In today's world, personalisation and the availability of many different options has resulted us in questioning if our traditional thinking that drinking with a ceramic mug is still the best option for tea and coffee drinkers. In this competitive environment we do not want to miss out on the latest trend amongst our friends or even our competitors. Therefore, ceramic mugs and coffee mugs have become popular corporate gifts and corproate souvenirs. Glass mugs offer us a new experience however, the taste between ceramic mugs is minimal. This article will be discuss the similarities, differences, advantages and disadvantages of both glass and ceramic mugs before you decide to order which mug type to order for your business as a corporate gift.
1. Material
Glass mugs are made of tempered or borosilicate glass which helps the mug to withstand higher temperatures and be more durable. Borosilicate glass contains 15% boron trioxide (B2O3) making it resistant to thermal stress. Double glassed mugs also further provides the mug with more resilience. Unlike, ceramic mugs glass mugs are transparent. Ceramic mugs on the other hand are more resilient to shattering and are coated with an inner layer of ceramic to retain heat. The appearances of ceramic mugs vary massively, ceramic mugs come in all shapes, colours, patterns and designs. Both materials are also microwave safe, making it suitable to reheat drinks in a short space of time.
2. Durability
Although, both glass and ceramic mugs are made of materials to reduce heat loss and probability of shattering. They are still prone to breaking. However, glass is the most fragile material and needs extra precaution particularly when suddenly putting the glass under thermal stress when adding cold or hot liquids. For example, finishing your favourite hot drink and immediately washing your glass mug in cold water will result in the glass mug shattering. In contrast, ceramic mugs will not shatter under different temperature stresses. Ceramic mugs are also susceptible to chipping but like glass mugs, they'll easily shatter if accidentally dropped from a height. Therefore, in terms of fragility ceramic mugs are a better choice as a corporate gift.
3. Appearance
Ceramic mugs offer a large variety of customisation whereas glass mugs have little to no variety. Ceramic mugs can be personalised and designed with your favourite pattern, design, logo or quote. Having more access to customisation creates more attachment to your own mug and can be enjoyed by everyone. Mugs can be a great special gift to friends and family. In addition, companies can design ceramic mugs as a corporate gift for their employees, customers and perspective clients. In contrast, glass mugs do not have any opportunity for design therefore, companies cannot use glass mugs to advertise their company logo onto a glass mug.
4. Standing Out From The Crowd
One notable and large advantage of glass mugs is that everybody can see what you are drinking. This is quite a great advantage as you can attract the gaze of those around you at home, in the work place, or in a restaurant. The uniqueness of the glass design can make it a good corporate souvenir for employees or clients. Drinks that are designed for glass mugs are generally special in appearance which can gives your glass transparent mug a superior appearance edge. For example, try ordering an Irish coffee in a cafe or restaurant and see all those around you quickly ask the waiter to order what you're having. See the image below for an example of an Irish Coffee.
Unlike glass mugs, unique drinks in ceramic mugs aren't visible to other people in your surroundings. Therefore, unless you have a unique funny slogan on the face of your ceramic cup, you wont be standing out from the crowd.
5. Overall: What's the best choice?
Choosing between a glass mug or ceramic mug is down to your own personal choice. If you're looking for a simple durable mug then ceramic mugs are your best choice. However, if you one to expose yourself to new drinks and new things, it would be useful to have a glass mug or two sitting in the cupboard for special occasions. Generally, some each mug has their own purpose so whenever you go out to a restaurant or cafe it really depends on the type of drink you order which affects whether you get a ceramic or glass mug. However, if you're a business or just looking for some mug customisation as a gift or as a corporate souvenir, ceramic mugs are far superior. Ceramic mugs offer unlimited customisation options which makes it an obvious choice as a corporate gift over glass mugs.
FAQ
Glass mugs are unique in appearance which helps you stand out from the crowd when drinking your favourite beverage.
Ceramic is far superior due to its greater durability and larger range of customisation.
Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and is often associated with providing a quick energy boost improving focus and mental clarity, and promoting a sense of well-being. However, for some individuals, coffee can also have negative effects, such as anxiety or depression. In this article, we will explore the relationship between coffee and anxiety or depression, including the effects of caffeine, individual tolerance, and other factors.
