For a lot of us, everyday starts with a hot cup of coffee. The brew never fails to get you ready for the hustle. It’s so important that we even have preferences when it comes to the mug we use to drink coffee. Like the drink itself, the mug can also make your day…as long as they are customized. Explains why custom mugs remain one of the most popular choices of organizations to offer as gifts to their employees.
Why Customized Mugs as Gifts?
Most American businesses deem it important to find thoughtful and meaningful ways to show their employees that they are valued. A custom-designed coffee mug can show just that. These personalized gifts demonstrate the company’s commitment to its people.
Custom mugs can influence recipients on an emotional level, nurturing more loyalty and sense of satisfaction within them. If an employee sees their name or a quote of one of their favorite in-office moments emblazoned on their mug, it sends a clear message that they matter and they’ve contributed to this cool company culture. This subsequently boosts morale and reinforces the company’s culture.
Moreover, practical gifts like custom ceramic mugs or color-changing mugs are far more likely to be used and appreciated by your employees than generic trinkets or branded swag. They’re a daily reminder.
Not All Gifts Hit the Mark Though
Have you ever got a customized mug that you felt was ‘meh’?
You just forget about that kind of stuff. Customizing mugs is more than meets the eye, when you think about it. I mean, employees don’t see much value in a mug their employer gifted them if the mug only has the company logo on it. It just remains a mug. But if the mug’s design is something unique, the item’s perceived value goes up, as the employee realizes that the employer put some effort into sourcing such a mug.
Great designs matter now more than ever, be it on mugs or apparel. Here are 10 tips to come up with solid designs on mugs.
1. Consider the basics and some more when planning the design
A little bit of planning ensures fewer roadblocks in your design project. When it comes to customizing mugs, people often neglect a few important aspects. Ask yourself these questions. If you have definitive answers, you’re good to go.
- Will the design fit properly on the mug?
- Which areas on the mug will the design cover – one side or the entire mug?
- Do you need a personalized color changing mug where the design changes when the mug is filled with a hot brew?
- How colorful should your design be?
- Can the design be washed away or is it permanent?
2. Never choose a flimsy base mug
The durability of the mug is an overlooked factor, opted particularly to minimize spend. I recommend blank mugs that are dishwasher-safe at least.
3. Avoid too much color to avoid disappointments
A white mug with a vibrant, colorful design is a beauty. Unless there’s too much color that simply overshadows the message or intent behind the image. There are two ways to avoid this mess. Either limit the colors on the design or go for a customization service that offers full color imprints that last. Fewer colors means a lesser spend, though the perceived value and appeal of the mug proportionately goes down.
4. Mug volume is a factor worth considering
This wasn’t a thing a few years ago. But with customized or personalized mugs becoming common in gift hampers, there seems to be a changed preference for mugs with larger volumes. Because, a bigger mug can take not just the brew but also some cream and tipple as well.
5. Inspirational quotes still work
Might seem old school but mugs with inspiring quotes are still preferred in general. People don’t mind some subtle inspirations when they are having coffee in the morning.
6. Always request a preview
There are cases where the design conceived doesn’t translate well on the mug after printing. So you should request a sample or test it on a mug yourself. Virtual previews are a convenient option too but I recommend otherwise.
7. Get inspired by your employees
Yes, if you intend to personalize the mug for each employee. Learn their interests or hobbies, and go for a design that reflects that. If your accountant loves cooking, give a mug with a design themed on cooking along with a sweet quote. You could even get custom beer mugs with funny designs for those who love beer.
8. Personalize with names
If it’s too late for tip 7, you can simply print the mug with the name of the employee. It’s a bit basic I know, but still a convenient option when time isn’t in favor.
9. Gags are much loved
Get them chuckling once in a while by having some humor on the print. “World’s Okayest Employee” or “I’d Rather Be Napping”, you get the point.
10. Professional prints are really different
Make sure the customization service knows what they are doing. Professional customization services deliver superb quality prints. Remember the full color imprints I mentioned earlier? That kind of quality is noticeable when you invest in a professional customization service. Such services are also responsible enough to make sure the items are shipped safe to you.
So, there you have it – 10 sizzling hot tips to transform your ordinary coffee mugs into awesome gifts that will have your employees feeling the holiday cheer. The key to creating custom mugs that your team will truly appreciate is to infuse them with personality, creativity, and a whole lot of love. Go ahead and brew some printable magic.
