Parents rarely enjoy packing lunch. But when your child has a cute, functional lunch box, the task may feel a little easier — even if you still have to wash it at the end of the day.
From the work horse Bentgo lunch box to the cutest Hello Kitty lunch box you ever did see, these are the best kids’ lunch boxes for school, along with super cool must-have accessories and additions.
Lunch boxes for kindergarteners and little kids
Perfect for the younger set, these are the best lunch box for kids who aren’t yet too cool for school.
1. Construction truck lunch box
If your little one can’t get enough of big construction trucks and things that go, here’s the perfect construction trucks lunch box to pack and send with them to preschool.
Where to buy: Construction Truck Little Critters Lunch box ($9, Pottery Barn Kids; personalization at an additional cost)
2. Recycled unicorn lunch box
Little ones who dream of rainbows and magical lands faraway will love packing and carrying their lunch in this tasteful, recycled bag with polka dots and a glittery unicorn horn.
Where to buy: Kids Recycled Unicorn Lunchbag($17, Gap)
Character lunch boxes
Whether you have a little one starting school for the first time or an older kid who needs a little something extra to get them into the school spirit, these character lunch boxes will bring a smile to any kid’s face come snack and lunch time.
3. Minecraft lunch box
Minecraft fans big and small will get a kick out of this cool Minecraft lunch box that has catchy Minecraft phrases and — of course — a couple of creepers.
Where to buy: Minecraft lunch box ($13, The Children’s Place)
4. Hello Kitty lunch box
Just like Kitty herself, this Hello Kitty lunch box has a very cheerful personality! Soft, bright and insulated, this cute lunch bag is perfect for the Hello Kitty-loving child in your life.
Where to buy: Fast Forward Hello Kitty lunch box ($19, Amazon)
5. Spiderman lunch box
Not only is this insulated Spider-man lunch box just plain cool, we love that it’s not the typical lunch box shape. So cute!
Where to buy: Spider-man lunch box ($17, Target)
6. Black Panther lunch box
Your kids classic PB&J and pretzels with be well-protected in this Black Panther lunch box. Wakanda forever!
Where to buy: Marvel Black Panther Marvel Lunch box ($23, Walmart)
Lunch boxes for middle schoolers and bigger kids
For older kids who are so over characters and kid stuff, here are a few cool but functional kids lunch box options that are great for middle schoolers and older kids.
7. Eat the Rainbow lunch box
You’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, there’s something for everyone.
Where to buy: Fluf Organic Cotton Zipper Lunch Bag ($32, EarthHero)
8. Nike lunch box
Got a kid who’s into sporty name brands? Then you definitely need this cool black insulated Nike lunch box with the Nike name and swoosh in rainbow.
Where to buy: Nike Futura Fuel Pack Lunch Box ($25, Famous Footwear)
9. Chic, floral lunch box
Be honest, moms: There’s about a 100% chance of you borrowing this cute floral lunch box from your big kid. Floral, insulated and chic. Really, what more do you need?
Where to buy: Baldwin Boxer Lunch box ($66, Rifle Paper Co.)
10. Hydro flask lunch box
From the makers of everyone’s favorite water bottle, the Hydro Flask lunch box boasts a classic design but also serves up bigtime durability. Available in eight cool colors.
Where to buy: Kids Insulated Lunch box ($34, Hydro Flask)
11. Tie dye lunch box
Nothing says “have a chill, relaxing lunch” like a cool tie dye lunch box. 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 Lunch box ($30+, Pottery Barn Teen)
12. Heavyweight colorblock lunch bag
This stylish bag is perfect for the busy tween or teen who 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 ($66, Urban Outfitters)
Bento boxes for kids
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 ($20+, Pottery Barn Kids)
14. Stainless divided snack container
One of the OG divided lunch containers, this Medium Quad stainless steel bento box for kids by LunchBots 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 ($25, LunchBots)
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 Kid’s Bento Box ($26, Monbento)
Lunch box accessories
With a few small lunch box accessories, you can take any lunch box 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 ($11 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 ($4 for 4-pack, Amazon)
18. Dishwasher safe lunch box labels
No matter your kiddo’s age, there’s a chance they’ll misplace their lunch box at some point. Make sure it’s easy to identify by placing a dishwasher-safe label on the outside.
Where to buy: Lunch box labels ($19 for 9 large labels, Mabel’s Labels)
19. Reusable ice packs
Keep their lunch cold, fresh and fun by throwing one or two of these reusable ice packs into their lunch box 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. Lunch 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: Lunch Money Coin Pouch ($14, Urban Outfitters)
