There are a million reasons why you may need custom travel mugs with your logo. No matter what your reason, you want to make sure they look incredible and that you order the right style.

Luckily, you have this design guide to help you! Follow these tips, and everyone will perk up when they see your custom travel mugs.

Tips for Customizing Your Travel Mugs

  1. Pick a good material.
  2. Choose the right lid.
  3. Go with a unique color combo.
  4. Try a double-sided imprint.

Tip 1. Pick a Good Material

Metal is a better insulator than plastic when it comes to travel mugs. The trade-off, though, is that plastic is often more affordable. The good news is there are a ton of great options in either material!

Tip 2. Choose the Right Lid

Travel mugs come with a variety of different lid types. Generally speaking, the best kind will keep your drinks from leaking and be easy to carry from point A to point B.

First, you have to determine who’s receiving your travel mugs. Next, try to find a lid that’s a good fit for their lifestyle! This is especially important if you’re trying to market your business or organization with custom travel mugs.

Here are some of the groups you may end up targeting:

Students

Students

Your average student will want a lid that won’t be at risk for spilling all over their notes. It’s also helpful to give out something easy to carry since they’re likely to always have their hands full of books.

Recommendations:

Carabiner

Carabiner

Snap-On

Snap-On

Professionals

Professionals

Life at the office can be pretty hectic. The ideal travel mug should have a secure lid that won’t get jostled around during the day and can sit at the desk without any risk of spillage.

Recommendations:

Thumb Slide

Thumb Slide

Rotate Lock

Rotate Lock

Athletes

Athletes

There isn’t a lot of downtime during practice or games. Athletes need a lid that allows for quick, easy sipping and will hold the temperature of the drink inside for a long time.

Recommendations:

Flip-top

Flip-top

Straw

Straw

Travelers

Travelers

People who are always on the go benefit from a lid that’s completely leak-free. They may also have to fit their travel mug into a small cup holder or a bag during their journey.

Recommendations:

Attached

Attached

Cap

Cap

Parents

Parents

It’s hard to predict what mom or dad might have to deal with during the day. A parent needs a travel mug with a lid that’s durable enough to handle getting knocked over by the kids.

Recommendations:

Metal

Metal

Press Button

Press Button

Tip 3. Go with a Unique Color Combo

The colors you choose are the most noticeable part of any custom travel mug. You want something that both looks stylish and shows of your design.

With a screen printed design, you typically can only use one color without having to pay extra. The good news is that’s all you need!

Give any of these color combos a whirl!

Sliver & Black

Sliver & Black
You can never go wrong with a classic! Silver and black look traditional and professional on a travel mug.

Bright & Bold

Bright & Bold
Show off your bubbly personality with a bright travel mug featuring an equally colorful design.

Dark Mug with a Light Print

Dark Mug with a Light Print
Make sure your design is easy to see on a dark travel mug by printing in a lighter color.

Light Mug with a Dark Print

Light Mug with a Dark Print
A light travel mug looks best with a dark imprint. It doesn’t always have to be black – you can also try navy, maroon, or violet.

Full Color

Full Color
Do you want to use a ton of colors in your design? Try a full color logo where all the colors are included with no additional charge!


Any of these options take your travel mug from plain and boring to stylish and eye-catching. Get creative!


Try a Double-Sided Imprint

Tip 4. Try a Double-Sided Imprint

If your budget allows for it, a double-sided imprint could be a good option! This is when a design is printed on both the front and back of your travel mug.

Keep in mind, there’s usually an additional charge associated with a double-sided imprint. Still, it’s a good choice if you have a lot to say and want a personal touch on both sides.

Real Life Example

Real Life Example Image Source: http://austin.culturemap.com

A travel mug is an amazing gift because it’s stylish and will be used time and time again. You can’t ask for more than that!

The guests at Barton Springs Pool sure loved their custom travel mugs. At their “Toast to the Springs” event, they celebrated Austin’s new landmark, the Barton Springs Pool Bathhouse, with good food, company, and small travel mugs filled with ice cold drinks.

If you’re a business owner, the value of custom travel mugs goes beyond cool gifts at an event. According to a global study by the Advertising Specialty Institute, 71% of Gen X’ers and 84% of Baby Boomers are more likely to do business if they receive drinkware from your company.

Real Life Example Image Source: http://austin.culturemap.com

The Bottom Line

You never want a gift to end up in the garbage of left unused in a cabinet. A travel mug with a cool design on the front is the perfect choice! It’s something you can hand out anywhere – graduations, weddings, trade shows… the possibilities are endless!

Alyssa Mertes

Alyssa Mertes is an expert on branded swag. She's done it all, from uncovering the world's first custom tote bag to interviewing the designer who created AC/DC's logo. Her work has been featured on several podcasts and media websites.

View all posts by Alyssa Mertes

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