14 Christmas Coffee Mugs (Plus How to Make a Filled Mug Gift)
The best Christmas coffee mugs hold 12 to 16 ounces, are microwave and dishwasher safe if they will see daily use, and match how the person drinks: a big stoneware mug for a cozy latte, double-wall glass for showing off a layered drink, or an insulated mug for coffee on the go. Below are 14 Christmas coffee mug ideas, then a step-by-step guide to turning any mug into a filled mug gift for under the tree.
A filled Christmas mug is one of the easiest coffee gifts to put together. Pick the mug, add 3 or 4 small treats, wrap it in cellophane and tie a bow. It works for coworkers, teachers, neighbors and stocking-sized budgets. For 15 fill ideas sorted by who they are for, see our coffee mug gift ideas.
Quick Picks
Christmas tree mug – classic holiday look for everyday use
Buffalo plaid Christmas mugs set – matching set for family or a coffee bar
Double-wall glass Christmas mug – shows off layered lattes and hot cocoa
Christmas gnome mug – a fun pick for a white elephant gift
Heated smart mug – keeps coffee at a set temperature, the premium pick
Insulated travel mug with lid – for commuters and teachers
Clear cellophane gift bags – for wrapping a filled mug
What to Look For in a Christmas Coffee Mug
| Feature | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 12 to 16 ounces | Fits a latte or a full cup of drip coffee with room for milk |
| Material | Stoneware, porcelain, glass or stainless steel | Changes weight, heat retention and how fragile it is |
| Care | Dishwasher and microwave safe | Painted and metallic designs often need hand washing |
| Handle | Wide enough for two fingers | A small handle on a heavy mug is hard to hold |
| Use | Display, daily or on the go | Decides between a novelty mug and a practical one |
Check the listing for metallic paint or gold trim, which should not go in the microwave.
14 Christmas Coffee Mug Ideas
1. Christmas Tree Mugs
A Christmas tree mug in red, green or white is the classic choice. It looks good on a coffee bar from Thanksgiving through New Year and goes with almost any kitchen.
2. Buffalo Plaid Mugs
Red and black buffalo plaid mugs give a cabin feel and usually come in sets of 4, which makes them a good gift for a family or a host.
3. Snowman Mugs
A snowman mug works for the whole winter, not just December, so it gets more use than a mug with a Christmas date on it.
4. Santa and Reindeer Mugs
Santa mugs and reindeer mugs are favorites for hot cocoa with kids, and many come with matching small cocoa cups.
5. Christmas Gnome Mugs
A gnome mug is a reliable white elephant gift. The 3D versions are fun on a shelf, but check the care label, since raised designs usually need hand washing.
6. Double-Wall Glass Holiday Mugs
Double-wall glass mugs keep the outside cool and show off the layers in a latte, a peppermint mocha or hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Some have a small tree or snowflake inside the wall. Pair them with our peppermint mocha recipe.
7. Christmas Tree Shaped Glass Mugs
Glass mugs shaped like a Christmas tree glass mug are made for photos. Fill one with an eggnog latte and you have a holiday pin. Our eggnog latte recipe fits a 12 ounce mug.
8. Holiday Saying Mugs
Mugs with a short line, like “But first, coffee and cookies” or “Merry and caffeinated,” make a quick coworker or teacher gift. Search funny Christmas coffee mugs for options.
9. Personalized Christmas Mugs
A personalized Christmas mug with a name, a family last name or the year turns a simple mug into a keepsake. Order early, since custom items take longer to ship in December.
10. Stoneware Christmas Mugs
Heavy stoneware Christmas mugs in deep red or forest green hold heat well once warmed and have a handmade look that does not feel too seasonal to use in January.
11. Christmas Mug Sets for a Coffee Bar
A matching Christmas mug set of 6 on a mug tree sets the mood for a holiday coffee station. Ideas are in our Christmas coffee bar ideas.
12. Heated Smart Mugs
The Ember Mug 2 keeps coffee at a temperature you set with an app, on a charging coaster. It is the premium gift for someone who always forgets their coffee until it is cold. Keep in mind that it needs charging and hand washing.
13. Insulated Travel Mugs in Holiday Colors
For commuters, an insulated travel mug in red, green or white is the practical Christmas mug. We compare the best ones in our guide to the best travel coffee mug.
14. Espresso-Size Holiday Cups
For someone with an espresso machine, a pair of small holiday cups is a better fit than a big mug. See the best espresso cups for sizes.
How to Make a Filled Christmas Mug Gift
- Pick a mug that suits the person, from the ideas above.
- Line the mug with a little crinkle paper shred or tissue paper so the items sit up and show.
- Add 3 or 4 small items, with the tallest ones at the back.
- Set the mug in a clear cellophane gift bag, gather the top and tie it with ribbon.
- Add a gift tag with the person’s name and a short note.
What to Put in a Christmas Mug Gift
| Gift theme | Fill it with |
|---|---|
| Coffee lover | Single-serve pour-over coffee bags, a few biscotti, a small bottle of syrup |
| Hot cocoa | 2 cocoa packets, mini marshmallows, a peppermint stick |
| Espresso fan | Chocolate covered espresso beans, a small bag of espresso roast |
| Tea drinker | Assorted tea bags, a honey stick, a small cookie |
| Coworker or teacher | Instant coffee sticks, a candy cane, a gift card tucked in the side |
For a homemade touch, add a small bottle of syrup from our holiday coffee syrups recipe, with a tag that says to keep it refrigerated. For bigger versions, see our coffee gift basket ideas.
Marcus’s Pro Tips
- Buy mugs in sets. A set of 4 or 6 gives you a gift for several people at once and costs less per mug.
- Check the care label before gifting. If a mug is hand wash only, say so on the tag.
- Keep food items sealed. Use only individually wrapped treats in a filled mug, and leave out anything that melts if it will sit under a tree for days.
- Match the mug to the drink. Glass for layered lattes, stoneware for slow mornings, insulated for commuters.
- Stretch the budget. A plain mug with good fillers often feels like more than a fancy mug alone. More ideas are in coffee gifts under $25 and stocking stuffers for coffee lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should a Christmas coffee mug be?
12 to 16 ounces suits most coffee and latte drinkers. Smaller 8 to 10 ounce mugs work for kids’ hot cocoa and espresso drinks.
Are Christmas mugs microwave safe?
Many are, but not all. Mugs with metallic paint, gold trim or some 3D designs should not go in the microwave. Check the listing.
What do you put in a Christmas mug gift?
3 or 4 small, sealed items that match the mug: coffee bags or cocoa packets, a sweet treat, a candy cane and a tag. The table above has combinations by theme.
How do you wrap a mug gift?
Fill the mug, set it in a clear cellophane bag, gather the top and tie it with ribbon. Add a tag to the ribbon.
Are Christmas mugs a good gift for coworkers?
Yes. A filled mug is useful, easy to wrap and works for almost anyone, including people who prefer tea or hot chocolate.
What drinks look best in a glass Christmas mug?
Layered drinks like a peppermint mocha, gingerbread latte or hot chocolate with whipped cream. Our Christmas coffee drinks has 12 to try.
Choose a mug that fits how the person drinks coffee, fill it with a few small treats and wrap it in cellophane. It is a simple Christmas coffee gift that gets used long after the holidays. For more ideas, see our full guide to the best coffee gifts.
Marcus Webb writes about home coffee for BrewElevate. He researches and compares brewing gear, beans and recipes so home brewers can make a better cup without overspending. His rule: if he wouldn’t be comfortable buying it himself, it doesn’t make the list.