Introduction
Coffee is a popular beverage that is made from the roasted seeds, or beans, of the Coffea plant. The Coffea plant is native to tropical regions of Africa and is now widely cultivated around the world for its seeds, which are processed and roasted to make coffee. Coffee is known for its unique flavor and aroma, as well as its stimulating effects, which are primarily due to the presence of caffeine. In addition to caffeine, coffee also contains a variety of other compounds, including antioxidants, that are believed to have health benefits.
Caffeine
Caffeine, the main active ingredient in coffee, is a stimulant that can have both positive and negative effects on mood and mental health. Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of drowsiness. When adenosine is blocked, other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, are released, leading to increased alertness, energy, and mood. This is why many people consume coffee to feel more awake and focused. However, for some individuals, the effects of caffeine can be negative, leading to symptoms of anxiety or depression. Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to jitteriness, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping, all of which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, caffeine can cause changes in mood and interfere with the regulation of certain hormones, such as cortisol and dopamine, which can affect mood and overall well-being. It's important to note that everyone reacts differently to coffee and caffeine, and the effects can vary based on factors such as genetics, tolerance, and individual tolerance levels. Some people may be able to consume coffee and caffeine regularly without any negative effects, while others may experience anxiety and depression symptoms after just one cup.
Anxiety & Depression
In some cases, the effects of caffeine on mood and mental health may be related to underlying psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression. For example, individuals with anxiety disorders may find that their symptoms worsen after consuming caffeine, while those with depression may find that caffeine can temporarily improve their mood. However, in both cases, the long-term effects of caffeine on mood and mental health are not well understood and may depend on individual factors. Additionally, coffee consumption can also have indirect effects on anxiety and depression, such as through its impact on sleep. Lack of sleep can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression, and coffee consumption can interfere with the quality and quantity of sleep. This is because caffeine can take several hours to fully metabolize, and even moderate caffeine consumption can lead to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Overall, the relationship between coffee and anxiety or depression is complex and multifaceted. While caffeine can have positive effects for some individuals, it can also lead to negative effects, such as anxiety or depression, in others. It's important to be aware of the potential effects of coffee and caffeine and to pay attention to how it affects your own mood and well-being.
Advice
If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression after consuming coffee, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and determine the best course of action. This may involve reducing or eliminating coffee and caffeine consumption, seeking therapy or other forms of treatment for underlying mental health conditions, or making lifestyle changes to improve sleep and overall well-being.
Summary
In conclusion, while coffee and caffeine can have positive effects for some individuals, it is important to be aware of the potential for negative effects, such as anxiety or depression. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression after consuming coffee, it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and determine the best course of action. Everyone reacts differently to coffee and caffeine, and it is essential to listen to your own body and be mindful of how coffee and caffeine affect your mood and well-being.
FAQ
In some cases, the effects of caffeine from coffee is can be an underlying condition that can cause depression or anxiety.
If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression after consuming coffee, it's recommended consult a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and the best course of action. This may result in eliminating caffeine consumption and improving life style to improve sleep and well being.
the effects of caffeine on mood and mental health may be related to underlying psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to jitteriness, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty sleeping, all of which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Coffee mugs come in all different varying sizes, knowing the correct size mug size is important for enjoying the drinks that we love. Interestingly, each mug size has a different purpose and is suitable for only certain drinks. Before ordering coffee mugs or ceramic mugs as a corporate gift it is important to know the function of the mug when selecting the appropiate mug size.
Introduction
Coffee mugs are made of ceramic which is a heat retaining material. Ceramic mugs are capable of keeping drinks hot for long periods of time. They are great for holding drinks such as tea, coffee, lattes, espressos, cappuccinos etc. Ceramic coffee mugs have an important function in our lives as it is responsible for providing us with caffeine to help us become stimulated to improve activity in our brain and nervous systems, thus helping us accomplish goals, work projects and tasks in our day to the day life.
Different Mug Sizes
Ceramic coffees mugs are made up of varying sizes, each with its own purpose and function. Need a shot of espresso in the morning? You need to use an espresso mug to control the intake amount of caffeine as espressos are highly caffeineted. Whereas, a normal cup of coffee would need a far much larger size due to having a lower caffeine concentration. Below is a summarised table of the various types of mugs and their respective sizes in both ounces and millilitres.
