This is the ultimate guide to picking the perfect school lunch box, lunch bag, and drink bottle for your child in 2022!
Choosing a lunch box can be overwhelming to say the least! There are many different varieties, styles and sizes of lunch boxes to choose from, not to mention different materials. We all want to pick a non-toxic lunch box that won’t harm our children, while also making sure it’s easy to clean! There are so many different lunch boxes to choose from, so I have created a guide to help you tick all your boxes.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A LUNCH BOX:
- BPA-Free – The lunch box should be safe to store food inside
- Stay Fresh – A box that will seal and keep an unwrapped item fresh
- Easy to Clean – I prefer one lid for the lunch box, easy to clean and store when drying
- Size – It’s not too big to fit into the kid’s school bag, and doesn’t take up most of the space
- Sections – Separate spaces to place different foods
- Perfect Portions – Sections that are big enough for the amount of food your child will eat
- Reusable – Save the environment and your pocket by not using plastic cling wrap
- Dishwasher safe – For those days you don’t have time to hand wash
- Easy to store – not too bulky to store when not in use
- Machine washable – lunch bags that can easily be washed in the washing machine
I personally prefer lunch boxes that seal tight and keep an unwrapped sandwich fresh. They are more eco-friendly as they eliminate unnecessary waste, plastic wrap that isn’t environmentally friendly, and the extra dollars that are associated with using these plastic one-use products.
A few kids – especially those that are a little fussy – might like to graze on a variety of foods. For these children, the bento style boxes and accessories are very clever at making the food fun and exciting.
HOW BIG A LUNCH BOX DO I BUY?
This really depends on how much your child eats. I would suggest getting a lunch box larger than you think you need, because as your child grows they will be wanting to eat more. I typically make sure the lunch box is big enough to fit a sandwich, fruit and snacks in.
I have taken photos of all our lunchboxes below with food inside to show you how much they can store. There are a great range of lunchboxes for younger children and teens.
IS ONE LUNCH BOX ENOUGH?
This depends on a few factors. Consider:
- Will the lunchbox fit both lunch and morning tea in the one box? If not, you may need some snack boxes along with the lunch box.
- How much does your child like to eat? I know my son would eat more than my girls at school so I would generally pack him an extra snack box with his lunch. If you need to do this, consider the lunch bag you choose to ensure it can fit two lunchboxes.
- Do you want to prepare a few days worth of lunches in advance? If you want to pack lunches and freeze them, there are some lunch boxes that are freezer friendly.
DO I NEED AN INSULATED LUNCH BAG?
Simple answer is YES, even on the coolest of days I still get my kids to pack an ice brick alongside their lunch boxes inside a lunch bag to keep their sandwiches and fruit fresh. Throughout the school day their school bags can end up in bag racks and lockers that are in full sun. The insulated bag and ice brick will help to keep all the food in the lunch box as fresh as can be. Even when using an insulated lunch bag the frozen baked goodies I place into the kids lunchboxes are still defrosted by morning tea.
SHOP: MontiiCo Lunchbags here.
WHAT TO PACK IN THE LUNCH BOX?
You can find some ideas in these posts below.
- When is the best time to pack school lunches?
- Lunch box staples to have on hand
- Bulk baking tips for school lunches
LUNCH BOX RECIPES COOKBOOK – Lunches made easy, healthy and affordable with my Lunch Box Recipes Cookbook. Now the whole family – not just the school kids – can quickly grab a tasty sandwich alternative (sweet or savoury) straight from the freezer each morning. The cookbook includes over 50 freezer-friendly recipes that make for perfect no-fridge, no-heat lunches ideal for school, work, or even picnics! View cookbook here.
CREATE A WEEKLY LUNCH BOX PLAN – Take the stress out of lunch packing with my easy-to-use Lunch Box Planner Pad that comes delivered direct to your door, ready for hassle free lunch box prep.
