20 best kids lunchboxes for school
Parents rarely enjoy packing lunch. But when your child has a cute, functional lunchbox, the task may feel a little easier — even if you still have to wash it at the end of the day.
From six-section bento boxes (with removable sandwich trays!) to lunchtime accessories you never knew you needed, here are 20 cute and clever lunchbox ideas. Whether you have a preschooler or a middle schooler, there’s something here for everyone.
Little kid lunchboxes
1. Construction truck lunchbox
If your little one can̵7;t get enough of big construction trucks and things that go, here̵7;s the perfect lunchbox to pack and send with them to preschool.
Where to buy: Construction Truck Little Critters Lunchbox ($17, Pottery Barn Kids)
2. Unicorn lunch bag
Little ones who dream of rainbows and magical lands faraway will love packing and carrying their lunch in this bag with a sweet-faced unicorn on the front.
Where to buy: Fabelab Unicorn Lunch Bag ($13, Scandiborn)
Character lunchboxes
Whether you have a little one starting school for the first time or an older kid who needs a little something extra to get him in the school spirit, these character lunchboxes will bring a smile to any kid’s face come snack and lunch time.
3. Lego Minifigure Lunch Set
Lego fans big and small will get a kick out of this durable set that comes with a drinking bottle and lunchbox, which, let’s be honest, can also double as a Lego holder.
Where to buy: Minifigure Lunch Set ($12, Lego)
4. Peppa Pig lunch bag
Just like Peppa, this lunch bag has a very sparkly personality! Soft, glittery and insulated, this cute lunch bag is perfect for the Peppa-loving child in your life.
Where to buy: Peppa Pig Soft Insulated Lunch Bag ($15, Amazon)
5. Mickey Mouse lunchbox
Disney fans will love this red, white and black lunchbox that features Mickey Mouse and his ears. Definitely fun.
Where to buy: Disney Mickey Mouse Dual Compartment Insulated Lunchbox ($22, Amazon)
6. Black Panther lunchbox
Your kids classic PB&J and pretzels with be well-protected in this Black Panther lunchbox. Wakanda forever!
Where to buy: Marvel Black Panther Marvel Lunchbox ($20, Walmart)
Big kid lunchboxes
For older kids who are so over characters and kid stuff, here are a few cool but functional options.
7. Eat the Rainbow lunch bag
You̵7;ll love that this certified organic cotton lunch bag is machine washable (!!!), and your tween or teen will dig its colorful design. With six color designs to choose from, there̵7;s something for everyone.
Where to buy: Fluf Organic Cotton Zipper Lunch Bag ($29, EarthHero)
8. Golden pineapple lunch bag
Just like kids (and snowflakes), no two golden pineapples are alike. This lunch bag is insulated, topped with fluffy green poms and as unique and wonderful as your school kid.
Where to buy: Fit & Fresh Kids̵7; Pineapple Lunch Bag ($15, Target)
9. Chic, floral lunchbox
Be honest, moms: There’s about a 100% chance of you borrowing this cute lunchbox from your big kid. Floral, insulated and chic. Really, what more do you need?
Where to buy: Baldwin Boxer Lunchbox ($30, Rifle Paper Co.)
10. Classic square lunchbox
From the makers of everyone̵7;s favorite water bottle, the Hydro Flask lunchbox boasts a classic design but also serves up bigtime durability. Available in eight cool colors.
Where to buy: Kids Insulated Lunchbox ($45, Hydro Flask)
11. Tie dye lunchbox
Nothing says ̶0;have a chill, relaxing lunch̶1; like a cool tie dye lunchbox. Choose from three designs: classic, dual compartment or cold pack, as well as all kinds of matching school year accessories.
Where to buy: Gear-Up Oceana Spiral Tie Dye Recycled Dual Compartment Lunchbox ($30+, Pottery Barn Teen)
12. Heavyweight colorblock bag
This stylish bag is perfect for the busy tween or teen who̵7;s starts their day with zero period AP Bio and then stays on campus after hours for drama rehearsals — after all, this bag has been weight tested for up to 10 pounds of food/items. Pack it up!
Where to buy: Mokuyobi Lunch Bag ($62, Urban Outfitters)
Bento boxes
Over the past decade (or so), lunchtime bento boxes have become all the rage — and with good reason. Not only do they keep food separate, they make for just one (eco-friendly) box to clean at the end of the day.
Here are a few picks:
13. Recycled bento box
If Pottery Barn Kids is making a bento box, you know it’s going to be cute. Available in five classic colors, these bento boxes aren’t only affordable, they’re cleverly made. One section has a top for tend-to-spill items like hummus or yogurt. Well-played.
Where to buy: No Kid Hungry Recycled Bento Box ($17, Pottery Barn Kids)
14. Stainless divided snack container
One of the OG divided lunch containers, the stainless steel LunchBots Medium Quad Bento Box is no frills, but it gets the job done. And for a little pizazz — and added protection — you can add a colored protective cover over the top. Cute! And still, the only thing that touches your food is the stainless steel. Smart.
Where to buy: LunchBots Medium Quad Bento Box ($26, Amazon)
15. Triple compartment bento box
How cute is this compact little bento box in Blue Infinity? With this innovative three-compartment design, you can keep lunch simple — and separate. Plus, kids will love the fun interchangeable designs they can switch out on top.
Where to buy: MB Tresor Blue Infinity Kid̵7;s Bento Box ($22, Monbento)
Lunchbox accessories
With a few small accessories, you can take any lunchbox from average to awesome.
16. Mini silicone dividers
Great for dividing within bento box sections, silicone baking cups are ideal for keeping the crackers away from the cheese or the grapes away from the pretzels.
Where to buy: Bakerpan Mini Silicone Cupcake Holders ($10 for 24-pack, Amazon)
17. Mini condiment containers
You know that feeling when you want to pack your kid a side of dressing or guac, but you just don’t want it getting everywhere? Thanks to these cute condiment holders, you’ll worry no more!
Where to buy: CuteZCute Condiment Containers ($7 for 4-pack, Amazon)
18. Animal food picks
Instead of packing a full-size fork for your little one’s fruit salad, surprise them with a super-cute animal food pick. Because eating watermelon with a pink giraffe is always a good idea.
Where to buy: Go Fresh Animal Picks ($7 for 30 picks, Amazon)
19. Reusable ice packs
Keep their lunch cold, fresh and fun by throwing one or two of these reusable ice packs into their lunchbox or lunch bag. After all, ice cold grapes are the best.
Where to buy: Bentgo Buddies Reusable Ice Packs ($10 for 4-pack, QVC)
20. Cash Money coin pouch
For kids who need to stash a few bucks for lunch or snacks on the go, this little coin pouch is perfect.
Where to buy: Cash Money Coin Pouch ($8, Three Potato Four)
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