10 Great School Lunchboxes

September 27, 2019 4:42 am

Thank you for taking your time to compile this amazing data. With this, you’ve won my heart once more. I’m becoming hopelessly enamored with your blog like I just met it today out of the blue.

Warmest Thanks
Kent

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rachel

September 12, 2019 11:54 am

my kids and i love neoprene lunch bags– durable, insulated, easy to toss in the wash when the yogurt container explodes. i’ve had the same one for 11 years. high five for keeping crap out of the landfill!

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june2

September 10, 2019 2:08 pm

That kate spade one is an amazing and affordable office gift – thanks!

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Christine

September 10, 2019 1:25 pm

I was so disappointed in the SoYoung lunch boxes! I had them for both of my boys- they were super cute- but once something spilled inside the lunchbox, the outside showed a water stain no matter what I did. I ended up throwing them out :(

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Jessica

Reply to Christine

September 12, 2019 9:31 am

I second that! Not just a water stain, but mold. The fabric inside stays wet. Disappointing considering the price.

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Jess

September 10, 2019 1:02 pm

My policy has been that my daughter has to pack her lunch herself or eat the school lunch. All through kindergarten she ate school lunch, but this year she’s into packing her lunch. Her reason is because she only gets TWENTY minutes for lunch and she doesn’t want to spend half of it standing in the lunch line. I don’t understand only allowing 20 minutes for lunch. Oh, and they only get 20 minutes for recess as well, which is revoked for misbehavior. dumb.

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Elisa

Reply to Jess

September 10, 2019 2:48 pm

Wow and I thought it was austere here in Florida. My kid gets half an hour for lunch and fifteen minutes of recess in the morning and fifteen minutes in the afternoon. What is up with this?? May need to complain to the school board

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Jo

September 10, 2019 12:59 pm

I am not a fan of making school lunches at all! But lately, I have started to relish the half an hour to myself in the morning while no one is up. I make my cup of coffee, get out all the lunchboxes and hit play on Netflix. I watch a friends episode in peace while slicing cheese and cleaning strawberries. Now it’s my guilty pleasure and im not sure my family even knows about it…

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Kim

September 10, 2019 11:02 am

If anyone has any nutritional questions, or needs school lunch inspo, check out @kidseatincolor on instagram. I love her stories, and she’s not an influencer type. Lots of information, given in matter of fact language. She has a blog, too. She’s very open minded and real. She take questions everyday, I think.

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Madi

Reply to Kim

September 11, 2019 3:41 pm

Yes- I love her! Her posts have made me feel approximately 100000% better about feeding my toddler.

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Tanuka

September 10, 2019 10:58 am

Speaking of lunchboxes, I saw the cutest news (albeit from 2018 so not sure if I can call it “news”. A boy was bullied for his “girly lunchbox” and his dear uncle went out and bought the same lunchbox in support. Then he packed it, brought it to work and took a photo to share on social media. “There’s no one way to be a man,” he posted on Facebook along with the photo of him proudly posing with the lunchbox. “Men can be colorful. Men can be expressive. Men can be emotional and silly and gleeful.”

See the story here: https://www.simplemost.com/this-grown-man-brought-a-cat-lunchbox-to-work-heres-why/

Made me smile & hope it makes you all smile too :)

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Samantha

September 10, 2019 10:12 am

i have this SoYoung lunchbox and it is a great size! I can fit breakfast, lunch, and two snacks in it. Found via CoJ :)

https://us.soyoung.ca/collections/adult-collection/products/linen-block-lunch-poche

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Ellen

September 10, 2019 9:38 am

We like YumBox…great bento-style lunch box. https://www.yumboxlunch.com/

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Samantha

Reply to Ellen

September 10, 2019 9:58 am

I love Yumbox! They’re pricey, but such a time saver to fill without needing a bunch of individual little containers.

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Robin

Reply to Ellen

September 10, 2019 8:56 pm

Yes! And even a four year old can open the latch. My kids now get school lunch and I borrow their yumboxes (the original size) all the time for my lunch. Just through in crackers, cheese, some cut up fruits and veg. So great when I don’t have easy leftovers.

