How about the CB2 cora carafe? Lovely clean design and it costs only 9.95.

http://www.cb2.com/bath-accessories/bath/cora-carafe/f3989

The Cora carafe on CB2 is $10 with simple, sleek lines: http://www.cb2.com/serving-pieces/dining/cora-carafe/f3989

There was a bedside carafe round-up on here a couple of weeks ago:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/roundup/best-bedside-carafes-roundup-140664

I second the cora carafe! I have it and use it for the exact same thing!

I bought the CB2 carafe but honestly, I don't see the point and after a couple of days of novelty use, it's on display on a bookshelf. Do you drink so much water in the night that you need to fill up a whole carafe? Also, unless you drink the whole glass, you can't put the lid back on (seems obvious but I didn't think of it when I made my purchase!) and at least with the filtered water I drink, it gets stale if it's not covered.

It makes sense for overnight guests -- I think it's hospitable even if it isn't practical.

I don't regret buying it, but I never use it.

AT is better than google:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/roundup/best-bedside-carafes-roundup-140664

Found a pretty blue one at my Pier 1 for four bucks - that cheap enough? :)

buy something from the grocery store in a pretty glass bottle and then reuse it. then you'd have a lid that closed rather than a big open bottle you can knock over reaching for the alarm. Hit a fancy grocery store and buy juice for the glass bottle and you'll get juice and a carafe thats not useless.

I have one from Ikea, but World Market and Pier1 have great options, too.

I agree with Marnea. Not practical. Better for short term guest.

I bought a bottle of Ty Nant and continue to refill it. I like that it has a screw-on top and I don't have to pour it.

http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=621

If you're near a TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or HomeGoods, they always seem to have them and they're usually inexpensive.

A carafe is elegant, but there are decent looking water bottles out there that will do the job and are less breakable and less prone to spilling. They avoid the bother of a tumbler, too.

We use leftover clear wine bottles. After you remove the labeling they look great! And if you ever have a party, it's nice to have them at every table.

Why not try second hand. These stores usually have TONS of glassware to choose from and way cheaper than any store.

I just got one at West Elm for $20, came in a variety of colors. There was also a writeup on this a few weeks ago...

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/roundup/best-bedside-carafes-roundup-140664

I sorted through my countless flower vases and found some that ergonomically worked with drinking glasses. (Perhaps there is such a thing as food grade glass and the vases might not be a good idea. I will research this.)

bed bath & beyond has a classic shape for $5 http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=16512281

I use an old super dark green champagne bottle with a slightly smaller cork (from a wine bottle) to keep it closed, paired with a simple bright blue glass tumbler.

Try Pottery Barn and West Elm. I know they both have carafes right now that aren't crazily overpriced.

The one pictured is still sold at Crate & Barrel.

I have this one from Bed, Bath and Beyond!!

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=10821452

Classic and simple. $6.99 + 20% off cheap enough for you?

And PS: make sure to include "bedside" in your Google search!

I recently bought a carafe from an antique store for five dollars, and then found a tumbler that fits on top. Works great!

I have this one from the container store and I love it! I like the fact that it comes with a cover so you can put it in the fridge and its only $4.99!

http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10025862&N=&Ntt=carafe

I agree I don't find these practical and use one like that for guest. Mainly because don't hold enough water, no lid so dust gets in and can be slippery when pouring in the middle of the night.

I use glass lead free pitcher with handle and lid easy spout for pouring from the hardware store its simple, not too big and nice looking. I keep in on a tray with a glass.

I agree with the other comments that even though you buy one, it just doesn't get enough use. I bought one at Ross a few years ago for $3; and unless I'm having a day where I feel exceptionally dehydrated, the carafe portion rarely gets used. I do find the tumbler part gets used rather frequently though, my roomie seems to think it is the perfect size and shape.

I bought one from West Elm and I love it! The cup is slightly shorter than the one from Crate and Barrel, and it comes in a couple colors (clear too). I bought it in blue and love that the light hue makes my water look always refreshing.

http://www.westelm.com/products/colored-glass-carafe-c121/?pkey=cdinnerware-plates-glassware

Goodwill, Goodwill, Goodwill.

I like the champagne bottle/blue tumbler, Krissy!

A Weck Juice jar!!! Put the rubber ring and metal closures aside, and just use the simple glass lid and jar. Its worked perfect for me so far!

https://secure.concentric.com/weckjars.com/productsDetail.php?category=5

Agree with mtlyorel. I do like the champagne bottle idea!

******Crate & Barrel Outlet******
$3.95!!!!

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/outlet/50--70-off/decanter/s572748#reviews

Just bought two of these today at the Chicago store. They are simply beautiful! And so incredibly affordable! Highly recommended!

Quart mason jar and a high-ball glass.

I use mine everyday to take my pills morning and night. I just fill it with ice and water every night and stick it in the dishwasher once a week. I have the exact one pictured above -from Pier1, & it was under $10, maybe even under $5. The glass is the perfect size and keeps dust out of the carafe.

Here ya go:
http://www.pier1.com/Catalog/Dining/tabid/493/List/0/CategoryID/110/level/a/ProductID/5776/ProductName/Bedside-Pitcher-Clearuu/Default.aspx

I have two, and those are just replacements because I've had many of them, they tend to be too delicate and either I or my pets knock them over. I recommend something thicker, like the bottles recommended above, with a sturdy glass inverted - or - a brightly colored plastic version - or - do what I do now and provide guests with a reusable stainless bottle.

There's a nice one at The Foundary that you can get for $30 instead of $50 in the Cultured Glass section. You need to register to see it, but it's free! Each sale only lasts for a few days (and they sell out of a lot of things!), so hurry to take a look!
http://www.thefoundary.com/invite/rlynnhurley