Starbucks Chicago Been There Ornament - Windy City Magic in Miniature
Hey coffee lovers! ☕✨
So I was scrolling through new Starbucks drops the other day, and when I saw this Chicago Been There Ornament pop up, I literally squealed. Chicago holds such a special place in my heart, and now I can bring a piece of the Windy City home in the cutest mini form!
The Details That Make It So Good
This ornament is pure Chicago magic packed into a tiny ceramic mug. The design features all the iconic landmarks you'd expect - the skyline, that stunning lakefront, the Bean (officially Cloud Gate, but we all call it the Bean), and those classic architectural details that make Chicago, well, Chicago. The color palette is so rich - deep blues for Lake Michigan, warm tones for the buildings, and pops of green that remind me of Millennium Park in summer.
What I love is how they captured the energy of the city. There's this perfect balance between the towering skyscrapers and the cozy neighborhood vibes. You can spot little details like the "L" train, Navy Pier's Ferris wheel, and even hints of the Art Institute lions. It's like they took everything that makes you fall in love with Chicago and miniaturized it.
How It Feels in Your Hands
The ornament is about 2 inches tall, so it's small but substantial. The ceramic has this nice weight to it - not too heavy for a tree branch, but solid enough that it feels quality. The glaze is smooth and glossy, catching the light beautifully whether it's on your tree or displayed on a shelf. There's a sturdy ribbon loop at the top for hanging, and it's sewn in securely so you don't have to worry about it coming loose.
I've been keeping mine on my coffee bar year-round because honestly, why wait for the holidays? It sits perfectly next to my other city mugs and adds this fun pop of personality to my morning routine. Every time I grab my latte, I catch a glimpse of it and think about that amazing deep dish I had in River North last summer.
Perfect Pairings
This morning I paired my iced blonde vanilla latte with one of those buttery croissants from Starbucks, and I couldn't help but think how this ornament would be the perfect gift for anyone who loves Chicago. Whether they're a native, went to school there, or just fell in love with the city on a weekend trip - this captures that Chicago spirit so well.
Display Ideas That Hit Different
Obviously this shines on a Christmas tree, but I'm all about creative display options. Hang it from a cookbook stand in your kitchen, add it to a gallery wall of travel memories, or create a little Chicago corner with other Windy City memorabilia. I've also seen people string multiple city ornaments along a bookshelf or mantel for that collected-over-time vibe.
If you're a completionist like me, this pairs beautifully with other Been There Ornaments from different cities. I'm working on collecting ornaments from every place I've visited, and having them all together tells such a cool story.
Collector's Corner
The Been There Ornament series is beloved by Starbucks collectors because these miniature mugs capture the essence of each location in such a charming way. Chicago is definitely one of the more popular cities in the collection, so if you see it available, I'd grab it. These ornaments have a tendency to sell out during the holiday season, and then you're hunting for them online at marked-up prices.
What makes this series special is how consistent the quality is across all the cities while still making each one unique. The Chicago version really nails that Midwestern warmth mixed with big city sophistication. It's detailed without being cluttered, recognizable without being cliché.
A Little Chicago Love Story
I actually spotted this ornament when I stopped by my local Starbucks on a morning coffee run before heading to work. There were only three left on the display, and I had to grab one immediately. The barista told me they'd been flying off the shelf all week - apparently I'm not the only one obsessed with collecting these city ornaments!
I have this marked in the Collectiblz app so I can keep track of my growing ornament collection. If you're building your own city series or just love Chicago, definitely check out the app - it's perfect for tracking what you have and what you're still hunting for. Plus, it's so satisfying to see your collection grow digitally too! 🎄
Why This Belongs in Your Collection
Whether you're a Chicago native feeling homesick, a collector completing your Been There series, or someone who just appreciates beautiful city-themed pieces, this ornament is such a win. It's that perfect size that doesn't overwhelm a space but has enough detail to be interesting. The quality is solid (as Starbucks ornaments tend to be), and it captures the spirit of one of America's greatest cities.
For gifting, this is ideal for college students who went to school in Chicago, friends who just moved away and miss the city, or anyone planning a Chicago trip. It's thoughtful, affordable, and way cuter than another generic gift card. Plus, who doesn't love a miniature version of something they already collect?
If you've been to Chicago and fallen under its spell - the architecture boat tours, the lakefront runs, the incredible food scene, the friendly Midwestern energy - this ornament is like a little love letter to all of that. And if you haven't been yet, maybe this is the inspiration you need to plan that trip. Either way, it deserves a spot in your collection! 🏙️☕
