Best Kid Watering Can Set
The Melissa and Doug Pretty Petals Watering Can is a clear winner in our book, showcasing style and functionality. This product is lightweight for tots to carry, features a loop handle for little hands to hold, and the blossom rosette head is a lovely and charming touch. Regarding capacity, we think this watering can is the Goldilocks - not too big, not too small, but just right. Plus, the fill hole is adequate in size and accessible, making it easy for kids to refill the can.
The rosette end creates a gentle shower effect, ideal for delicate seedlings and other adventures around the garden or backyard. However, the shower may not be precise enough to target the roots of houseplants. We recommend this watering can to kids looking to shower flowers with water, and we believe your beginner gardener will be perfectly equipped for the job.
Little plant caretakers will smile using the adorable Cado Elephant Watering Can. This can is inexpensive yet durable and long-lasting, assuming it will not be sitting in direct sunlight. We think the long, slender trunk is best for precision watering, such as plant roots or hard-to-reach places.
We think the trunk spout may be unsuitable for certain watering jobs, like gently showering plants outside. However, if your objective is to inspire and encourage your child's participation with plant care, indoors or outdoors, despite its stream-like water flow, then we recommend this elephant for your family.
The Green Toys Watering Can is constructed from 100% recycled plastic and ready to join your child at the beach or in the garden. This watering can is sturdy and durable, sports a rosette sprinkler end, and 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. We feel this watering is high-quality and recommend it to eco-minded families who appreciate the company's effort to repurpose recycled plastic, plus the bonus 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, 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 was able to 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 fan or kids who love 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, and it is easy to carry and pour.
The spout's somewhat wide opening creates a strong stream that may not be ideal for delicate flowers or seedlings. Also, the watering can is on the heavy side, and when filling with water, it may take some muscle and oomph for little tots to carry. However, if you can overlook its weight, we recommend this watering can 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). Besides the gnome, other character options are available, 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 full, 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 expertise and knowledge (thanks to nearly a decade of testing), to help recommend a product to meet your needs. Leading this review is Molly Bradac, Research Analyst, 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 of the category, and identify key similarities and differences through side-by-side comparison.
Analysis and Test Results
Lots of filling, watering, play, and experimentation went into our hands-on testing.
Size
Determine the size of your watering can 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 is the Kinderific Gardening Set and Watering Can, which is metal. 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 Options
A watering can typically sports 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, which is 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, who are eager to discover and help, so equip them with a watering can and invite them to help care for houseplants or backyard gardens. Plus, they will learn important life skills, like responsibility and kindness, along the way. We are confident there is a kid watering can here that will meet your family's needs and budget. And, like flowers, watch your little one grow and flourish as they learn.
— Molly Bradac