The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find I Fell in Love With at First Sight

I never thought I’d fall in love with a coffee mug from the Dollar Tree. But here I am, sipping my morning brew from a stylish, high-end-looking mug that only cost me $1.25.

If you’ve read any of my stories, you know that I have a soft spot for pretty things, especially when they don’t break the bank. So, when I came across these Royal Norfolk stoneware mugs with modern, embossed black etching, I knew they had to come home with me. 

Why I Love the Dollar Tree Mugs

The moment I wrapped my hands around the sturdy build of these mugs, I was sold. Their modern pattern designs and black and white etching make them look like something straight out of Anthropologie or Crate & Barrel—far from what you’d expect from a dollar store.

The fact that they’re microwave and dishwasher-safe was the seal of approval I needed to tell myself that they’re not just for aesthetics. They’re every bit as durable and practical as you need a good mug to be. They look higher-end and cost a mere dollar and a quarter! 

Of course, they’re perfect for my morning coffee or afternoon tea. The 16-ounce capacity holds (and keeps) my hot beverages warm for a long time. But they’ve become so much more than a vessel for my drinks. A quick mug cake or a scoop of ice cream feels instantly more casual-chic when served in one of these.

On crisp fall days, I can imagine serving soup or chili in them–there’s something so cozy about cradling a warm mug of something fortifying. I’ve started using one as a mini vase for fresh garden herbs, and I can see one looking great on my desk as a container for pencils and pens, in a coffee or tea area for loose tea bags, or as a decorative display piece on a shelf. The black and white design complements a range of styles, from modern to farmhouse. They’re great for many things; I only wish I’d bought them sooner!

I Plan to Gift These Mugs, Too!

My next power move will be returning to snag a few more because they’ll make great gifts in December. I plan to fill some with food items, like coffee, tea, chocolates, cookies, and so on. I’ll pair another with small pampering items like bath salts, a mini hand lotion, a lip balm, a face mask, and a pair of fuzzy socks for a self-care package for a friend–all of which can be found at the Dollar Tree, by the way.

For a couple of writer pals, I’m thinking of including a small notebook, a nice pen, some sticky notes, and a roll of washi tape or modern-looking push-pins. I’ll fill the mug with small seed packets for the gardeners and pair it with cute gardening gloves for a thoughtful, budget-friendly gift.

These mugs could be gifted beyond the obvious in many ways, and every inspired idea makes me love them more. Once again, the Dollar Tree proves we can all be a little bougie on a budget.