Painted Christmas Mugs: 14 Easy Handmade Gifts That Look Like Boutique Finds

Painted Christmas Mugs are the kind of gift that looks like it came from a pricey boutique, yet starts with a plain white mug that costs about a dollar. With a few paint pens, a steady hand and an evening at the kitchen table, you can turn a stack of basic mugs into cheerful presents for teachers, neighbors, coworkers and the whole family. Snowflakes, buffalo plaid, cute snowmen and shiny gold rims all look far more expensive than they are. Fill one with cocoa or cookie mix and it becomes a complete gift. We gathered 14 easy designs, from beginner friendly dots to a sweet fingerprint project kids can help with. Always follow the directions on your paint label for curing and care..

Painted Christmas Mugs That Look Like Boutique Finds

Hand painted mugs have been a quiet hit online for years. One watercolor coffee mug tutorial has passed 10 million views, and dollar store mug makeovers keep racking up views every December. The appeal is easy to see: a mug is useful, personal and cheap to make. Line up a few different designs like these and you have a gift set that looks straight out of a holiday market. Start with the easiest pattern and work your way up. Which design will you paint first..

You will need: Plain white ceramic mugs, oil based or ceramic paint pens in red, green, black, white and gold, rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs.

How to make it: 1. Wash the mugs and wipe them with rubbing alcohol. 2. Sketch your design lightly with a pencil or washable marker. 3. Paint, let it dry and cure the paint as the label directs.

Marbled Watercolor Mug

This is the look that made the watercolor mug idea famous. Drops of paint float on water and swirl into a marbled pattern, then cling to the mug as you dip it. Every mug comes out different, which is part of the magic. Red, green and gold feel festive, while blue and silver look wintery. Use a disposable container, work in a well aired space and have an adult handle the dipping. Follow the paint label for drying and care. Want to try a few color combos?

You will need: Plain white mugs, a disposable plastic tub, room temperature water, marbling paint or nail style enamel in three colors, a toothpick, painter’s tape.

How to make it: 1. Tape off the rim so it stays clean. 2. Drip the colors onto the water and swirl them gently with a toothpick. 3. Dip the mug in and out slowly, then let it dry upside down.

Painted Christmas Mugs With Hand Drawn Snowflakes

Snowflakes are perfect for beginners because no two are supposed to match. Start with a simple cross, add a diagonal line and finish each arm with tiny V shapes. Mix big and small flakes and add a few white dots for falling snow. On a dark mug the white paint really pops, but they also look sweet in silver on white. This is a great mug to gift with a cozy blanket or a bag of fancy tea. How many snowflakes can you fit around one mug?

You will need: A dark colored mug, a white paint pen, a fine silver pen (optional), rubbing alcohol.

How to make it: 1. Clean the mug with rubbing alcohol. 2. Paint snowflakes in different sizes all around. 3. Add tiny dots for snow and cure the paint as directed.

Painted Buffalo Plaid Mug

Buffalo plaid feels like a cozy cabin weekend, and it is easier to paint than it looks. Tape off a band around the mug, paint it red, then add black squares in a checkerboard. Thin black lines over the red finish the classic woven look. Paired with a plaid napkin or a pair of warm socks, it makes a lovely gift for the outdoorsy person on your list. If you love upcycling cozy fabrics too, our old sweater upcycles are full of ideas. Red and black, or green and black?

You will need: A white mug, painter’s tape, red and black paint pens, a ruler, a pencil.

How to make it: 1. Tape a wide band around the middle and paint it red. 2. Draw a checkerboard of black squares on top. 3. Add thin black lines between them, remove the tape and cure.

Polka Dot Snowman, the Cutest of All Painted Christmas Mugs

A plain white mug is already halfway to being a snowman. Add two dot eyes, a carrot nose, a few black buttons and a red scarf band, and you have one of the cutest gifts of the season. Kids love painting this one, and little mistakes only add character. Fill it with mini marshmallows and wrap it in clear cellophane for a sweet class gift. It also looks adorable as a pencil cup on a desk. What color scarf would your snowman wear?

You will need: A white mug, black, orange and red paint pens, a small round sponge (optional).

How to make it: 1. Paint two dot eyes and a carrot nose near the top. 2. Add a red scarf band and three black buttons below. 3. Let it dry and cure the paint as directed.

Gold Rim and Monogram Mug

Nothing says boutique like a touch of gold. A thin gold rim and a single elegant initial turn a basic mug into something that looks custom made. Print a letter in a pretty font, rub pencil on the back and trace it onto the mug to get the shape just right. Then fill it in with a gold paint pen. This is a perfect gift for a host, a teacher or a bride to be. Make one for every person at your holiday table. Whose initial will you paint first?

You will need: A white mug, a gold paint pen, a printed letter, a soft pencil, painter’s tape.

How to make it: 1. Shade the back of the printed letter with pencil and trace it onto the mug. 2. Fill in the letter with gold paint. 3. Run a thin line of gold around the rim and cure.

Painted Reindeer Face Mug

This happy reindeer makes everyone smile at breakfast. Paint two closed eyes as little curves, a bright red nose in the middle and brown antlers that reach up toward the rim. A touch of pink on the cheeks makes it extra sweet. It is a great project for older kids and grown ups alike, and it pairs perfectly with a cocoa packet. Make a whole team of reindeer for a family set. Which name would you give yours?

