The Hello Kitty Starbucks collaboration fans have been waiting for
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Two beloved brands are coming together this holiday season, and the result is as charming as expected. Launching Nov. 6 across Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada, the Hello Kitty x Starbucks holiday collection brings together the world’s most iconic cat and one of the most recognizable coffeehouse chains. The result is a line of holiday merchandise designed to appeal to collectors, fans of kawaii culture, and coffee lovers alike.
This limited-edition collection includes a plush Hello Kitty doll in a Starbucks apron, several types of tumblers and mugs, and themed gift cards. It also introduces a seasonal design palette of red and green, highlighting the theme, “Together in Fun Forever.” Starbucks and Hello Kitty may seem like a playful pairing, but behind the scenes, this collaboration is part of a larger strategy: creating emotional engagement through nostalgia, exclusivity, and design.
Tapping into nostalgia through design
Both brands were born in the 1970s, and both have cultivated loyal fanbases that now span generations. According to Jill Koch, SVP of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio, Hello Kitty’s universal appeal comes from her simple design and positive message. Starbucks, meanwhile, has turned its stores into a cultural destination each holiday season, with themed beverages, décor, and annual traditions like the release of its red cups. By joining forces, the two brands are tapping into collective memory and shared ritual.
The product line is tailored to fans who value both sentiment and functionality. The plush Hello Kitty toy retails at $34.95 and comes boxed for easy gifting. A ceramic mug with a silicone red bow lid sells for $32.95, while a 26-ounce cold cup, stainless steel water bottle, and acrylic tumblers round out the offerings. All feature Hello Kitty in festive designs, often accompanied by her teddy bear companion, Tiny Chum.
A limited release built for collectors
Gift cards also play a role. In addition to traditional card formats, Starbucks is offering a Hello Kitty-shaped card available with a $10 minimum load, blending design with utility. Each item in the lineup is available only while supplies last, a tactic that Starbucks has used effectively in previous merchandise drops.
Timed to coincide with the return of its holiday drinks, this release gives Starbucks additional reasons for customers to visit early in the season. It is also designed with social media in mind. The items, especially the plush and mug, are highly photogenic, making them ideal for gift guides, flat-lay photography, and unboxing videos. These visuals help build organic reach, making the collection more visible without traditional advertising.
Culture meets commerce in seasonal retail
For Starbucks, this collaboration represents more than holiday flair. It reinforces the brand’s role in seasonal culture while tapping into a fandom that extends far beyond coffee. For Sanrio, it brings Hello Kitty back into mainstream retail conversations, offering new relevance in a crowded market of seasonal offerings.
The Hello Kitty Starbucks collection will be available starting Nov. 6 at participating locations in the U.S. and Canada. With limited inventory and strong early interest, fans hoping to grab their favorite items would be wise to act fast.
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