Stanley cup hype: The 2024 viral cup craze explained

If you shop online or browse social media, you’ve probably heard about the Stanley cup craze. No, not the Stanley Cup hockey trophy. The latest Stanley 1913(™) stainless steel beverage cup collection is selling out at Target, Starbucks, and online, with fans everywhere are going crazy for it. But what exactly is the Stanley cup hype all about? Let's dive in and find out.

Why all the fuss about a cup?

What's so special about a cup? Well, it turns out a lot. Let's start with the fact that Stanley's annual sales skyrocketed by nearly 10 times in 2023. They're not just trending on social media, they're practically breaking it. The TikTok hashtag #StanleyCup has more than 6.8 billion views. Yes, a billion with a “B.”

But why this sudden surge in popularity? It's all about scarcity. Stanley releases their cups in limited quantities, making them highly sought after. It's like owning a piece of rare treasure.

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The marvelous Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate(™) Tumbler

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: The Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler. This isn't your ordinary cup, especially at $45 a pop. It keeps your cold drinks chilly and your hot drinks warm. Plus, it sports a classic minimalist design and a tapered bottom. It's practical, stylish, and a joy to hold. Tests of the Stanley on social media show users adding ice to their cups in the morning and still having ice remain the next morning. They're not just cute. They're well-made, too.

A rainbow of colors

While classic green is the original favorite, Stanley cups come in all colors of the rainbow. They even draw inspiration from hyped sneaker drops for their releases. Stanley mania hit extra hard in 2023 at Target stores with the release of Cosmo Pink and Target Red. It’s even harder to score the Winter Pink Stanley from Starbucks since it doesn’t plan to restock. Pretty rad, right?

An unexpected trend

Despite a slow start, the Stanley cups have become a massive trend since 2020. They sell out within minutes of being released. Talk about a hot commodity.

How much does a Stanley cup cost?

Stanley prices start around $35. But given their popularity, you might just consider them priceless if "priceless" means $45 or more. That's the retail rate to buy one of the new 40-ounce tumblers. 

Viral trend pricing ranges from $80 for a 12-ounce tumbler to $400 for the larger 40-ounce version. Some Stanley fans have been known to wait in life for one, like the viral Starbucks release that caused huge crowds to fight over the limited stock. Some people bough multiple cups and sold them online for big markups.

Can I still get my hands on a Stanley cup?

Although the cups sell out quickly, you can snag one if you’re not particular about the color. Keep an eye on Stanley's social media accounts and set up alerts for restocks from major retailers. If you can't get one, or if the price is too steep, you can also find dozens of popular dupes starting as low as $8 per cup.

The Stanley community

The Stanley tumbler hype also has connections to the thriving “WaterTok” online community, where people share their favorite “fancy water” recipes on TikTok. 

Final thoughts

So that's the scoop on the Stanley cup hype. It's more than just a cup; it's a cultural phenomenon that’s taken over social media and retail stores. Whether you're a collector, a fan of cool designs, or just someone who appreciates a good cup, Stanley's got something for you. Happy sipping!

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