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Make back-to-school lunches easier and more eco-friendly with some amazing lunch containers and gear. Check out all the fun, functional and reusable lunch boxes and accessories for kids below!
Summer always seems to fly by in a blink of an eye. With the end of summer comes back-to-school time. And with kids going back to school comes the dreaded task of packing lunches! Having some great lunch gear makes packing those school lunches much easier!
School Lunch Must Haves
My must-have items for packing school lunches include: a bento-style lunch box, thermos, reusable water bottle, snack bags or containers, reusable cutlery, ice packs and a few other fun accessories. This way I am covered for both cold and hot lunch options!
Check out my top picks below for each of these categories.
The Best Lunch Gear For Kids
Here is my list of must-have school lunch gear with some recommendations for each category.
Bento Lunch Box
I LOVE a good bento-style lunch box. Just one container is needed to pack a full lunch which makes it easy to pack, store and open. It’s also more visually appealing too! There are tons of options out there suitable for different ages and appetites. Here are a few of my recommendations.
PlanetBox
Let’s start with the lunch box that I have used the most over the years for my kids. PlanetBox comes in 3 different sizes and is made from stainless steel.
There is no denying that this lunch box is on the pricier side but it is super durable. My boys have had the Rover version for over 6 years and they still look amazing. A few years ago, they moved up to the larger Launch version to feed their growing boy appetites. These lunch boxes last! Also easy to clean and have a variety of magnets to choose from to make them fun!
Find it on:
OmieBox
The OmieBox is a super cute option for younger kids that comes in a variety of colors. It features a removable thermos insert which lets you easily pack both hot and cold food in one box.
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Bentgo Stainless Steel Lunch Box
The Bentgo Kids Stainless Steel Lunch Box features a leak-resistant silicone lined lid that contours to seal each compartment. Comes in a few different colors.
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Yumbox
The Yumbox is light and easy to open. They come in a variety of fun colors, designs and sizes. The original version is great for toddlers and preschoolers or kindergarten. I used them for daycare/pre-school and outings to the park and beach for my kids. The Panino version is larger and best for school-age kids.
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LunchBots
These are another stainless steel option that come in a wide variety of sizes and compartment configurations. They are durable and easy to clean but the lid can be a little tricky for really young children. The LunchBots Trio is perfect for packing the sides and snacks into when packing the main separately (like in a thermos or a separate sandwich bag). The LunchBots Cinco is a larger 5-section container that can hold an entire lunch.
Find them on Amazon:
Other Lunch Gear & Accessories
Thermos
A thermos is a must-have item for packing hot food options like soups, stews, pasta and various leftovers. The Thermos FUNtainer is a great option. It comes in a variety of colors and fun designs.
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Reusable Water Bottle
Have to keep those kids hydrated! There are so many options available. Your preferred style will depend on the child and their age: straw bottles, pop up spouts, screw on tops, etc. Take a browse through the reusable water bottles on Amazon and Well.ca to find the perfect one.
I really like the S’well stainless steel bottles since they are really good quality and keep the water cold all day. The S’ip by S’well water bottles are a great option for kids. They come in so many cute designs too!
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Reusable Snack + Sandwich Bags
These are a fantastic way to pack up all the extra bits when sending a thermos lunch and also great for packing up extra snacks that might be needed during the day or on the way to after school activities.
There are lots of options ranging from silicone to cute lined fabric bags. Here are a few that are great:
- Stasher Sandwich Bags: These are fantastic quality! Made from platinum food-grade silicone and feature a pinch press seal making the bag airtight and leakproof. They come in lots of different colors too! Buy them on Amazon or Well.ca.
- Stasher Snack Bags: This is just a smaller version perfect for snacks. Buy them on Amazon or Well.ca.
- Fabric Sandwich/Snack Bags: These come in super cute designs and are lined with easy-wipe, water-proof fabric. I like the Bumkins Sandwich Bags and Bumkins Snack Bags with their easy zipper enclosure on top. Well.ca also carries lots of cute options.
Snack Containers
Small snack containers are always a must have item! Two of my favorites are:
Reusable Cutlery
Sometimes I pack pasta or leftovers that require some cutlery. I’ve tried some of the cute sets in the past but the humangear GoBites Uno is our absolute favorite. It’s basically the ultimate spork with a deep spoon on one end and a fork on the other. They are fantastic!
Dip Containers
These mini containers are great for dips, salad dressing and condiments. Two great options are:
Ice Packs
Slim ice packs are a must for lunch bags. They fit easily and keep the food cold. Here are two great options:
Silicone Baking Cups
I realize that this one sounds a bit strange but silicone baking cups are a great way to further divide out your bento lunch box or to separate food in a non-sectioned container.
Cute Food Picks
Ok, so this last one is totally unnecessary! However, cute food picks are a super easy way to make lunch more fun for kids.
Lunch Ideas For Kids
So now you have the lunch box and the gear but what should you fill them up with? Keep it simple and check out these posts for inspiration.
- Packing Lunch Boxes The Easy Way! (simple lunch box packing formula)
- Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids (with pictures)
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