:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ar-sbux-holiday-4x3-37fe539e32cd49a493b7d02204063a1f.jpg)
Dust off your decorations, and start writing your gift lists because ready or not, the holiday shopping season is upon us. Whether you’re gifting for friends, family, or yourself (we don’t judge), now is the time to start looking for new products, and the best deals and discounts. While we’re, of course, shopping at traditional retailers like Walmart and Target for gifts, we can also find the perfect present in unexpected places, like Aldi, Costco, and even coffee shops.
Starbucks has a lot of gifts perfect for the coffee or tea lover in your life. From mugs and tumblers, to coffee makers and bulk coffee—the supersized chain offers all sorts of giftable merchandise. Recently, it released a new collection just in time for the holiday season. It’s a collaboration with another 50-year-old company that has a cult-like following and it’s worth taking a look. It just may be the perfect gift for a special someone on your shopping list.
Starbucks and Hello Kitty Release New Collaboration Collection
Hello Kitty, the international cultural phenomenon, is beloved by people around the world. The Starbucks and Hello Kitty collaboration offers several products featuring the iconic Japanese character drinking a cup of Starbucks coffee, all surrounding the theme of “together in fun forever.” The collab is coming to Starbucks stores across the United States and Canada starting on Nov. 6.
Starbucks/Sanrio
“Starbucks and Hello Kitty have strong fandoms and deep roots in culture,” said Kap Pitarys, director of U.S. merchandise for Starbucks, in a press release. “Interestingly, both were born in the ’70s—Hello Kitty in 1974 and Starbucks in 1971. We’re excited to bring back that nostalgic vibe with this special collaboration this holiday season.”
Fans of the two brands are already excited to check out this new launch. “I need to see what time my [Starbucks] opens,” shared one fan. “I may have to make a run at the butt crack of dawn.” Another fan shared that the stainless steel cold cup was “calling my name.”
There are eight official products in this release. The first is a boxed plush of Hello Kitty dressed in a signature Starbucks green apron and khaki pants for $34.95. There is also a 16-ounce ceramic mug with an image of Hello Kitty drinking a cup of coffee. The mug, which will sell for $32.95, has a lid to keep your drink warm, and it has Hello Kitty’s signature red bow on top.
“Just when I thought I reached my drink container capacity,” said one fan.
The large stainless steel cold cup holds 26 ounces, great for your favorite iced lattes and Frappuccinos—with room for whipped cream. It has an image of Hello Kitty sitting in a green apron, and will cost $32.95. The acrylic cold cup is the same size, but features a design of Hello Kitty and Tiny Chum dotted with coffee beans and Starbucks mugs, and will sell for $24.95.
There is a 20-ounce stainless steel water bottle that features the character alongside the slogan “together in fun forever,” which will cost $29.95. The 12-ounce stainless steel tumbler is perfect for those who just enjoy a hot cup of joe in the morning. It features Hello Kitty and Tiny Chum surrounded by envelopes and coffee beans, and will sell for $32.95.
There will be two kinds of Hello Kitty gift cards available for purchase as well, one with Hello Kitty enjoying a cup of coffee. The other has an illustration of Hello Kitty handing off a cup of coffee to her teddy bear, Tiny Chum.
If you have a Hello Kitty fan in your life, check out this release at your local Starbucks starting on Nov. 6. Find a red bow to match Hello Kitty’s, and you will have the cutest gift under the tree!