Table of Different Mug sizes
Types of Mug
Mug Sizes (oz)
Mug Sizes (ml)
Espresso
2-3
60-90
Cappuccino
5-6
150-180
Classic
8-12
240-350
Latte
11-15
320-450
Oversized
20-25
600-750
Espresso Size
This mug size (2-3 oz / 60-90 ml) is ideal for those who like a shot of espresso for a caffeine boost. The appearance of the mug is that the rim of the cup is wider than the base.
Cappuccino Size
With sizes at (5-6 oz / 150-180 ml) this type of drink is preferred by people who prefer a a bit more creamier style of drink as it's served with steam milked that's topped with foam. Like, the espresso mug it has a wider rim and narrow base.
Classic Regular Size
A normal, regular classic mug varies in size (8-12 oz / 240-350 ml). This is by far the most popular mug among coffee drinkers. It's found both at home and in the office which makes it a great corporate gift. The larger mug size offers a larger offering of personalisation for customising.
Latte Size
Like the regular mug the sizes can vary (11-15 oz / 320-450 ml). A latte is made up of one or two shots of espresso, steamed milk and topped with foam. The shape of the cup is characterised by a wider shaped cup.
Oversized
For big coffee drinkers, who want to upgrae their regular classic sized ceramic mug, they can purchase a mug that's (20-25 oz / 600-750 ml) in size. This large ceramic sized mug offers a great opportunity to be customised as a business souvenir or corporate gift.
Conclusion Ceramic mugs or also known as coffee mugs are a great corporate gift or business souvenir to consider for your business when wanting to highlight your company brand. Ceramic mugs come in many different available sizes. Each different size can only contain certain drinks therefore, it is important to consider the mug size before purchasing.
FAQ
A latte mug is larger than a cappuccino mug. A latte mug is 11-15 oz or 320-450ml in size while a cappuccino mug is 5-6oz or 150-180 ml
A regular ceramic coffee mug can vary in size between 8-12 oz or 240-350 ml
An espresso mug is 2-3oz or 60-90ml
Ceramic mugs are great for holding tea and coffee. The material allows for drinks to stay hot for long periods of time. Ceramic mugs are both cheap to customise and manufacture which makes them a great choice as a corporate gift. Companies can leverage customised ceramic mug corporate gifts to highlight their company brand to their customers and prospective clients. Below will describe the process of how modern day ceramic mug corporate gifts are created.
Introduction
Traditionally, ceramic mugs were handmade by using a potter's wheel. A potter's wheel is a horizontal rotating disc that can be used to mold wet clay into ceramic mugs, round objects or pots. This method of making ceramic mugs is both time consuming and inconsistent as it gives rise to differently shaped sizes and shapes. In modern times, this is not a viable method to mass manufacture ceramic mug corporate gifts due to time constraints and lack of precision during the manufacturing process. Currently, ceramic mugs are made by the slip casting method to product the best results.
Slip Casting
Slip casting is a ceramic forming method for making shapes that are not easily made on a potter's wheel. A liquid clay body (known as the slip) is poured into a plastered mold; this then forms a layer (known as the cast) inside the walls of the mold. After it's been settled, the excess slip is poured out of the cast leaving behind the mug. One major advantage of slip casting over pottery is that the mould is already made in advance and can be subsequently used. However, to have consistent results its important to prepare a slip that has the right combination of thickness and fluidity. If not carefully prepared, the slip may be too thin, too thick, lumpy or contain pinholes as well as other unwanted characteristics. Both ceramic mugs and porcelain mugs can be made through slip casting. Slip casting is the best method for ceramic mug corporate gift making.
How to Slip Cast
Not only is the slip cast method carried out by commercially but it can also be done personally at home. Below is a summary of the steps needed to carry out the slip cast method.
step1
Prepare the Mold and Slip Line the two pieces of mold that has your dedicated mug shape. Tie the two mold pieces together with adhesive tape to provide stability and reduce leakage. Stir the slip until it has a consistent texture.
step2
Pour the Slip Steadily pour the slip into the mold in one motion until it covers the stop. Wait for 20 minutes to allow the slip to settle and thicken. Allow extra time to have thicker mug walls or allow less time to have thinner mug walls. After waiting, pour the excess slip out back into its original container to save for future slip casting. Wait a further 30 minutes to make the cast harden.
step3
Removing the Cast After waiting some time, check if the slip is hard. If its sticky, the cast is not ready. Once the cast is dry, remove the tape surrounding the mold pieces and turn the mold on its side. Take off the other mold piece and remove any small fragments from the cast with a brush or pin. Allow the mug to continue to dry once fully removed from the mold.
