Last updated on January 4, 2020 by Liza Hawkins
There are perfect mugs for every personality, no matter how quirky or basic!
Finding the perfect mugs to be a part of everyday life has been a fun hobby of mine over the years, whether they’re filled with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wine … or pens.
We can all get by with any old mug, of course, but the right mug can bring a little spark of joy each and every morning.
Check out this list of some of my favorites — there’s a little something for everyone!
Perfect Mugs for Every Personality
The basic.
Professional Barista Classic Large Mug for Coffee, Tea, Chocolate or Latte- Set of 6-15 oz
The plain, good ole mug that never goes out of style. It’s basic, yes, but that doesn’t affect its ability to keep up with trends — or, at the very least, not conflict with them.
Easily replaceable, there’s no worry about chipping these workhorses since it’s easy to find a new one that goes, and those of us with more practical tendencies love this about a basic white mug.
And, for icing on the cake, a basic white mug puts simple focus on food in photos (something I personally appreciate).
The minimalist.
Menu 2-Piece New Norm Thermo Cup, White
Easily confused with “the basic,” the minimalist mug goes one step further towards modern, and even chic in some cases.
There’s no fuss with the minimalist mug and its clean lines and sleek facade, and you’ll only need two to keep with this minimalist attitude: use what you need and no more.
The commuter.
Contigo Autoseal West Loop 2.0 - Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Thermal Coffee Travel Mug - Keeps Drinks Hot or Cold for Hours - Fits Under Single-Serve Brewers - 16 Ounces, Earl Grey and Dark Plum
With a long and tiring commute, you need a mug that can handle everything from sloshing and keeping a beverage at temp, to being able to realistically fit into a cup holder.
There’s nothing worse than finding a mug you love, only to realize after-the-fact that it won’t sit where it’s supposed to in the car. Amirite?
So, here we are.
Mugs that are travel-worthy that won’t spill and will keep your beverage hot (or cold) for hours at a time.
The art lover.
Mug Glazed Ceramic Coffee and Tea Cup with Handle - Gorgeous Artistic Unique Design Coffee Mugs 20 oz (Set of 4 Assorted Colors)
Art lovers can find inspiration from just about anywhere, including from something as simple as a mug.
Except, it’s not just a “simple” mug when it’s in view for at least a few hours each morning, with the ability to delight the senses — including visually.
It's practical art!
The writer.
Several Old Typewriters Artwork Ceramic Mug Green/White
Just like the art lover, writers find inspiration in everything from words on paper to the tools used to get there — particularly those with an antique or historical significance.
Whether a text from a well-known and beloved author, or a rendering of an old typewriter or quill, a writer’s mug can wield inspiration (or at least a little smile each morning).
The classics reader.
Bronte Sisters Literary Coffee Mug - Portraits of the Bronte Sisters as well as Their Most Famous Quotes - The Unemployed Philosphers Guild
It's not enough to just curl up with a good period novel, afghan throw and a crackling fire, a true dedicated lover of books also needs a mug of something hot to sip.
What's better than surrounding that steaming cup of tea than with the wise, progressive words of the Bronte sisters?
Pretty much nothing. (Okay, maybe Jane Austen.)
Books have the ability to transport a reader to a new land, time or an entire world.
Words on a page are transformative, meaningful and inspiring.
Even looking at books (without even reading the words) can bring a sense of anticipation and nostalgia … which is why even though I love my Kindle Paperwhite, I still have shelves stacked full of real, tangible books in our house.
The music lover.
Record Collector Present
Music is a passion that no person should be without — it has the ability to soothe, delight, energize and bring physical on actual emotion like tears and goosebumps.
Have breakfast with records, music notes and instruments while listening to your favorite albums (or, okay, playlists)!
The hiker.
GSI Outdoors Insulated Infinity Backpacker Mug for Camping, Sturdy and Lightweight
Oh yes.
Even on hikes a mug is a requirement — particularly those of the early morning persuasion or the hikes that take more than twenty-four hours to complete.
Fill it with coffee or tea, or use it as an impromptu vessel for holding oatmeal, soup or ramen!
Primula PHAB-20MT01 Avalanche Double Walled Vacuum Sealed Thermal Insulated Tumbler Stays Cold or Hot All Day Long, Reusable Thermos, 20 oz, Brushed Stainless Steel
Sometimes all you need is coffee, and lots of it.
When you’re at home a full pot — and many trips — can meet that need.
But, when endless errands beckon or you have a long workday ahead (without the benefit of that coffee pot at arm’s reach), you need a mug that’s up to the task of both adequate volume and keeping the temp.
The antique-r.
Pukka Home Porcelain Tea Sets British Royal Series, 8 OZ Cups & Saucer Service for 6, with Teapot Sugar Bowl Cream Pitcher Teaspoons and Tea Strainer for Tea/Coffee
You’ve watched Downton Abbey from start to finish multiple times, and even became obsessed with the recipes: cheese, pasties, tea, “Oh my!”
Copies of Outlander are dogeared and well-worn, and you can name the differences between the books and the STARZ adaptation like it’s your job.
Weekends are spent at flea markets and antique stores on the hunt for the next shabby-chic redo, or for a one-of-a-kind gem that’s been forgotten or missed.
You need no ordinary mug.
Pinkies up! We’ve entered teacup and saucer country!
The super fan: Outlander.
Sassenach - Outlander quotes - Black - Coffee Mug
We all have obsessions.
Some of us, ahem, obsess over television and books.
We call ourselves “bingers” and we not only watch excessive amounts of shows and read copious amounts of books, we get into them. Like, REALLY into them.
We spend time ruminating over the unfinished story of LOST as it’s unfolding season after season.
We fall in love with characters and their stories, feeling as though we’re being whisked away to eighteenth century Scotland with Claire and Jamie.
A little kitsch and a lot of warm fuzzies can be had over these obsessions with the simple form of a mug.
The super fan: Star Wars.
Star Wars Mug, Got The Force? - 20 oz -
Or, maybe Star Wars...
The super fan: The Office.
Wampumtuk Dunder Mifflin The Office 11 Ounces Funny Coffee Mug
...or perhaps The Office?
The super fan: The Walking Dead.
The Walking Dead Negan & Lucille 15oz Coffee Mug
Maybe The Walking Dead instead.
The super fan: Game of Thrones.
Lessons I Learned From Watching Game of Thrones Coffee Mug
Or, one of my favorites binge-worthy TV shows of all time: Game of Thrones.