Ever since I got my first Starbucks planner last year as a gift from my aunt Zeny (she saw me joining giveaways to win one – thanks Tita! :D), I began to realize how it’s become a part of tradition for most people I know – to collect stickers during the last quarter of the year and redeem a planner before the new year comes. It’s actually fun and I can’t believe how useful it’s been to me since I got it. So, this year, I’m already one of those who are excited to get our hands on a Starbucks 2012 Planner. 🙂

On its ninth (9th) year, the Starbucks Coffee 2012 Planner comes in five (5) unique covers – from darkest to lightest: Oak, Spruce, Cherry, Bamboo and Poplar.

The planner materials that they used for this 2012 planner reflects the theme Starbucks Shared Planet. What exactly does this mean? It’s their very own vow to do business while still taking care of the planet by supporting these pillars (from the press release):

• Ethical sourcing – This year’s planner was produced in a facility that is FSC certified. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council which is an independent, non-governmental, non- profit organization established to promote that the world’s forests are responsibly managed.
  
• Environmental Stewardship – The inner planner pages are made from 70% recycled paper.
  
• Community Involvement – For every planner redeemed, a donation will be made to SparkHope – Starbucks Philippines flagship program for early childhood care and development in partnership with UNICEF.

Now, let me show you my Starbucks 20102 Planner in Oak. The planner comes with a pouch made of cloth. The material feels like katsa or muslin cloth to me, but thicker. The pouch’s button has Starbucks embedded on it. Nice, eh? 🙂

There are also narrow pockets inside the pouch that you can use as extra compartments for your phone, etc.

There’s a bookmark that’s no longer attached to the planner and a set of Starbucks coupons you could use to get free add-ons or drinks along with your purchases.

I’m sure you’ve all seen the Starbucks 2012 planners displayed at their coffee shops now so you’ve seen that the planners’ covers are made of wood.

The Starbucks logo is etched on the lower left of the cover…

…and on the upper right, you’d see the words Starbucks 2012 planner.

Following the Starbucks Shared Planet theme, each month is separated with a photo and an accompanying quote or block of text reflecting what the theme is all about, just like this one. It says, “When the youth is involved, the future is, indeed, a bright one.”

Each page, as mentioned earlier, is made of recycled paper. And they’re very thick so you can be assured they’re of high quality.

What I love about the 2012 Starbucks planner is there’s a separate notes page for each week, unlike in 2011 where you’ll only find one for each month. This will be particularly useful for me ‘cause I tend to write a lot of my thoughts or daily reflections on my planner.

Yes, my planner has turned into my very own journal, too. When I vowed to write more, my 2011 Starbucks planner seemed like my own little diary (see below). 😀

I also like that there’s a bigger monthly calendar now for those times you need to quickly look at your schedule for the upcoming weeks.

Now , comparing the 2011 and 2012 Starbucks planners side-by-side, you’d immediately see that the new one is smaller. I love its size! I can easily bring it with me anywhere now. 🙂

Ken got the Cherry Starbucks 2012 planner, the one in lighter shade.

That’s a photo of the back of the planners where you’d see a stretchable band that you can alternatively use to mark a page in the planner or to keep it open while you write away. 🙂

I’m sure you all want to know how you can get the 2012 Starbucks planner this time. There are two (2) ways, and they’re pretty easier to complete now:

Option 1: Nine (9) Christmas beverages plus eight (8) core beverages except bottled drinks = 17 stickers

Option 2: 23 core beverages except bottled drinks = 23 stickers

See how easier it is this year? And, again, whenever a Starbucks planner is redeemed, a donation is made to the SparkHope – Starbucks Philippines flagship program, in partnership with UNICEF for early childhood care and development of young beneficiaries of the advocacy. So, it’s one way of giving back too. 🙂

As Christmas gifts, I’m planning on redeeming for my friends who I know keep journals or planners too OR possibly give one away here on our blog. Stay tuned! 🙂

What do you think of the Starbucks 2012 planners? Have you started your sticker collection?

Pardon the watermarks. I hope you understand. 🙂