Water fountains or “bubblers” are becoming as antiquated as the people who used them (cough, cough, parents and teachers). Water bottles are a pretty standard school supply these days, but they can cause problems in the classroom—condensation rings, puddles, and worse. No one wants a new Chromebook ruined by a spill from a nearby water bottle. It only makes sense, then, to keep your students’ water bottles off of the top of their desks. You can buy water bottle holders for student desks, or try easy hacks to make your own. Either way, your classroom will be more organized while everyone stays hydrated!
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1. Car Drink Holders
This idea has been making the rounds for a while, and it is one of the most popular ways to make water bottle holders for student desks. Find these drink holders in the automotive department; they’re meant to hook onto a car door at the base of the window. Cut or snap off the hook if you want, or just zip-tie them into place as-is.
Buy it: Bell Drink Holder at Zoro
Learn more: @aloveofteaching/Instagram
2. Shoe Holder Pockets
Image source: Hilarity With Mrs. Horst/Instagram
You’ve probably seen the over-the-door shoe holder repurposed as a classroom water bottle holder. Go one step further and trim each pocket, add some duct tape, and zip-tie them to individual desks. So smart!
Buy it: Amazon Basics Over-the-Door Shoe Holder at Amazon
3. Plastic Tumblers
This is another popular (and inexpensive) method for making DIY water bottle holders for student desks. Buy large, sturdy plastic tumblers and carefully drill holes, then zip-tie them into place.
Buy it: 16-Ounce Reusable Plastic Stadium Cups, 8 Pack at Amazon
Learn more: @ateachersbrain/Instagram
4. Bike Bottle Holders
These bottle holders are a little more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but they’re easy to use and durable. On Pinterest, Kayla S. says, “These screw right onto desk legs—SO handy for all the kids’ water bottles! I need more!”
Buy it: Accmor 2-Pack Bike Water Bottle Holder at Amazon
Learn more: Kayla S./Pinterest
5. S Hooks
Lots of water bottles have loops or carabiners attached. Take advantage of that with this super-economical idea: Just drill a small hole, slip an S hook through it, and hang the bottles from their loops. Metal shower rings also work but aren’t as sturdy.
Buy it: 30-Pack Heavy-Duty S Hooks at Amazon
Learn more: Rosa S./Pinterest
6. Cup-Holsters
If you’ve got some funds to invest, these cup holders are some of the most popular on Amazon, with more than 2,600 five-star reviews. The screw attachment adjusts to fit thin and thick surfaces, so they’ll work pretty much anywhere.
Buy it: Cup-Holster at Amazon
Learn more: J. Northington/Amazon Review
7. Pencil Cups
Stop by the dollar store and pick up some of these mesh pencil cups. Then, simply attach them to the desk or chair legs with zip ties.
Buy it: Jot Metal Pencil Holders at Dollar Tree
Learn more: Sarah Saunders/Pinterest
8. Duct Tape Upcycled Holders
There are a few different ways you can make these DIY water bottle holders. On Pinterest, Jenni Toltzman shares that she made these from empty disinfectant wipe containers. Other teachers have used 2-liter soda bottles with the tops cut off. Either way, wrap them with colorful duct tape and attach them to student desks with zip ties. Try letting students decorate their own holders for a useful craft project.
Buy it: Craftzilla Rainbow-Colored Duct Tape in 6 Bright Colors at Amazon
Learn more: Jenni Toltzman/Pinterest
9. Paracord Bottle Holders
Speaking of useful crafts, teach kids how to make these easy water bottle holders from paracord. Find the simple instructions on Birds’ Eye Meeple, then let kids choose their own colors and make these holders to hang off the back of their chairs. They can take these with them from room to room too!
Buy it: 36-Color Paracord Set at Amazon
Learn more: Bird’s Eye Meeple
10. Fuzzy Sock Holders
The cool thing about these fuzzy sock DIY water bottle holders is that they absorb condensation, so you won’t have drippy puddles everywhere! Cut them down both sides and then tie them according to the size of the water bottle and the height of the desk.
Buy it: Women’s Fuzzy Socks at Amazon
Learn more: CLAS Creations Cindy Lou/Pinterest
11. Foam Bottle Holder
Really Good Stuff makes lots of cool classroom supplies, like these foam bottle holders. They attach firmly to desk or chair legs and are deep enough to hold bottles of all sizes. They’re on the pricier side, so watch for sales to make them more affordable.
Buy it: Really Good Stuff Foam Water Bottle Holders at Amazon
12. 2-in-1 Holder
Image source: Jared Kunnmann/Amazon Review
Here’s another pricier option that’s worth the investment. This clamp-on cup holder has an attached hook for holding headphones, bags, or other items. Reviewers love that the cup holder is large enough for even the biggest bottles.
Buy it: 2-in-1 Anti-Spill Cup Holder With Under Desk Headphone Hanger at Amazon
13. Clip-On Option
Image source: Walmart
These clamp-on drink holders are equally perfect to house student water bottles or your own cup of coffee. They can also be used to hold classroom plants.
Buy it: Cup Clip Drink Holder at Walmart
14. Upcycled Tin Can Holder
This idea so simple yet makes for the perfect water bottle holder for a student’s desk. We especially love that you can get your students in on the upcycling by having them bring in a can from home. Then, simply attach it to the desk with some cable ties.
Learn more: Family Handyman
15. Another Duct Tape Option
Oh duct tape, you are so versatile! Provide your students with a fun variety of patterned duct tape so they can really personalize their water bottle holders. Then, follow the instructions in the video for a water bottle holder that can be hung off the back of students’ chairs or travel with them thanks to the handy strap.
Buy it: Simply Genius Patterned Duct Tape at Amazon
16. PVC Cup Holder
If your school has student desks with T-shaped bases and you happen to be good with a hacksaw, than this DIY cup holder might be perfect for you! Grab some wide PVC pipe, take some measurements, and finally, cut a slit to fit the base.
Learn more: Pinterest
17. 3D Cup Holder Model
This DIY is not for everyone, but if you have access to a 3D printer, it might just be for you. We love how this design is both space-saving and simple while still getting the job done.
Buy it: Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer at Amazon
Learn more: Printables
18. Repurposed Bike Bottle Holder
Repurpose a bike water bottle holder into a desk holder using just a few heavy-duty zip ties. You can attach it to the leg of the desk or the chair.
Buy it: Bike Water Bottle Holder at Amazon
Learn more: TeachStarter/@educationlifeboat/Instagram
19. Under-Desk Organizer and Cup Holder in One
This pre-made cup holder also provides plenty of under-desk storage for those student desks who either don’t have a drawer or whose drawer is full. Don’t forget to buy one for your own desk too!
Buy it: Under Desk Organizer at Amazon
Do you have a trick for adding water bottle holders to student desks? Come share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, check out Our Favorite Water Bottles for Teachers.
