7 Best Lunch Boxes for Kids of All Ages

best kids lunch box
7 Best Kids Lunch BoxesOmieBox


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While a healthy school lunch is probably your primary goal, how the food is transported is also an important factor. Gone are the days of packing your kids' food in a brown paper bag. As parents have gotten smarter about how to pack kids' lunches, so have the options for what to pack them in. We love that we've entered an age where you have options for choosing the best kids lunch box.

Popular bento-style lunch boxes with compartments have made lunch prep more organized, not to mention more enjoyable for kids. These containers will also care for what's inside, so contents won't get crushed or get mixed together. Rreusable lunch boxes are also environmentally-friendly, unlike single-use plastic.

No matter your kids' ages, their tastes, or your budget, we've got picks that tick all the boxes. Our list includes options in bright colors and fun prints, as well boxes with different features to help keep food at its best. You'll find innovative lunch-carrying options, from stainless steel to insulated, with compartmentalized storage, removable containers for after-school snacks, and more.

For more of the best back-to-school ideas, check out our guides:

Best Toddler Backpacks | First Day of School Signs | Easy Toddler Lunch Ideas

Kids Bento-Style 5-Compartment Lunch Box

Ideal for smaller kids (roughly ages 3 to 7), this lunch box comes with five compartments for main dishes, snacks, dips, and more. We love that none of the compartments will mix with other sections. It snaps shut and will secure all of its contents using a leak-proof technology. Choose from several colors and patterns.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKNO7HO?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.40050135%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Kids Bento-Style 5-Compartment Lunch Box</p><p>$27.99</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Bentgo</span>

Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunch Box

For a durable, eco-friendly alternative to plastic lunch boxes, this metal bento-style box from Bentgo is a longer-lasting option. The box even comes with a five-year warranty.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FF69BV3?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.40050135%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunch Box</p><p>$49.99</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunch Box

$49.99

amazon.com

Insulated Lunch Box with Leak-Proof Thermos Food Jar

When you have to pack lunch with a combination of temperatures — think: hot stew with cold fruits and veggies — what are you supposed to do? Enter OmieBox, an insulated lunch box that comes with a thermos container that you can use when you have a meal served warm. While the thermos takes up one section, there are other compartments that hold things that'll stay cool. There is also an additional divider in case you want to create more compartments within this box. This lunch box can be carried without a bag as it comes with an attached handle.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017SGIMV2?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.40050135%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Insulated Lunch Box with Leak-Proof Thermos Food Jar</p><p>$44.95</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">OmieBox</span>

Stackable Bento Lunch Box for Kids

Stack these three containers with multiple compartments for a fun-filled lunch. The top container holds utensils, while the others have sections in various shapes and sizes to suit various food packing needs. You'll appreciate its leak-resistant design, but it's not fully leak-proof — so, no soups! Choose from several color options.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ3J1912?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.40050135%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Stackable Bento Lunch Box for Kids</p><p>$15.95</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Caperci</span>

Unbreakable Silicone Lunch Box

This durable silicone lunch box comes with three sealed compartments. Free of lead, BPA, PVC, and phthalates, this container is super-safe for kids to use. It's easy to clean and won't stain. You can throw it in the dishwasher or clean it by hand. It can withstand microwave and oven warming. If you want to freeze lunches days ahead of time before packing, it's also freezer-safe. Reviewers describe the top as semi-flexible while the container itself is somewhat rigid.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C11XRZBD?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.40050135%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Unbreakable Silicone Lunch Box</p><p>$14.99</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">PrimaStella</span>

Insulated Bento Box Lunchbox

We love this lunch box because it comes with two smaller, removable containers that have their own dedicated tops so you can truly keep their contents separate. The main compartment is ideal for sandwiches, and the large top covers all of the compartments. This set also comes with two non-toxic, reusable ice packs. Its travel bag is insulated to maintain freshness. The only downside is that you'll need to keep track of all of its pieces to use this set as intended.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086TBMSPG?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.40050135%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Insulated Bento Box Lunchbox</p><p>$11.49</p><p>amazon.com</p>

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Insulated Bento Box Lunchbox

$11.49

amazon.com

Reusable Bento Lunch Boxes

We love this easily portable, budget-friendly lunch box for its simplicity. The lids snap on and can be easily removed by toddlers, while staying secure. Unfortunately, that means these aren't leak-proof, but you'll love using for sandwiches, veggies, snacks, and other dry items. Stack them for easy storage. They are also BPA-free and microwave-, freezer-, and dishwasher-safe for convenience and easy cleaning. Choose from several color combinations.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AD67KN6?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10070.g.40050135%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Reusable Bento Lunch Boxes</p><p>$13.95</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Easy Lunchboxes</span>

What to Look for in a Kids' Lunch Box

Selecting a lunch box should be easy, but you still need to consider all the important factors. Before you buy, ask yourself:

  • Will I be packing a hot lunch or a cold lunch? If hot, you'll need a lunch box that has a thermos compartment. If cold, you'll want something that is insulated so it can stay cool

  • Does my child like variety? If you're looking to pack a main dish (like sandwich or rice) along with snacks, you'll need a lunch box with multiple compartments for your little one to pick at.

  • Will the food need to be microwaved before eating? If so, buy something that is microwave-safe.

  • Will the lunch box need to go inside a lunch bag? If so, measure before you pick.

  • Will the lunch box need to be leak-proof? Odds are yes, so pick a lunch box that won't create spills and mess inside your kid's school bag.

  • What are my child's favorite colors and/or characters? Because, let's be real, sometimes kids can be fickle. They may be more excited to eat what's inside the lunch box if it is adorned in a theme or color scheme they love.

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