Collecting Starbucks Been There Mugs: A Global Adventure

Starbucks Been There Mugs have become a popular collector’s item for coffee enthusiasts and travelers alike. The history of these mugs dates back to 2018 when Starbucks introduced the “Been There Series” as a follow-up to the successful “You Are Here” collection. The “Been There Series” was designed to showcase iconic landmarks and symbols from various cities and countries around the world. Each mug features vibrant and detailed illustrations that capture the essence of the location it represents. The collection quickly gained a dedicated following, with collectors eager to add new mugs to their shelves.

The concept behind the “Been There Series” was to create a sense of connection and nostalgia for travelers who have visited these destinations, as well as to inspire others to explore new places. The mugs serve as a tangible reminder of the places people have been and the memories they have made. Starbucks has continued to release new mugs in the series, expanding the collection to include more cities and countries, making it an ongoing and ever-growing treasure trove for collectors. The popularity of the “Been There Series” has led to a thriving community of collectors who eagerly anticipate new releases and actively seek out rare and limited edition mugs to add to their collections.

Key Takeaways

• Starbucks Been There Mugs were first introduced in 2018, featuring iconic landmarks and symbols from various cities and countries.
• To start your collection, visit different Starbucks locations and look for mugs from cities you have visited or plan to visit.
• The most coveted mugs include rare and limited edition designs, such as the “You Are Here” series and mugs from discontinued locations.
• When trading or selling mugs, consider joining online communities and using platforms like eBay to connect with other collectors.
• Display and store your collection creatively, using shelves, shadow boxes, or mug trees to showcase your mugs while keeping them safe.

How to Start Your Collection

Starting a Starbucks Been There Mug collection can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor for coffee lovers and travel enthusiasts. The first step is to decide on the focus of your collection, whether it’s a specific region, country, or theme that resonates with you. Once you have a clear direction, you can begin hunting for mugs to add to your collection. One of the easiest ways to start your collection is by visiting local Starbucks stores or airport locations, where you can find mugs representing the city or country you are in. You can also check online marketplaces and auction sites for rare and hard-to-find mugs that may not be available in your area.

As you start acquiring mugs, it’s important to keep track of which ones you already have to avoid duplicates. Creating a checklist or spreadsheet can help you stay organized and track your progress as you build your collection. It’s also helpful to set a budget for your collection, as some mugs may be more expensive or harder to find than others. Joining online forums and social media groups dedicated to Starbucks mug collecting can also provide valuable insights and tips for finding rare mugs and connecting with other collectors.

The Most Coveted Mugs and Where to Find Them

Some Starbucks Been There Mugs have become highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity, unique designs, or special significance. One of the most coveted mugs is the “Been There Series” mug for Disney Parks, featuring iconic attractions and characters from Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This mug is highly sought after by Disney fans and Starbucks collectors alike, making it a prized addition to any collection. Another highly coveted mug is the “Been There Series” mug for New York City, featuring famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. This mug is a popular choice for collectors due to its vibrant design and representation of one of the world’s most iconic cities.

In addition to these highly coveted mugs, there are also rare and limited edition releases that are highly sought after by collectors. These mugs may be exclusive to certain locations or events, making them harder to find and more valuable to collectors. One way to find these rare mugs is by attending Starbucks events or visiting flagship stores that may carry exclusive merchandise. Online marketplaces and auction sites can also be a valuable resource for finding rare mugs, although collectors should be cautious of counterfeit or overpriced items.

Tips for Trading and Selling Mugs

For collectors looking to expand their collections or make room for new additions, trading and selling mugs can be a great way to connect with other collectors and find new homes for duplicate or unwanted items. When trading mugs, it’s important to communicate clearly with the other party about the condition of the mugs, any specific requirements or preferences, and the terms of the trade. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to Starbucks mug collecting can be a great place to connect with other collectors who may be interested in trading.

When selling mugs, collectors should research the market value of their items to ensure they are pricing them fairly. Online marketplaces such as eBay and Etsy can be effective platforms for selling mugs, as they reach a wide audience of potential buyers. Collectors should accurately describe the condition of the mugs and provide clear photos to give potential buyers a good understanding of what they are purchasing. Packaging mugs securely for shipping is also important to ensure they arrive safely to their new owners.

