Drinkware is the category people keep. A branded tumbler sits on a desk for years and gets seen by everyone who walks past it, which is a very different return from a flyer that lasts an afternoon.
The trade-off is unit cost. Drinkware runs higher than pens or stickers, so it works best as a reward for qualified leads and staff rather than something handed to everyone passing a booth.
Double-wall stainless steel, vacuum sealed. Keeps drinks hot or cold for hours and feels genuinely premium in the hand.
Best for: Qualified leads, client gifts, staffStainless or BPA-free plastic, usually 20–32 oz. The most used item in the category for gyms, schools and outdoor events.
Best for: Fitness, education, outdoor brandsThe office classic. Low cost, large print area and a long life on a desk.
Best for: Office gifts, bulk giveawaysNeoprene or foam koozies. The cheapest entry into the category and a reliable event handout.
Best for: High-volume giveaways, bars, festivalsPint glasses, wine glasses and shot glasses, usually decorated by etch or screen print.
Best for: Hospitality, breweries, weddings| Materials | 18/8 stainless steel, ceramic, Tritan and BPA-free plastic, borosilicate glass, neoprene |
|---|---|
| Insulation | Double-wall vacuum holds temperature for hours; single-wall is cheaper but sweats and loses heat quickly |
| Decoration | Pad print and screen print for simple logos; laser engraving on stainless for a permanent, premium mark; full-colour wrap for complex artwork |
| Lids | Slider, flip-top and straw lids — check whether the lid is leak-resistant if it will be carried in a bag |
| Care | Most insulated drinkware is hand-wash only; confirm before promising dishwasher safety |
| Typical budget | $1–$3 can coolers, $4–$9 mugs, $12–$30 insulated tumblers |
DiscountMugs carries the full custom drinkware range with no-minimum options on many lines.
See Custom Drinkware pricesFor high-volume handouts, neoprene can coolers at $1–$3 each are hard to beat on cost per impression. For leads worth following up, a double-wall insulated stainless tumbler at $12–$30 is kept and used daily for years, which makes the higher unit cost worthwhile.
On stainless steel, yes. Laser engraving removes the surface coating to reveal the metal beneath, so the mark is permanent and cannot rub off. Printed ink on metal wears away with handling and dishwasher use. Printing remains the right choice on ceramic and plastic.
Typical US pricing runs about $1–$3 for can coolers, $4–$9 for ceramic mugs, $8–$15 for plastic water bottles and $12–$30 for insulated stainless tumblers. Expect a one-off setup charge for the imprint, and lower per-unit prices as quantity rises.
Many insulated tumblers are hand-wash only, because dishwasher heat can damage the vacuum seal and wear printed graphics. Check the specification before telling recipients it is dishwasher safe — laser-engraved stainless handles washing far better than printed designs.
Everything else worth getting right before you place an order.
Printed throws, fitted covers and stretch covers for trade show and event tables.
View buying guide →Printed and embroidered t-shirts, polos, hoodies and caps for staff and events.
View buying guide →Cotton canvas, recycled and non-woven bags printed with your logo.
View buying guide →