For white glue...I put it into cups with lids and use old watercolor brushes. The kids have more control, I don't have to worry about a glue top that doesn't work...and the advantage..is that when a little of the water evaporates from regular white glue..it becomes tacky glue!!! So you get tacky glue for a lot less money!
Also, although it is a little (depending on your budget) more expensive, glue sticks are great. I really like the PRANG purple sticks because the kids can see where they have put the glue on...and it dries clear!