It looks much more expensive than it is.

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

If you’ve read any of my stories, you’ll know I have a weakness for pretty things, especially when they don’t cost the earth, so when I came across these Royal Norfolk stoneware mugs with modern embossed black etching, I knew I had to take them home.

Why I love Dollar Tree mugs

When I picked up the sturdy construction of these mugs, I was immediately impressed. Their modern patterns and black and white engraving make them look like they came straight from Anthropologie or Crate & Barrel – nothing like you’d expect from a dollar store.

The fact that they are microwave and dishwasher safe was the seal of approval I needed to tell myself that they are not. Only for aesthetics. They are just as durable and practical as you would expect from a good mug. They look more premium and only cost $1.25!

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

On crisp fall days, I can imagine serving soup or chili in it—it’s so cozy to hold a warm mug of something fortifying. I’ve started using one as a mini vase for fresh garden herbs, and I can imagine 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 just wish I had bought them sooner!

I plan on giving these mugs away as gifts too!

My next power move will be to grab a few more as they make great December gifts. I plan to fill some with food items like coffee, tea, chocolate, cookies, etc. I’ll combine another with little pampering items like bath salts, a mini hand lotion, lip balm, face mask, and a pair of fuzzy socks for a care package for a friend – all of which are available at Dollar Tree, by the way.

For a few writer friends, I’m thinking of including a small notebook, a nice pen, some sticky notes, and a roll of washi tape or modern looking thumbtacks. I’ll fill the mug with little seed packets for the gardeners and pair it with cute gardening gloves for a thoughtful, inexpensive gift.

These mugs can be gifted in many other ways than are obvious, and each inspired idea makes me love them even more. Once again, the Dollar Tree proves that we can all be a little snazzy on a budget.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.