The Stanley Cup has taken social media by storm since November 2023. Marketed initially toward manual laborers, hikers, and athletes, Gen Z has made the tumbler an essential for hydration in students’ and office workers’ daily lives.
Earlier this year, the company released a limited-edition “Cosmo Pink” and “Target Red” 40-ounce tumbler for its “Galentine’s Collection” at Target. The cups sold out within seconds. TikTok videos of people camping out and rushing to buy the cups accumulated over 32 million views.
Another TikTok video went viral after showing a Stanley Cup still having ice in it after a car fire, garnering over 37 million views. These videos led the tumbler to skyrocket to fame as it became one of the most wished-for items during the holiday season.
But why do people like the Stanley Cup so much?
Mya Ollivierre, a first-year criminal justice student, and Stanley Cup owner, says that the tumbler’s insulation keeps her water colder than other brands. She also admits aesthetics played a part in her purchase, sporting a light pink tumbler.
“If you’re an active person in the gym or like to drink a certain amount of water per day, it is a good size,” Ollivierre said.
Michelle Williams, a first-year business administration student, says that the different shades of pastels, sleek design, size, and functional handle make the tumbler aesthetically appealing to the public. However, Williams has a different water bottle.
“The colors are cute, it looks nice, and it has a nice holding,” Williams said.
Williams also mentions its sudden popularity is the reason why everyone wants a Stanley Cup.
“Now, it’s because everyone has one,” Williams said. “It seems to be the ‘in’ thing, similar to the Hydro Flask craze a couple of years ago.”
Rhyli Hunter-James, also a business administration student, shares similar sentiments.
“Every year, there’s a big new thing everybody wants,” Hunter-James said. “And this year, it’s the Stanley.”
Like every trend, there is always an inevitable decrease in popularity. Many people think that the Stanley Cup is going out of style.
However, there are mixed beliefs about the Stanely’s trendiness in 2024.
Iyana Peterson, a political science student and Stanley Cup owner, defends its longevity.
“I don’t think it has declined,” Peterson said. “They have come out with a lot more colors now, so everyone wants all the different colors. I feel like it has more popularity now.”
On the other hand, Williams expresses a different point of view.
“I am seeing a little bit of a decline with it, but I still think it’s just because everyone has one now,” Williams said. “It’s going down, yes, but not as rapidly as we think it’s probably going to.”
Despite differences in beliefs, the influence of the Stanley Cup cannot be ignored. Only time will tell if the tumbler was simply a trend of the past or a timeless necessity in the upcoming generation.