New Hawaii Starbucks Special Edition Gift Cards

Starbucks' special edition gift cards sported two new designs this year --the humuhumunukunukuapua'a fish (above) which I found this summer, and the tropical red torch plant (below) which I picked up in the winter. I personally love the card below but still stick to using the original special edition Starbucks gift card which is lined with vintage yellow hula dancers (see prior post). 

I brought these latest fish cards to the mainland to give away as souvenir gifts. They'd also make collectable holiday gifts for locals who mail Christmas cards/gifts to mainland folks, or for vacationing mainlanders looking for a practical gift to give with that special island touch. 

New Starbucks Hawaii Edition Gift Cards

The latest arrivals landing in Hawaii for 2009: A new design for Hawaii Starbucks giftcards…with the Nene goose and Bird of Paradise.

And three newly designed coffee mugs—great for gifts, souvenirs or your daily morning coffee.

While you’re there, check out their holiday drinks: Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha, Eggnog Latte, Espresso Truffle, and Gingerbread Latte.

I learned today that a latte is steamed milk with a shot of espresso. If you can’t drink coffee like me, you can get a hot cup of steamed milk with any of the above flavorings. Tonight I tried their Signature Hot Chocolate. Compared to their ‘regular’ Hot Chocolate, the Signature line is from Europe and tastes a bit richer and creamier. I recommend ordering it with whipped cream to add a thicker texture. You can also order the Signature Hot Chocolate with Salted Caramel.

Each of the drinks mentioned here are a part of the RED line--$0.05 of each drink goes toward the Global Fund to support lives in Africa. (www.theglobalfund.org)

Hawaii Limited Edition - Gift Cards

Only in Hawaii….specially designed store gift cards.

Nordstrom gift cards come in two designs. One features a hula girl and the other a hibiscus lei. A limited number of cards were manufactured for the Honolulu store’s grand opening this past January. By the end of that month the gift cards were already a scarce commodity.

A few months ago Starbucks stopped printing their special edition hula girl gift cards. These cards were introduced to the Hawaii chains a couple of years ago are becoming difficult to find.

Both cards are expected to increase in net worth and be in demand by enthusiasts and card collectors.

Coffee Bean vs. Starbucks

Hands down, I’m a Coffee Bean gal. I love grabbing my free copy of the Star Bulletin, sitting on the long leather couch, and logging in to my free one hour internet service-- just enough time to check my email and ease into my work.

What I love about Coffee Bean:

Gourmet styled desserts: Red velvet cupcake, carrot cake, assorted pastries as well as their Hawaiian specialties: Lilikoi Mac Nut Bar, Coconut Pineapple Bread Pudding; Haupia Azuki Bean Brioche.

Art at the Bean - Here in Hawaii, each branch features rotating exhibits of paintings and photographs by local artists. I like this month’s contemporary watercolor pieces by Frances Hill. (www.coffeebeanhawaii.com)

Free ‘Beans: Daily copies of the Star Bulletin, one hour of Wi-Fi access, and samples of three selected teas.

Tea Selection: As someone who doesn’t drink coffee, I appreciate their assortment of hot teas, Ice Blended drinks, and Fru’ Teas infusions. This summer’s special: Pina Colada Ice Blended.

Better Music & Lighting—Light pop-alternative, picture windows and numerous recessed lighting give a spacious open feel. Definitely not loud, dark and sleepy as Starbucks.

Food Selection: Broccoli quiche, pesto pasta, assorted wraps, smoked salmon on bagel and beautifully presented gourmet confections (vs. standard Starbucks sandwiches, salads and muffins and scones). My usuals: Granola and milk (oatmeal with macadamia nuts and coconut shavings), Orzo pasta and Salmon fettuccini. Favorite flavored tea is TBD.

A Feminine Touch—Lightwood panels and furniture, curved architecture and furnishings, and dainty colors and designs of drink mugs and accessories (vs. Starbucks’ masculine bent—dark wood décor, and angular furniture and designed coffee goods). Overall, my theory is that Coffee Bean is catered to the tastes of women and Starbucks to that of men. Let me know what you think.

As a side note, Starbucks has been publicly criticized for their abuse of fair-trade policies and use of imperialistic marketing tactics (e.g. buying out local mom and pops and converting them into chain stores). On the upside, they do use recycled paper products. And in Hawaii they financial support local charities and community organizations.