Printed coasters

After managing more than 300 coaster orders for businesses and campaigns, at Gift Campaign we have found that the material is the decision that has the biggest impact on the final result: it determines the feel, how your logo looks and how well the coaster holds up. So, here is our recommendation for each material:

• Cork: Natural, lightweight and sustainable, making it the most popular choice among customers looking to project an eco-conscious image. It won't scratch surfaces and works particularly well with engraving.
• Wood And Bamboo: The most elegant and robust option. We recommend these when a brand wants to convey quality. Laser engraving gives a more permanent finish.
• Rubber / PVC: Non-slip and resistant to liquids, making it the easiest to clean. If you choose white, it allows full-colour sublimation printing, making it ideal for logos with gradients or photographs.
• Felt: Flexible, lightweight and a good thermal insulator. It absorbs moisture, making it one of our favourite options for hot drinks.
• Slate: The most contemporary option, ideal for campaigns and businesses looking to align with current trends. It is heat-resistant and can be cleaned in one simple wipe.
• Faux Leather: The most premium range, offering rigid designs with a soft-touch finish that does not absorb liquids or odours. Our choice when the coaster itself is intended to be the gift.

That said, if we had to give you one piece of advice, it would be this: if your priority is the price per unit for a large order, go for rubber or cork. But if you want to enhance your brand image, wood, bamboo or faux leather are the options that tend to work best.

Across the seven European markets in which we operate, branded coasters have become a popular choice in hospitality venues and in food and hydration areas at trade shows and events. Their success is partly due to a good balance between practicality, visibility and cost, but there are other benefits worth considering.

First of all, they serve an essential practical purpose: protecting furniture by preventing rings of moisture from forming on tables, which can also significantly reduce cleaning time. On top of this practical use, they are an affordable branding medium, allowing businesses to place large orders on tight budgets while reserving premium finishes for special occasions.

Beyond being cost-effective, they also stand out for their aesthetic appeal and brand impact. A well-designed coaster not only decorates the table and adds a distinctive touch, but also puts your logo directly in front of the customer. And because coasters are used during moments of relaxation and enjoyment—whether having a coffee, cocktail or smoothie—your brand becomes naturally associated with a positive and relaxing experience.

Finally, coasters are an item that people keep. Many customers hold on to them as souvenirs, extending your company's presence in their everyday lives long after their first interaction with your brand. This makes them a subtle but consistent tool for building customer loyalty and strengthening brand recall.

Each material works best with specific printing and branding techniques, and choosing the right one can make the difference between a logo that lasts for years and one that wears away quickly. Here are the most popular branding options in our catalogue:

• Pad Printing And Screen Printing: These allow logos in one or several colours and work on almost any surface. They are the most versatile and cost-effective solutions.
• Laser Engraving: Ideal for wood and cork. It provides a professional, understated finish that is highly resistant to damage.
• Digital Printing And Sublimation: Best when you need a full-colour logo or a design with lots of detail. However, these techniques require suitable surfaces, such as rubber or white surfaces.

As a general rule, we recommend a very simple formula for choosing the right personalisation technique: choose laser engraving for natural materials such as wood or cork, opt for sublimation for white surfaces or multicolour designs, and use pad printing or screen printing for everything else.