Just when I thought I was done with my YAH ornaments collection, a friend sent me a picture of a mini mug I didn’t recognize. It took me a second to realize – it’s a brand-new release! I even had to check the calendar to make sure it’s 2025 out there!
As you can expect, You Are Here Ornament – Warsaw is a complete copy of the bigger mug that was released back in 2018. This is a common practice for this collection.… Read more
Been There Ornament – Wuxi accompanies the bigger mug that we’ve reviewed today, see this post. Like all Been There ornaments from China, it comes as a set of two, paired with the country ornament. It’s a bit inconvenient if you’re trying to collect all the cities, but that’s just how it is.
The ornament showcases most of the landmarks featured in the full-size mug design, but I’d like to mention these three additional symbols:
– The A Fu clay figurines, depicting a boy and a girl, are a popular form of Huishan clay figurines from Wuxi, symbolizing good fortune and happiness.… Read more
After months of waiting, I finally got my hands on the new Starbucks You Are Here Ornament – Baku. This latest release could very well be the final addition to the beloved series, making it even more special for collectors.
I very much like the design of this new ornament. It uses a beautiful mix of light blue, pink, and green colors that feel both fresh and nostalgic. The ornament is a miniature replica of the full-sized Baku mug I reviewed previously, keeping the same iconic imagery that defines the city:
– The Fire Temple, or Ateshgah, stands proudly on the outskirts, capturing Baku’s ancient connection to fire worship.… Read more
It seems that, along with the mug, Starbucks has also released the Discovery Series Ornament – The Florida Keys!
Ornaments traditionally feature minimal symbolism, and the Florida Keys mini mug is no exception, focusing on the Florida Reef Tract, which is the only living coral reef in the continental United States. Spanning over 200 miles from Key Biscayne to the Dry Tortugas, this vibrant underwater ecosystem is home to an incredible array of marine life. The reef supports numerous species of corals, colorful fish, and various invertebrates, making it an essential habitat for biodiversity.… Read more
Discovery Series Ornament – Washington is a brand new release from the Evergreen State. Washington State, located in the Pacific Northwest, is known for its rich history and diverse landscape. Named after George Washington, it became the 42nd state of the U.S. in 1889. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Coast Salish, before European explorers arrived in the late 18th century. The area thrived during the logging and mining booms of the 19th century and later became a hub for technology and innovation, with companies like Microsoft and Amazon calling it home.… Read more
Here comes Discovery Series Ornament – New York in addition to the big mug from The Empire State. These are the symbols of the state as seen in the design of this ornament:
– Fishing in New York offers a mix of freshwater and saltwater opportunities, from casting for trout in the Adirondacks to reeling in striped bass off Long Island. The state’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters provide year-round options for anglers of all skill levels. With diverse fish species and scenic locations, it’s a prime destination for both casual and serious fishermen.… Read more
Discovery Series Ornament – South Dakota was spotted in stores recently!
South Dakota, located in the Midwestern region of the United States, has a rich history dating back to Native American tribes like the Lakota Sioux, who inhabited the area for thousands of years before European exploration. The territory was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 and became the 40th state on November 2, 1889, formed from the western half of the Dakota Territory during a period of rapid western expansion and settlement.… Read more
Discovery Series Ornament – Iowa is here!
Iowa’s history traces back to Indigenous tribes like the Sauk, Fox, and Ioway, who inhabited the land for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. In 1838, Iowa became a territory, and on December 28, 1846, it was admitted to the Union as the 29th state. The region quickly developed as an agricultural powerhouse, with settlers transforming the vast prairie lands into fertile farmlands that would become the backbone of the state’s economy.
Here are some of Iowa’s symbols and landmarks according to the design of the ornament:
– The tractor symbolizes Iowa’s deep agricultural roots and innovative spirit.… Read more
Discovery Series Ornament – Texas is a smaller version of the full-sized mug, one of the first to be spotted from this collection.
Texas and cowboys are synonymous in American culture, embodying a rich history of rugged individualism and frontier spirit. The iconic cowboy emerged in the mid-19th century when vast cattle ranches spread across the state’s expansive landscapes. These hardy men rode horses, herded cattle, and became living symbols of American independence and resilience.
During the great cattle drives of the 1866-1886 period, cowboys would guide enormous herds from Texas ranches to railheads in Kansas, traveling hundreds of miles across challenging terrain.… Read more
I feel like the designers of the Discovery Series Ornament – Ontario made an oversight by using a picture of poutine for this mini mug. While poutine is enjoyed across Canada, it is a dish that originates from Quebec, has strong cultural ties to Quebecois heritage, and is a proud part of their culinary tradition.
The forest, the islands on the front, and the moose on the back of the ornament remind us that Ontario is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with a diverse landscape of lush forests, serene lakes, and rugged wilderness.… Read more