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Lauren

September 10, 2019 6:12 am

Anyone considering the robot: check out all the photos. The brand name (SUCK UK) is printed fairly prominently on the back. Wouldn’t have been considered acceptable at my ultra-conservative school. Of course, schools might not consider that a bad word anymore :)

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Kate

September 10, 2019 5:21 am

My daughter has used an Omie box since she was 3.5. Big, big hit and never leaks. I love that it’s easy to wash and has minimial pieces (so nothing gets lost). https://www.omielife.com/ (though I bought on Amazon)

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GIULIA

September 10, 2019 5:06 am

lunch boxes are really nice there is a giant variety of them, I’ve bought a couple for my office and I love them:D

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Ragon

September 10, 2019 1:10 am

We have a variety of bento style boxes we use–from yumboxes (our faces, we have 2 different ones) to simple squares or rectangles. They get carried in a Hanna Andersson lunch bag (silver with embroidered unicorns!). I like having options to either do a small bites lunch in a compartmented box or a more traditional sandwich and not having to make sure the box is washed daily.

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Kyla

September 10, 2019 12:34 am

Another vote for Planet Box here – ours has lasted 9 years!! We switch out the cover every year but the metal hinged bento box is easy to clean and just won’t quit. Love !

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Paige Cassandra Flamm

September 10, 2019 12:07 am

I love the monsters one!

Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com

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liz

September 9, 2019 10:01 pm

Planetbox! My 4th graders have been using the same ones since pre-k; super durable. We have replaced the nylon carry bags but the boxes themselves are going strong. Plus while the foods can be separated, only ONE PIECE to wash! Yes!!!!

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Rosha

September 9, 2019 9:44 pm

my kids all have planet box. it makes it easy for them to eat (open one container and see it all!) and oddly fun to pack (what tiny thing can i put in that compartment?). they are super easy to clean. no tupperware lids to find. one and done.

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Lucy

September 9, 2019 9:42 pm

Planetbox. There’s NOTHING better out there.

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Kim

September 9, 2019 9:27 pm

I really could have used this about 2 1/2 weeks ago!

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celeste

September 9, 2019 9:25 pm

I have the Pack It Freezeable lunch bags, I got them from Amazon. Saves a small step but it’s a lifesaver.

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E

September 9, 2019 9:23 pm

We like the ones from Fluf…works for elementary and middle school. Machine washable too!

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Alison

Reply to E

September 11, 2019 3:48 am

Yes! We have two Fluf carriers. Machine washable is key!

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JTA

September 9, 2019 9:19 pm

I highly recommend these stainless steel lunch boxes for kids:

https://earthhero.com/products/travel/3-in-1-classic-stainless-steel-lunchbox/?gclid=CjwKCAjw8NfrBRA7EiwAfiVJpVb6-8XhyHf-jofiLlwfS8413F8m2QPokbEajexWe8ujFa_uLi_ORxoCar4QAvD_BwE

We have become a no plastic household when it comes to things that touch and hold our food and these bento boxes are sturdy, provide plenty of room for kids’ lunches and are easy to clean. Plastic lunch containers can retain grease stains and odors and often stay greasy.

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Sara Cotner

September 9, 2019 8:46 pm

We are going into our third year with these inexpensive lunch boxes!

https://amzn.to/2LoJ45q

Honestly it feels like a small miracle because they beat up their stuff so mercilessly.

Here’s the one I’ve been using just as long: https://amzn.to/2N5yTEE

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Erin

Reply to Sara Cotner

September 10, 2019 7:30 pm

I can also vouch for these (and their backpacks and sheets). We have the patterned lunchboxes. I really like the water bottle strap. A thermos funtainer fits perfectly.

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Alex

September 9, 2019 8:14 pm

My son uses an ECOlunchbox bento container inside a waxed canvas bag (https://www.etsy.com/listing/462584009/lunch-bags-waxed-canvas-lunch-bag-waxed?ref=shop_home_active_16&frs=1) that holds an apple and any utensils he needs.

