Starbucks sends customers into frenzy after dropping Christmas ‘Bearista’ cups with new variations

Starbucks fans are already going to great lengths to get their paws on the new collection of Bear-inspired cups.

What began as a seasonal piece of Starbucks perch turned into one of the coffee chain's most unexpected consumer crazes.

The Bearista cup, a glass drinking vessel shaped like a teddy bear wearing a green Starbucks beanie, became an internet sensation in November 2025, prompting early-morning queues, rapid sell-outs and a lucrative resale market.

For the fans who missed out on them last year, you’ll be pleased to know that the Bearista cups are back for this month as part of the 2026 holiday collection.

Starbucks announced on Monday (9 November) that its Bearista cups would be returning the following day in the U.S., with a festive twist. The latest release features five collectible designs in a Surprise Box edition, made from hand-blown glass and priced at $39.95 each. The limited-edition cups are available at select coffeehouses while stocks last.

Priced at $39.95 in the US, the collection features five festive designs: Reiny, a reindeer-inspired character; Joy, dressed for ice skating; Aspen, ready for the ski slopes; Bunny, styled as a snow bunny; and Goldie, a rare, gold-coloured edition.

Fans have already taken to social media to share just how in-demand the cups are while others have given a shocking first look at the resale market so far.

One father on X wrote: “My 10-year-old daughter persuaded me to buy the new Starbucks Bearista cups this morning. She wanted a couple, but I spotted an opportunity and bought six at $39.95 each.

“With resale prices already climbing well above retail, and last year's release selling out in less than a day, the question now is: she gets her two, but do I keep the remaining four or cash in while demand is high?”

The frustration comes as resale listings begin appearing on eBay, with one seller advertising pre-orders for the Bearista cups at $79.98, plus $16 shipping, almost double the original $39.95 retail price.

One custmer, who posted a screenshot of the listing, shared: “I glanced over at the Bearista cups while picking up my drink this morning, and the next thing I knew, a man had grabbed all four boxes and was attempting to buy the entire stock. Thankfully, my store had a limit of two per customer. I hope you make absolutely $0 in sales, sir.”

Shockingly, that listing is quite the bargain on the resale market. Another post on X shows listings for $110.00 and $125.00.

Another customer expressed disbelief at the price of Starbucks’ latest Bearista collection, saying: “The Starbucks barista offered to sell me a special holiday ‘Surprise Box’ where I would get one of five hideous bear cups. I said no, but asked the price out of curiosity.”

After learning the price, the customer surmised: “They’re out of their god damn minds.”

Another Starbucks customer highlighted the lengths collectors are considering to secure the latest release, asking: “Do I get up at 3am to get the Starbucks Christmas Bearista glass sippy cup and complete my collection, or do I hire one of you to go do it for me…?”