Breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, but for the most part, you’d never guess it.
If you’re anything like us, it’s a meal that’s wolfed down in the morning rush or eaten quickly at our desks while skimming emails. In the working week at least, breakfast for most is about throwing some fuel into the engine before the relief of a lunch break.
That’s a real shame in our book. A good breakfast can set you up for the day and give you time to get your schedule in order before you go in headfirst.
Just like buying stylish gym kit to encourage you to go, investing in nice breakfast-focused tableware could give you the nudge you need to press pause and enjoy the first meal of the day properly.
If you’re an egg-and-soldier sort of person, a cracking set of egg cups adds a sense of ceremony to the proceedings. The ritual of buttering hot slices of toast while waiting for your egg to boil to your preferred level of doneness offers a drop of mindfulness to what may transpire to be a terrifically busy day.
Egg cups also make a thoughtful gift that usually won’t break the bank. Some designer options, which are on the pricier end of the scale, can be little luxuries to brighten up your day.
There’s a world of egg cups out there, with designs for every taste, theme and budget. We’ve sorted through them to find the best, quirkiest options to have delivered to your door.
Shop the best egg cups below
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Le Creuset Stoneware Rainbow Egg Cups
Big families will love Le Creuset’s stoneware egg cups, each in the brand’s hero colours to make them really stand out on the breakfast bar. This four-set will suit smaller broods, while couples can get in on the action too with this simple but chic two-set.
Buy now £51.00, John Lewis
The Alphabet Gift Shop Mojave Glaze Egg Cups
This dreamy design will feel right at home in any contemporary kitchen. The stoneware textures and glazed dip-dye effect are handmade, so no two are exactly the same. The price is for a pair and can be made gift-ready by adding a personalised ribbon to the packaging.
Buy now £9.99, NOTHS
George Jensen Cobra polished stainless-steel egg cups set of two
Royal warrant-holder George Jensen is a silversmith renowned for adding a twist to designs. The brand has given the same treatment to egg cups which come in stainless steel enamating a sleek Scandi aesthetic. A polished gift for newlyweds.
Buy now £54.00, Selfridges
Dunelm Set of 4 MissPrint Egg Cups
Offering a departure from the typical egg cup shape, Dunelm’s tiny pots are as good for tucking into boiled eggs as they are for decanting condiments or using as shot glasses at parties.
Buy now £18.00, Dunelm
Quail Pekin Duck Egg Cup
From Midlands pottery brand Quail comes this lovely little egg cup, complete with a white duck escort. All the details are hand-painted on stoneware adding both to its quirk and charm.
Buy now £20.00, Liberty
Anya Hindmarch Set of two Eyes china egg cups
A little everyday luxury that will give you endless joy every time you use it. Say hello to Anya Hindmarch’s bone china egg cups, handpainted with the designer’s famous eyes motif. Made in the UK, they’re perfect for making a typical weekend breakfast that much more special. Handwash only.
Buy now £75.00, Matches
Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Egg Cup
Fairytales aren’t just for bedtime; they can be a breakfast fixture too. Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit is brought to life through this egg cup, perfect for fans of the stories. A charming birthday gift for a young egg fanatic, there are other characters from the legendary author’s books in the range.
For a grown-up version, this set adds two spade-shaped spoons into the mix (£11.99).
Buy now £25.00, Harts of Stur
Emma Bridgewater Polka Dot Set Of 3 Egg Cups Boxed
Cheer up dull mornings with a spot of colour, courtesy of British brand Emma Bridgewater. Parcelled as a set of three, the earthenware pots are dishwasher safe but should be kept away from the microwave or oven.
Buy now £37.00, Emma Bridgewater
Matilda Goad & Co Egg Cup Plate
There’s no need to fumble with an egg cup and plate for your bread soldiers with Matilda Goad’s design. It fixes the cup onto an 18cm dish itself, which means easy one-handed transportation from the kitchen to the telly. Covered in a pink and green check print and finished with a twisted trim, the ceramic piece has been handmade in Portugal.
Buy now £35.00, Matilda Goad & Co
Diplodocus Egg Cup
Whoever first said you shouldn’t play with your food clearly hadn’t happened upon this dino-themed egg cup, which you can pick up from the Natural History Museum’s shop. Offered in a light shade of blue, the porcelain design will have your little ones thudding down the stairs for breakfast.
Buy now £12.00, Natural History Museum
Pip Studio Royal Stripes Set Of Four Egg Cups
This striking blue and white striped design promises to add a splash of colour to your table. Part of the Royal Stripes collection, each purchase includes a set of four porcelain cups. Due to their delicate nature, these cups are hand wash only and unsuitable for microwaving.
Buy now £28.00, NOTHS
Sarah Swan Egg Cup
Why should fancy tableware be reserved for dinner parties? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not dress it up accordingly? Call in homeware experts Graham & Green, who, alongside dreamy furniture and furnishings, do a great little line of accessories like egg cups too. This swan-themed one is perfect for adding a touch of majesty to morning meals.
Buy now £21.00, Graham & Green
Alec Doherty for Paul Smith - Bone China Egg Cup
Made for Paul Smith’s Parisian cafe by British artist and jeweller Alec Doherty, this simple egg cup gives the simple boiled egg bags of character. A body in a suit illustration has been hand-painted onto the side, giving you a (temporary) extra guest at the breakfast table.
Buy now £35.00, Paul Smith
Doing Goods Octopus Egg Cup
Crafted from brass, this highly textured egg cup is one for dreamers. It’s octopus themed, promising to give breakfast times an otherworldly edge. Nautical or nice; you decide.
Buy now £24.00, Liberty
Third Drawer Down x David Shrigley ceramic egg cup holder
Fancy a side of oddball arty humour with your morning brew? Call on David Shrigley’s collab with Third Drawer Down which turns an unremarkable egg cup into a thing of... well, not quite beauty, but certainly a conversation starter. The ceramic piece boasts a glossy finish and can be used in myriad ways beyond breakfast - think vase and pencil holder.
Buy now £35.00, Selfridges
Bella Freud Egg Cup Set
A cheerful set of two bone china egg ups to start the day right, Bella Freud’s design are finished with the words ‘hunky’ and ‘dory’. Nine-carat gold details give the simple UK-made design extra luxe as well as a sense of timelessness. These will look good for years to come.
Buy now £75.00, Bella Freud