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Lillian

Reply to Alex

September 10, 2019 2:54 pm

these are all adorable! practically however, we found my daughter needed a lunch box big enough to hold her water bottle and with a shoulder strap for easy carrying on days when her backpack got too full. the llbean flip top lunchbox has been perfect and has lasted 4 years so far!

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CAROL MACK

September 9, 2019 7:46 pm

Love Dabbawalla lunch bags! Adorable modern designs.
Machine washable, 100% toxic-free. Foam material insulates the lunch.

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Meghan

September 9, 2019 6:48 pm

I have that same shark lunch box as Anton. Makes my day a little bit more playful :)

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Suzanne

Reply to Meghan

September 9, 2019 11:31 pm

Awww i wish I had seen these earlier. My kids have been in school for weeks already but cute ideas for next year!

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Sophie

September 9, 2019 6:20 pm

Do you know what shoes the kids in the picture are wearing? I love them!

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Joanna Goddard

Admin

Reply to Sophie

September 9, 2019 7:07 pm

i’m not sure, but i’ll scout around!

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Kirsten

Reply to Sophie

September 9, 2019 7:20 pm

Those look like the kids EVA Birkenstock’s to me!

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Brittany

Reply to Sophie

September 9, 2019 8:03 pm

I think they’re kids’ plastic Birkenstock’s… look like the Rios!

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Kathleen

Reply to Sophie

September 10, 2019 8:24 am

They’re these adorable waterproof Birkenstocks!

https://www.birkenstock.com/us/rio-kids-eva/rio-eva-eva-0-eva-g.html?dwvar_rio-eva-eva-0-eva-g_color=3856&dwvar_rio-eva-eva-0-eva-g_width=S

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Cynthia

September 9, 2019 6:17 pm

I found an awesome lunchbox at target- it has built in freezer backs so you just chuck the whole thing in the freezer before use

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Megan

September 9, 2019 6:09 pm

My son has yum boxes and I love them! All the little compartments for food are so exciting for him and they come in so many fun colours!

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Leah

Reply to Megan

September 9, 2019 9:45 pm

These boxes are the best! My daughter has used yumbox for years. We have two styles – one that accommodates a sandwich and another that has smaller compartments for her favorite lunch of “little things”.

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Meg

September 9, 2019 5:42 pm

We like our Packit! lunchbox – you freeze it and it keeps lunches cold rather than worrying about including ice packs. Easier for me and easier for my 2.5 year old as there’s one less thing to remember to put back after lunch. Plus, they are available in adult patterns too!

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Michelle

Reply to Meg

September 9, 2019 9:09 pm

I have a packit lunchbox and I got my girls the snack size for preschool! So handy!

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Ann

September 9, 2019 4:48 pm

My two boys had planet box. I did not get all the fancy magnets and stuff they offer now, just plain with the nylon holders. I threw them in the dishwasher if needed. The covers were easy to clean. Done.

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Morgan

Reply to Ann

September 9, 2019 7:23 pm

We love our planet box rover (five years still going strong!) and will be buying two more for the littles this year.

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agnes

September 9, 2019 4:44 pm

I am so relieved we don’t have to think about school lunch in France (schools provide lunch for a very very very cheap; that’s where our taxes go ;-))! After reading about all the amazing effort to provide every day your children with packed lunch, notes, sweet details, I have to say Bravo to you, american friends! I’m sure my child would end most days with a sad sandwich!

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Fiona

Reply to agnes

September 9, 2019 5:32 pm

We lived in France for a year and man, I loved those school lunches (as the parent no longer making lunches). Not only the convenience to parents but how healthy they were. In our school, the cost was income related, I loved that all kids in the school, no matter their parents income, would have at least 1 large healthy meal a day. My son had to bring a lunch for a field trip once and came home saying that all the kids laughed at his lunch – I guess they couldn’t get over all.the.little.containers. What a shock to move back to Canada!

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Escondista

Reply to agnes

September 9, 2019 5:39 pm

So you’re saying if I pack a sad sandwich I can feel very French?
DONE! ?

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Kim

Reply to agnes

September 9, 2019 9:30 pm

We do have school lunches in the US but many kids have packed lunches. My son’s school actually has a pretty great food program but he likes food from home the best. I have the time, so I happily pack his lunch.

