It used to be “Hydroflask,” now it’s “Stanley.” Fads are nothing new in the high school world, but Stanley water bottles are different. According to CNBC, Stanley brought in $750 million in 2023. 

The brand has been around for decades, making camping-like gear. Starting in 2020, the brand spiked, but nothing like it did in 2023. Many call this the “TikTok Effect.” As shown on Stanley’s TikTok page, a woman had posted a video of her car burnt from the inside out due to a fire. Remaining—her Stanley with ice still in the bottle. Stanley saw her video and responded, replacing her car for her. The CEO’s kindness and the water bottle’s durability went viral. 

It’s nearly impossible to go a day at Presque Isle high school without seeing someone walking with their Stanley. 

“I like them because they keep all of my drinks cold all day. Plus the colors are cute,” Allie Bartol ’26, owner of two Stanleys, said.

The appeal? Numerous styles and colors, long-lasting ice, keeping your drink cold all day long, a handle, a straw and the trademarked logo on the front. You can even purchase a little cover for your straw, displaying a flower and other shapes.

“I definitely wouldn’t have a Stanley if they weren’t popular,” Sydney Lavigne ’24 said. “I’m glad I was influenced to buy it, but I know that if I wasn’t seeing them online I wouldn’t have bought one.”

Is it worth the hype? Just ask PIHS.