From a half pint to a full two pints, and from a plain finish to a hand-finished Celtic design, the pewter tankard is the most traditional English gift there is. Here's how to pick the right one.
A tankard is one of those gifts that outlasts almost everything else on a shelf. Unlike a bottle of something or a card, it sits out, gets used, and often gets handed down. But with dozens of styles and three different sizes, it helps to know what you're actually choosing between.
The three sizes
½ Pint: a smaller, lighter tankard — a good choice as a keepsake or display piece rather than for regular drinking, and often more affordable as a gift.
1 Pint: the standard, traditional size and by far our most popular — proportioned the way a tankard is meant to look and feel in the hand.
2 Pint: a substantial, statement piece. Less about everyday use and more about a serious retirement, achievement or milestone gift.
Plain or decorated?
Our range runs from entirely plain tankards through to designs with Celtic knotwork, brass inlay, satin bands, glass bases and hand-hammered finishes. A plain tankard is the most versatile choice and lets engraving take centre stage. A decorated style suits a gift where the pattern itself carries meaning — Celtic designs for Scottish or Irish heritage, a national badge (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland) for a proud supporter, or a sporting scene (golf, football, rugby, fishing) for a hobbyist.
Choosing by occasion
For a retirement gift, a 1 or 2 pint tankard with years of service and a leaving message engraved is a genuine classic.
For a wedding, matching tankards for the Father of the Bride and Father of the Groom is a popular way to mark the day.
For a graduation, a plain or badge tankard with the degree and year works well.
For a sports fan, one of our scene tankards (golf, football, rugby, sailing, shooting) makes a gift that's instantly personal without needing engraving at all.
For a best man or usher, a 1 pint tankard is the traditional pairing alongside a hip flask.
Looking after it
Pewter tankards need very little care — a soft cloth and an occasional gentle polish is all it takes to keep the finish looking right for decades. See our full guide to caring for pewter for the do's and don'ts.
Browse our full range of pewter tankards from half pint to two pints, and add a name, date or message with our flat-fee engraving option.