You Are Here – Lucerne (prototype)

I continue discovering more and more prototypes from the private collection that is currently being sold on eBay. While this You Are Here – Lucerne prototype has already found a new owner, I believe it is worth documenting for fellow collectors.

As you can see from the pictures below, the only difference between this prototype and the mug that was eventually released in stores is the lion on the back. In the prototype, the lion is white, whereas the production version features a blue lion.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Chiang Mai

The Starbucks Discovery Series Ornament Chiang Mai celebrates the cultural capital of northern Thailand, a city with a history stretching back more than 700 years. Founded in 1296 as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai developed into an important center of trade, religion, and craftsmanship. Today, it is known for its ancient temples, mountain scenery, vibrant festivals, and thriving café culture. The mug highlights several symbols that capture both the city’s rich heritage and its modern identity.

– Chiang Mai, as the coffee capital of Thailand, reflects one of the city’s most celebrated modern distinctions.… Read more

You Are Here – Belgrade

You probably remember my review of the You Are Here – Београд mug, the only mug in the series to use a Cyrillic city name. I assumed this was because both the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets are officially recognized and widely used in Serbia. That is why I was excited to discover the pictures of this You Are Here Belgrade mug. It means that Starbucks may also have considered releasing a version featuring the city’s Latin spelling. It is entirely possible that this variation was produced in very limited quantities, as I have never encountered another example apart from this eBay listing.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Bangkok

For some reason, certain countries get the city ornaments before the country ones. Thailand is no exception, and this Discovery Series Ornament Bangkok is the first one to join my collection.

Bangkok is the vibrant capital of Thailand, a city where centuries-old traditions exist alongside modern skyscrapers, busy markets, and neon-lit entertainment districts. Known for its energetic street life, rich cultural heritage, and world-famous cuisine, Bangkok attracts millions of visitors every year. The design of the ornament captures several elements that define the city, from iconic transportation and historic landmarks to its distinctive food culture and urban atmosphere.… Read more

You Are Here – Bodø

Bodø is a city unlike any other. Located just north of the Arctic Circle, it is home to the world’s northernmost Starbucks store, making this You Are Here Bodø mug a particularly special release for collectors. Surrounded by dramatic fjords, rugged mountains, and some of Norway’s most spectacular natural scenery, Bodø serves as a gateway to the Arctic. The design celebrates the city’s unique location and highlights the natural phenomena and landmarks that make this corner of northern Norway so remarkable.… Read more

Discovery Series – Tampa Bay

The Starbucks Discovery Series Tampa Bay is a mug for one of Florida’s most recognizable coastal regions, known for its waterfront skyline, marine wildlife, cultural festivals, and year-round outdoor lifestyle. Centered around the waters of Tampa Bay itself, the area combines beaches, historic neighborhoods, modern development, and a strong connection to the Gulf of Mexico. The Starbucks mug design captures this blend of nature, culture, transportation, and local flavor through a collection of symbols that reflect the region’s unique identity.

– The waterfront and beach culture are reflected throughout the design with sailboats, palm trees, beaches, and coastal scenery.… Read more

You Are Here – Leipzig (Prototype)

You may remember the post I shared earlier this month about an ultra-rare, never-released mug from Korea. At the time, I mentioned that the private collection being offered for sale included several mugs that appear to be pre-production samples created before the final designs went into manufacturing. One piece that particularly caught my attention is this You Are Here Leipzig (prototype) mug, which was recently sold on eBay.

What makes this mug fascinating is that it appears to be an early production sample featuring a different colour palette and a few subtle design variations compared to the version that was ultimately released in stores.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Big Island

No other U.S. state, except California, has been represented by as many ornaments in this series, with an impressive seven releases to date. The Discovery Series Ornament Big Island is the sixth Hawaiian mini-mug in my collection, further showcasing the remarkable diversity and appeal of this iconic destination.

The Big Island of Hawaii, officially known as the island of HawaiÊ»i, is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and one of the most geologically active places on Earth. Home to towering volcanoes, lush rainforests, waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and world-class marine life, the island offers a completely different atmosphere from the more urban parts of Hawaii.… Read more

Been There Ornament – Shanghai Limited Edition

I’ve already mentioned the release of the limited-edition Shanghai mug and ornament in an earlier post. The collection appears to be tied to the opening of the Bearista Town pop-up store and museum in Shanghai. As an avid ornament collector, I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity, so I ordered the Been There Ornament Shanghai Limited Edition, which arrived yesterday. My first impression? It looks even better in person. The combination of rich chocolate-brown and gold tones gives it a premium feel that immediately sets it apart from other ornaments in the series.… Read more

Discovery Series Ornament – Honolulu

The Discovery Series Ornament Honolulu is a mini-mug for one of the most recognizable island cities in the world. Located on the southern shore of Oahu, it combines tropical beaches, volcanic landscapes, Polynesian culture, and a vibrant urban atmosphere. For centuries, the area has served as an important center of Hawaiian life, eventually becoming the political, economic, and cultural heart of the islands.

Appearing throughout the design are several landmarks and symbols closely associated with Honolulu.

– Waikiki Beach is one of Honolulu’s most famous attractions and a centerpiece of the city’s identity.… Read more

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