Stanley Quenchers, the stainless steel tumblers introduced in 2016, have become a global success over the last four years. Then, in December 2023, social media powerhouse TikTok exploded with videos of teens and tweens receiving them as holiday gifts, turning the tumblers into a cultural phenomenon. As the trend reaches a tipping point, criticism is now directed at the young girls who played a role in popularizing the reusable cup, making it the latest symbol of overconsumption.
Straight Arrow News contributor Jordan Reid explores this backlash, highlighting concerns about the mixed messages sent to these girls.
Being a tween, and then teen girl is — or at least can be — a rough ride. It’s that strange in-between time where people are simultaneously telling you to enjoy being a kid, go outside, climb a tree, use a stick to twirl a tire or whatever people think kids do. But you’re also becoming increasingly aware of what the world is going to expect of you. So what’s okay for you to like, or what’s frivolous, or just plain silly, those are questions kids are engaging with.
Let’s take that Stanley cup. My daughter adores hers; she calls it “my Stanley.” I’d guess that 60% of the girls in her classroom have one and carry it around with them wherever they go. And, of course, there are inherent issues with this particular trend because this is a very expensive water bottle.
Not every kid in class is going to be able to afford whatever the trendy item is, but this is not a new thing. I vividly remember just desperately wanting saddle shoes, like all the popular girls were wearing, and being told they were too expensive.
I’ve read articles about kids bringing knock-off or fake Stanley cups to school and being called out by their peers, which makes me livid. Some people, of course, will go way overboard with any trends, like the Target moms who allegedly battled it out for the hot pink version.
But I really dislike the tenor of the backlash to the current tween trends — by which I mean “tween girl trends.” They render our children’s desires — and specifically desires that tread that moment in between childhood and “teenagerdom” — they render them ridiculous, when really — aren’t they just having a little fun?
