The Starbucks Bearista cup first showed up in stores starting Nov. 6, 2025 as a limited edition 20-ounce glass cup as one of the holiday merchandise. The popularity of the cups was not a surprise, considering the cute design of a bear wearing a green Starbucks beanie with a green and white striped straw. Although some customers have grown a soft spot for this cup, others hold strong opinions against the cup, considering it overrated. FHS sophomore Sophia Liu, who drinks Starbucks occasionally, describes her thoughts about the attention it has been receiving.
“There is no reason to be waking up at 4:30 a.m. to get a honey container. I think it is giving the same thing as Labubus,” Liu said.
The Bearista cups have been sold out in every Starbucks, and it was made clear by the company that they will not be restocked due to wanting to allow other holiday merchandise an opportunity to sell out. Customers are upset at this statement, as some were waiting in lines before opening times and camping out all night in order to purchase one. People even went as far as fighting and shoving others in order to get their hands on one. Accusations made by eyewitnesses and videos on TikTok claimed to show Starbucks workers purchasing the cups before opening hours, making it unfair for customers who waited for hours.
The retail price for the Bearista cup is set at $29.95, yet many listings on eBay show it being resold for hundreds of dollars more than the original price. Those who missed the initial release are left hopeless, with no other choice than to go to eBay and other resale websites. FHS freshman Vivian Gao shared her thoughts on the sudden price jump and hype surrounding the cup.
“I think that it’s smart to start selling cups for that amount, but also, who’s desperate enough to buy a $500 cup?” Gao said.
With individuals unwilling to spend hundreds of dollars on eBay and on other websites to get their hands on a Bearista cup, people on social media have turned to making their own DIY Bearista cup by using honey containers or Animal Crackers containers from stores.
The new Starbucks bear cup has brought more chaos and disappointment than excitement and satisfaction to customers. What was meant to be a holiday collectible item has instead left many customers disappointed with the circumstances surrounding the release.
