Starbucks is handing out 17,000 free Bearista cups — here’s the fastest way to grab yours before they are gone

Beverage giant Starbucks has announced a fresh opportunity for customers to secure its now-viral Bearista cup, as the company prepares to distribute 17,000 free units through its annual Starbucks for Life Merrython promotional game. The offer comes as part of the December–January rewards programme, widely followed by Starbucks enthusiasts each year, and arrives amid soaring demand for the brand’s popular holiday merchandise collection.

The company confirmed that the giveaway begins December 8, marking the latest phase of the highly publicised Starbucks Merrython, which has already generated significant interest across social media platforms.

For customers who previously struggled to buy the cup due to rapid sellouts or inflated resale prices, the campaign provides what is being described as the fastest and most accessible route to securing the limited-edition Starbucks Bearista cup.

Starbucks Merrython Returns With Fresh Rewards

Starbucks revealed earlier that its annual Starbucks for Life Merrython will once again offer customers a wide range of prizes, including free beverages, free bakery items, bonus stars and high-value sweepstakes entries. The grand prize, Starbucks for Life, entitles four winners to a daily credit for one free food or beverage item for 30 years. The estimated value of the reward is placed at $70,518.00, making it one of the most valuable promotions in the coffee chain’s history, as per a report by Newsweek.

Alongside the top prize, Starbucks will also award a Starbucks for a Year reward, worth $2,351.00, to 50 participants. Thousands of additional prizes, including digital gift cards and snack items, make up the remaining share of the reward pool, collectively valued at $2,777,147.

Participation is open exclusively to Starbucks Rewards members. The game period runs from December 8 at 4 a.m. PT to January 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with entries limited to participating stores. Customers may receive one prize play and one sweepstakes entry per week, along with up to two prize plays per day, and can earn extra chances by completing in-app activities.

Why Bearista Cup Fans Are Rushing to Participate

The renewed excitement is primarily driven by the return of the Starbucks Bearista cup, a glass bear-shaped cup priced at $29.95, first introduced in November as part of the holiday release. The cup quickly emerged as the most sought-after item in the range, popularised by online trends and heavy social media engagement. Users flocked to stores during restocks, while resellers posted listings at significantly higher prices.

The surging craze even sparked the creation of copycat versions at major retailers, including Walmart, which released a lookalike cup earlier this season, underscoring the broad appeal of the Starbucks Bear design.

Addressing the overwhelming demand, Starbucks told Newsweek that “excitement for our merchandise exceeded expectations,” and acknowledged that despite shipping one of their largest quantities to date, the starbucks bear–themed Bearista cup sold out faster than anticipated. The company expressed regret to customers who missed earlier purchase opportunities.

With the Merrython now offering a second avenue to obtain the cup, without store queues or resale markups, customer interest has surged again, prompting Starbucks to highlight 12/8 in promotional materials as the key date for the cup’s return.

How to Secure the Bearista Cup Before They Are Gone

The fastest route to securing one of the 17,000 Bearista cups is through the Starbucks app during the Merrython game period. Customers can participate either through regular purchases or via the official no-purchase entry route, ensuring accessibility to all Rewards members.

Given stocks are limited to one Bearista cup per winner, Starbucks has advised players to participate early in the campaign window to maximise their chances.

FAQs

How many Starbucks Bearista cups are being given away?

Starbucks is distributing 17,000 Bearista cups through the Starbucks for Life Merrython instant-win game.

Do I need to make a purchase to enter the Merrython?

No. Starbucks allows entry through a no-purchase participation method available in the Starbucks app.