Everyone knows THE LUNCHBOX is a mainstay of back to school hoopla. (Backpack comes in second place, maybe?) We tested out the best products to make lunch prep easier, to inspire you to mix it up and to ensure your kids will take down their entire lunch. Here are some of our favorites.
Sure, it fits a standard size bento box and holds a drink on the outside, all of which we love. But the coolest part is that the entire thing is an ice pack! So you store it in the freezer (by the way, it’s collapsible) and then your kid’s food stays cold until lunch time rolls around.
This is a sack style lunch bag that unzips into a place mat. This is awesome for little kids or for those that like to contain their mess. Little hands may need help zipping it up the first few times.
These bags are the Tesla of plastic baggies. They are microwavable, dishwasher, oven and freezer safe. I mean…
If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line bento box, the PlanetBox is it. You’d think that all those compartments would be overwhelming, but the reality is kids love to snack. And you’ll feel less pressure that every item is a total win if you give your kids options. Worth noting: These don’t fit into standard size lunch boxes, so your best bet is to get one of these carrying bags. (At least they have a lot of useful pockets!)
The Lunchbots come in a variety of different compartment options. Some are great for sandwich-based lunches, others better for snack-based lunches for your little grazers. Either way, they don’t leak and they are easy to clean because they’re dishwasher safe.
This plastic bento box is super cute and has all the necessary compartments. It’s also totally leak-proof, even when your kid swings her lunch bag around and around… and around again.
Great, cheap (& BPA free!) option to have on hand. Especially if your kid tends to toss stuff he’s not supposed to.
These sporks are great a great trash-free option. Spoon, fork and even knife all in one. And they stand the test of time.
Kids love stuff like this, so why not make their lunchbox fun? They work great on small items, but you’ll need the real deal for that mac and cheese.
This is one water bottle that will not leak. The soft spout is a nice touch for the preschool crowd, too.
For all the 24-hour water bottles out there, this one is the best value, and has never let us down.
There are a ton of cute ice packs on the market. The issue is that they all get warm before the first bell rings. These guys will keep lunch cold until pick-up.
Buy these as a gift for the next 4-year-old birthday party you attend. Trust us. Your mom friend will thank you. Kids lose so much stuff at school and this is the only way you’re getting it back. Plus, you’ll look like the coolest, most organized mom ever.
They also make allergy labels.
Notes in your kid’s lunchbox are such a nice touch. But finding paper and remembering to do it every day is just one more thing on your to-do list. So grab some of these and stick ’em by your lunch making area.
Zero effort laughs.
Okay, these are on the pricey side but how cute are they! You write your own note, cover it with a sticker and your kid scratches it off before digging into lunch.
