This Mini Gift Idea Is Like a Burr Basket But Even Better (So Useful!)

Yanel Siqueiros
Yanel Siqueiros
Yanel Siqueiros is a 19-year-old student journalist at New York University, where she writes and reports on the culture of a bustling city right in the heart of Manhattan. When she’s not studying English literature or broadcast journalism in NYC, she can be spotted at a sunny…read more
published Nov 29, 2025
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someone doing a puzzle with mugs
Credit: Photo: Erik Bernstein; Prop Styling: Thomas Hoerup, Vicky Wasik

You’ve probably heard of the boo basket or burr basket trends, which quickly became the internet’s favorite, creative way to package seasonally inspired gifts. These baskets typically feature snacks, blankets, skincare, and makeup products, as well as drinks and other little goodies themed to a certain holiday, all wrapped up in a basket or box of some sort. The “burr mug” is a super similar concept, except all the treats sit inside an item you’ll actually use all of the time: a mug!

What Is a “Burr Mug”?

In a TikTok video, user Zohra (@zohrastacey) puts a slight spin on the viral burr basket by filling holiday-themed mugs with tons of self-care treats. Zohra’s items include sheet masks, skincare serums, travel-size fragrances, lip balm, lip masks, chocolate, and candy canes. But you can also include other adorable items for your friends and family such as holiday M&Ms, hot cocoa bombs, gift cards to their favorite stores, or a pair of fuzzy, festive socks.

5 Cute Mugs to Make Your Own

The mugs featured in the TikTok video are an adorable ceramic pair designed to look like circular gingerbread houses decked out in icing and snowflakes. From a super similar option to a few other wintry coffee (or cocoa) cups, here are some picks so cute you’ll want to make “burr mugs” for all your friends.  

Gingerbread House Mug
$5

This gingerbread house mug from Target just screams “holiday season.” At 15.8 ounces, once the recipient has used all the treats you’ve filled it with, it’s large enough to fit a generous cup of cocoa topped with marshmallows and whipped cream on top for the perfect cozy night in.

$5 at Target
Scandi Squiggle Ceramic Mug
$19$11

This Scandi-inspired mug is perfect for the person whose dorm aesthetic leans cottagecore or cozy, or simply adores a pink accent. Its scalloped handle helps it stand apart from other mugs, plus it has the cutest floral design embellished at the bottom. The only downside is that the actual mug is so sweet, it risks outshining the miniatures you put inside it!

$11 at West Elm
Brown Bear Holiday Mug
$13

If your friend is still bummed they didn’t get their paws on the Starbucks Bearista cup, they will love you for getting them this almost-too-cute mug shaped and painted to look just like a little brown bear. If they have a different favorite animal, there are three other options: a winter dog, cozy penguin, or snowy reindeer — each making the cutest pal to perch on your desk while you sip your morning brew.

$13 at Crate & Barrel
Sanrio Hello Kitty Holiday Mug
$15

This pink mug features the iconic Sanrio character, Hello Kitty, surrounded by tons of winter and holiday decals. It’s perfect for containing an assortment of useful goods to give to the cutest person on your gifting list.

$15 at Urban Outfitters
Daily Stripe Mug
$14

This basic but chic mug emulates a classic candy cane with its striped look, and it comes in four different colorways so you can personalize it to the recipient’s tastes. Combine the more underrated holiday design with a petite handle, and you have the perfect pick for the person in your life who loves mugs that double as chic, timeless decor.

$14 at Anthropologie

Yanel Siqueiros

Contributor

Yanel Siqueiros is a 19-year-old student journalist at New York University, where she writes and reports on the culture of a bustling city right in the heart of Manhattan. When she’s not studying English literature or broadcast journalism in NYC, she can be spotted at a sunny beach in her home in San Diego, California. Yanel’s bicoastal perspective on life gives her a grasp on all of the trendy subjects going around the different sides of the U.S. She loves keeping up with pop culture and fashion, and using her skills as a writer to inform others about what is relevant in the zeitgeist.

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SchoolNew York University '27
MajorJournalism and English
FavesThrifting, oat milk matcha lattes, Jellycats, and Charli xcx
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