I rarely walk into a thrift store without checking the coffee mug section. There are usually shelves packed with everything from vacation souvenirs and company giveaways to holiday mugs and mismatched sets. Most aren’t anything special, but every now and then, you find something good.
Here are 9 types of coffee mugs I’d keep an eye out for on my next thrift store trip.
Vintage Diner and Restaurant Mugs
Those thick, heavy ceramic mugs from old diners and restaurants are always worth a closer look, especially if they feature a business that’s no longer around. Mugs from famous establishments, historic restaurants, or beloved local businesses can appeal to collectors interested in restaurant memorabilia.
Vintage Fire-King Mugs
Fire-King mugs are worth checking out, especially the recognizable jade-green pieces and older restaurant-style designs. Certain colors, promotional mugs, and vintage patterns have a loyal following among collectors, so always check the bottom for markings and inspect the glass for damage.
Pyrex Mugs
Vintage Pyrex mugs don’t get nearly as much attention as the brand’s colorful mixing bowls, but some are collectible, too. Mugs with discontinued patterns or that match popular kitchenware sets are worth looking for, especially when they’re in excellent condition.
Starbucks City and Destination Mugs
Starbucks has released countless destination mugs over the years, and some discontinued designs have become surprisingly collectible. Keep an eye out for older city mugs, international locations, and retired collections, since certain designs can sell for considerably more than their original retail price.
McDonald’s Promotional Mugs
Those old McDonald’s mugs featuring cartoon characters, holiday designs, and promotional artwork might be worth more than you’d expect. Vintage character mugs and complete promotional sets can attract nostalgic collectors, particularly when the graphics are still in great condition.
Disney Collector Mugs
Disney mugs are common at thrift stores, but older park-exclusive designs, discontinued collections, and limited releases can be much harder to find. Look for unusual character artwork, vintage logos, and markings that help identify when and where the mug was originally sold.
Anthropologie Monogram Mugs
Anthropologie’s decorative monogram mugs have been popular for years, and certain discontinued styles can be difficult to replace. If you spot one with distinctive lettering or an older pattern, check recent resale prices, since some designs and letters are more desirable than others.
Tiki Mugs
Tiki mugs are easy to recognize by their carved faces, tropical designs, and unusual shapes, but some are much more collectible than others. Vintage examples from tiki bars and restaurants, along with limited-edition releases, can attract serious collectors, so check for maker’s marks or restaurant names on the bottom.
Vintage Advertising Mugs
Old advertising mugs featuring gas stations, breweries, restaurants, and forgotten businesses can be surprisingly interesting finds. Collectors often look for unusual logos, discontinued brands, and promotional pieces that weren’t widely produced, so these mugs are worth investigating before you leave them behind.
