Print on Demand Coffee Mugs: Everything You Should Know

The clink of ceramic, the curl of steam — every morning begins with a mug. It’s the one product billions touch daily, and it just happens to be one of POD’s most profitable best-sellers. Coffee mugs are one of the most reliable print on demand (POD) products because they combine universal appeal with year-round demand. Nearly everyone drinks coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making mugs a safe and evergreen choice.

In fact, mugs consistently rank among the highest-selling home goods in the POD space, often peaking during holiday seasons when they become go-to gifts. With their affordability, ease of customization, and emotional value, mugs are a smart entry point for any POD entrepreneur.

In this guide, we’ll explore the types of coffee mugs you can sell, design ideas and trends for 2025, a pricing and profit breakdown, and the best POD platforms to launch your mug line. By the end, you’ll see why print on demand coffee mugs remain a staple for both beginners and seasoned sellers.

---

Coffee Mugs You Can Sell

One of the strengths of POD is variety. Suppliers now offer far more than the plain white ceramic mug — allowing you to reach niche audiences with specialized formats. Here are the formats that consistently sell in 2025:

• Classic Ceramic Mugs (11oz / 15oz)
  The standard POD product and still the top-seller. Affordable, durable, and universally appealing. Most platforms carry these in both 11 oz and 15 oz sizes. Despite endless new options, the classic ceramic mug remains unbeatable for volume sales and low production cost.

• Accent Mugs (Two-Tone or Novelty Handles)
  These add color and flair with a contrasting interior or handle. Options like red, black, or pink interiors make designs pop, and novelty handles (heart-shaped, animal shapes) add gift-worthy appeal. Slightly higher in cost, but they justify a higher retail price. Personalized accent coffee mugs print on demand give buyers a reason to choose yours over a plain white version. Imagine gifting a friend a pink mug with a heart-shaped handle that says “Mom Fuel.”

• Travel Mugs & Tumblers
  Perfect for commuters and eco-conscious buyers. Usually stainless steel or insulated plastic, these mugs keep drinks hot (or cold) longer. They carry higher base costs but also retail for more, making them profitable for niches like office workers, students, and frequent travelers.

• Iced Coffee Glasses
  The trendiest mug variant right now, especially with Gen Z. Think 16 oz frosted can-shaped glasses with bamboo lids and straws. These exploded on TikTok and Instagram in 2024, making them a stylish option for iced coffee and tea drinkers. Print on demand iced coffee glass designs are a fast-growing niche.

• All-Over Print Mugs
  Instead of a single front-facing print, these mugs offer wraparound designs covering the entire cup. Perfect for patterns, collages, or immersive illustrations. They cost slightly more to produce but provide a “premium” look customers love. Print on demand all over coffee mugs let you deliver bold, edge-to-edge artwork.

Whether you stick with classics or branch into trend-driven styles like iced coffee glasses, the key is variety. Stocking a mix lets you reach both everyday buyers and those hunting for something unique.

---

Design Trends & Ideas for 2025

A great mug design is often what makes or breaks a sale. In 2025, the strongest sellers balance timeless themes with timely cultural trends.

• Evergreen Phrases & Humor
  Some sayings never fade: “But First, Coffee,” “No Talkie Before Coffee,” or workplace jokes like “This Meeting Could Have Been an Email.” These evergreen coffee mug phrases print on demand resonate with buyers year after year. Minimalist typography with witty one-liners remains especially popular. Picture a desk with a simple black-and-white mug that says, “World’s Okayest Golfer” — it’s funny, timeless, and giftable.

• Trending 2025 Slogans & Pop Culture
  Each year brings its own buzzwords. In 2025, look out for Gen Z slang, viral memes, and nostalgia-driven designs. Think phrases that spread across TikTok or subtle nods to retro 90s/2000s culture. Trending coffee mug phrases 2025 print on demand products sell fast when you catch waves early. For example, a retro font with “Stay Groovy” works for both trend and nostalgia lovers.

• Personalized & Custom Mugs
  Customers love personalization. Add names, initials, family sets, or even upload-your-own-photo designs. From “Jessica’s Coffee” to couples’ mugs with wedding dates, personalization makes mugs ideal gifts. Print on demand custom mugs for coffee lovers add that one-of-a-kind appeal. One bestseller is the “Upload Your Pet’s Photo” mug — simple, personal, and perfect for animal lovers.

• Seasonal & Holiday Themes
  Mugs surge during the holidays. Christmas designs with reindeer or holiday movie quotes sell fast in Q4, while Valentine’s, Halloween, and even Thanksgiving mugs bring seasonal spikes. Combine personalization with holiday motifs (e.g., “Christmas 2025 – The Smith Family”) for maximum appeal. Limited runs make them feel collectible.

• Style Trends: Minimalist vs. Bold
  Both ends of the spectrum are thriving. Minimalist black text on white mugs suits a chic, modern audience (think IKEA kitchen vibes). Meanwhile, bold all-over prints with doodles, patterns, or retro fonts cater to buyers looking for vibrant, Instagram-worthy drinkware.

The takeaway: mix timeless humor with cultural trends, offer personalization, and rotate in seasonal designs to keep your catalog fresh.

