Cup - I have decided not to get a handle cup - DS drinks well from a free-flow sippy cup with no handles already, so why buy a handled one? Straws, well, DS figured that out after seeing my have a straw once, so Jem is likely as clever enough to be able to use a straw. I hear you on the mess from a no-lid cup, DS keeps going for my water and what a mess! No lid looks most clever, but not if she spills. No-handles I would say is next cleverest. Straws for juice only to protect teeth. HTH! (and yes, I think like this too lol.)