Conclusion
The making of round objects and pots were traditionally made through pottery, this was an effective method particularly for making ceramic mugs. However, as demand for consistency, accuracy and speed has come an important demand in manufacturing ceramic mugs, slip casting has evolved to become a preferable method over the potter's wheel. Corporate gift ceramic mugs have become a popular choice for businesses to advertise their business brand to their customers. Thus, it is practical to know how the manufacturer is producing a large quantity of mugs as production time and precision is dependent on their manufacturing method.
FAQ
Slip casting is better than pottery. Slipping casting provides more accuracy, consistency and is more faster than pottery.
Ceramic mugs are made by slip casting. Traditionally ceramic mugs were made through the potter's wheel.
Designing and customising your own ceramic mug as a personal or corporate gift can offer your business many advantages in this competitive environment. Designing ceramic mugs is great for corporate gifting as it's a great gift for events like holidays, anniversaries or promotional events. A ceramic corporate gift mug can be customised to print your company logo, brand, advertisements and patterns. Coffee mugs are made of ceramic which makes them suitable for some printing methods.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a process to transfer a logo, design or artwork onto a flat ceramic surface using ink or dye. The printing machine not only can be used on ceramic mugs but can be used on any object or container which makes it a popular method for industrial and home printing. Screen printing is achieved by creating a screen and using that screen to apply layers of dye wrapped onto the face of the mug. A major advantage of this method is that the screen can be reused multiple times, thus reducing production costs. This, cost effective method makes it a great option to consider for printing logos on a ceramic mug on a budget when customising corporate gifts. One major limitation is that screen printing can only use or two colours at most giving rise to simple designs. In addition, the printed dye durability may start to fade with time.
Pad Printing
Pad printing is a method that prints 2D designs onto a ceramic mug, flask, container or any object by a digital machine. It's a process that involves transferring dry or ink from a silicone pad onto an object to generate a printed image or logo. This technique is more suited for more complex patterns and objects that don't have a perfect cylindrical shape. Pad printing allows for more colours and finer print in contrast to screen printing. However, one problem limitation with this method is speed. Adding multiple colours need to be added separately which delays manufacturing rate. Despite this limitation, pad printing is still an effective and common method for printing ceramic corporate gifts.
Water Transfer Printing
Water transfer printing is a technique to apply printed designs onto most objects. This method is suited for ceramic mugs due to not being affected by water. Designs are created by preparing a special hydrographic film that floats on top of the water tub. The ceramic mug or object is then dipped into the container and the paint sticks to the surface of the mug. This printing method is very fast and efficient as it can produce a large amount of customised corporate gifts in a short period of time. However, this technique is generally suited for simple patterns or single colors.
Sublimation Transfer Printing
Sublimation printing uses heat to transfer ink to print on an object. An advantage of this method is that the designs can be complex and they are permanently printed which makes it one of the best options for corporate gifting. A design is printed on special paper which is then passed through a machine under heat. This image is then pressed onto the ceramic mug and allowed to cool to let the ink stick onto the face of the mug.
Conclusion
All methods mentioned are all viable options for printing your company brand, logo or design on your desired ceramic mug as a corporate gift. Customised printed designs make perfect ideal corporate gifts and souvenirs for employees, clients and for special promotional events. The best method to consider would depend on quantity, time constraints and budget. For simpler designs and faster production, screen printing and water transfer printing are two good options for designing your thermos as a corporate gift. However, for more complex designs no time constraints, pad printing or sublimation transfer printing are recommended options.
FAQ
No, as coffee mugs are made of ceramic which can withstand high levels of heat stress during printing.
You can absolutely print your company logo, brand or design on a coffee mug with many printing methods to choose from.
