love these for desk-based audiences, client gifting or internal branding.

Water bottles

Available in plastic, recycled materials, or insulated metal. They’re practical, portable, and align well with sustainability messaging depending on the material.

These are ever popular with fitness brands, outdoor groups like walking clubs or any sports club.

Travel mugs and tumblers

These sit somewhere between mugs and bottles. Designed for commuting, they’re used on the move and often in public spaces.

These work best with commuters, coffee culture brands and premium giveaways in mind. Also, a really nice, branded item for cold water swimming groups or outdoor clubs. If every kids’ sports club offered their junior players a water bottle, all of the parents would love something for their coffee on a cold morning, pitch-side.

Paper cups

Less about longevity, more about volume and visibility. Ideal for cafés, pop-ups, and large events where your branding needs to be front and centre quickly.

Your best use for these is hospitality, events, short-term campaigns or pop-up events.

Coasters and beer mats

Often overlooked, but they work well in hospitality environments where they’re seen by multiple people in a short period.

You’ll see these in the wild in bars, at events and for brand awareness in social settings

Design considerations that actually matter

This is where a lot of people overcomplicate things.

Keep it legible

Drinkware isn’t a poster. You’re working with a curved surface and limited space. Clear logos and simple layouts perform better than detailed designs.

Think about how it’s held

Where the print sits matters. A logo hidden under someone’s hand won’t get seen. Most products show printable areas clearly so you can position designs properly.

Match the print method to the design

Different methods suit different outcomes:

• Full colour printing for detailed graphics
• Screen or pad printing for simpler logos
• Engraving for a more premium, subtle finish – the mugs themselves are not engraved, but we offer sets that come with bamboo lids or small mugs with bamboo coasters, which can be engraved.

Each comes with limitations, especially around colour and detail, so it’s worth checking before finalising artwork.

Durability and expectations

Most printed drinkware is designed to handle regular use, but it’s not indestructible.

When it works best

• Many items are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing can extend print life
• Print durability varies depending on the material and method
• Everyday wear is expected, especially for heavily used items like bottles

Printed drinkware isn’t a silver bullet, but it works particularly well when:

• You want long-term visibility rather than a quick hit
• Your audience will genuinely use the product
• The design is simple and clearly branded
• It fits naturally into the setting (office, gym, café)

If it ends up in a cupboard, it’s wasted. If it ends up in daily rotation, it does the job.

"Printed drinkware doesn’t need to be overthought. It’s effective because it’s useful. Give people something they’ll actually use, make sure your branding is clear, and let repetition do the work." Santha Hope, Head of Marketing Communications.