SHOP: Lunch Box Planner
my recommended lunchboxes for kids
If you want your child’s school lunchbox to last all year, then it pays to get a good quality lunch box that can withstand the wear and tear of a school day. Remember you also want a lunch box, lunch bag, and water bottle that are easy for you to wash and pack each day. Here is a selection of some great lunch boxes that I recommend, as well as compatible lunch bags and accessories that you could team them with. All of these are available online!
3 COMPARTMENT LUNCHBOX
These are the lunchboxes my kids, hubby and I use! They are a great way to create a waste-free lunch for the kids. They come in a set of 5 with 5 different coloured lids. They have 3 very generously sized sections, a large section is big enough for a sandwich, smaller section will fit 2-3 biscuits or one muffin and the smallest is great for snacks and diced fruit. They are BPA, lead, vinyl and PVC free, however they are not leak-proof so I wouldn’t put yoghurt or watermelon into these lunchboxes.
- Multi-pack: A pack of five lunchboxes
- Sections: 3
- Dimensions: 5.5cm x 15.5cm x 23.7cm (13.5cm x 12.5cm, 7.5cm x 7.5cm, 7.5cm x 5.5cm)
- Capacity: Large section – The inside of the largest compartment is approx 13.5cm x 12.5cm. An oversize sandwich will fit. Smaller section – will fit 3 biscuits or one muffin – Smallest section- perfect for small snacks and diced fruit.
- Colours: – Multicolour lids
- Set: 5 lids and bottoms per pack
- Leakproof: No
- BPA Free: BPA, Lead, Vinyl and PVC Free
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Microwave Safe: Yes
- Freezer Safe: Yes
SHOP: 3 compartment lunchbox
4 COMPARTMENT SNACK BOX
This is the perfect bento-style lunchbox for a child (or adult!) who likes a lot of variety for lunch or morning tea. The four compartments are perfect for dip, biscuits, carrot sticks and a boiled egg, or mix it up with some mini muffins, a baby quiche and some dipping sauce – the options are near endless! These 4 Compartment Lunchboxes tick all the right boxes – they are compact, stackable, reusable and BPA free, plus they’re safe to use in the freezer, microwave and dishwasher!
- Multi-pack: A pack of five snack boxes
- Sections: 4
- Dimensions: 6cm x 15cm x 18cm (each section 6.5cm x 6.5cm)
- Colours: Multicolour lids
- Leakproof: No
- BPA Free: BPA, Lead, Vinyl and PVC Free
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Microwave Safe: Yes
- Freezer Safe: Yes
- Suitable Insulated Lunch bag: All listed below.
SHOP: 4 Compartment Snack Box
KIDS BENTO LUNCH BOX
This purple and pink coloured Bento Three Lunch Box has a pretty ‘strawberry with love hearts’ design and is perfectly suited for children who want variety such as teaming up a sandwich or wrap with their favourite snacks. The individually sealed compartments in the Bento Three allow you to pack a sandwich or wrap next to wet foods such as yoghurt, dips or fruit without the risk of spoiling.
The easy-to-open latch, individual compartments, and fun design makes this Bento Three a winning combo for school kids. And because the Bento Three has no removable parts, it is compact yet holds a deceptively large amount of food to help fuel growing bodies, and is even suitable for adults.
- BPA-free
- Lightweight
- Child friendly latch
- Dishwasher safe (top rack)
- Capacity: 980ml
- Measurements: 17.5cm x 17.5cm x 5.6cm
View our full range of Little lunch Box Co Bento Lunchboxes here.
STAINLESS STEEL LUNCH BOX
These Bento Snack Boxes come in an option of 1, 2, or 3 compartments and make healthy snacking and meal prepping super easy, each available to be purchased separately. The 1 compartment design is great for kids school lunch snacks and light meals, whilst the handy dividers in the 2 and 3 compartment boxes allows you to easily separate snacks. They are plastic-free and ultra-durable.
- Sections: 1, 2, or 3
- Dimensions: 16cm x 11.5cm x 4cm
- Colours: Stainless steel
- Leakproof: No
- BPA Free: Yes
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Microwave Safe: No
- Freezer Safe: No
Packit Freezable Classic Lunch Box
Freeze the whole lunch bag overnight, to keep lunch chilled like a fridge all day.
