So, you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for your quirky friend? Well, look no further than a HaldeCraft mug! But wait, before you go grabbing any old mug off the shelf, let's dive into the art of choosing the perfect mug for your friend. Trust me, it's not as easy as it sounds!
What's their vibe?
First things first, you gotta think about your friend's vibe. Are they a laid-back, chill kind of person? Or maybe they're more of a quirky, colorful character? Choosing a mug that matches their personality is key. You don't want to give a minimalist mug to someone who's all about rainbows and unicorns, right?
Size matters
Now, let's talk size. No, I'm not talking about the size of the gift (although, bigger is always better, right? Anyone else look at the biggest boxes under the Christmas tree to see if their name is on it?). I'm talking about the size of the mug (you can always put a small mug in a large box, you know). Does your friend like to sip on a small espresso or do they prefer a large cup of joe to kickstart their day? Or a giant mug of tea in the evening to wind down with? Make sure to choose a size that fits their caffeine (or caffeine-free) needs. Bonus: if you know their favorite tea or coffee, add a container of it to the box with the mug, doubling the size of the gift box and showing how well you know your friend. Which brings me to...
Personal touch
Want to take your gift to the next level? Add a personal touch! Look for a mug with a quote that reminds you of your friend. See one, but not in your friend's favorite color? I can take custom orders, if all I have is blue and they love pink. Do they have a favorite pet that you can get a picture of? I can turn the image you email me into a decal and put it on a mug for them. Nothing says "I care about you" like a personalized gift?
Material world
When it comes to mugs, the material matters. Do they prefer a classic ceramic mug or are they more of a trendy glass mug kind of person? Maybe they're all about that eco-friendly bamboo mug life. Consider their preferences and choose a material that suits their style. Of course I only do ceramic ones, but lately I've been going to a lot of zoos and botanical gardens, and seeing a lot of really cute reusable eco-friendly travel mugs. So if I don't have what you're looking for, maybe I can at least help direct you to something else.
Handle with care
Hah! I bet you thought I was going to talk about the actual handle here. (Although thinking about a mug with a handle vs more of a tumbler type, without a handle, could be advantageous). No, what I was going to talk about is how to tell your friend to handle the gift. Specifically, microwaving.
While I have been known to put my own ceramics in the microwave, I don't officially recommend it -- microwaving can occasionally (but not always) cause what is called "crazing" which appears as small cracks in the glaze. Why? Glaze cools more quickly than ceramic (which retains heat) and so shrinks at a slower rate than the glaze. This can happen immediately or even years later, and personally I've seen it happen on many of the commercial mugs I own that I put in the microwave often. So, while the glazes I use are safe for use in the microwave (non-toxic/food-safe) the action of the microwave is not often kind to ceramics in the long run.
And as far as dishwashers vs hand-washing, the mugs I make are fine to run in the dishwasher. I'd do them in the top rack so they don't get bumped around by plates or large dishes on the bottom rack.
So there you have it, folks! Choosing the perfect mug for your friend is a piece of cake (or should we say, a sip of coffee?). Just remember to consider their vibe, size preferences, add a personal touch, choose the right material, and pay attention to how to take care of the mug. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to gift a mug that will make your friend smile with every sip!