It depends what you’re going to use them for (ie what activities). I do think it’s worthwhile investing in good quality for water bottles for adults (who are less likely to lose them than kids).

I try to use a clear or see through water bottle – that way i can tell if the kids have had a sneaky mouthful and left a present of floaties!

Always label new water bottles as they do have a tendency to go missing!

I would be inclined to be wheat packs. Longer lasting and no chance of leakages

We buy ones that are friendly to the environment and not made with nasty chemicals.

BPA free for cold drinks otherwise those thermal / double walled ones for hot beverages. Or KeepCups which I love for my morning coffees

I think the answer to that lies in if you drink warm water and if yes then absolutely get hot/cold use bottles

Most important for me is if the bottle is to clean easy and well. Therefor a wide neck is easier for when you want to clean the inside of the bottle so your brush can go in, and the teat/mouth should be easy to clean (preferably easy to take apart) as well.

I recently bought one of these water bottles and I LOVE it. It’s a great size and the lid locks on to avoid any accidents. I loved it so much that I asked for a second one for Xmas.
https://secure.healthymummy.com/shop/branded-drinking-weights-bottle/?lbwref=344

I bought from a charity store, some new Tupperware drink bottles. They are a screw lid and square 500 ml bottle. I really love the quality. Maybe for kids a flip lid would be easier, but they were too good to pass up. They go in the dishwasher and the plastic doesn’t corrupt the water taste.

I wouldn’t buy a hot one for a child , but great if you like drinking hot soups etc.. outside home .

I like my water bottle with a straw in it.. They seem to eveywhere and the best bit when knocked over they do not spill.. But they can only hold water or cold drinks.. I keep my hot drinks in a different container as its usually for a hot coffee.. and eventhough washed inbetween uses.. it might make the water taste funny.

Why don’ t you ask them what they’d like? It might depend what they would use them for – if they are using it for sports then they might want a light plastic one that tends to be softer for carrying in a water belt etc. They can always freeze a plastic bottle to let the water melt slowly and be cold if heat is an issue. Perhaps more important is whether they need a hand to ‘open’ or twist the lid, or can drink from it without (perhaps just pulling a stopper with the teeth) so making a bottle more or less suitable for using in certain ways, for example, when driving.

If using for hot and cold l would go stainless steel!

Hot and cold is handy. Stainless works best. I love our ecococcoon bottles