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Becca

Reply to agnes

September 9, 2019 9:31 pm

Same, and I live in the US. Not a public school, but tuition covers a hot family-style lunch for teachers and students every day. I’m beyond grateful to not have to worry about packing lunches, my kids would definitely end up with a sad sandwich.

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Christina

Reply to agnes

September 10, 2019 2:28 am

It’s the same in Sweden, although our school lunches aren’t as fancy as the French ones (no entrées or desserts here!). I am so thankful that my children get a warm meal + salad for lunch every day without me packing thermoses and stuff every morning. They would never get through a day on a few sandwiches + snacks, although I guess it is a matter of habit too.
When I do have to pack a lunch, for sports days or field trips I just use whatever containers match the food they have and then put it all in their back packs :-).

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Jess

September 9, 2019 4:38 pm

I’m a big fan of Planetbox. Not the cheapest, but really great quality and ethos!

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Claire

September 9, 2019 4:38 pm

I think kids have it easy – all the lunch boxes are cute and have sparkly unicorns, etc. on them. My burning question: How do I find a good adult lunch box?! Something that has a flat bottom (my canvas tote bag is not cutting it), isn’t too bright or shiny, and wouldn’t be embarrassing to walk around with? Any help would be much appreciated!

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Sarah

Reply to Claire

September 9, 2019 5:03 pm

These are cute but some of them are ridiculously large (Ladybug) Like how much food can a 30 lb preschooler really need in a day?

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Catherine

Reply to Claire

September 9, 2019 5:17 pm

My sons are in 3rd and 5th grade and have used the LL Bean Insulated Lunch Boxes since they started kindergarten. They come in a variety of solid colors and are plain and easy to clean. We sometimes use them to take snacks or lunches on weekend outings. I would absolutely carry one as an adult.

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Mer

Reply to Claire

September 9, 2019 5:34 pm

I had the same problem and ended up with this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JLX35RJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It’s maybe slightly too big, but I mostly love it.

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Colleen

Reply to Claire

September 9, 2019 5:57 pm

Would love to hear suggestions on this too! I use a reusable shopping bag because I have a water bottle, bring breakfast, a big salad, and a few snacks — it’s a lot of containers so I’m not sure there is a better option but would love something more exciting

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Joanna Goddard

Admin

Reply to Claire

September 9, 2019 7:11 pm

for adults, I like the small SoYoung ones:
https://us.soyoung.ca/collections/petite-poches

also, this grown-up polka-dot one is great and relatively small:
https://amzn.to/2HVPtTa

food52 also has these, which you could put into your work bag:
https://food52.com/shop/products/4014-duo-lunch-box

and these cool bento boxes:
https://food52.com/shop/products/5027-bento-lunch-box-cutlery-set

i also really like the State ones, which are good for kids or adults:
https://www.statebags.com/products/rodgers-lunch-box-color-block-green-navy

hope that helps!

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Kim

Reply to Claire

September 9, 2019 9:32 pm

Ha ha, I have the dog version of the lady bug and my son eats it all. He’s in a full day school.

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Erin

Reply to Claire

September 10, 2019 7:35 pm

I used the larger Built bag for years and liked it. Washable, a good size, stretchy enough to accomodate tetris-ed containers.

But then I realized that my old pump bag (Ameda Purely Yours) is PERFECT. Insulated, perfect size, nice shoulder strap, durable.

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Nisha

September 9, 2019 4:29 pm

I got my 2nd grader this Lego lunchbag (and matching backpack) and he’s loving it! https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Brick-Lunch-Backpack-Green/dp/B079FGDQNN
Bonus: it’s made of recycled water bottles.

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Jean

September 9, 2019 4:29 pm

These: https://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/spencer-bento-box-containers/?pkey=cshop-all-food-storage&isx=0.0.299

Far and away my favorite lunch box. They fit in an insulated zipper lunchbox, keep everything not squished and separated, require no lids or plastic bags, dishwasher safe. We have so many. And they are on sale right now!