The viral starbucks bear cup is making a dramatic comeback — and fans are already scrambling to get their hands on it. Early on December 8, 2025, Starbucks confirmed it will restock its elusive glass “Bearista” cups through its mobile app, reigniting the holiday-season rush.
This restock comes after the original drop last month sold out within hours, leaving many disappointed and sparking a booming resale market. With 17,000 cups to be distributed via the “Starbucks for Life Merrython” promotion — limited to one per user — today may be the last chance for many to grab the cult-favorite holiday cup.
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🎯 What Is the “Bearista” Cup — and Why Did It Sell Out So Fast
The “Bearista” is a 20-ounce glass cold cup shaped like a teddy bear wearing a green beanie stamped with the Starbucks logo. It comes with a matching green-and-white striped straw — perfect for iced drinks and holiday vibes. Priced at $29.95, it debuted as part of Starbucks’ 2025 holiday merchandise lineup on November 6.
But the adorable design struck a nerve: customers started lining up before dawn, with many claiming their local stores received just one or two cups. Within hours, nearly all locations reported sellouts.
According to Starbucks, despite shipping more Bearista cups than almost any other holiday item, demand still outpaced supply. They publicly apologized for the disappointment.
The Aftermath: Resale Boom, Social Media Frenzy, and Public Frustration
The scarcity fueled a secondary-market boom. On resale platforms, Bearista cups started selling for $200–$450, and some listings reached $1,000 or more. Many fans complained that by the time stores opened, the cups were already gone. Some alleged employees had purchased them before the public, though no proof was ever confirmed.
On social media, frustration bubbled over — customers shared stories of holding multiple tabs, calling stores, driving across town, and camping out at 3 a.m. for a chance. Others mocked the whole ordeal, asking whether they were chasing coffee or clout.
December 8 Restock: Here’s How It Works
At 12:01 a.m. PT today, Starbucks activated a new “instant-win” promotion within the Starbucks app: 17,000 Bearista cups will be randomly awarded through the “Starbucks for Life Merrython.” Each user can win only one cup, and winners will be notified within the app.
Starbucks signaled the restock via social media on December 7, writing: “Your chance is in the Starbucks app. Tomorrow, 12/8.” The message triggered new waves of excitement and anxiety among fans — many expressed confusion and disappointment when nothing appeared in their app immediately. Starbucks hasn’t elaborated on how the winners will be selected, how the cups will be distributed, or whether stores will receive additional inventory.
If you’re hoping to get a Bearista cup today, here’s what to do:
- Download or open the Starbucks app now.
- Make sure your payment information is up to date. Given demand, many drops fail when thousands try to check out simultaneously.
- Watch carefully for a pop-up or instant-win screen. Only winners will get access — no “buy now” button.
- Be ready to act fast if you win. The limited quantity means the checkout window might be brief.
Why the Bearista Cup Press Still Matters
The “Cute Economy” in Full Force
The success — and chaos — surrounding the Bearista cup speaks volumes about the power of aesthetics in 2025 consumer culture. Experts call it a prime example of the “cute economy,” where consumers are drawn to products for their emotional and visual appeal. The teddy-bear shape, soft edges, and friendly design tapped directly into that demand, turning a simple cup into a must-have collectible.
A Marketing—and Brand—Lesson
The Bearista fiasco also shows both the upside and risk for brands using limited drops. On one hand, scarcity can create instant buzz, virality, and long-term brand affinity. On the other, it can damage goodwill when demand vastly outstrips supply — especially if many customers who genuinely want the product are left empty-handed. Starbucks already apologized once. Today’s restock is a chance to restore some of that goodwill — but only if users feel the distribution is fair and transparent.
Resale Culture and Collectibles Gone Wild
The Bearista situation raises questions about resale culture. The cup, meant originally for everyday iced coffee, became a high-demand collectible — trading hands like a sneaker or a toy. While some happy customers found joy and satisfaction in owning it, others spent hours, gas, and stress chasing what many see as a “glorified plastic cup.” That dynamic may shape how companies structure future limited releases — or whether they continue them at all.
What It Means for Starbucks Fans (and Those Who Missed Out)
If you missed the initial roll-out, today’s restock offers hope. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- It’s app-only. No in-store sales are expected today.
- It’s one cup per person. Even if you win, reselling right away may violate terms of service — or just carry a stink of selling out.
- It might sell out again instantly. With only 17,000 units and potentially millions of players, demand will far exceed supply.
- Resale prices might drop — slightly. If many winners try to flip theirs, resale prices could soften. On the other hand, if winners hold onto them, price could remain strong.
If you don’t win — you’re not alone. Many fans are already turning to third-party copies or dupe versions — including budget-friendly cups sold by other retailers — though none match the authenticity (or the collectible status) of the original.
What Comes Next for Starbucks This Holiday Season
Restocking the Bearista cup could be the start of a more strategic rollout for Starbucks holiday merchandise. The chain has already released a new collaboration with fashion brand Roller Rabbit, featuring colorful mugs and tumblers that are expected to appeal broadly to fans who didn’t score the glass bear.
Whether Starbucks will bring back Bearista again — or pivot toward less collectible, more widely available designs — remains to be seen. For now, today’s restock personifies the tension between limited-edition scarcity and mass-market demand.
Will you try your luck at the restock — or sit this one out? Let me know in the comments and stay tuned for more Bearista news.