I tend to be skeptical of trends, especially the water bottle craze sweeping TikTok and Instagram. So when Stanley tumblers started taking the spotlight, I brushed it off as yet another social media fad that would burn out fast.
That was until I was gifted my very own Stanley.
About two years ago, my friends got me a Stanley IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler in a pretty rose quartz hue. (Unlike me, they’re in tune with trendy products.) So I put aside my skepticism, embraced the craze and made the Stanley my go-to water bottle.
I admit, the tumbler is worth the hype — and yes, the relatively high price tag. And with gifting season right around the corner, Stanleys make for both a useful and sleek present that’s likely to become an everyday part of your recipient’s life. Discounts on these tumblers can be hard to come by, but you can find them on Amazon for around $35.
See also: 32 Best Christmas Gifts Under $100
I love my Stanley tumbler’s convenience
I’m a big fan of the IceFlow tumbler because of the handle at the top, which makes carrying it on walks or when out and about easier. The built-in straw makes sipping a breeze, and unlike the more popular Quencher tumbler with the handle on the side, this one is leak-proof. (Though the Quencher is a solid choice, if you prefer that design.) I have the 30-ounce option, and it fits well in a cup holder and carries enough water without being too bulky. And hey, if it happens to be trendy, so be it.
You shouldn’t get a Stanley just because influencers tell you to (or even because I’m telling you to now). But if you want to gift someone a water bottle that not only looks sleek but can keep water cold for a ridiculously long time (I’ve had ice last overnight), then a Stanley might be the answer.
A Stanley didn’t change my life (even if it can apparently survive a car fire and keep water cold all the while), but I like having a good quality bottle that encourages me to drink more water — and yes, we all need to drink more water. Sure, there are plenty of water bottles that keep your ice water refreshingly cold, but out of all the drinkware cluttering my cabinets, this is the one I reach for the most — whether I’m staying hydrated at home or heading out. It checks all the boxes when it comes to size, quality and functionality.
Why the Stanley IceFlow Tumbler makes a great gift
There’s no one-size-fits-all gift, but the Stanley IceFlow Tumbler comes pretty darn close. In a world where everyone’s constantly on the go, you’re almost assuredly getting someone a gift you know they’ll get a lot of use out of, whether they take it to the gym, traveling, or use it at school or work. Both the 20- and 30-ounce models fit in most standard cupholders, so it’ll be within reach wherever they go. It also comes in countless colors and offers customizable options, so it’s easy to find one that fits your gift recipient’s tastes.
Will there be Black Friday deals on the Stanley tumbler?
The Stanley IceFlow Tumbler isn’t as expensive as the Yeti Rambler, but it’s not the cheapest water bottle out there either, so it’s good to keep an eye out for discounts on sites like Amazon and Target to make it more affordable. That way, your cash — like the icy water in your Stanley — will last longer. While we rarely see discounts on Stanley’s water bottles, Black Friday is the best time of year to score one at a discount. We saw the price of the 30-ounce IceFlow Tumbler drop 13% during October Prime Day, and we expect to see more significant discounts for Black Friday.
For more great gifts, here are some other viral finds on TikTok that are actually worth giving. And if you’re looking to drop more cash on that special someone, these are our favorite gifts under $300 and gifts under $500.
