I am trying to find someplace to get a coffee mug made with personal art on it for a Christmas gift. I am going for sentiment rather than spending this year. Do you know where I might find something like that for a reasonable price? I would like to be able to purchase a couple not a case!
A Unique Gift Idea
Lynnettes8,
What a fun gift idea. You get to be creative, personal and celebrate talents all in the form of a simple gift. Who wouldn’t like that kind of a gift – both functional and thoughtful. Since you’re in to some of these unique concepts, at the end of this article, I’ll give you another idea that you may like as well. For now though, let’s talk about this TalkBuys.com request.
There are a number of places online that will customize coffee mugs with your artwork. Some of the custom products only allow for a small picture while others will let your artwork wrap around the mug. There are even mugs that have color changing sublimation (changes colors when hot or cold) that will reveal your artwork only when the mug heats up. You can even find companies that will create a custom coffee mug using the stainless steel travel mugs. In your area, there may be a printing company that will do this custom work, but because of the vast availability of these products online, we’ll focus our search for you on respected and safe internet companies whose core business is customizing these products, and giving you the ability to design them online before you order them.
Here are a couple of things you should know about these products. First, most of the printing that’s done onto these products is the same (technologically speaking), so the quality probably won’t vary too much from printing company to printing company. Also, some companies have minimum purchase requirements. We looked for companies that had very small (3 pieces or less) purchase requirements for your scenario. If you order larger quantities – 24 or more in most situations – the price will likely drop. If you were a business, making a large purchase for promotional purposes, our recommendations might be a bit different. Since it sounds like you’re looking for very small or single piece quantities, these vendors will be the best for you.
IPrint.com – Your Best Quality / Lowest Price Option

The first company that we like is IPrint.com. Recently they merged with a company called Checks In the Mail so they can now offer even more products at even better prices. They have been in business for over 10 years and have a great online reputation. Their minimum order is 1 mug and with the following link, you can save up to 25%, making the starting price as low as $11.99. Save 25% on Photo Mugs at iPrint.com – starting at $11.99 One of the reasons we like their product is because it allows you to print on the majority of the mug. In fact, you can upload your custom artwork and print on both sides of the mug, right up to the handle. See the image to the left.
Although it’s a bit more expensive, they also carry the popular mug that changes colors to reveal your artwork when the mug gets hot. It’s a great effect and is certainly a unique conversation piece. You’ll find this product for $14.99 when ordering only 1. You can click on the picture at the top of this article to get all of the details on how to order that pro
duct as well.
In addition to IPrint, there are a couple of other companies who sell customized coffee mugs and other gift products in small quantities. We’ve listed them below.
American Greetings has a division called PhotoWorks which specializes in custom images on gifts. They have some very unique mugs that may be more what you’re looking for. Get free shipping on photo mugs from PhotoWorks.com when you use the coupon code SHIPGIFTFREE. Another company who does custom work like this, and one of the larger ones, is called Zazzle.com. We were unable to find any coupon codes for them however. While you’re getting your custom mugs, maybe you’d like to get some custom coasters to match. Just a thought.
More Gift Ideas – Custom Photo Stamps

At the beginning of this article I mentioned another gift idea. In conjunction with the US Government, stamps.com has a program where you turn your photos in real US postage with PhotoStamps. They’re perfect for every occasion! If you would like to further celebrate those artistic talents you’re putting on the coffee mug, check out this idea too. In fact, if you sign up for Stamps.com, you can get up to $45 in FREE Postage when you use code COUPON1. expires 12/31/09.
Again, congratulations on a great gift idea. I’m sure whoever gets it will be extremely pleased and grateful for your thoughtfulness. Oh, and if you need something to put in that mug, may I recommend Choffy. It’s brewed chocolate and is amazingly healthy too. You can find more information on Choffy here.


Travis 3:41 pm on September 30, 2009 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Kodak just announced that they will be offering a 25% discount on photo mugs through the middle of Oct. Here’s the link.
Get 25% Off All Photo Gift Orders $25 or More at KODAK Gallery!