Branded Travel Mugs

How To Make Promotional Travel Cups Work

We are a nation of drivers, commuters, and busy parents, always on the move, it seems.

Perhaps this is why the popularity of travel mugs and travel flasks has been on the sharp rise in recent years. Since so many are taking their tea or coffee with them on these daily trips, why not have them advertise your logo as they do so?

In the UK, we now drink roughly 98 million cups of coffee per day, including an increase in "café culture", with 16% of the population visiting one on a daily basis (source).

There are also 2.5 billion coffee cups used and thrown away each year in the UK (source), so you can contribute towards stopping that wastage as part of your marketing campaign.

Selecting promotional items like travel cups goes beyond simply choosing a product; it requires making sure that the item integrates seamlessly into the lives of clients and employees, delivering consistent brand exposure while creating value.

A well-chosen cup can become a strategic asset, but success depends on thoughtful selection, targeted design, and tactical deployment to yield maximum return.

1. Why Travel Mugs Are a Strategic Choice

Branded travel mugs offer unique potential as high-value touchpoints that, when used strategically, can yield strong returns.

In a crowded market where every brand vies for attention, these cups integrate naturally into routines, creating repeated visibility. Unlike more static items, they’re mobile, often visible, and directly connected to the user’s experience of your brand in a tangible way.

• Visibility in Action: Each use represents a touchpoint between the customer and your brand. For a high-quality, attractive item like a travel cup, this can mean multiple interactions daily. This stands in stark contrast to traditional items like pens or keychains, which lack the same level of visual prominence or user attachment.
• Positioning Your Brand in Clients’ Lives: Selecting a cup that enhances the user’s daily experience (such as an insulated one for hot coffee) doesn’t just meet a practical need; it demonstrates your brand’s awareness of their lifestyle. This builds a psychological connection, positioning your company as one that “gets” its users—an invaluable element for brand loyalty.
• Sustainability and Positive Brand Affiliation: Eco-friendly options like stainless steel or bamboo allow you to align your company with sustainability values important to today’s consumers. Research shows that 73% of consumers are willing to pay more for products that promote sustainability, making reusable products a valuable alignment with market trends while positively influencing brand perception (source).

For example: A client who commutes daily begins every morning with a coffee in your branded cup. The consistent exposure not only enhances brand familiarity but reinforces an image of your company as one that adds genuine, everyday value to their life.

2. Types of Printed Coffee Cups

Choosing the most effective type of custom travel cup requires a close look at both the audience and the campaign goals.

Different cup designs, materials, and functionalities can be tailored to communicate specific brand values and meet diverse campaign objectives.

• For Eco-Conscious, Sustainability-Driven Campaigns: Stainless steel, bamboo, or recycled plastic options communicate environmental responsibility. Including a card or insert that highlights eco-friendly materials or explains your company’s commitment to reducing single-use waste can strengthen the positive impression. If the product supplier provides information about “carbon offset,” consider including it. This creates a powerful, informed experience that goes beyond the initial product value and speaks to the recipient’s values. Browse all eco-friendly merchandise here.
• For High-Volume Events (Trade Shows, Brand Awareness Initiatives): For large-scale distribution where budget is a concern, BPA-free plastic cups offer cost-effective practicality. These work well at trade shows, where you can reach a large audience. Opt for simple, sleek designs that still stand out visually. To ensure quality, look for thick-walled, BPA-free options that avoid a “cheap” feel. Adding a sleeve or secure lid enhances utility, which encourages recipients to keep and reuse the item rather than discarding it after the event.
• For VIP Clients and Loyalty Programs: High-quality stainless steel, double-walled, or vacuum-insulated options offer an elevated touch that’s perfect for VIPs or valued clients. Insulated cups with temperature control provide genuine practical value, leaving a lasting impression. For instance, a premium cup for a VIP client who travels frequently or has a long commute subtly shows your brand understands and respects their busy life. Laser-engraving your logo adds a refined look that complements a professional setting, reinforcing exclusivity.
• For On-the-Go, Active Audiences: If your campaign targets a demographic that prioritises convenience—such as young professionals or fitness enthusiasts—consider lightweight, spill-proof, and ergonomic options. Features like locking lids, silicon grips, or carabiner clips add functionality that keeps your cup in rotation. Thoughtfulness in usability shows that your brand designs with real-life practicality in mind, reinforcing values of convenience and innovation.

Expert Tip: Match the product’s features to specific audience segments within your target market. Providing an item that aligns with the needs of your audience shows thoughtfulness, creating a positive perception that can drive loyalty and long-term brand affinity.

From corporate tumblers with an individuals name, to an insulated ceramic thermos for a giveaway, our range includes every type you could need, at prices and printing turnaround times that work around you.

From our ColourCoat Rio Travel Mug to our Columbian Travel Mug, and with many variations in between, we are confident that you will find just what it is you are looking for in an effective promotional item.

3. Best Custom Travel Mugs by Campaign Type

The right branded item adds value across multiple campaign types.

The key is to identify where it aligns best with campaign goals, whether that’s in customer acquisition, retention, or loyalty.

