"As the new school year approaches, so does the quest of finding the perfect lunch box. There are a lot of things to look for when hunting for the best lunch boxes. It can’t leak or make food soggy, and it can’t squish fruits or veggies. It has to keep warm food warm and cold food cold. Also, it should be sturdy but small enough to fit inside a backpack. We want it to be easy to wipe down and clean. And perhaps most importantly, it has to look good enough that kiddos will actually want to eat their lunch. Seems like an impossible task, doesn’t it?
Well, we’ve taken the guesswork out of this hunt and gathered the best lunch boxes you can buy this back-to-school season. Outside of traditional lunch boxes, bento boxes are a great option for keeping food compartmentalized. And they’re more fun to pack (and eat)! Sure, you could send your kid to school with just a sack lunch. But having a full set of lunch gear makes the whole thing a little bit easier. This school year, feel more prepared than ever with a lunch box that checks all of the boxes for your family. Don’t forget to grab a few accessories as well!
How we chose the best lunch boxes and accessories
Back-to-school shopping calls for a complete refresh on clothes, supplies, gear, and everything in between. Take it from the moms on our team: We have back-to-school shopping down to a T. In other words, our team knows where to get the best of the best back-to-school items. Some of these have changed the game for us completely (looking at you, Bentgo lunch boxes). From our favorite retailers to brands that specialize in lunch accessories, we researched the best lunch boxes that are both cute and functional. But most importantly, they’re durable enough to survive the school year.
Lunch Boxes & Lunch Bags
The high-density thermal insulation included in this lunch box will keep your child’s food and drinks super cold. Plus, this option features a hard liner designed to keep soft foods separate from hard containers.
15+ colors and patterns available
This Hydroflask lunch box makes cleanup easier with a fully lined interior. It comes in multiple colors and is easy for your little ones to carry around at school with an adjustable handle.
6 colors available
This lunch box features an insulated and wipeable interior, an easy-to-clean exterior, and the most adorable patterns to choose from.
30+ patterns available
This classic lunch box comes in lots of great colors and is durable for the school year. The inside has enough room for hard containers and an outer pocket for things like utensils.
10 colors available
Option to personalize
With various designs and colors—plus a personalization option—your child can make this handy lunch box uniquely their own. It also comes in a mini size for your littlest ones (or for snacks!).
20+ colors and patterns available
This lunch box from Amazon comes in a bunch of cute patterns and has enough room to fit all of your kid’s yummy lunch items without being too bulky. It’s made of a neoprene material to keep food insulated until lunchtime.
10+ patterns available
An editor-favorite brand, Crate & Kids has tons of cute back-to-school gear, like this garden print lunch box with a side pocket for a water bottle.
Option to personalize
This ultra-durable lunch bag is both roomy and adorable for your little ones! Plus, it’s water resistant, easy to clean, and has a mesh pocket on the inside.
Option to personalize
You can always count on Bentgo for all your lunch box needs, including this bag that has double insulation, water-resistant fabric, and a thermal compartment.
15+ patterns available
This eco-friendly lunch box is a great option for older kids or for any child that likes things more minimal.
10 + colors and patterns available
Send your little one to school in style with this bold lunch bag that will surely be a hit. It’s nice and roomy on the inside and has double handles for easy transport.
Switch it up this year with this patterned, on-trend lunch bag. It has a secure zipper closure and soft sides, making it easy to throw in any backpack.
Bento Lunch Boxes
An editor-favorite for preschoolers and early elementary kids, the Bentgo lunch box features five compartments that are perfectly designed for kids. Plus, it’s also leak-proof so your little ones don’t have to worry about spilling while carrying it around.
Read our full review of Bentgo lunch boxes here.
20+ patterns available
A highly-rated bento box for young kids, the OmieBox can help keep food hot and cold in the same lunch box. Plus, it’s designed to be easily opened by little hands.
Billed as the only lunch box you’ll every need thanks to its stainless steel construction, Planet Box lunch boxes are dishwasher safe and offer a five-year guarantee. The Shuttle Box is the smallest of their lunch boxes, which makes it perfect for preschoolers.
This container has five compartments to make packing meals easy as ever. And to make it even better, it includes stainless steel toddler utensils that snap directly into the lid for easy storage.