You will need: A white mug, brown, black, red and pink paint pens, a pencil.

How to make it: 1. Sketch the antlers lightly with a pencil. 2. Paint the antlers brown, then add the eyes and red nose. 3. Add pink cheeks and cure the paint as directed.

Candy Cane Stripe Mug

Bold red stripes instantly say peppermint and holiday cheer. Wrap thin strips of tape diagonally around the mug, paint between them and peel the tape away for crisp stripes. Hook a real candy cane on the rim when you gift it and the whole thing looks like a cafe treat. This design is fast, so it is great when you need a stack of gifts in one evening. Pair it with a peppermint cocoa mix for a perfect match. Thick stripes or thin ones?

You will need: A white mug, thin painter’s tape, a red paint pen or ceramic paint and a small brush.

How to make it: 1. Wrap tape strips diagonally around the mug with even gaps. 2. Paint the gaps red. 3. Peel the tape while the paint is slightly soft and cure.

Glitter Dipped Base Mug

A glittery base turns a plain mug into a sparkly little showpiece. Tape a straight line around the bottom third, brush on decoupage glue and sprinkle on fine gold glitter, then seal it. Since glitter is not meant for lips or dishwashers, keep it on the bottom and use the mug as a pencil cup, a mini vase or a gift holder. Fill it with greenery, candy or makeup brushes. It looks fancy enough for any desk. Gold, silver or rose gold glitter?

You will need: A white mug, painter’s tape, decoupage glue, fine glitter, a foam brush, clear sealer.

How to make it: 1. Tape a neat line around the bottom third. 2. Brush glue below the tape and pour glitter over it. 3. Let it dry, seal it and peel off the tape.

Painted Holly Sprig Mug

Sometimes one simple motif looks the most elegant. A single holly sprig with three bright berries feels classic and grown up. Paint two pointed leaves in green, add a darker vein down the middle and finish with red dots for berries. Place it off center for a modern look. This mug is lovely for coworkers or anyone who likes a quieter style. Gift it with a bag of good coffee for a complete present. Would you paint one sprig or a whole wreath?

You will need: A cream or white mug, green, dark green and red paint pens.

How to make it: 1. Paint two holly leaves in light green. 2. Add a dark green vein and edge to each leaf. 3. Dot three red berries where the leaves meet and cure.

Kids Fingerprint Lights: Painted Christmas Mugs for Grandparents

This might be the most treasured mug of all, because it carries a tiny piece of your child. Draw a wavy black line for the light string, then let little fingers press colorful paint dots along it to make the bulbs. Grandparents adore it, and it becomes a keepsake that shows how small those fingers once were. Add the year on the bottom with a fine pen. Use ceramic paint that is safe for kids and supervise the whole time. Who will get this sweet gift?

You will need: A white mug, a black paint pen, kid safe ceramic paints in four colors, paper plates, wipes.

How to make it: 1. Draw a wavy string line around the mug. 2. Have your child dip a fingertip in paint and press it along the line. 3. Add tiny black caps on each bulb and cure as directed.

Painted Christmas Mugs With a Nordic Pattern

Nordic sweater patterns look intricate, but they are built from simple shapes repeated in rows. Paint a band of zigzags, then a row of tiny trees, then little hearts or dots. Red on white is the classic combination and looks gorgeous next to a wool blanket. Use a ruler and light pencil marks to keep the rows straight. This design takes a bit more time, so put on a holiday movie and enjoy the process. Would you add your own initials in the pattern?

You will need: A white mug, a fine red paint pen, a pencil, a flexible ruler or tape measure.

How to make it: 1. Mark three rows around the mug with light pencil lines. 2. Paint zigzags, small trees and hearts in the rows. 3. Erase the pencil and cure the paint.

Folk Art Patterns for a Softer Look

Not every holiday mug has to be red and green. Soft folk art patterns like little suns, leaves and flowers feel warm and handmade, like this painted cup. They are perfect for someone who keeps their mugs out all year. Use pastel paint pens and repeat a few simple shapes around the cup. Wavy lines along the rim tie everything together. This style is very forgiving, so it is a great choice if you are new to painting. Which colors make you feel cozy?

You will need: A plain ceramic cup or mug, pastel paint pens, a pencil.

How to make it: 1. Paint a wavy line just under the rim. 2. Fill the body with repeating suns, leaves and flowers. 3. Add tiny dots between shapes and cure the paint.

Hot Cocoa Gift Set Inside Painted Christmas Mugs

A painted mug becomes a complete gift when you fill it. Add a packet of cocoa, a handful of mini marshmallows in a small bag and a candy cane stirrer, then wrap the whole thing in clear cellophane with a ribbon. On the tag, suggest the cocoa be enjoyed on the first snowy night. It is a gift that feels cozy and thoughtful without costing much. For more budget gift ideas, see our easy DIY Christmas gifts. Who on your list needs a cozy night in?

You will need: Your painted mug, cocoa packets, mini marshmallows, a candy cane, cellophane, ribbon, a gift tag.

How to make it: 1. Tuck the cocoa and a small bag of marshmallows inside the mug. 2. Add the candy cane and wrap in cellophane. 3. Tie with ribbon and attach a handwritten tag.