Best Kid Watering Can Set
The sweet and adorable Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can offers style and functionality. It is easy for kids to carry thanks to its lightweight material and a comfortable loop handle for little hands to hold. And, let's talk about the blossom rosette head; what a lovely design touch. When it comes to capacity, the watering can is the Goldilocks - not too big, not too small, but just right. Plus, the fill hole is wide enough and accessible for kids to refill the vessel independently.
The rosette end creates a gentle shower effect, ideal for delicate seedlings and other adventures around the garden or backyard. However, the shower is not precise enough to target the roots of houseplants. With this Melissa and Doug product, we think your blossoming gardener will be perfectly equipped for the job, and we recommend it to toddlers and children ready to shower flowers.
Little plant caretakers will smile with the Cado Elephant Watering Can, which costs a fraction of some competitors in our lineup. The elephant's long and slender trunk makes this product great for precision watering, such as plant roots or hard-to-reach places. This plastic option is also durable and long-lasting, assuming it will not be sitting in direct sunlight.
If you're looking to gently shower delicate plants, the Cado may not be for you, given the trunk spout and its stream-like flow. But, if that factor is not a deal-breaker, we recommend this inexpensive elephant and think it will encourage your child's participation in plant care.
Made from 100% recycled plastic, the Green Toys Watering Can is ready to join your child at the beach or in the garden. This watering can is sturdy and durable, sports a rosette sprinkler end, as well as a cotton rope carrying handle. Plus, for extra outdoor fun, the set includes a rake and shovel.
With gardening and outside play comes dirt, and we wonder if the cotton rope handle will show dirt over time. However, this may not be a deal-breaker as well-loved toys typically show wear and tear. Despite this matter, we think this watering is high-quality and recommend it to eco-minded families who appreciate the company's effort to repurpose recycled plastic, along with the bonus perk of hand tools.
If you seek a watering can and toolset for your beginner gardener, the Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can is an option to consider. This all-in-one set includes a metal watering can (a perk for folks who prefer to avoid plastic), gloves, shovel, fork, rake, plus a tote bag to carry store the tools. We appreciate the rosette sprinkler head for its gentle shower, and overall, we think this set will be an inspiration for any little gardening enthusiast.
The watering can is on the smaller side, and although it features a pouring handle, it does not offer a carry handle. We do not view this as a deal-breaker because its size is not suitable for big watering projects anyway, and our little tester could carry it easily. We recommend this product to any family who appreciates owning a beginner gardener toolset with a watering can for their child. We are confident it will spark your child's interest and a "green thumb."
The bright and small Gowi Watering Can is best for a pint-sized rookie gardener who wants to water and tend to a few plants or enjoy water play. It is lightweight, features a decent fill-hole size, sprinkler rosette head, plus an easy-to-grasp handle.
Considering the product's small capacity, we think it is best for younger tots, not for older kiddos or big watering projects. But, if you seek a small watering can for your little one to "help" water flowers or grass outside, or perhaps as a toy for water play, then we recommend this product.
The creative and lovable Melissa and Doug Chameleon Watering Can is perfect for a reptile enthusiast or children who love Pascal, Rapunzel's pet chameleon, in the Disney movie Tangled. The plastic feels sturdy, high-quality, and the can holds enough water to get the job done. Instead of a rosette end, it features a spout, which delivers a steady stream. The chameleon's tail becomes a handle (what a creative design!), and it is easy to carry and pour.
The spout is somewhat wide and creates a strong stream that may not be ideal for delicate flowers or seedlings. The can is also on the heavier side when filled with water, so it may take some 'oomph' for younger tots to carry. However, if you can overlook its weight, we recommend this contender to toddlers ready to engage in water play outside.
The whimsical Novelty Gnome Watering Can stands out among the competition, quite literally, offering a large capacity (1.5 gallons of water). Other character options are available besides the gnome, such as a pig, fish, or duck. The manufacturer states the plastic watering can is UV, frost-resistant, and shatterproof. We believe this plastic watering is sturdy and durable, and without a rosette at the end, it pours a steady stream.
With larger capacity comes more weight, and when filled, this can is heavier than other contenders. So, if your child is older and ready for more capacity and can carry heavier weight to help out in the garden, we think this product may fit your needs.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to baby gear and toys, BabyGearLab has the expertise and knowledge (thanks to nearly a decade of testing) to help recommend a product to meet your needs. Leading our review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor, and Nanny with over 14 years of experience. Molly knows the ins and outs of creating fun activities enriched with learning opportunities, and outdoor play falls right in her wheelhouse. Each product in our review was researched, purchased, and rigorously hands-on tested to find the best in this category and identify key similarities and differences through side-by-side comparison.
Analysis and Test Results
We enlisted little testers' help for our review, and lots of filling, watering, and garden play went into our hands-on testing.
Size
Determining the size of your watering can be based on your child's age and goals. Keep in mind, the bigger the watering can, the heavier it will be when full. The Gowi Watering Can and the Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can are the smallest among the competition, whereas the Novelty Gnome Watering Can is one of the largest.
Material
Most kid watering cans are plastic because children are not always careful nor mindful, so they are less likely to break or dent from drops. The only product in our review that is not plastic, but metal, is the Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can. Most of the plastic watering cans in our review feel durable and sturdy, including the Melissa and Doug Chameleon Watering Can and the Green Toys Watering Can.
Spout Style
Typically, watering cans have a spout or rosette sprinkler end. If you are watering delicate flowers or seedlings, the rosette sprinkler end is best because it offers a gentler shower and less likely to snap stems. Most of the products in our review feature this end, including the Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can and the Gowi Watering Can. However, a watering can with a slender, long spout produces a steady stream, which is best for reaching plant roots or hanging pots. The Melissa and Doug Chameleon Watering Can, Cado Elephant Watering Can, and the Novelty Gnome Watering Can fit this profile.
Conclusion
Children are naturally curious creatures eager to explore and learn, so equip them with a watering can and invite them to help care for houseplants or backyard gardens. Plus, gardening with children can help their development. We are confident that our lineup includes a kid watering can that will meet your family's needs and budget. And, like flowers and plants, watch your child grow and flourish as they learn.
— Molly Bradac