Christmas 2016 is the time to give the gift of drinkware and glassware to the chefs, foodies, and home decor lovers in your life. We have to admit, there's something exciting about receiving a gift that is both useful and beautiful. Personalization is the key to turning an ordinary drinking glass into a thoughtful gift. From monogrammed wine glasses to sweetly patterned coffee mugs, there are drinkware gifts available for everyone on your list.
Personalized Glassware
Personalized drinkware is always in season. A set of monogrammed drinking glasses might be just what your giftee needs for that extra homey touch in the kitchen, but monogram options don't stop at everyday drinking glasses. From coffee mugs to champagne flutes, there are monogrammed versions of virtually every type of drinkware. For that personal touch, you can also choose themed drinkware that speaks to your giftee's hobbies and interests. From mugs with inspirational quotes to beer steins printed with sports themes, a personalized drinking glass gift exists for everyone.
Gold-Trimmed Glassware
Gold- and copper-trimmed glassware are trendy gifts this holiday season and beyond. Metallic details on glassware give an elegant air to everyday meals but also add glitz and glamour to special events. Choose a set of copper-detailed glassware with a matching decanter as a swanky addition to a bar cart, or keep it everyday beautiful with a set of gold-rimmed drinking glasses.
Copper Mugs
Sometimes a trendy drink is what sparks a drinkware trend, and that's just what happened with copper mugs. The vodka- and ginger-based Moscow Mule — which is commonly served in a copper mug — was invented in 1941, but the drink and its mug recently made a comeback. There are several styles of copper mugs available, so you're sure to find the perfect gift for someone special on your list. To learn more about copper mug styles, visit our Moscow Mule Mug Buying Guide.
Champagne Glasses
A gift of champagne glasses will not go amiss during the holidays. After all, this time of year is about celebrating with friends and family. Champagne glasses come in two basic shapes: champagne flutes and champagne saucers (or champagne coupes). The shape you choose depends on the desired experience. A narrow flute better preserves aroma and bubbles, but a wide-bowled saucer has a vintage aesthetic that's hard to resist. Whichever glass style you choose, consider purchasing monogrammed champagne glasses for a personalized touch.
Wine Glasses
A large set of wine glasses makes a perfect gift for your loved ones who are always hosting the perfect get-togethers and dinners. A good wine glass set includes at least two bowl types to best serve both red and white wines. For most red wines, a tall, wide bowl helps release aromas and flavors of a bolder wine. For most white wines, a shorter, narrower bowl complements the softer body and flavor. If you are buying stemware for a true wine connoisseur, consider even more specific wine glass choices, which you can learn about in our Types of Wine Glasses Fact Sheet.
Whiskey Glasses
To the barrel-aged Scotch whiskey lover in your life, give the gift of whiskey glasses. Whiskey glasses, also called rocks glasses, are short and wide for two reasons. First, they're wide enough to accommodate large ice cubes while leaving room to stir. Second, the width and depth lets you experience the liquor's aromas as you drink, which enhances and deepens the flavor. Of course, rocks glasses can accommodate any type of distilled spirits, so your giftee will not be limited to whiskey. Choose a set of glasses with an etched theme to further personalize your gift. Read more about other cocktail glass types in our Bar Glasses Checklist.
Beer Glasses
With microbreweries popping up on practically every city corner, a set of beer glasses is an ideal gift for any beer devotee in your life. Different beer types call for different glass styles to maximize the drinking experience. The two most common styles are pint glasses and beer mugs, and both are used with most kinds of beers. These two styles are sturdy and easy to clean and store. For the beer aficionado, choose beer glasses that are etched or printed with an image that speaks to his or her personality or lifestyle. Options include sports logos, monograms, music themes, pet themes, and much more.
Coffee Mugs
You won't find a wider variety of stylized drinkware than coffee mugs. Every TV show, movie, hobby, interest, and animal is covered and then some. From comic book themes and Star Wars to floral themes and inspirational quotes, the choices are virtually unlimited. Since you can find almost any shape, size, or theme, personalizing a coffee mug gift is easy and generally inexpensive. All you have to do is pinpoint one interest or personality trait of your giftee, and then find a complementary coffee mug.
Holiday Gift Specialist
As an unabashed Christmas enthusiast, Martha loves nothing more than decking the halls and busting out the eggnog. But Martha's interests don't just involve Christmas. She also embroiders, knits, and reads more than a healthy human probably should.
