The Hello Kitty x Starbucks collab is the best Starbucks merch drop in a while
The collab fits the styles of both fans of Starbucks and Hello Kitty herself
Photo courtesy of Michaela den/Wikimedia Commons
The new Hello Kitty collab with Starbucks is the perfect combo!
As part of 2025’s holiday season launch, Starbucks stores across the country collaborated with Sanrio and their iconic Hello Kitty character to create some of the cutest merchandise customers have seen in quite some time. Ask Starbucks themselves—dating back to two summers ago on their Instagram—only one other merchandise collection has been advertised. Starbucks knows they nailed it with the Hello Kitty collab.
The collection features both plastic and ceramic cups, water bottles, mugs, and even a Hello Kitty plushie dressed in the iconic Starbucks green apron…and that is exactly what makes this collection so great. The aesthetic of Hello Kitty combines perfectly with Starbucks’s brand to create a collection of merchandise that feels authentic to both Hello Kitty lovers and Starbucks fanatics, while still staying true to both brands’ images.
The blend of Hello Kitty’s bright red bow with the recognizable green Starbucks logo creates an appealing and festive color palette, without compromising the authenticity of either brand. Hello Kitty’s design on the drinkware is playful, as she always is, but also cozy, as she is pictured on some of the cups and mugs next to a more classic teddy bear to inspire that warm, cozy, nostalgic, coffee shop feeling that Starbucks aims to create. Lovers of both Sanrio and Starbucks don’t have to sacrifice their love for either brand with this merchandise; it truly is the best of both worlds.
To further complement the collection’s design, the designs are not overly childish. The ceramic cup still feels chic. The mugs feel cozy and bring a smile to your face, without being something that makes you feel like you can’t store it in your cabinet next to more serious drinkware. One even features a lid, perfect for those looking to keep this mug filled with hot coffee or tea on their desk at school or work, with the lid providing a way to keep the drink warm while tending to seemingly endless tasks in the office.
This collection inspires nostalgia and smiles, and what else could you want from a cup that you will be drinking out of on the go? During work, school, and trips, these cups are the perfect way to bring a smile everywhere. How could anyone look at Hello Kitty’s adorable face on these cups and not want to smile at least a little? Several generations grew up loving Hello Kitty, and she is still popular. Starbucks created this merchandise to perfectly appeal to its customers of all ages.
Lastly, there is one more reason why this collaboration is simply the best. The usual Starbucks merchandise includes cups and mugs. It’s hard to get excited about the same items over and over again. But the Hello Kitty collection features a unique Hello Kitty stuffed animal. This further adds to the comfortable, happy, nostalgic feel of this collection. Who didn’t love a soft plushie growing up, and honestly, who couldn't still not help but smile with a cute plushie?
The Hello Kitty x Starbucks plushie is the perfect size for cuddling up with. It isn’t small or keychain sized, but it’s not huge, like something that no one could find a spot for in their bed, room, or on a shelf. The plush Hello Kitty features her iconic big red bow, of course. She is also wearing a green Starbucks apron, and the Starbucks uniform khaki pants. This is the perfect blend of Hello Kitty’s playfulness, while staying on brand to Starbucks. The Starbucks branded apron, and the fact that the plushie is sold in a thick, cardboard box with a clear panel on the front to see her also gives this item of merchandise a true, collector’s aesthetic.