Picture it – Stanley, 1913. Sure, these colorful tumblers are all the rage right now, but the origins actually go way back. You may have noticed that some of their products say since 1913. So what’s the story? And how did we get here?
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THE HISTORY: FROM FRENZY TO FLASHBACK
The “Since 1913” on Stanley Tumblers refers to the founding year of the Stanley brand. It was established by William Stanley Jr. and initially gained recognition for its vacuum-insulated bottles, which were designed to keep liquids hot or cold for extended periods. I love this for us.
William Stanley Jr. invented the first all-steel vacuum bottle in 1913 (thanks Stan!), literally making thermoses the hot new thing and revolutionizing the way people transported and enjoyed their beverages outdoors. The innovation was particularly well-received among outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and workers who needed durable and reliable containers for their hot or cold drinks.
Over the years, Stanley has continued to build on its heritage of quality craftsmanship and durable products. The “Since 1913” tagline is a way for the brand to highlight its long-standing commitment to providing dependable products that are in it to win it.
SOCIAL MEDIA BEHIND THE WIDESPREAD APPEAL
This probably isn’t news to anyone, but what really kicked things into second gear was the power of social media. It became almost impossible to scroll though TikTok without seeing a clip, a get ready with me, or a day in my life – without a Stanley tumbler making a cameo. Especially if the algorithm has decided you’re their target audience. Of course marketing comes into play, but when those two worlds collide, one easily helps to fuel the other.
There was the story of the girl whose car burst into flames, and her cup still had ice in it! After she shared her experience on TikTok, Stanley not only sent her free cups, but offered to replace her ride. And who can forget when Target tuned into Lord of the Flies over a limited edition Galentine’s Collection – featuring Cosmo Pink and Target Red, along with their Starbucks collab in Winter Pink (evidently not to be confused with Cosmo Pink)?
And while most of us are looking for ways to save a little cash on these tumblers, Stanley enthusiasts who missed out on securing one in store or online, were also willing to burn hundreds of dollars over on eBay in order to successfully add to their collection.
WHEN QUENCHERS MEET QUALITY
While TikTok trends will come and go, the quality is what will make these cups a mainstay. Their reputation is solid and here are some of the things people have come to expect:
Durability: Stanley Tumblers are known for their construction and durable materials. The use of high-quality stainless steel makes them resistant to dents and scratches, ensuring a long lifespan.
Vacuum Insulation: Stanley is renowned for its vacuum-insulated technology, which helps maintain the temperature of your beverage of choice inside the tumbler. This feature keeps drinks hot or cold for an extended period, so you can enjoy your drink at its desired temperature over time.
Versatility: Stanley Tumblers are often designed to be versatile, suitable for both hot and cold beverages – so you can fill up with a variety drinks, including coffee, tea, water, or even alcoholic beverages (probably not all at the same time though).
Leak-Proof and Spill-Resistant: Many Stanley Tumblers are designed or redesigned, with leak-proof lids and spill-resistant features, making them convenient for on-the-go use.
Brand Reputation: Stanley has a long history and a strong reputation for producing high-quality, reliable products.
Classic Design: Stanley Tumblers often feature a classic and timeless design. And as they often release new colors and themes, the simplicity of their appearance appeals to a variety of consumers – those who appreciate a clean and functional aesthetic and those who love a bold pop of color.
Wide Range of Sizes: Stanley offers a variety of tumbler sizes. Whether someone wants a small tumbler for their daily commute or a larger one for outdoor activities, Stanley provides options.
PERSONAL PRODUCT REVIEW
Ok gather ’round for story time. In my opinion, is it worth it? The short answer is yes. How I came to that conclusion is a little more lengthy. Since I have 3 teenagers, I was quite familiar with the hype surrounding these tumblers a while back. I’ve always been the person that likes to not have what everyone else has, so I refused to buy one. I would see everyone carrying them on the beach, etc – but decided to hold the line with my tried and true YETI. So when everyone else was obsessing over their Stanleys, I went out and bought the YETI tumbler with the straw and refused to conform. My kids told me I was missing out, but hey that’s showbiz. Then…boat day. After an afternoon on Winnipesaukee my water was tepid. At best. What!? How could this be? I’ve kept my coffee hot in their mugs in an infinite number of hockey rinks, and in subzero temperatures spent at outdoor gatherings during the pandemic. I’ve packed a beach cooler for the day and pulled icy cold beers out of it later that night. And my Colster should have come with a tiny cape because it’s a hero!
Fast forward a few months, and I was finally gifted a Stanley tumbler from my disgusted teenage children, and found that my beverage truly stayed nice, iced and cold – even on the hottest of days. Let’s be real, this past summer was hell’s entrance most days. Truth be told, my personal experience is that these tumblers do exactly what they say they do. And while I’ll never part ways with my YETI collection, I was happy to add this to the mix. Are there any downsides? I haven’t experienced any yet, other than the obvious – they’re pricey.