- No ice packs needed with the PackIt Freezable Classic Lunch bag, so there is room to fit food and a drink. The secret is the freezable gel that’s built into the walls of the bag. Ideal for school lunches, daycare, travelling or sports activities.
- Gel lined walls chill a meal and a 340ml drink for hours (depending on external temperatures).
- Folds flat and freezes overnight (12 hours).
- Large zip opening allows for fast top-load packing and locks in cool, dry air.
- Buckle handles conveniently attaches to messenger bags, backpacks and sports bags.
- Zip pocket idea to store cutler, wipes or ID cards.
- Made from nontoxic poly canvas: food safe waterproof lining
- PVC, BPA, phthalate and lead-free
- Interior wipes clean & spot-clean exterior.
Sachi Insulated Lunch Bags
Lunch never looked so good! Sachi Insulated Lunch Bags expand into a roomy bag, perfect for carrying and keeping a variety of meals chilled or warm. With an outside zippered pocket and leak proof lining, Sachi is not only fashionable and fun but also purposeful and practical.
Details:
- Dimensions: 24 x 17 x 22cm
- Insulated interior
- Leak-proof lining
- BPA-free, PBS-free, Phthalate-free
- Food safe
- Includes rear zipped storage pocket
SHOP: Sachi lunchbag range
Sachi Insulated Lunch Bags
Ideal for school, picnics, road trips and more, these Insulated Lunch Bags are perfect for your little ones! Made from durable material and a leak-proof lining, these lunch bags are carefully crafted to fit lunch boxes and drink bottles of many sizes. Complete with a detachable shoulder strap, the bright and colourful designs are sure to impress!
FEATURES:
- Exceptionally easy to clean
- Leak proof lining
- Fits a wide range of lunch boxes and drink bottles
- Sturdy zip
- Inner mesh storage pocket
- Detachable and adjustable strap
- Inner size: 25cm x 19cm x 11cm
Please note: this lunch bag does NOT come with an ice brick.
Love Mae Insulated Lunch Cooler Bag
The Love Mae Charcoal Insulated Cooler Bag will keep lunches safe and fresh and are the perfect size for the Love Mae Bento-style Lunch Boxes. This cooler bag was created using recycled plastic bottles, is BPA and Food Safe, and comes in a modern sleek Charcoal colour. Sturdy and durable, its generous size can fit a range of other bento style lunch boxes.
FEATURES:
- Cooler Bag – 325 x 185 x 75mm
- Made from recycled bottles
- Excellent quality cooler bag that fits the Love Mae Bento Boxes perfectly.
- Fits a large amount of other bento boxes on the market
- Suitable for both children and adults
- Quality fabric, zip closure and top handle
- Australian designed
SHOP: Love Mae range
Love Mae Bento Lunch Box
The Love Mae bento-style lunch box makes packing healthy waste-free lunches a breeze! Bringing joy to mealtimes with colourful and fun designs, these lunch boxes are beautifully presented and have that ‘quality’ feel. Including 4 compartments and 2 leakproof containers it is easy to get lunches sorted, even for the most picky eaters.
PRODUCT SIZING:
- Lunch Box with 4 compartments of various sizes
- Includes 2 x small containers (leakproof)
- Lunch Box dimensions: 300 x 145 x 55 mm
- Small Container dimensions: 70 x 60 x 40 mm
- Weight: 350g
- Lunch Box Capacity: Approx. 6 cups (1.5L)
SHOP: Love Mae Lunch Boxes
Cuitisan Lunchbox Container
Cuitisan Food Storage Stainless Steel Containers are both microwave and oven safe.
- Size: 700ml
- 2 compartments
- Microwave and Oven Safe Stainless Steel Container
- Temperature Endure Range -40C ~ 400C
- Freezer Safe
- BPA Free
- 100% Airtight and Leak-Proof
- Unbreakable and Lightweight
- Odourless, Chemical-Free and Easy to Clean
Tempa Bento Lunch Box
The Tempa Bento Lunch Box offers sophistication and high quality. With a modern style and practical design you can take your food safely anywhere and look good doing it. This set includes 1 x airtight bento box, 1 x cutlery set (1 x spoon, 1 x fork and 1 x knife). There is a separate compartment in the lunch box to hold the cutlery and a moveable divider to separate your food if needed. Plus it is food safe, BPA free and leak proof.
