Hydrate in Style

Background: Behold, the Stanley Tumbler, a $45 stainless steel behemoth currently sparking bidding wars, Target brawls, and countless #Unboxing videos. These hefty, vacuum-sealed vessels have become the hydration accessory du jour, and a totem of the meticulously curated life.

Its claim to fame? Keeping drinks ice-cold for 48 hours. But there's more to the phenomenon than just a testament to human thirst. It's our penchant for branding the mundane, and a testament to how everyday items can gain cult status.

With one part retro resurgence, one part influencer idolation, and one part wellness wish fulfillment, Stanley has perfected the recipe for a fad.

Deja Vu: This Stanley Tumbler phenomenon is like sipping from a familiar cup: the Mason Jar craze of the 2010s. Those humble, workhorse jars, once banished to Grandma's pantry, were reborn as vintage chis. Kale smoothies, artisanal pickles, craft beer, candles, soap, wedding centerpieces. There was nothing Mason couldn't do.

Just as Stanley's used TikTok to spur its growth, the mason jar explosion coincided with the rise of Pinterest. Both fads highlight a curious societal trend: the reinvention of the ordinary into the extraordinary, turning the everyday into a must-have. And, of course, a testament to the power of PR.

Number: $200

In 1880, Frank C. and Edmund B. Ball borrowed $200 from their uncle to buy the Wooden Jacket Can Company, a small manufacturing business in Buffalo, New York. The company would become Ball Corporation, the name synonymous with mason jars.

Fact: Ball Aerospace is a subsidiary of Ball Corporation. They’ve been an integral partner in building the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.

From jars to space telescopes. That’s one giant step for can-kind (Groan).

Word: Vernacular Design - design based on local needs and materials, often reflecting traditional, everyday practices. The mason jar, initially crafted to meet the simple need for food preservation, later found itself on the haute couture runways of modern home décor.

Quote: "Fashions fade, style is eternal." - Yves Saint Laurent

List: Crazes, Fads, and a Few that Didn’t Fade

• Tupperware (1950s): Tupperware parties became a cultural phenomenon in the 1950s and 1960s. They played a unique role in post-war American society, blending commerce with social gatherings.

• Ray-Ban Aviator Sunglasses (1960s): Originally designed for pilots in 1937 to protect their eyes while flying, Ray-Ban Aviators became a fashion statement and a symbol of cool, especially after being worn by celebrities and movie stars in the 1960s and beyond.

• Beanie Babies (1990s): These stuffed animals became a massive collectible craze in the 1990s, with people buying them as investments in hopes that their value would increase over time.

• Von Dutch Trucker Hats (2000s): These hats became a fashion phenomenon in the early 2000s, popularized by celebrities. The brand's visibility and popularity declined sharply after the trend faded.

• Starbucks Coffee (2000s): Carrying a Starbucks cup became more than just about coffee; it signified a certain lifestyle and status, especially in the early 2000s.

• Fidget Spinners (2017): Originally marketed as a tool for helping people with concentration issues, these simple spinning devices became a global phenomenon, popular with children and adults alike.

Recommended Reading: Stuffocation: Why We've Had Enough of Stuff and Need Experience More Than Ever. We have more stuff than we could ever need, and it isn’t making us happier says author James Wallman.

Final Word: Can you do this with a Stanley? 
(Actually, yes, a lot of these would still work!)

(Not an Ad)

SipWell Stainless Steel Straws: Perfectly paired with your Stanley Tumbler, SipWell straws are ideal for savoring cold drinks, smoothies, or your morning iced coffee. Each set comes with a handy cleaning brush, making maintenance a breeze. Our straws are crafted from top-grade stainless steel, ensuring durability, easy cleaning, and a taste-neutral experience.