8 kid-friendly water bottles perfect for back to school

Photo by Carmen Cheung

From backpacks to lunch boxes, there’s plenty to prepare for your kid’s return to the classroom. One school staple that every child needs is a sturdy water bottle, so they can stay hydrated while they learn and play. Whether your focus is on design, keeping leaks at bay or sustainability, we’ve got several options that your kid will love.

1.  A super sipper

purple and yellow Nalgene bottle — Photo: Courtesy of Nalgene

This colourful bottle from Nalgene is a good size for small hands and won’t take up too much room in a backpack. The rubber lid and smooth plastic mouthpiece make sipping a breeze and prevent any messy spills. Nalgene Grip’n Gulp water bottle, $12, mec.ca

2.  The earth-friendly bottle

pink water bottle — Photo: Courtesy of Klean Kanteen

This bottle was designed for kids aged 3 and up—and the planet! It’s coated in a super durable powder finish that makes it resistant to chipping, highly durable and eco-friendly. Klean Kanteen Kid Classic with Kid Sport Cap, $26, well.ca

3. A bottle that’s packing heat (and cold!)

purple s'well water bottle — Photo: Courtesy of S’well

Whether your kid wants to keep their water chilled or bring some hot chocolate when the days start to get colder, this S’well bottle can handle both. The brand’s Therma-S’well™ Technology keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12. S’ip x S’well 15 OZ bottle, $35, well.ca

4. Calling all shark lovers

Shark-covered water bottle — Photo: Courtesy of Crocodile Creek x IndigoKids

Busy kids might not have enough space to stash their bottles in their lunch bags, but this option has a grab and go handle that easily clips onto a backpack. It’s made of plastic that’s stain-resistant, non-toxic and BPA-free. Crocodile creek bottle, $16, indigo.ca

5. All is S’well

yellow water bottle with whales — Photo: Courtesy of S’well

This bright yellow bottle also uses Therma-S’well™ Technology. It’s BPA-free and its vacuum-insulated walls keep your kid’s drink cool and fresh all day long. S’ip x s’well 10 OZ bottle, $30, well.ca

6. A hydrating hydro flask

yellow hydro flask — Photo: Courtesy of Hydro Flask

This brightly-coloured bottle is ideal for those who want their drinks to stay super cold. The design features a leak-resistant straw cap, and it’s also wide enough for ice cubes. Hydro Flask 354ml Wide Mouth Kids Bottle, $40, mec.ca

7. A ‘big-kid’ bottle

narwhal water bottle — Photo: Courtesy of Skip Hop

This bottle is the next big-kid step for a toddler looking to upgrade from their sippy cup. Aside from being super cute, its also very practical, with a straw and flip-top lid, all of which is dishwasher safe. Skip Hop bottle, $12, indigo.ca

8.  The spill-proof bottle

brightly coloured floral bottle — Photo: Courtesy of Contigo

12 hours of coldness is guaranteed with this Contigo water bottle. Its spill-proof valve and protective cover lock all the liquids in, while keeping germs and dirt out. Even if your kid manages to knock it over while the lid is open, expect their drink to stay put! Contigo AUTOSPOUT Striker Chill Water Bottle, $16, bedbathandbeyond.ca