The Latest Starbucks Mugs

Been There – Penang

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The design of the Been There Penang mug celebrates the broader history and identity of the state of Penang, long known as one of Malaysia’s most important trading hubs and cultural crossroads. Established in the late 18th century, Penang played a key role in regional commerce, migration, and cultural exchange between East and West. The design thoughtfully incorporates a depiction of Penang Island, anchoring the artwork in the place where much of the state’s historic and modern life has flourished.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Iowa

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Discovery Series Iowa joins the ornament that I reviewed recently.

Iowa became the 29th state on December 28, 1846, carved from territory acquired through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The state’s fertile prairies attracted waves of European immigrants, particularly Germans and Scandinavians, who established farming communities throughout the 19th century. Iowa’s agricultural bounty earned it the nickname “Food Capital of the World,” with corn and soybean fields dominating landscapes and hog production leading the nation. From its role in presidential politics through the first-in-the-nation caucuses to its position as America’s agricultural heartland, Iowa embodies Midwestern values of hard work, community, and productive land use.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Palm Springs

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Discovery Series Ornament Palm Springs is a mini mug for a city that didn’t have one before!

Palm Springs transformed from a desert oasis inhabited by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians into a glamorous resort destination in the early 20th century. Hollywood stars discovered the area in the 1930s, making it their playground just two hours from Los Angeles, while the clean desert air attracted those seeking relief from respiratory ailments. The city’s golden age in the 1950s and 1960s saw architectural innovation through mid-century modern design that still defines its aesthetic today.… Read more

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Been There Ornament – Bangkok

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Another gift from a friend has joined my collection. The Been There Ornament Bangkok comes in a separate box, which seems to be in line with other releases from Thailand.

Bangkok’s story begins in the late 18th century, when King Rama I established it as the capital of Siam in 1782 after the fall of Ayutthaya. What started as a riverside settlement along the Chao Phraya River quickly grew into the political, cultural, and spiritual heart of the country. Over time, canals, royal compounds, and temples shaped the city’s layout, earning Bangkok a reputation as a place where tradition and daily life are deeply intertwined.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Rhode Island

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Discovery Series Rhode Island is a mug for the state that entered the Union on May 29, 1790, as the 13th and last of the original colonies to ratify the Constitution, having initially resisted due to concerns about federal power. Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 as a haven for religious freedom after his banishment from Massachusetts Bay Colony, Rhode Island became a refuge for dissenters seeking tolerance. Despite being America’s smallest state at just 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island played an outsized role in the Industrial Revolution with Samuel Slater’s water-powered textile mill launching American manufacturing in 1793.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Alaska

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Discovery Series Ornament Alaska is the release for the largest U.S. state, known for its vast wilderness, dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Alaska joined the United States on January 3, 1959, as the 49th state and the largest by land area, purchased from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million in what was initially called “Seward’s Folly.” Indigenous peoples, including the Inupiat, Yup’ik, Aleut, Tlingit, and Athabascan, have called this land home for thousands of years before Russian fur traders arrived in the 18th century.… Read more

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Been There – Phuket

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Been There Phuket is a mug for Thailand’s largest island, famous for its tropical beaches, clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Phuket’s story unfolds over centuries, from its strategic position on ancient maritime trade routes connecting India and China to its prosperity through tin mining beginning in the 16th century. Chinese, Malay, and European traders left lasting influences on the island’s diverse culture, while the legendary defense against Burmese invaders in 1785 by heroines Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon remains a source of pride commemorated by a prominent monument.… Read more

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Discovery Series – Minnesota

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Discovery Series Minnesota is a mug for a state that became part of the United States on May 11, 1858, carved from territories shaped by Ojibwe and Dakota indigenous nations before European settlement. French fur traders arrived in the 17th century, followed by waves of Scandinavian and German immigrants in the late 1800s who established farms and communities across the prairies and forests. The state’s economy flourished through lumber, flour milling powered by St. Anthony Falls, and iron ore mining from the Mesabi Range that fueled American industry through two world wars.… Read more

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Discovery Series Ornament – Kentucky

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I can’t believe it has been more than a year since I added the Kentucky mug to the site. Time flies! It’s time to review the Discovery Series Kentucky Ornament.

Kentucky earned statehood in 1792 as the 15th state and the first west of the Appalachian Mountains, separating from Virginia to forge its own identity. The state’s name derives from a Native American word meaning “land of tomorrow” or “meadowland,” reflecting the fertile bluegrass region that attracted pioneers. As a border state during the Civil War, Kentucky remained officially in the Union while its citizens fought on both sides, creating lasting complexities.… Read more

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Been There – Pattaya

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Been There Pattaya is a mug for a famous beach resort.

Pattaya’s history begins as a small fishing village that transformed dramatically during the Vietnam War when American servicemen discovered its beaches as an R&R destination in the 1960s. After the war, Pattaya evolved into Thailand’s premier beach resort, attracting package tourists, expatriates, and weekend visitors from Bangkok, just 100 miles away. From sleepy coastal village to bustling resort city, Pattaya has become synonymous with nightlife, water sports, and beach holidays, while continuing to develop upscale resorts, golf courses, and family attractions alongside its more notorious entertainment districts.… Read more

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