• Employee and Client Appreciation Programs: A high-quality personalised travel cup makes a perfect appreciation gift that feels both personal and substantial. When integrated into an appreciation program, it shows your commitment to client and employee satisfaction and well-being. Add a thoughtful message—printed or digitally included—that connects back to your company’s values or recent accomplishments. These small, personalised touches go a long way in building goodwill and brand sentiment.
• Loyalty Rewards and Retention Campaigns: As part of a loyalty or retention program, travel cups serve as high-impact, enduring rewards. Consider tying the gift to a milestone purchase or event to reinforce the connection between loyalty and value. A recent study on loyalty programs indicates that customers are 47% more likely to stay with brands offering loyalty-based incentives, especially those that serve a functional purpose (source).
• Trade Shows, Conferences, and Brand Awareness Events: In busy environments like trade shows, where numerous brands are vying for attention, a standout giveaway helps increase foot traffic and makes your brand memorable. Quality is essential here. For example, adding practical features like built-in straws or a collapsible design makes the item distinctive. Incorporate on-brand colours, but avoid over-branding; a subtle approach creates a more sophisticated appeal, less likely to be dismissed.
• Subscription or Holiday Gift Boxes: Promotional travel mugs included in seasonal gift boxes or monthly subscription packages add a memorable, useful component. With the popularity of subscription models, this approach drives customer delight and enhances the unboxing experience, creating an association between your brand and positive anticipation.

Distribute items in high-exposure environments where recipients are likely to use the cup around others, amplifying organic visibility and extending your campaign’s reach through daily, indirect advertising.

4. How To Choose The Mug Design

Design is critical in ensuring your promotional item resonates with your audience and aligns with brand values. Thoughtful design and material choices can make your branded item a favourite, trusted accessory rather than just another piece of merchandise.

• Material and Durability for a Lasting Impression: High-quality materials like stainless steel, BPA-free plastics, or bamboo reinforce your brand’s commitment to quality. For longevity, double-walled or insulated options make an excellent choice, especially if targeting colder climates or users who appreciate temperature retention. A long-lasting, durable cup becomes a consistent brand reminder, positively reflecting your company’s standards.
• Colour and Branding That Appeals to Your Audience: Muted tones or matte finishes offer a sleek, professional look that appeals to many working professionals, while vibrant colours can attract younger demographics or tech-savvy individuals. A tasteful, laser-engraved logo adds subtle elegance that’s especially appealing to professionals. Test design samples to ensure they reflect your brand ethos without overwhelming the aesthetic.
• Usability Enhancements: Features like spill-proof lids, ergonomic grips, or easy-to-clean components are often overlooked but make a significant difference. Whenever possible, opt for dishwasher-safe options to increase ease of use; the more hassle-free it is, the more likely it will be part of a daily routine. These small details show attention to quality and reinforce your brand’s commitment to practicality.

Seek supplier options that allow for custom features or detailing to distinguish your item further. Unique touches, like a silicon base to prevent sliding or a customisable handle colour, make the cup stand out and increase its likelihood of becoming a go-to item for recipients.

Choose one of our best sellers, like the Harvey Travel Mug, and have your logo printed clearly on the front of it for maximum visibility of your brand. The cup not only works well, but it looks great too, and that means it will get used – and seen – in a wider range of situations and for a longer time.

5. Using Travel Mugs With Targeted Distribution and Engagement

Strategic distribution and engagement opportunities can stretch the impact of your mugs far beyond initial recipients, delivering a powerful return on investment.

• Create an Experience Around the Gift: Instead of a simple handout, integrate the travel cup into a thoughtful unboxing or gifting experience. Consider pairing it with a personalised note, thank-you card, or digital voucher. Add messaging that explains the thought behind the design or material choice (like eco-friendly features or temperature control) and how it aligns with your brand’s mission. This approach transforms the cup into a memorable gift, rather than a simple giveaway.
• Drive Social Engagement Through User-Generated Content: Encourage users to share a photo of themselves using the cup on social media, using a custom hashtag. Offer an incentive, such as a discount code or contest entry, to boost participation. User-generated content increases visibility and fosters authenticity, showing your brand in real-life settings.
• Targeted Distribution for VIPs and High-Value Clients: Segment your audience, sending premium versions of your travel cups to high-value clients or loyal customers. This targeted approach makes them feel valued and appreciated, enhancing loyalty. Additionally, B2B clients often appreciate the thoughtfulness and quality of your gift, which can strengthen business relationships and lead to potential referrals.

Leverage high-value platforms (such as LinkedIn or direct email campaigns) to showcase the cup, sharing photos of your team or clients using it. This can enhance perception, highlighting your brand as one that genuinely engages and rewards its audience.

6. Using Travel Mugs as a Practical Giveaway Gift

These are very practical, trusted daily items that reinforce positive brand perception over time.

When an item becomes part of someone’s daily routine, it serves as a continual reminder of your brand’s reliability and value.

A quality travel cup included in a loyalty program is more than just a gift—it’s a tool for retention. Aligning the cup’s features with the needs of your loyal customers helps build positive associations with your brand. Research shows that 62% of customers report a favourable brand perception when they receive premium gifts, making this a powerful tool for loyalty building (source).

Integrate these mugs into referral programs to maximise reach. Encourage customers to gift a cup to a friend, expanding your brand’s presence while creating a positive experience for both referrer and recipient.

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HIGHLIGHTED TEAM MEMBER

James Biggin | Managing Director

Taking over the business co-founded by his father back in 2006, James has been the Managing Director of Steel City Marketing for 15 years and been with the company since 2001. With decades of experience in the promotional products industry, James is passionate about just how effective business gifts are at helping brands stand out and engage with their audience.

Overseeing all aspects of the business, James prides himself on our ability to listen to our clients, spark creative branded merchandise ideas, and provide a seamless customer journey. When not working, James can be found either on the squash court or running with his dog Alby in the peaks.

Linkedin | Email: [email protected]

You can meet the rest of the team here.