Set includes: 1 x airtight bento box, 1 x cutlery set (1 x spoon, 1 x fork and 1 x knife)
Features:
- Colours: Olive, Black and White with Bamboo Lid
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 12 x 6 cm (1L capacity)
- Separate compartment to hold cutlery
- Moveable divider to separate your food
- Airtight and leak proof
- Food Safe & BPA Free
- Dishwasher safe
Tempa Bento Double Lunch Box
The Tempa Bento Double Lunch Box offers sophistication and high quality. With a modern style and practical design you can take your food safely anywhere and look good doing it. This set includes 2 x airtight bento boxes, 1 x cutlery set (1 x spoon, 1 x fork and 1 x knife). There is a separate compartment in the lunch box to hold the cutlery and a moveable divider to separate your food if needed. Food safe, BPA free and leak proof.
Set includes: 2 x airtight bento boxes, 1 x cutlery set (1 x spoon, 1 x fork and 1 x knife)
Features:
- Colour: White and Black with Bamboo Lid
- Dimensions: 19.5 x 12 x 13 cm (2L capacity)
- Separate compartment to hold cutlery
- Moveable divider to separate your food
- Airtight and leak proof
- Food Safe & BPA Free
- Dishwasher safe
SHOP: Tempa Double Lunch Box
Insulated Drink Bottles
A good quality water bottle should last you the whole year – if not much longer – and an insulated water bottle is a great ideas as it will help keep your child’s water cool throughout the day.
FULL RANGE: View our full range of Drink Bottles here.
MontiiCo Original Drink Bottle
Keep your drink cool with this Drink Bottle by MontiiCo in Kiwi. It has a double-walled insulation body which will keep your drink cool all day, plus an eco-friendly bamboo lid with a water-tight seal.
- Capacity – 600ml
- Dimensions – 25cm x 7cm
- New dishwasher safe paint
View all MontiiCo Drink Bottles here.
Watermate Drink Bottle – 550ml + 950ml
The Watermate water bottle features double wall stainless steel insulation, is fully durable, condensation-free, and keeps water cold for up to 24 hours. Available in a huge range of colours.
INSULATED FOOD JARS
Insulated food jars will keep your food hot and cold for hours and open up a range of lunch box options for children and adults alike.
Montiico Insulated Food Jar
5 hours of warming and 7 hours of cooling. Complete with a flip-up handle for super easy opening (great for little hands) and a silicone bumper base to withstand scuffs, rubs, and drops, this trendy little food jar really is the must-have school lunchbox accessory.
Oasis Stainless Steel Insulated Food Container
Carry your favourite hot meals to picnics, work, or school. Each Oasis 1 litre Stainless Steel Food Container is made from vacuum-insulated high quality 18/8 stainless steel interior with a silicone seal, leak-proof lid and easy to carry handle. The lid includes a silicone air hole to allow for easy opening, the Oasis Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Food Container keeps your food hot for up to 5 hours making it the perfect take away container.
LUNCH BOX ACCESSORIES
Our Lunchbox Accessories include items to make lunch fun and enjoyable as well as easier to eat.
View our range of Lunch Punch sandwich cutters, food picks, lunchbox notes and more here!
SANDWICH CUTTERS
Sandwich cutters can be used to encourage positive eating for fussy eaters or to just make lunchtime fun. With two designs in each pack, the Lunch Punch is fun and easy to use. Don’t be limited by sandwich bread though as you can use these as cookie cutters, playdoh cutters, dough shapes and more.
These reusable Sandwich Cutters by Lunch Punch are specifically designed to capture the most amount of bread. They are taller than a cookie-cutter making it easy to cut through a full sandwich while keeping the bread light and fluffy. Give a fun element to the kid’s lunchboxes, especially to those that like their crusts removed from their sandwiches, with minimum waste!
