by Starbucks’ holiday season launch is causing quite the buzz — and this time, it’s not about coffee. The company has dropped an irresistibly cute limited-edition “Bearista” glass cold cup that has fans lining up early, clearing shelves, and even reselling the item online for hundreds of dollars.
A Festive Must-Have for Starbucks Lovers
Released Thursday alongside the return of Starbucks’ much-anticipated holiday menu, the 20-ounce Bearista cold cup is shaped like an adorable bear with black eyes, a nose, and a green knitted hat featuring the Starbucks logo. It’s designed for cold beverages and comes with a matching green-and-white straw that completes the festive ensemble.
Priced at $29.95, the Bearista cup is available only in stores — a move that has led to long lines and rapid sellouts across multiple locations. According to Starbucks, the cup is meant to “bring instant joy to every sip,” with the company describing it as a perfect fit for iced matcha lattes, cold brews, and other chilled favorites.
Fans Go Wild on Social Media
The excitement around the Bearista cup exploded online, as coffee lovers shared their delight — and frustration — over the release.
“This is the CUTEST cup I’ll ever own!!!!!” one Instagram user wrote under Starbucks’ official post.
“Shut the front door, that is so cute,” another fan gushed, while a third added, “My husband says I don’t need more cups… but he is most definitely wrong.”
Others were less lucky. One frustrated buyer on X (formerly Twitter) wrote,
“Imagine waiting an hour and a half in line before a Starbucks opens to buy one of the new Bearista cups, only to find out they’re sold out before the doors even unlock.”
Resellers Cash In on the Craze
Within hours of hitting stores, the Bearista cup began showing up on eBay, listed by resellers for astonishing markups — some as high as $500. Most listings range between $150 and $300, highlighting just how desirable this festive collectible has become among Starbucks fans and cup collectors alike.
Starbucks Expands Holiday Drinkware Collection
The Bearista isn’t the only festive release this year. Starbucks also partnered with Hello Kitty to debut a new holiday lineup of tumblers, mugs, and water bottles. Prices in this collection vary, with the stainless steel cold cup and ceramic mug retailing for $32.95 each, and the water bottle priced at $29.95.
Additionally, the company has reintroduced its iconic red holiday cups, which come in six new designs this season — two for iced drinks and four for hot beverages. These cups feature patterns inspired by plaid pajamas and Starbucks barista aprons, complete with gift tags where baristas can add personalized messages for customers.
Red Cup Day Returns Soon
Starbucks fans can look forward to Red Cup Day on November 13, when the company traditionally gives away free reusable red cups with select holiday beverage purchases — a beloved annual event that often draws long lines of its own.
For now, though, the Bearista is stealing the spotlight. With its charming design, limited availability, and resale frenzy, it’s clear that Starbucks has once again mastered the art of turning seasonal merchandise into collector’s gold.
What do you think — would you spend $30 (or even $300) on the new Bearista cup? Join the discussion and share your thoughts at mikeandjonpodcast.com.