There are many methods to consider such as screen printing, pad printing, water transfer printing and sublimation transfer printing
Unsure what to buy for those close to you or looking for some ideas to show your creativity this Christmas? Then, try buying and customising your own Christmas mug! Mugs, Coffee mugs, cups, travel flasks and tumblers all provide opportunities to design a gift tailored to multiple practices. Let it be, drinking a hot cup of joe at home, carrying a travel flask to work or giving your colleagues a new Christmas mug to brighten up the office. Not only, are they can be given to those close around us, but mugs are the perfect souvenir for businesses to gift their customers and clients, thus promoting brand awareness this Christmas. Read below as to why having a ceramic Christmas mug as a corporate gift can benefit you and your business this Christmas!
1. They're Personal and Customisable
Ceramic Christmas mugs are considered a thoughtful gift as offering a present during Christmas highlights our feeling of friendship and comradery to the receiver. It can help build our ties with our friends, family, colleagues and even business partners to start the new year stronger than ever. It shows we care for those around us and we are attentive to keeping those happy to create a better loving environment around us. With current technology and services, mugs not only have a wealth of styles, logos, patterns, slogans and Christmas designs but they more importantly can be individually designed and customised. Designing your own mug, offers the opportunity to print Christmas photos, personal messages or heartfelt quotes onto the face of the mug. This is why customisation gives more flexibility for the gifter to make a very personalised mug to the receiver which serves as a great personal Christmas gift! Also, this customisation is not only limited to ceramic mugs but also available for travel flasks, tumblers, coffee mugs and cups which adds further personalisation to the gift as it can show that we understand other people's needs. For example, buying your colleague a Christmas travel flask with their famous favourite quote who cycles to work every day is a well taught out gift that has a function. The large availability of customisation really inspires us to make a very personalised Christmas gift.
2. They're Affordable
Not only are Christmas mug are a great personalised gift, but they are extremely affordable. Ceramic coffee mugs are extremely durable as they're made of ceramic, they can withstand high temperatures from liquids such as coffee, tea or soup. They're also made of glass, metal and stainless steel which can be suited for cooler temperature liquids. Adding a personalised message or custom image onto the face of the mug will be of extra cost however, paying for the service of personalisation is worth it. Customising a Christmas gift will not only make appearances throughout the winter but it a well thoughtful Christmas mug that you designed for your family, friends or colleagues will subsequentially make appearances back on their office table every year. Therefore, you're paying for an opportunity for your Christmas gift to be around those around you for years.
3. Can Be the Perfect Corporate Gift
Not only is a personalised ceramic Christmas coffee mug perfect for friends, family and colleagues but it can also be an ideal gift for both employees, stakeholders, customers and prospective clients. During the Christmas holidays giving a physically designed corporate gift can create a great touchpoint between the corporation and with business clients. It shows an effort to increase ties with perspective partners and stakeholders to strengthen relationships. Christmas time is the perfect time to consider Christmas coffee mugs as a corporate gift because the gift is received just before the new year which will start the following year on a positive note.
3.1 Promote Brand Awareness
Gifting customised ceramic mugs are essential for promoting company brand awareness, having a well decorated Christmas mug will not only appear on your potential clients desk this Christmas but it will likely be used every subsequent year to celebrate the holidays. Having the company logo printed on the mug will not only increase brand awareness but it will also highlight that your company cares about its employees and stakeholders. Corporate Christmas mug gifts are a great marketing strategy that should be taken advantage of.
4. Designs Can Be Unique and Memorable
Designs that are inspirational and memorable will have a long lasting impressions on the receiver on the gift. As mentioned, having a unique customised Christmas design for a ceramic mug will result in the mug to make many appearances for the next few years.
4.1 Types of Christmas Mugs and Slogans
Below are some examples of Christmas mug patterns that you can draw some inspiration from. Also, if you are looking to create a more humorous coffee Christmas mug, have a look at some of these examples of mugs below. Just keep in mind, that some funny slogans are more suited to friends and family compared to sending it to a particularly important potential client!
5. Christmas Ceramic Mugs Make the Best Christmas Souvenirs
Every household may have some sort of Christmas mug that has been saved over many years. Christmas mugs are saved for the winter holidays to be shared amongst the family. Designing a personal Christmas mug will also be the perfect souvenir to the person receiving the mug. The memories created from the mug will last for years to come and will remind you of the close relationships and partnerships between the gifter and receiver. Customising Christmas mugs are the most ideal gift to consider for this upcoming Christmas both for friends, family, employees or as a corporate gift.
