Like many who work in the coffee industry, I’ve accumulated a collection of Starbucks gift cards over the years. For distant relatives unsure of what I actually do when I say “I make coffee for a living,” a Starbucks gift card seems like a safe bet. They are undeniably convenient gifts. You can grab a Starbucks gift card at practically any Starbucks location, or even at large retailers like Target, making them perfect for last-minute presents or those forgotten names in your office Secret Santa exchange.
However, this year, there’s a compelling reason to reconsider reaching for that Starbucks Coffee Gift Card. Unionized Starbucks workers are asking for your solidarity and suggesting you skip purchasing Starbucks gift cards altogether.
Think about the almost-empty Starbucks gift card you might have rattling around in your bag or wallet. It might seem like those few cents left on the card are insignificant to you. But collectively, these small, unused balances add up to a massive sum for the coffee giant. In fact, over a billion dollars is currently sitting on inactive Starbucks gift cards. This staggering figure represents a “no-interest loan” for Starbucks, as reported by Business Insider. Customers load money onto these cards, both traditional gift cards and loyalty program cards, a portion of which Starbucks ultimately never has to redeem. To illustrate, in 2020 alone, Starbucks pocketed $164.5 million from unredeemed gift card balances, recording it as pure revenue.
This financial detail becomes particularly relevant when considering Starbucks’ aggressive stance against the growing unionization efforts of its employees. As extensively reported, Starbucks has been actively pushing back against its workers’ attempts to unionize. In These Times highlights the severity of the situation, noting that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has cited Starbucks for over 900 violations of federal labor law. These violations stem from a range of union-busting tactics, from offering differential benefits at non-union stores to allegedly firing around 150 employees in retaliation for union activities.
While one might assume Starbucks’ resistance is purely about protecting profits from potential wage increases and improved benefits for unionized staff, the reality appears more complex. Starbucks, a company with vast financial resources, seems more interested in stifling the union movement itself. Therefore, perhaps it’s time to consider redirecting our spending to businesses that better align with supporting workers’ rights.
Better Alternatives to Starbucks Gift Cards
So, what are some more ethical and community-focused alternatives to a Starbucks coffee gift card? Here are a couple of ideas that not only make great gifts but also support businesses with different values.
Support Local Coffee Shops and Roasters
My consistent advice for coffee lovers seeking quality and community connection is to buy local. Most cities and towns boast independent, small-batch coffee roasters who are passionate about sourcing exceptional beans and serving their local communities. Purchasing a gift card from a local coffee shop or roastery is just as convenient as buying a Starbucks gift card. Many local businesses offer online gift card purchases, making it a quick and thoughtful gift option.
If you’re unsure where to start, I’m happy to offer personalized recommendations. Just tell me your location (city, town, state, or country), and I’ll suggest a fantastic local roaster or coffee shop near you.
Explore Roasters Featured on Boss Barista
This past year, I had the pleasure of interviewing numerous inspiring individuals in the coffee industry for Boss Barista, and several of them are also business owners and roasters. Supporting these businesses is a great way to discover unique coffees and support entrepreneurs within the coffee community.
For more traditional gift ideas, you can also check out the Fresh Cup gift guide (where I work as managing editor). And for in-depth reviews of coffee products, you can explore my articles on Serious Eats. Again, if you need a specific coffee or gift recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below! I’m here to help you find the perfect gift.
☕🎁 Happy sipping and thoughtful gifting! 🎁☕
Photo by BBiDDac