2 colors available
This Bento box will keep your LO’s food safe and secure before lunchtime. The two-clip closure is easy to access and has no hard, plastic hinges. Plus, it has five leak-proof compartments!
4 colors available
Another solid option for a bento-style lunch box, this one has five compartments, a leakproof lid, and has plenty of patterns available.
10+ patterns available
You’ll never have to worry about a lunch spill again with this durable, leak-proof bento box. You can easily slip a cold pack inside, and it has a removable insert that makes for hassle-free cleaning.
4 colors available
Not only is this bento box just $5, but it also features three compartments, a dishwasher-safe design, and a latch closure.
This jumbo bento lunchbox is designed to fit any and all snacks for your LO. It has a silicone stretch feature, leak proof compartments, and includes a large easy grip clip.
10+ colors available
Ideal for smaller meals, this mini lunchbox is the perfect size to hold their snacks—without having to worry about spillage.
10 colors available
Lunch Box Accessories
These durable stainless steel containers come in a pack of five different sizes to fit everything you need inside.
3 styles available
If you’re tired of your kids’ lunch boxes getting ruined by leaking containers, the OXO lunch container is the way to go to ensure mess-free mealtime all school year long.
9 sizes and styles available
Whether hot or cold, the Thermos Funtainer will keep food secure and ready to eat. It keeps food hot for up to five hours and cold for up to seven hours. The exterior also stays cold no matter what’s inside.
Grab a sandwich bag kiddos can use again and again, eliminating the need for plastic baggies.
multiple sizes available
This thermos is easy to pack, and it has enough room to fit an entire meal! It will keep food cold for 10 hours or hot for five hours. It also has a slip-free grip to reduce spillage.
10 styles available
This two-piece silverware set is perfect for travel, from home to school. It comes with a small storage case that you can easily stick in your child’s lunch bag before they head out the door.
4 colors available
This kid-friendly utensil set features non-toxic stainless steel, a stackable design, and is super lightweight.
Ice packs, but make it fun! This pack of three small ice packs will help keep your kid’s food cold until it’s time to eat.
4 styles available
This ice pack is flexible for lunch boxes, is made with non-toxic gel, and can keep food cool for up to eight hours.
6 styles available
Ensure endless hydration for back-to-school with editor-favorite brand, Owala. These kid-approved water bottles are vacuum sealed to keep beverages cool.
7 colors available
You can’t go wrong with this kid-size YETI that is ultra leak and shatter-resistant. Plus, it comes in an array of fun colors.
10+ colors available
Perfect for munching on the go, this mini snack box can travel with them easily to make snacking hassle-free.
10+ colors available
Create more space in their lunchbox by adding these convenient multipurpose snack cups in the mix. They’re made of food grade silicone and can also be used as baking molds.
3 colors available
Lunchtime has never been easier than with this reusable snack pouch that allows you to pack a variety of foods without needing single-use plastic wrap or bags.
3 colors available
Elevate your lunch box game by placing a sweet and inspiring message for your little one to open at lunch time. Trust us: It’ll make their day!
10+ styles available
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Gianna Aldana, Commerce Editorial Assistant
As the Everymom’s Commerce Editorial Assistant, Gianna assists The Everymom editors in the production of new and existing articles, pitches and writes new content, and sources product for shopping listicles. With writing being one of her absolute passions, she enjoys sharing her expertise in all things related to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Before working at The Everymom, Gianna found her purpose in editorial content creation through internships at Bump Club and Beyond and The Pretty Palm Leaf Event Company.
Brett Nicole Hayden, Assistant Editor
As the Assistant Editor, Brett works with the editors of The Everymom on the content creation process by updating stories, sourcing images and graphics, and pitching and contributing her own articles. Her favorite topics to write about are culture, relationships, and living. She’s also The Everymom’s resident baby names and family movies expert!
Jessica Welsh, Commerce Editor
As Commerce Editor, Jessica oversees and edits all shopping content on The Everymom—including everything from mom fashion to product reviews. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, gift guides, and more. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Kohl’s, and was previously a regular contributor to The Everygirl. Jessica believes that fashion should be accessible to everyone, so she is very determined to scour the internet for the best looks for less and affordable finds.