There are some collaborations that you never really think about until they happen. Then, suddenly, they make so much sense you begin wondering why they didn’t happen sooner.
Care Bears and Starbucks? Yeah, this is one of those.
Care Bears is bringing a little extra caring, sharing and color to coffee runs this fall with an oh-so-sweet new collaboration with Starbucks. Dubbed “Cheers for Sharing,” the collection combines the colorful world of Care-a-Lot with those everyday Starbucks moments spent grabbing a drink, meeting up with friends or simply enjoying a little time to yourself.
And there are tiny Care Bears wearing Starbucks aprons. So, really, what else do we need to say?
Quite a bit, actually, because the collection is extensive. Tenderheart Bear, Cheer Bear, Grumpy Bear and Share Bear are taking over everything from mugs and cold cups to stainless steel drinkware, tote bags, charms and other lifestyle accessories. The designs combine the familiar Starbucks green with earthy brown, soft pink, cloud blue and purple, creating a collection that feels surprisingly natural for both brands.
There are plenty of playful details hidden throughout as well. Color-changing cold cups reveal new surprises once filled with a cold beverage, while blind-box bag charms transform the Care Bears into miniature Starbucks partners complete with their own green aprons. Even socks are getting in on the collaboration with designs inspired by the bears and their signature colors.
Each of the four featured bears also represents a different part of the “Cheers for Sharing” theme. Tenderheart brings the kindness, Cheer Bear brings a little extra happiness, Share Bear celebrates those moments we spend together and Grumpy Bear—perhaps the most relatable choice before that first cup of coffee—represents taking some time to pause and recharge.
Collectors have something particularly limited to chase as well. Starbucks Reserve DREAM PLAZA Taipei is receiving an exclusive Share Bear plush collectible series limited to only 200 pieces. Each bear will even have its own limited-edition number printed on its paw.
There is, however, one rather large catch for those of us already deciding which cup needs to come home.
For now, the Care Bears x Starbucks collection is exclusive to Taiwan. The collaboration launched September 8 at Starbucks locations across the region and online, with products available for a limited time while supplies last. There has been no announcement that the collection will make its way to Starbucks stores in the United States.
But maybe someday?
Care Bears has continued expanding through collaborations around the world as the nearly 45-year-old brand finds new ways to reach both longtime fans and younger generations. With character collaborations becoming an increasingly familiar part of the Starbucks merchandise world as well, we can certainly hope these colorful bears eventually float their way across the clouds and onto a few more Starbucks shelves.
Because if there is one thing Grumpy Bear probably understands, it is needing coffee.
And frankly, we need that mug.