Dec 15, 2015 08:00 AM EST
Starbucks Gets Fancy With Limited-Edition Crystal-Covered Gift Cards

Starbucks avid fans are always looking forward to collectible items they set out every year. The "Brilliant Collection" seems to be the most posh collectible set we have seen so far.

Foodbeast reports that the popular coffee shop has released a set of lavish coffee gift items covered in Swarovski crystals. The "Brilliant Collection" includes a limited-edition, crystal-covered gift card that is already pre-loaded with $50 and sold for $200. With that price tag, the gift card is the most expensive item in the collection set. A crystal-covered stainless steel tumbler comes next with a price tag of $124.95.

There also fancy looking coffee cup ornaments which won't leave you flat broke. These cups are also covered in crystals and only cost less than $40.

Eater reports on how the limited edition Starbucks began. Starbucks has been secretly or publicly distrbuting branded plastic or metal cards since 2001. These cards are usually given to employees and can be used for refunds and gift giving.  However, the cards have evolved in the past 14 years. Later on, it has been seen as a status symbol for most well-to-do Starbucks addict.

Since 2012, it has been almost a tradition that Starbucks releases its fancy stainless steel gift cards at the beginning of the holiday season. The latest edition blue Swarovski covered gift cards are still available via Starbucks' website. If history repeats itself, the coveted gift card will soon be available on online stores like eBay. Of course, it will be priced well above its retail rate.

You may wonder why Starbucks may charge a premium price for something relatively free in other retail stores. This may have something to do with the growing avid collectors of Starbucks limited-edition items. It has become their hobby to collect each and every Starbucks card, willing to pay any price for the coveted item.

So if you're one of those avid collectors, grab this fancy gift cards to complete your collection.

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