Gift Edit 2024

I Worked at Anthropologie, and This Nostalgic $16 Gem Is the Gift I’m Giving Everyone This Year (It’s a Bestseller!)

published Nov 1, 2024
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Hot cocoa topped with marshmallows in a red mug
Credit: Maureen Petrosky

This feature is part of Apartment Therapy's Gift Edit, our editor-curated collection of gift ideas. Need more inspiration? Check out all our guides here.

During my senior year of college, I worked at my local Anthropologie, and it was dangerous for my wallet. Walking around the store for hours, I would spot and add items to my wishlist left and right. When the holiday season rolled around, the situation only got worse (or better?) because Anthro’s holiday items are to die for. Just imagine staring at the cutest festive decor all day long and getting inspiration from shoppers at the checkout — it’s pretty much impossible to resist snagging at least one item every so often.

That same year, unsurprisingly, pretty much all of my gifts for my family exclusively came from Anthro. It also happened to be one of my best gift-giving years yet, if I do say so myself — probably because I spent so much time thinking about it during my shifts. There was one item that I saw at the checkout frequently during the holidays, and I still regret not snagging it, but I’m planning on rectifying that this season. With its blend of nostalgia and coziness, the bestselling Holiday in the City Mug makes for the perfect gift; there are seven cities to choose from, which gives it a personalized touch. Read on for more reasons why I want to gift this mug to everyone this year (including myself)!

What is the Holiday in the City Stoneware Mug?

I’d wager that these joyful stoneware mugs will be the most stylish in your recipient’s collection (and yours if you’re also shopping for yourself like I am). The illustration printed on the outside is timeless and magical, featuring an impressive amount of tiny details. The New York City one, for instance, depicts what looks like the iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO. People, pine trees, and a taxi are scattered throughout the snowy scene. The golden handle and border around the lip of the mug give it some extra holiday flair. 

The other illustrations are just as showstopping, putting various holiday-themed twists on iconic landmarks. Philadelphia’s shows the Liberty Bell, Chicago’s shows The Bean sculpture in Millennium Park, and so on. Austin, Barcelona, Paris, and London are also among the designs. My favorite detail is the little message hidden on the inside, which is unique to each city. (“Love and happiness from NYC” and “Good cheer from Philly” are a couple of examples.)

Credit: Anthropologie

I worked at an Anthropologie in New York, so naturally, that was the variation that I saw in most people’s baskets while I worked there — I think my Dallas-based family members would appreciate the souvenir from where I live. I might end up going with the Austin one for a few of them. However, your giftee doesn’t have to be from (or even have ever visited) the city you choose. They’re sure to appreciate the beautiful design regardless.

What Anthropologie Shoppers Are Saying

Average Rating: 4.7/5

“This mug has the power to turn a crummy morning or rainy day into a cozy, joy filled moment. It’s gorgeous. It holds hot beverages well. It’s the kind of mug you want to take on a walk with your dog through your neighborhood to show off. If you live in Chicago currently or moved away but still love Chicago get this mug.” – M_Rogue33

“These are my favorite Christmas mugs! They just make me happy when I use them. Have had the collection for several seasons and still look good with hand washing. So excited to see new cities added this year to add Barcelona to my collection! Good quality. I normally drink 12 ounces of coffee and there is plenty of room for this and a little creamer.” – SweetieP

“I have been getting these mugs and plates for years now. I like them so much. I especially like the London and Paris ones but I am collecting several others too. This years serving plate was a perfect addition!” – Pennyanne

For $16, this little luxury is sure to impress anyone on your list. You can pair it with hot cocoa mixes or another item from the Holiday in the City collection, which includes a juice glass, plate, dish towel, platter, and puzzle. (Each one is just as adorable as the mug!) I remember different cities selling out in the store while I worked there, so make sure to grab your favorite one before we get too far into the holiday season!

Buy: Holiday in the City Stoneware Mug, $16

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