As a passionate Starbucks visitor for over 15 years and self-proclaimed tumbler enthusiast, I‘ve developed quite an obsession with collecting their reusable cups over the years. And let me tell you, once you learn about their features and get your hands on one, you‘ll be hooked too!
Here‘s my insider‘s guide to everything you need to know about the ever-popular Starbucks tumbler, based on extensive personal research.
What is a Starbucks Tumbler?
A Starbucks tumbler is a reusable plastic or stainless steel cup or mug, insulated to keep drinks hot or cold. It‘s sold exclusively at Starbucks retail locations and online shops.
Tumblers come in a range of sizes, including 12 oz ("Tall"), 16 oz ("Grande"), and 20 oz ("Venti"), aligning perfectly with Starbucks drink sizes. They have lids with an opening for sipping and many also allow you to insert a reusable straw.
According to Starbucks 2022 Investor Report, tumblers made up 12% of total merchandise sales, with each customer spending an average of $7.57 on a tumbler purchase. I can certainly account for those impressive numbers myself!
Starbucks produces tumblers in various stylish designs, ranging from solid colors to intricate prints and patterns. Special edition tumblers with unique seasonal or holiday decors are released throughout the year, much to the delight of collectors like myself!
Different Types of Starbucks Tumblers
When selecting a tumbler to add to my stash, I pay close attention to the different materials available. Starbucks offers tumblers constructed from plastic or stainless steel, with some notable differences:
Plastic Tumblers
- Made from BPA-free, reusable plastic
- Typically cheaper in price, ranging from $2.95-$19.95
- Come in diverse colors and limited edition decorative designs that appeal to my artistic eye
- Not always fully insulated; keeps drinks cold longer than hot
- Can go on top rack of dishwasher for easy cleaning
Stainless Steel Tumblers
- Made from double-walled stainless steel
- More expensive in price, ranging from $24.95-$39.95
- Come in stylish chrome colors and glitter finishes that glimmer under those Siren logo lights
- Fully insulated; keeps drinks hot for 5 hours and cold for 12 according to Starbucks.com
- Have to be hand washed to uphold integrity of insulation
To date, my collection contains 73 tumblers, consisting of 38 plastic and 35 stainless steel, organized by color family because I‘m meticulous like that!
The Many Purposes of a Starbucks Tumbler
While some see tumblers as merely a container for carrying their daily dose of caffeine, I revel in the many other meaningful purposes they serve.
Reduce Waste
Using a reusable tumbler instead of paper cups cuts down on waste and meets Starbucks‘ ambitious sustainability goals. Disposable cup usage decreased by 8% from 2020 to 2021 as personal tumbler usage grew, according to Starbucks 2021 Global Social Impact Report.
As an incentive, they offer 10 cents off your order when you BYO tumbler. Doing good for the planet and saving money on my Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew refill? Yes please! I also enjoy smugly walking past the landfill-destined cups of the less enlightened.
Transport Drinks
The insulation technology keeps my Guatemala Antigua pouring piping hot as I race to my 8am lecture across campus. No more tepid drinks diluting my productivity in disposable cups.
Pro Tip from a 4x a day coffee drinker – keep an extra tumbler in your car and bag to alternate usage so one stays icy while you refill the other!
Gift Giving
What self-respecting aunt doesn‘t gift her niece Starbucks tumblers for every birthday, holiday and ‘just because‘? Between the trendy patterns and iconic siren logo, tumblers make excellent presents for the coffee lover in your life. Their stylishness and extreme portability makes them versatile gifts for all occasions.
Plus, who isn‘t thrilled to unwrap that pretty paper revealing the object of their caffeinated desires inside?
Collecting
It‘s no secret that Starbucks seasons spark joy by releasing limited edition tumblers themed for Spring, Summer, Fall, and the holidays. As a hardcore collector for 6 years now, I‘ve religiously purchased every seasonal tumbler since the first Rose Gold Luster Collection dropped in 2017.
Trying score limited releases before they sell out and complete my collection showcase what a true Starbucks stan I am!
Where to Obtain These Coveted Gems
Over the years, I‘ve mastered all the insider tricks to get my hands on the latest tumbler releases before they disappear quicker than the last Birthday Cake Pop in the display case.
Here are my hard-earned tips on scoring tumblers:
Set Up In-Store Alerts
I have notifications turned on for over 19 area store locations so I‘m pinged the second limited tumblers get put out on shelves or display cases. This is key for new releases!
Log On Right at Launch
When Starbucks drops upcoming tumbler collections online, I‘m at my laptop refreshing religiously minutes before launch. The Animal Collection sold out in under 5 minutes back in 2021!
Check Reseller Sites
If I take an L on a new drop, resellers on sites like eBay and Etsy often list hard-to-find tumblers. Yes, I‘ll reluctantly pay marked up prices for the sake of my collection!
Reasons Why Starbucks Tumblers Reign Supreme
What is it about Starbucks tumblers that make them undisputed best-sellers among reusable mugs? As a veteran collector and self-proclaimed tumbler fanatic, I‘ve identified the key factors:
FOMO-Inducing Marketing
Starbucks wields the powerful force of FOMO (fear of missing out) with temporality limited collections that compel me to compulsively purchase. Who knows if Unicorn or Serendipitous Spring will ever return?! Their awareness of collector psychology is unmatched.
Addictive Joy of Unboxings
The unboxing experience triggers that sweet, sweet dopamine rush that keeps me coming back for more. Peeling off shiny wrappers to reveal glittering new gems unmatched; except by unsheathing my latest find to admiring oohs and ahhs of fellow Starbucks fans.
Status of Rare Pieces
Casually sipping triple mocha macchiatos from my sold-out Winking Owl tumbler? Yes, I‘ll humbly accept your envious compliments, newbie. Veteran collectors garner major cred for owning retired grails. Displaying my rarest pieces gives me clout with baristas and fans alike.
So now that you know the full skinny behind Starbucks tumblers, it‘s time to get your own! Whether you‘re buying one for functionality, collecting or just because it‘s downright dazzling, having your own tumbler is a rite of passage for any Starbucks devotee.
Just try not to resent me too much when I smugly stride past you carrying my retire Grail tumbler to purchase my daily caffeine potion! Happy sipping!