Starbucks Manila Been There Ornament - Island Paradise for Your Tree
Hey Coffee Friends ☕
Happy almost-summer! I just got my hands on something that's been on my radar for weeks, and I am SO excited to finally share it with you all. Today we're talking about the Starbucks Manila Been There Ornament, and let me tell you, this little beauty is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves the Philippines, tropical vibes, or just seriously cute Starbucks collectibles.
First Impressions: Instant Tropical Magic
Okay, so the moment I unboxed this ornament, I literally gasped. The colors are SO vibrant! We're talking bright blues that remind me of the Philippine ocean, pops of yellow and orange that scream sunshine and tropical sunsets, and touches of green that bring all those palm trees to life. The artwork is incredibly detailed for such a small piece. You can see iconic Manila landmarks like the jeepney (so cute!), tropical flowers, and even little cultural touches that make this feel authentic and special.
The ornament itself is made of ceramic with a glossy finish that catches the light beautifully. It's got that classic Been There series shape - round and flat, perfect for hanging on your tree or displaying year-round. The ribbon is a deep red that complements the design perfectly, and it feels sturdy enough that I'm not worried about it breaking if I actually use it as intended.
Design Details That Just Hit Different
What I love most about the Manila ornament is how it captures the energy and spirit of the city. There's this playful mix of modern and traditional elements - you've got the colorful jeepney front and center (which is basically THE symbol of Manila), palm trees swaying in the background, and tropical hibiscus flowers scattered throughout. The typography is fun and bold, with "Manila" written in that signature Been There font we all know and love.
The back of the ornament has the classic Starbucks logo and "Been There Series" text, which I always appreciate because it ties the whole collection together beautifully. If you're a completionist like me and you're trying to collect all the Been There Ornaments, this one slots in perfectly with the rest.
My Coffee Moment with This Beauty
I've been sipping on an iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso while writing this (my current obsession, by the way), and I keep glancing over at where I've got the Manila ornament hanging on my coffee bar shelf. It just brings such good vibes to my morning routine! Even though it's technically a holiday ornament, I honestly think it's too pretty to pack away for most of the year. The tropical theme makes it feel like a little piece of summer sunshine that I can enjoy all year long.
Speaking of coffee, I grabbed a butter croissant with my drink this morning, and let me tell you, that flaky pastry paired with the nutty sweetness of my espresso was PERFECTION. If you haven't tried this combo yet, do yourself a favor!
Display Ideas That Work Year-Round
Here's the thing about Been There Ornaments - yes, they're designed for your Christmas tree, but they're honestly so beautiful that limiting them to December feels like a waste. I've seen people (and I do this too!) display them in so many creative ways:
- Coffee bar styling: Hang it from a cute hook on your coffee station or espresso machine
- Shadow box displays: Frame your entire Been There Ornament collection in a shadow box for wall art
- Bookshelf accents: Hang them from shelf brackets or let them dangle between your favorite travel books
- Window displays: String several ornaments together in a window for that perfect morning light moment
- Desk setup: Hang it from a small decorative tree or stand on your workspace for daily inspiration
The Manila ornament specifically works SO well in tropical or beachy-themed spaces. If you've got a tiki bar corner, a summer patio area, or even just a space where you display vacation memories, this fits right in.
Collector Notes: Why This One Matters
The Been There Ornament series has become incredibly popular with Starbucks collectors, and for good reason. They're more affordable than the full-sized mugs, easier to store and display, and they cover SO many cities and destinations. The Manila ornament is part of the international collection, which tends to be a bit harder to find if you're not in that specific region.
If you're collecting the Asian cities or trying to build a complete Philippines set (which would include the Manila Been There Mug, the You Are Here Manila mugs, and now this ornament), this is definitely an essential piece. The Been There Ornaments series also makes amazing gifts for travelers, expats, or anyone with Philippine heritage who wants to celebrate their roots in a fun, coffee-loving way.
What I really appreciate about these ornaments is the packaging. They usually come in a cute little box that's perfect for gifting or storing when you're rotating your display. The box for the Manila ornament has coordinating tropical artwork, so even the packaging feels special.
How It Fits Into My Collection
I have this marked in my Collectiblz app as HAVE, and I'm so glad I grabbed it when I did! I've been building my Asian cities collection, and Manila was high on my list. There's something about the vibrant energy of this design that just makes me smile every time I see it. If you're working on your own collection, I definitely recommend using the Collectiblz app to keep track of what you have and what you're still hunting for - it's been a total game-changer for my collecting journey!
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! Whether you're a serious Starbucks collector, someone who loves Manila and the Philippines, or just someone who appreciates beautiful, well-designed ornaments, the Manila Been There Ornament delivers on every level. The price point is reasonable for what you're getting (especially compared to the full-sized mugs), the quality is excellent, and the design is vibrant and joyful.
This ornament works as a tree decoration, a year-round display piece, a thoughtful gift, or the start of your own Been There collection. It captures the tropical, energetic spirit of Manila in a way that feels authentic and beautiful, and it's just one of those pieces that brings a little extra happiness to your space.
If you see this one available, grab it! These international ornaments can be tricky to find, and once they're gone, they're usually gone for good. Trust me, you'll love having this little piece of island paradise in your collection.
Happy collecting, and may your coffee always be strong and your ornaments always sparkle! ✨