A mug with someone’s name on it is one of the simplest ways to make a Christmas present feel personal. At Emma Bridgewater, the Stoke-on-Trent pottery known for its sponge-decorated designs, every personalised name or message is painted by hand, so no two pieces are quite the same.
The festive range now comes in several shapes, from a tiny mug that hangs on the tree to a four mug teapot. This guide compares them side by side, including how many letters each one can take, so you can choose the right piece for each person on your list.
Visit the Official Emma Bridgewater Site
In this guide
- Personalised Shapes Compared
- Tiny Mug Decorations: The Stocking Filler
- Small Mugs: Perfect for Children
- Half Pint Mugs: The Everyday Classic
- Cocoa Mugs: For Hot Chocolate Season
- Large Mugs: For Serious Tea Drinkers
- The 4 Mug Teapot: A Family Gift
- Tips for Ordering Personalised Pottery
- Delivery and Offers
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Personalised Shapes Compared
Prices and letter limits below are taken from the Emma Bridgewater website at the time of writing. Letter limits include spaces and can vary slightly by design, so check the product page before you order.
| Shape | Price | Letters painted by hand | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiny mug decoration | 23 pounds | A name, up to 12 characters on some designs | Stocking fillers and tree decorations |
| Small mug | 28 pounds | Up to 28 letters | Children and godchildren |
| 1/2 pint mug | 35 pounds | Around 27 on the side, plus 16 on the base on some designs | Everyday tea and coffee |
| Cocoa mug | 38 pounds | Up to 30 letters | Hot chocolate lovers |
| Large mug | 42 pounds | Up to 58 letters | Big tea drinkers |
| 4 mug teapot | 88 pounds | Up to 80 letters on some designs | Families and couples |
Popular Christmas patterns available personalised include Holly and Ivy, Bobble Hats, Gingerbread Sampler and Snowflake. See all personalised Christmas gifts.
Tiny Mug Decorations: The Stocking Filler
The smallest option is a tiny mug that hangs on the tree from a ribbon. You simply tell Emma Bridgewater the name to add, and it is sent in a little box. At 23 pounds it is an affordable way to start a family tradition, with a new decoration for each child or grandchild every year.
Small Mugs: Perfect for Children
The Personalised Holly and Ivy Small Mug takes up to 28 letters, including spaces, painted by hand in dark green. It comes in its own box, so it works as a stocking filler or a proper present for a friend, godchild or grandchild. The smaller size suits younger hands and milky drinks.
Half Pint Mugs: The Everyday Classic
The 1/2 pint mug is Emma Bridgewater’s best-known shape. It is the everyday size for tea or coffee, and in a household of mugs that all look alike, a name painted on the side settles any arguments about whose is whose. Depending on the design, there is room for around 27 letters on one side and 16 on the base, so you can add a short message as well as a name.
At the time of writing, the site was also running a buy two 1/2 pint mugs and save 15% offer. Check whether it applies to personalised pieces before you order. See the current mug offers.
Cocoa Mugs: For Hot Chocolate Season
The cocoa mug is taller and made for hot chocolate with marshmallows or cream. The Personalised Holly and Ivy Cocoa Mug takes up to 30 letters on the front or back, and the Gingerbread Sampler version is described by the brand as ideal for anyone who likes a spiced hot drink. Both are sponge decorated by hand.
Large Mugs: For Serious Tea Drinkers
If someone always seems to be refilling their mug, choose the large size. The Personalised Holly and Ivy Large Mug and the Snowflake Large Mug can each take up to 58 letters, enough for a full message such as a family in-joke or a special date. It is a generous gift that feels like a grand gesture. Shop personalised large mugs.
The 4 Mug Teapot: A Family Gift
For a whole household, a personalised teapot is a lovely upgrade to a family tradition. The 4 mug teapot is offered in Christmas patterns including Holly and Ivy and Bobble Hats, and the Bobble Hats teapot can take up to 80 letters. Pair it with matching half pint mugs, each with a different name, for a complete set.
Tips for Ordering Personalised Pottery
- Keep it short. A first name or nickname usually looks best on smaller shapes.
- Double-check spelling and capital letters before you check out, as each letter is painted by hand.
- Use the base for a date or a hidden message where the design allows it.
- Order early, as personalised items are made to order.
- Mix patterns across the family so everyone has their own design as well as their own name.
Delivery and Offers
Emma Bridgewater offers free UK delivery on orders over 50 pounds, and two half pint mugs or one large mug and a small mug will usually take you over that threshold. New customers can also get 10% off by signing up to the newsletter, although that code excludes personalised and discounted items. Check delivery details at Emma Bridgewater.
Conclusion
Emma Bridgewater’s personalised Christmas pottery covers every budget, from a 23 pound tree decoration to an 88 pound teapot. Choose a small mug for children, a half pint for everyday tea, a cocoa mug for hot chocolate fans and a large mug for the serious tea drinker. Every name is painted by hand, so each one is unique. When you are ready, design your personalised mug at Emma Bridgewater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Emma Bridgewater personalised names painted by hand?
Yes. Names and messages on personalised pieces are painted by hand.
How many letters fit on a personalised large mug?
The Holly and Ivy and Snowflake Large Mugs take up to 58 letters, including spaces.
Does Emma Bridgewater offer free delivery?
UK delivery is free on orders over 50 pounds.
Does the newsletter discount work on personalised items?
No. The 10% new customer code excludes personalised and discounted items.
