Iconic water bottles in the 2000s

Before Owala and Stanley bottles stole all the limelight, there were already generations of bottles that younger us would scrimp and save for, just so we had new arm candy to show off in school.

Yup, you know which ones we’re talking about – from quintessential Nike “spray spray” bottles, to the industrial-sized Nalgene bottles we convinced ourselves weren’t a pain to bring around, here’s a rundown of the most iconic water bottles we dropped good money on back in the day.

1. Nike Sport Bottle

Image credit: Pinterest 

Back in the early 2010s, our biggest financial dilemma was deciding which colour of the Nike Sport Bottle we wanted to spend $15 on. These colourful bottles were almost a rite of passage in our upper primary or early secondary school days, to the point that over half the class would own them.

It was also one of those things you’d have major FOMO over if you didn’t purchase – everyone used these squeeze bottles to spray water at their friends, or for a refreshing spritz post-PE lesson.

If you used these bottles, you were probably either a popz kid who pioneered the trend, or simply a fad follower who wanted to join in on the fun. Either way, can we agree that the black, red, and transparent colourways were superior?

Where to buy: While the OG squeeze bottles aren’t so easily found anymore, Nike has a new-gen version called the Nike Hyperfuel, which you can purchase via Shopee.

2. Nalgene Wide Mouth Sustain Bottle

Image credit: Nalgene

If you complain about lugging around heavy work bags now, just remember that there was once a time when you had zero qualms about carrying gigantic Nalgene bottles alongside your already heavy school bag.

We’re not quite sure why we felt the need to bring around this much water to survive a school day, but one thing’s for sure – those of us who had these bottles were always hydrated queens, and definitely clocked in our 2 litres a day.

If you used these bottles, you were probably either in NCC or another uniform group CCA, and needed to stay extra hydrated during marching practice under the sun.

Where to buy: You can purchase Nalgene Wide Mouth Sustain Bottles via Amazon.

3. “Foldable” Water Bottle

Image credit: Amazon

If we’re being completely honest, these “foldable” bottles were cool in theory, but not all that practical IRL. Sure, they were compact and foldable when empty, but were just as big as other bottles when filled. Plus, they were pretty flimsy too – just one pencil slash, and these pouches would be ripped open.

If you were guilty of owning these, you were probably a quirky kiddo who loved keeping up with new trends. We respect that, though, fashion doesn’t always need to be practical after all.

Where to buy: If you’re looking for a sturdy version of the above foldable bottles, check out Vapur Collapsible Bottles via Amazon.

4. Cartoon straw bottles

Image credit: AliExpress

A core memory for many of us, Cartoon straw bottles were the quintessential kindergarten and primary 1 kid water bottle, often carried hand-in-hand with our Impact school bags or Disney Princess rolling backpacks.

Aside from announcing to the entire world what our favourite cartoon characters were at the time, these bottles also came with crossbody straps to give our parents peace of mind that we wouldn’t misplace them during the day.

We have just one gripe about them – the nasty chew bites that’d inevitably form on their built-in straws. Not the bottle’s fault per se, but give kiddos anything with a chewy plastic straw attached, and you know things are about to get messy.

Where to buy: You can purchase cartoon straw bottles via Shopee.

5. Bobble Bottle

Image credit: Pinterest

This might be a tad more niche, but Bobble Bottles definitely had their few minutes of fame in the early 2010s. For those who don’t recall, these eco-friendly bottles were kinda like the portable version of a Brita jug, with changeable built-in filters that sifted out impurities from tap water.

Considering that SG’s tap water is already safe to drink, you probably only owned these if you or your parents were extra health conscious.

Where to buy: You can purchase Bobble Bottles via Amazon.

6. Aluminium foil insulated bottles

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

While not necessarily the most aesthetic bottles around, these aluminium foil insulated bottles were the more durable, kid-friendly version of thermos flasks.

Basically, they were double-walled with an aluminium layer to keep water cold for hours, though we hear they’re not as effective as actual flasks. Nonetheless, kids who used these were often those in sports CCAs, who needed an icy-cold refreshment in between workouts.

Where to buy: You can purchase Polar Insulated Bottles via Amazon.

7. Pink Dolphin

Image credit: HÜBSCH JESS BABY via Blogspot

Ice Milo this, Teh Peng that – in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the popularity of the Pink Dolphin drink amongst primary schoolers was quite literally unmatched.

Maybe it was the yummy, peachy flavour that had us hooked, or simply the pretty pink packaging that we all loved. Either way, it was not uncommon for kids to reuse Pink Dolphin bottles as makeshift water bottles after emptying them out.

PSA: If you’re still in the habit of reusing plastic drink bottles, we highly suggest purchasing a proper bottle instead. Single-use plastic bottles can degrade over time and cause bacteria growth, regardless of how often you’re washing them.

Bonus: Water Coolers

Image credit: Mad Science Laboratory via WordPress 

If reusing plastic bottles – like the Pink Dolphin ones – seem a little unhygienic to you, let’s also take a moment to remember the kids who didn’t bother bringing water bottles to school, and instead relied on water coolers as their sole source of hydration.

The bright side? They were guaranteed ice-cold water each time they paused for a sip. The downside? They were 100% not clocking in their 2 litres a day, and, in all honesty, water coolers were always a tad nasty.

We’re not sure why, but water from some of these taps always tasted a little off, and don’t get us started on the menaces who would put their mouths way too close to the cooler spout.

Which of these iconic water bottles from the 2000s did you have?

We might be loyal to our Owalas and Hydroflasks now, but these old-school bottles definitely served their purpose back in our schooling days. Plus, they were a lot more affordable, and sturdy enough to tide through rowdy PE lessons and recesses. If you have kiddos of your own now, would you consider getting them these bottles for school?

More nostalgia:

• Books we used to read during silent reading time
• Heartland malls in SG, then vs. now
• Chain emails from the 90s

Cover image adapted from: AliExpress, eBay, Nalgene & Amazon.