Displaying and Storing Your Collection

Once you have started building your Starbucks Been There Mug collection, finding a way to display and store your mugs becomes essential. There are various options for displaying mugs, including shelves, cabinets, and display cases. Some collectors choose to arrange their mugs by region or theme, while others prefer to display them in chronological order based on their release date. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to ensure that your mugs are displayed in a way that protects them from damage and allows them to be appreciated.

When it comes to storing your collection, it’s important to keep your mugs in a safe and secure location to prevent breakage or damage. Sturdy boxes or storage containers with dividers can help keep your mugs organized and protected when they are not on display. It’s also important to store your mugs in a climate-controlled environment to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity, which can cause damage over time.

Meeting Fellow Collectors and Joining Communities

Collecting Starbucks Been There Mugs can be a solitary hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. Joining communities and connecting with fellow collectors can enhance the experience and provide valuable opportunities for trading, sharing tips, and learning about new releases. Online forums, social media groups, and dedicated websites are great places to connect with other collectors who share your passion for Starbucks mugs. These communities often organize meetups, swap events, and group buys that provide opportunities to connect with other collectors in person.

Attending Starbucks events or visiting flagship stores can also provide opportunities to meet fellow collectors and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for collecting mugs. Building relationships with other collectors can lead to valuable connections for trading, selling, and finding rare mugs that may not be available in your area. It can also provide a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm for the hobby that enhances the overall experience of collecting Starbucks Been There Mugs.

Traveling for Starbucks Mugs: A Collector’s Guide

For avid collectors who are passionate about adding new mugs to their collection, traveling for Starbucks mugs can be an exciting adventure. Visiting different cities and countries provides opportunities to find unique and exclusive mugs that may not be available elsewhere. When planning a trip with the intention of collecting Starbucks mugs, it’s important to research which locations carry the “Been There Series” mugs and whether there are any exclusive or limited edition releases available.

Visiting flagship stores, airport locations, and tourist hotspots can increase the chances of finding rare or exclusive mugs that are not available in regular Starbucks stores. It’s also helpful to connect with local collectors or communities in the area you are visiting, as they may have valuable insights on where to find rare mugs or which locations carry exclusive merchandise. Traveling for Starbucks mugs can add an extra layer of excitement and adventure to collecting, as it provides opportunities to explore new places while adding unique pieces to your collection.

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“Starbucks’ ‘Been There’ mugs have become a popular collector’s item among coffee enthusiasts, with each mug featuring a unique design that represents a specific city or location. These mugs have sparked a trend of travelers collecting them as souvenirs from their favorite destinations. If you’re a fan of these mugs, you might also enjoy reading about the coffee culture and travel experiences in the book ‘LA Drive-By’ by visiting www.ladrivebybook.com. This article delves into the intersection of coffee, travel, and culture, offering insights that will resonate with anyone who appreciates the connection between a good cup of coffee and the places it takes us.”

FAQs

What are Starbucks Been There Mugs?

Starbucks Been There Mugs are a collection of ceramic coffee mugs featuring designs that represent various cities, states, and countries around the world. Each mug is adorned with colorful illustrations and iconic landmarks that are unique to the specific location.

How many Starbucks Been There Mugs are there?

As of 2021, Starbucks has released over 100 different designs of the Been There Mugs, covering a wide range of cities, states, and countries. The collection continues to grow as new designs are periodically released.

Where can I buy Starbucks Been There Mugs?

Starbucks Been There Mugs are available for purchase at Starbucks retail locations in the specific city, state, or country that the mug represents. They are also available for purchase online through the Starbucks website and various third-party retailers.

Are Starbucks Been There Mugs collectible?

Yes, Starbucks Been There Mugs are highly sought after by collectors due to their unique designs and limited availability. Many collectors aim to complete the entire collection of mugs from different locations around the world.

Can I use Starbucks Been There Mugs for hot beverages?

Yes, Starbucks Been There Mugs are designed for use with hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. They are made of durable ceramic material and are dishwasher and microwave safe.