🏆 Popular Mug Brands to Collect: A Collector’s Guide

Ready to level up your coffee game? Some mugs don’t just hold your brew—they make a statement. Whether you're after nostalgic character art, elegant craftsmanship, or travel-themed souvenirs, these brands top every collector’s wishlist.

☕ Starbucks You Are Here & Been There Series

Years Active: 2013–Present
Why It’s Popular:
Each mug celebrates a different city, park, or country with fun, stylized artwork. It's a passport in your cupboard.

Collecting Tip: Airport exclusives and discontinued cities (like Pike Place Market or Disneyland) are especially coveted.

☕ Deneen Pottery (USA)

Years Active: 1972–Present
Why It’s Popular:
Each mug is hand-thrown and crafted with rustic charm. Commonly found at national parks, breweries, and boutique gift shops.

Collecting Tip: Custom stamped medallions and glaze colors vary by client—so every mug is unique.

☕ Disney Parks Exclusive Mugs

Years Active: 2000s–Present
Why It’s Popular:
These mugs often feature highly stylized or seasonal Disney characters—Haunted Mansion, Star Wars, villains, and more.

Collecting Tip: Limited releases go fast—watch for Halloween, Christmas, or theme park anniversary editions.

☕ Enesco (USA/Japan)

Years Active: 1950s–Present
Why It’s Popular:
Think Garfield, Peanuts, Looney Tunes, and unicorns with glitter. Enesco mugs from the ’80s and ’90s are pure pop-culture time capsules.

Collecting Tip: Look for pastel glazes, gold text, or character handles—instant shelf candy.

☕ Clay in Motion (USA)

Years Active: 1980s–Present
Why It’s Popular:
Makers of the beloved “Handwarmer Mug,” these pieces come in dreamy marbled glazes and cozy shapes that invite holding.

Collecting Tip: Look for color combos that match your decor or moods—each is a little different due to handmade swirls.

☕ Waechtersbach (Germany)

Years Active: 1930s–Present
Why It’s Popular:
Bright, glossy colors with playful motifs like hearts, polka dots, or Christmas patterns. Think joyful minimalism.

Collecting Tip: Red mugs with white hearts are iconic—and perfect for Valentine’s displays.

☕ Hallmark

Years Active: 1970s–Present
Why It’s Popular:
Overflowing with dad jokes, cute animals, and uplifting messages. Mugs that literally say “You’re the best boss” with rainbow letters.

Collecting Tip: Go for dated series (like 1983 birthday editions)—they make great gifts, too.

☕ Applause Inc.

Years Active: 1980s–1990s
Why It’s Popular:
Licensed character overload: E.T., The Muppets, Star Wars, Disney. Super expressive sculpted faces.

Collecting Tip: Sculpted character mugs are the crown jewels. Bonus if it comes in the original box.

💡 Bonus Tip: Display Like a Pro

• Use tiered shelves or mug trees to show them off.
• Color coordinate for instant cheer.
• Mix functional mugs with display-only treasures.

🌟 Final Sip

Popular mug collecting isn’t just about value—it’s about personality and cultural appeal. Find the styles and stories that speak to you, and let your cupboard reflect your passions.