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Spotlight On... Mugs
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Mug BUG
There’s something sentimental about a mug, a feeling of wanting to drink from a particular one, just because. It might remind someone of a friend, a family member, a place a job, or simply cheer them up when they’re feeling down thanks to a funny saying or a life affirming slogan, or just because the mug is bright and colourful. Although mugs are hard to part with, even when the cupboard is overflowing, somehow, a new mug is always welcome. “Mugs are a universal gift, making them a great pick-up-and-purchase gift,” agrees Creative Tops’ PR manager Katrina Lawton. “They offer a small indulgence option for gifting, which is why we detail our mugs in new and fun ways - patterns, glazes, interior details, shapes and materials - aspects that add excitement to this small product.” Its Ava & I collection offers specialised gifting which is inspired by feminine trends, such as
Mugs, of course, are an all-year-round gift or self purchase, but in the run-up to Christmas they really come into their own. Great for Secret Santas, stocking fillers, teachers’ gifts and friends and relatives that are hard to buy for, they range from serious to humorous, rude, arty, girlie, sports themed, licensed and character - the list is endless! With travel mugs joining the mug gang, there’s no end to gifting opportunities with new designs galore for Autumn/Winter.
Top: Electroplated mugs from The DRH collection. Above: Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Designs new mug designs. Below left: Ava & I from Creative Tops. Below right: KitchenCraft’s porcelain We Love Christmas mug gift set.
motivational slogans, metallics, iridescence and marble. New additions this season use millennial pink, gold accents and fun slogans for products that are perfect for the office, the gym or for bridal squads. In addition, Creative Tops’ new V&A launch for Autumn/Winter - The Nonsense Alphabet - focuses on mugs with 26 different designs to collect, featuring patterns and stanzas from the poet Edward Lear. “They’re very collectable, and feature across mix and match mugs, offering ridiculous rhymes, hand-drawn sketches and a range of colours to portray each letter of the alphabet,” explains Katrina.
At Portmeirion, sales and marketing director Phil Atherton points to mugs being a classic item, an everyday staple, from the first sip at breakfast to the last slurp before bed, making them a big part of the day. “Mugs are one of the most personal items in the kitchen,” claims Phil. He points to “the woodland animal trend” being key for Autumn, highlighting Royal Worcester’s bestselling Wrendale Design mugs which feature watercolour animal designs as an ideal gift for wildlife lovers. “Currently, one of the biggest trends we’re seeing is the use of metallics, both in glassware and ceramics,” says Mike Holmes, director of The DRH Collection, “with bling definitely in. On the back of that, and the response to our initial gold and platinum electroplated mugs, we’re
doubling our range with new designs as well as a new shape.” KitchenCraft’s marketing director Claire Budgen says that from a retailer’s stance, it makes sense to stock a variety of different mugs at different price points, as well as a selection of styles and designs. “Themed mugs work particularly well as gifts for those with interests or passions such as sport, gardening, animals or slogans,” she Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
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