---

Profit Margins & Pricing

Coffee mugs aren’t just popular — they’re profitable.

• What You’ll Pay to Make It
  Expect to pay $5–$10 for production, with shipping pushing the total closer to $8–$12. Simpler 11 oz mugs are cheaper, while travel mugs and specialty formats cost more.

• What You Can Sell It For
  On Etsy and Amazon, mugs typically sell for $15–$25. Personalized or premium finishes fetch the higher end. Sellers often price at ~$19.99 with “free shipping” (factoring shipping into the price).

• Profit Margins
  Average margins hover around 40–50%, comparable or slightly better than t-shirts. For example, sell a $19.99 mug, pay $8 total cost, and pocket ~$12 gross. Sell 50 a month and you’ve covered a car payment. That’s why the best print on demand coffee mugs can be just as profitable as apparel.

• Comparison to Other POD Products
  Mugs are easier than apparel (no sizing issues, fewer returns) and hit an impulse-buy price point under $20. While hoodies or posters may yield higher profits per unit, mugs make up for it in volume and repeat gifting occasions.

• Upsells & Bundles
  Bundling is a powerful strategy: pair mugs with coasters, tote bags, or stickers. Offer couples’ sets or holiday gift bundles. Customers see more value, and you increase your average order value. Some sellers even cross-sell mugs with novelty items like print on demand coffee beans to build themed gift sets.

With affordable production costs, consistent demand, and margins that rival t-shirts, mugs are one of the most profitable POD staples available.

---

Best POD Platforms for Coffee Mugs

Choosing the right supplier is just as important as choosing the right design. Here’s how the major players stack up:

Platform	Strengths	Weaknesses	Best For
Printify	Huge product variety, global suppliers, competitive costs	Quality varies by partner, requires vetting	Sellers who want variety & global reach
Printful	Consistent quality, fast shipping, strong integrations	Higher base costs, smaller mug catalog	Beginners & brand builders who value ease
Gelato	Local production in 30+ countries, eco-friendly shipping	Less mug variety, variable pricing	Sellers with global audiences
Gooten	Competitive pricing, API access, scalability	Less beginner-friendly interface	Advanced sellers & tech-savvy stores
Redbubble/Society6	Built-in audience, easy setup	Low margins, limited control	Artists & hobbyists

• Printify – Variety & Global Reach
  Connects you to dozens of suppliers worldwide, offering ceramic mugs, accent mugs, travel mugs, and more. You can choose suppliers by region, lowering shipping times and costs. Downsides: quality varies by partner, so testing samples is important.

• Printful – Quality & Ease of Use
  Known for consistent print quality and fast shipping. Their mug catalog is smaller but covers essentials (ceramic, enamel, tumblers). Costs are higher, but beginners value Printful’s reliability and integrations with Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon.

• Gelato – International Strength
  Gelato routes orders to 100+ partners in 30+ countries, making it ideal for global sellers. Shipping is faster and more eco-friendly since products print close to the customer.

• Gooten – Competitive Pricing & API
  Offers mugs alongside 280+ other items. Known for competitive pricing and scalability, with API access for advanced sellers. Interface isn’t as beginner-friendly as Printful, but it’s strong for established shops.

• Redbubble & Society6 – Artist Marketplaces
  Great for independent creators who don’t want to manage a storefront. Upload designs, list mugs, and tap into their built-in audience. Downsides: limited pricing control and lower margins, but excellent for passive income.

Recommendations:

• Beginners: Printful or Redbubble for simplicity.
• Intermediate/Advanced Sellers: Printify or Gooten for lower costs and more control.
• Global Focus: Gelato for international reach.

---

Conclusion

Never underestimate the humble coffee mug. It’s more than drinkware — it’s a gift, a ritual, and in POD, a dependable profit engine. From evergreen slogans to trendy iced coffee glasses, mugs cater to virtually every demographic and gifting occasion.

If you’re starting a print on demand business in 2025, mugs are the perfect entry point: low risk, high reward, and a chance to test your creativity against real-world demand. Don’t overthink it — your next bestseller might just be a three-word slogan on a simple white mug. Start brewing designs today.

---

FAQ

Are coffee mugs profitable for POD?
Yes. With base costs around $5–$7 and retail prices in the $15–$25 range, mugs typically deliver 40–50% profit margins. The best print on demand coffee mugs can generate steady sales year-round. Think of them as the “everyday gift” that never goes out of style.

What’s the best POD platform for mugs?
Printful for quality and ease, Printify for variety and cost, Gelato for global reach, and Redbubble/Society6 for artist marketplaces. If you’re brand-new, start with Printful or Redbubble — then scale to Printify or Gelato as you grow.

Which mug type sells best?
The classic 11 oz ceramic mug remains the bestseller, but accent mugs, travel tumblers, and iced coffee glasses are growing fast. Start with the basics, then expand as you see traction.

Can I bundle mugs with other POD items?
Absolutely. Sets (like two mugs for couples) or bundles with coasters, tote bags, or stickers can boost sales and increase average order value. A bundle makes it feel like a ready-made gift — which customers love around holidays.