Why a Starbucks Outing Has Become a Full-On Luxury for Mums Like Me
Let’s be real—there was a time when treating the kids to Starbucks felt like an easy, grab-and-go option. But these days? It feels more like I’m buying a fancy meal rather than three simple drinks.
As a single mum to two girls, ages 9 and 11, who absolutely adore Starbucks, splurging on their favourite autumn drinks has become a bit of a luxury. One Pumpkin Spice Latte here, a Refresha there, and suddenly I’m wondering if I should’ve just cooked dinner out instead. With prices starting at £3.65 for a Tall Pumpkin Spice Latte and climbing to nearly £6.00 for fancier drinks like the Refresha beverages, it’s not just a casual treat anymore .
When a Starbucks Outing Costs as Much as Dinner
Here’s the breakdown: if I treat both girls and myself to a Starbucks outing, it easily adds up to what you’d spend on a sit-down meal at a restaurant. Between the drinks, snacks, and maybe a cheeky Pumpkin Spice Marble Loaf Cake or one of their seasonal bakery items, I’m looking at a total that makes me reconsider whether it’s worth it. The truth is, I love spoiling my girls once in a while—especially when it’s something as fun and seasonal as a Pumpkin Spice Latte. But let’s face it, we’re looking at a small fortune to keep those smiles going regularly .
The Seasonal Merch Temptation
And just when I think I’ve gotten away with just a couple of drinks, in come the seasonal merch temptations. My girls love collecting Starbucks’ latest goodies, and this year, it’s all about those exclusive Starbucks x Stanley cups. They look amazing, don’t get me wrong, but at £54.95, they come with a price tag that makes you blink twice .
Treating Ourselves, Occasionally
Look, it’s fun to indulge every now and then, and my girls’ excitement is worth it. But at this point, a Starbucks outing has officially become an “occasion”—the kind of thing you plan for rather than something you grab on the fly. As much as we love it, those fancy drinks and limited-edition treats have made Starbucks a bit of a special event for us.
So, next time we head there, I’ll likely remind myself that while the Pumpkin Spice Latte is divine, the real treat is just spending time with my girls—whether we’re sipping overpriced coffee or laughing over home-brewed hot chocolate at home.
How do you handle the Starbucks splurge? Let me know in the comments if you’ve found ways to indulge without breaking the bank!
