What Mug?

Starbucks Mugs

If you’ve ever enjoyed a coffee or hot chocolate in Starbucks, you might have been tempted to recreate that coffee shop feel at home. What better way to do that than with official Starbucks mugs, adorned with the Starbucks logo. I’ve looked online and can’t find them, so the best way to get hold of them is actually to go into your local Starbucks. They are usually located near the counter.

But if you don’t have a Starbucks near you, or are after a particular mug which your local doesn’t have, then why not check eBay. There’s loads of Starbucks mugs on there at great prices, and many of them are unused/brand new, so you don’t need to worry about the slight stigma of buying a second hand mug (and hey, the mugs aren’t brand new when you drink out of them in the shop anyway).

Click here to find Starbucks Mugs on eBay

Vintage Kellogg’s Mugs

I saw these really cool vintage Kellogg’s mugs in Bentalls in Kingston today. You can also get matching saucers and dishes etc. I’ve had a look online and the only place I can find selling them online is the Imperial War Museum gift shop! So if you like them, you can support a good cause too by buying them online.

Whatever It Takes Charity Mugs

Whatever It Takes is a charity with a great concept. They approach leading figures from the Arts and get them to design an image that represents them. This is then reproduced onto “merchandise with a meaning” - good which raise money for important causes. The Whatever It Takes mugs are really cool. They are generously sized and perfect for a nice big tea or even some soup in a cup.

The celebrities who have so far got involved are many and varied, including David Bowie, Coldplay, Sir Roger Moore, Sir Michael Caine, Minnie Driver, Ewan McGregor and Samuel L Jackson. There’s pictures of a selected few below, or check out Amazon for a comprehensive list.

David Bowie’s Mug

Roger Moore’s Mug (notice The Saint reference)

Nicole Kidman’s Mug

Global Warming Mug

Do you know how big your carbon footprint? We endlessly get apocalyptic tales of global warming shoved down our throats. Now you can put it down there literally too with this Global Warming mug. The heat of your tea or coffee causes the world’s land mass to turn blue from flooding. Sit back and ponder the world’s demise as you knock back a brew, or cackle like some megalomanic James Bond style villain.

£6.95 from Iwoot.com

Periodic Table Mug

For many of us, the periodic table is something we had to endure for a few years at school and have never had to think about it since, except for when trying to answer a question whilst watching Mastermind. But there are those amongst us - let’s call them geeks - who may have a fascination with the periodic table. If you are one, or know one, this mug which displays the full periodic table from Heals could make a great addition to the kitchen cupboard.

Other likely candidates for this mug include science teachers and indeed, GCSE pupils! It’s available for £6.50 from Heal’s.

Grumpy Old Man Mug

Grumpy Old Men was a hit TV show and gave men of a certain age the chance to be grumpy and proud. It let them positive affirm their grumpiness without shame or embarassment. That show has inspired a range of licensed products, including this: The Grumpy Old Man mug. This mug, currently costing under a fiver at Amazon, is perfect for the grumpy old man in your life.

Grumpy Old Man - Mug (Blue)

Haynes Mugs - LandRover, Capri, VW Beetle, Golf and More

Haynes is the name which is forever associated with “Owner’s Workshop Manuals”. - the handy books which tell us how to change a lighbulb on our much loved motors. They have now lent their name to a range of cool mugs, which will be perfect for anyone that owns or has owned any of the cars available. Check out the full range at Amazon - priced at about a fiver each

Kelly Hoppen Mug from Bhs

Acclaimed interior designer, Kelly Hoppen, has added to her high quality range of home goods at Bhs with this white porcelan mug. The platinum ring adds a touch of class and elegance - great value at only £4.50.

Kelly Hoppen Mug at Bhs - £4.50 

Mugs for Mums on Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day on the horizon, it’s time to look at the mugs available especially for Mums, which will make an ideal present idea. Check out the selection below:

Yummy Mummy Mug - John Lewis, £8.50

Super Mum Cheeky Mug by Jamie Oliver (in presentation tin)

I Love My Mummy Mug, £8 from John Lewis

Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Hearts Mummy 1/2 Pint Mug, £14.95 from John Lewis

Make your mummy’s mother’s day with mug especially for mums!

Pantone Colour Mugs from Heal’s

Pantone is shorthand for the Pantone Matching System (PMS) from the Pantone company, based in New Jersey, USA. Heal’s have a range of mugs that conform to Pantone standard colours. Check out the full selection here - they cost £8 each.

Pantone 5757 Green Mug

Pantone 012C Orange Mug