Summer-themed merchandise from food and beverage companies adds a fun and festive touch to the season. Items like collector’s plushies and yummy-looking sunglasses can be an enjoyable way to support your favorite products. This type of merch also often provides a healthy dose of nostalgia, creating positive associations with the brands. And because summer is still here, we still have a lot to look forward to in this department before we officially transition to fall.
This round-up let’s you in on exclusive merchandise from popular food and beverage labels that teamed up with lifestyle brands to give fans must-have items for the season. From TikTok plushies to luxury cufflinks, these novelty pieces are designed to make your summer even more enjoyable.
Summer-themed Merch You Shouldn’t Miss
Let’s take a look at the goodies that are available (or will be available) for grabs this month and in the coming days:
Yummy World & Fanta 10″ Orange Soda Can Plush with Sound
This battery-operated interactive Fanta Orange soda plushie is a collaboration between Kidrobot, Yummy World, and Fanta. Just tap on the top of the can to activate the interactive feature of this irresistibly orange plush toy and hear what sounds like an ice-cold can being cracked open. Made of premium materials, this plushie is sure to delight orange Fanta fans of all ages. For more information and to place a pre-order, visit the Kidrobot product page.
Squishmallows x Stranger Things Plushies
Walmart recently dropped these round and oh-so-adorable plushies brought to you by Squishmallows and Stranger Things. This collab, exclusive to Walmart, includes four Squishmallows inspired by the popular Netflix series: Ahoy Butterscotch and Ahoy Chocolate pudding plushies, along with Demogorgon and Eleven Squishmallows. The design is in honor of the Scoops Ahoy workers from season three of the series, Robin Buckley and Steve Harrington.
This release comes as part of Walmart’s annual Collectors Con, where the retail giant features a selection of exclusive collectibles just as Comic-Con 2024 kicks off in San Diego, California. Each Squishmallow can be purchased on a pre-order basis and will ship on October 1. It is highly likely that these will sell out even before the final season of Stanger Things, so if you’d like these cuties to be part of your plush toy collection, now is the time to get them.
Pop Tarts x Goodr Sunglasses
These summer-perfect set of sunglasses resemble the toaster pastry’s Frosted Wildberry and Frosted Strawberry flavors. These deliciously designed sunglasses come in Pop Tart pouches that look so good, you could mistake it for the real thing. The drop date is still under wraps, but you can sign up on Goodr’s website to get early access.
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Stanley x Bajaversary Tumbler by Taco Bell
The Mexican fast food chain has been constantly releasing news on all things Baja, including a Baja Blast flavored pie, gelato, and Taco Bell twists. This one is literally perfect for sipping MTN Dew’s Baja Blast drink and fans (including us) are excited for its release. It drops on August 13, 2 p.m. PST on the Taco Bell app, which you will need to be a rewards member to access.
5-hour ENERGY Cufflinks
Energy shots and drinks brand 5-hour ENERGY has teamed up with Verstolo Fine Jewelry to create refillable 5-hour ENERGY Cufflinks that are perfect for your summer events. Flavor Flav showcased them at an LA dinner to honor the U.S. Women’s Water Polo team and celebrate their sendoff to the Paris Olympics.
The limited edition luxury cufflinks, made with 14K gold-plated sterling silver, stainless steel, and black enamel, dropped on July 23, and there is only a limited number available for $1,000, which will include two bottles of Grape Flavor Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY. You can purchase a set via the brand’s website. 5-hour ENERGY is also hosting a “Summer of No FOMO” sweepstakes where fans can enter for a chance to win a summer supply of 5-hour ENERGY. Submission of entries is valid until August 23.
Keep in mind
The Orange Fanta plushie and the Squishmallows are for pre-order. More than 100 people have already bought the Squishmallows over on Walmart, so it’s a good idea to get yours now. You can get early access to the Pop Tart x Goodr Sunglasses by signing up on Goodr’s website, and this way you’ll know first thing when the goodies roll out. The Bajaversary Tumbler will release via the app but you will need to be a rewards member to participate in the launch. Lastly, there is only a limited number of 5-hour ENERGY refillable cufflinks, get yours for $1000. If you just want to win a supply of 5-hour ENERGY drinks for the rest of the summer, you can still submit your entry to the brand’s “Summer of No FOMO” sweepstakes until August 23.
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From The Club
Wow, those cufflinks have got to be the boujiest merch I’ve ever come across. It’s a good thing I like Gatorade, if you know what I mean. But I’m definitely eyeing the plushies and the sunglasses. Those are my “Shut up and take my money” kind of merch. I’ll be pre-orderin the Ahoy Butterscotch and Orange Fanta, for sure. The Bajaversary tumbler looks really cool too. I might get one to use for my Baja Blast fountain drink during Taco Bell trips
Image and tip courtesy of @markie_devo
