Inspired by togetherness, made by you: Behind the collaborative 2024 holiday cups
If you asked any Caribou Coffee® team member when the holidays really begin, they’d probably say it’s when the holiday cup designs are revealed. Nothing gets you in the seasonal spirit like enjoying your favorite holiday drink from a beautiful, thoughtful and festive cup, and 2024’s holiday cups have an even greater story behind them.
We’re busy dreaming up concepts and color combos far in advance of the holiday season; at Caribou, holiday planning typically begins months and months in advance. While planning the 2024 cup, we decided to open up the process to our community. We know our team and guests have so much passion and love for the brand, so we invited them to engage with us in a new way by helping us design the holiday cup collection. We reached out and asked them to get creative and come up with a cup design inspired by the feeling of togetherness and nostalgia you get during the holidays. As you’ll see below, they delivered!
We’re so excited and proud to reveal our 2024 holiday cups—three hot cups and one cold—inspired by the winning designs. Each one was made to convey the warmth and wonder this season brings and the cheerful connection you find over a cup of coffee. The cups will make their debut along with the holiday menu on Saturday, Nov. 2, and we can’t wait for you to hold them in your (mittened) hand to celebrate the season.
Meet the people behind the winning designs and learn more about their approach and inspiration, as well as the Caribou holiday drinks they can’t wait to enjoy this year.
From our guests
Professional illustrator and small business owner Emiko Rainbow is a big Caribou fan whose fave holiday drink is the classic Ho Ho Mint Mocha®. Her winning design features ribbons of our signature Cari-blue color with pops of pink and red, with the logo in the center. Each ribbon features adorable illustrations, including starbursts and peppermint swirls.
“I was inspired by the celebratory feelings of the holiday season: seeing the first snowflake fall, sparkly wrapped gifts with big bows, the warmth of peace and love from family and friends,” Rainbow explained of her design. “I wanted to express that on this cup so we can carry it with us wherever we go.” Emiko began with a few hand-drawn sketches on paper, then scanned them into Procreate and finished the line art digitally, using Adobe Illustrator for the color portion.
Emiko was thrilled to find out that her design had been chosen. “Not going to lie, my jaw dropped when my design was picked,” she shared. “It’s the most important, exciting thing for me to collaborate with good-hearted, fun companies that just get it. They know how to treat people kindly, inclusively, and have fun at the same time. Those are my people.” You may also spot Emiko’s cup design on our limited-edition 2024 holiday cup ornament!
From our BOUristas
Shift Leader Sam S. who works at a Caribou coffeehouse in northern Minnesota, was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh’s masterpiece Starry Night and her final design features starbursts, swirls of light, snowflakes, and coffee-inspired constellations, including Leaping ‘Bous. “It’s my favorite piece of artwork and I thought it fit the holiday aesthetic and holiday prompt well,” she explained. “I love creating art but tend to be a perfectionist. With this piece, I just had fun with it.” Sam, who has been a Caribou team member for two years, credits a former district manager for the motivation to get involved.
For Sam, the holiday season is about so much more than shopping and celebrating—it starts small, with those little moments of connection we enjoy every morning and afternoon. “I live for the everyday connections with my customers and coworkers,” she said. “The holiday season always brings something special.” Especially the Spicy Mocha, her favorite holiday drink!
From our design team
We couldn’t leave ourselves out of the holiday cup design process! Our internal team also created one of the designs—a minty-fresh confection of red, pastel pink, and white peppermint swirls—made with our guests in mind and designed to spark a little joy in their day.
“We wanted to convey the enchantment and excitement of the holiday season and those sweet little moments you can celebrate every day,” said Leah Palmquist, Caribou Coffee creative director. “The peppermint swirls have a nostalgic nod to them that really brings up memories of holiday magic.”
To ensure the three cups looked cohesive, the design team considered every illustration shape and color combo. Design must also consider where the logo will be placed, how the cup design will interact with a sleeve holder, and what it will look like in a casual social media snap, given that the holiday cups get a lot of love on Instagram and TikTok.
Additionally, it’s important the holiday cups consider and resonate with everyone regardless of how they celebrate the holiday season. Color and graphic motifs both play an important role, which is why the designs heavily feature our Cari-blue brand color, balanced with pops of pink and red to bring in the energy of the season. Bright, festive red also makes a cameo via the cheery new cup clutches, emblazoned with little snippets of wisdom and encouragement to carry you through the rest of 2024.
So, as you embrace the holiday spirit, why not sip from a cup that’s as festive and full of cheer as the season itself? Starting Saturday, Nov. 2, stop by a Caribou Coffee near you to grab a Ho Ho Mint Mocha®, Spicy Mocha or your favorite beverage in one of these special designs. Cheers to joy, togetherness and wonder as we head into the holiday season!