Best Lunchbox Gear for Kids (And What to Skip)

Insulated Lunch Box or Bag

Grade: A+

When my kids were older, they were more of the "shove the bento box in the backpack" type, but when they were little, they loved having their lunch bag.

This little kid's lunch bag checks all the lunchbox boxes. It's roomy enough for a bento box, an ice pack, and a water bottle. It comes in tons of fun designs, wipes clean in seconds (a must), and is super versatile to carry, with both a strap and handles so kids can tote it vertically or horizontally. That's a lunchbox win.

Bonus: The Bentgo brand offers matching gear, including thermoses, water bottles, and ice packs, allowing users to go full-on coordinated if they wish. See picture below.

Insulated Water Bottle (Kid Size)

Grade: A

YETI bottles are pricey, but they deliver-stainless steel, leak-proof, dishwasher-safe, no-sweat exterior, and ice-cold water all day. I actually like them for me - they're great! But for kids? I just can't justify the splurge. If 24-hour chill time isn't a dealbreaker, the bottle I linked below is another fantastic but budget-friendly option. It keeps drinks cold for hours, holds up through the school day, and doesn't break the bank. (See pic above)

Thermos or Insulated Food Jar

Grade: A

A thermos is a lunch hero when it's cold. Vegan mac & cheese? Stays warm. Red lentil soup? Still cozy at noon.

For very young kids, I recommend the Bentgo thermos. It is small, reliable, and fits perfectly in their lunchbox or backpack.

For older kids or adults, check out the link below. It holds a generous amount, keeps food hot for hours, cleans up easily, and it's a reasonable price point.

The lid seal can be a bit fussy to put back after washing, but it's of solid quality and keeps lunch warm and satisfying.

Bento Boxes That Go the Distance

Grade: A

We used these bento boxes (picture above) for years when the kids were older, and the compartment sizes were just right. You can see them in action in my post for Mini Hummus and Veggie Pinwheels and No-Mayo Chickpea Salad. The built-in utensil holder in the top compartment is a hygienic little win. The only downside? They're not leak-proof and are on the thicker side, so if your child packs it inside their backpack, it might take up more space than ideal or feel a bit bulky.

For a price point considerably higher, but with a slimmer box that slides into a backpack well and is leak-proof, I recommend Yumbox. They are great for all ages, from toddlers to teens (and even snacky adults. Visit the Yumbox store on Amazon below, or visit the site.

Snack-Sized Containers for Bigger Snacks

Grade: A

We sometimes use these larger leak-proof containers for snacks, such as mini chocolate chips or DIY trail mix. When you need more space but still want to keep the lunch bag from turning into a food crime scene, these work great.

Reusable Food Storage Bags

Grade: A+

These reusable bags are a solid pick if you want to ditch disposable baggies. The variety of sizes is excellent (we mostly use the snack size and sandwich size). They're roomy enough for a sandwich or a good stash of grapes, crackers, or whatever snack your kid's suddenly obsessed with this week.

I find them easy to clean by hand, but they are dishwasher safe.

They earn points from me for being wallet-friendly in the long run and reducing plastic waste. Overall? I think they're practical, cute, and great for children's lunchboxes.

Small Leakproof Sauce Containers

Grade: A+

Kid- and lunchbox-tested in my house over many years, these are leak-proof for sauces and dressings that can turn lunch into a soggy mess if they escape. Easy to open and easy to clean.

Reusable Napkins

Grade: A+

I ditched disposable napkins and paper towels over 20 years ago-yep, before it was trendy.

Every day, I'd toss a soft cloth napkin into my kids' lunchboxes. Did they always use it? Probably not. Did it come back stained? Always. But it held up, got tossed in with the laundry I was already doing, and was ready for another round.

They're cozy, budget-friendly, and one less thing to buy. These are the solid prints that I use. Alternatively, click the button below for kid-friendly, customizable, and handmade prints. See picture above.

Ice Packs That Get the Job Done

Grade: A+ (Based on Ratings)

I couldn't find the exact ones I use (they've been in rotation since circa 2007), but these ultra-slim ice packs are super kid-friendly and keep things chill according to thousands of reviews.

Food Picks for Kids: Cute, Functional, and Worth It

Grade: A+

These little food picks (small forks) are the glitter of the lunchbox world - tiny, colorful, and instantly make lunch more fun.

My kids didn't use them when they were little, but I know plenty of families who do, and honestly, my crew would have loved poking at the fruits and veggies.

If you're worried they might be too sharp, I thought the same, too. But honestly, they're no pointier than your average kid-sized fork. Just way cuter.

I've seen them in use firsthand, and they're great for picky eaters, little hands, and keeping fingers clean. They're reusable and dishwasher-safe, but don't expect them all to make it home. Bonus: They are also great for birthday parties.

Yogurt Parfait Cups

Grade: A+

If there was one lunchbox favorite that never got old in our house, it was yogurt parfait cups. Customizable, kid-approved, and they get an A+ for staying fresh, leak-free, and packing well in a lunch box or backpack. They also fit perfectly in the cup holders in the car...breakfast-on-the-go, anyone?

They stay chilled until lunchtime with a reliable ice pack. I keep both large and small containers on hand - bigger ones for a packed lunch, and smaller ones like these when it's just a snack or for young children. Check out the larger ones by clicking the button below.

Reusable Silicone Cups

Grade: C

These bento box dividers seem like a lunch-packing win, but for me, they were more "meh" than must-have. Sure, they're cute and handy for wrangling grapes or crackers - but only if they fit just right. Otherwise, they usually slide around. The ruffled edges are crumb magnets, and I just can't justify the purchase.

They're cute and eco-friendly, so I still have them for charcuterie boards. Let me know in the comments if you use them too or if they've been chilling in a drawer waiting for their moment!

Foil Thermal Sandwich Bags: Flunked with Flying Crumbs

Grade: F

These foil thermal sandwich bags sounded like a great idea - keep food warm or cool, reuse them, save the planet a little.

But real-life testing? Not so great. They are 'okay' for cold stuff, but if you're counting on them to keep food warm till lunchtime, don't hold your breath.

Cleaning them is a hassle, especially the corners, and after a few uses, they tend to tear at the seams.

They're good in theory, but in my lunchbox trials, they flunked. Let me know if another brand or style worked for you in the comments.

Silicone Reusable Bags

Grade: B-

These silicone bags get a solid B-. They're durable, leak-resistant, and dishwasher-safe, which means they've earned a spot in the eco-friendly circle of trust. Most older kids can open and close them, and they're great for reducing waste and stashing dry snacks.

They have their quirks. While they save money long-term, they're pricey upfront. The ones I have have a narrow opening that's tricky to fill (especially pre-coffee), and cleaning isn't the easiest. The seal is a bit clunky for little hands, and the size works well for snacks, but anything bigger than a sandwich can be a tight squeeze. They offer wider bottom versions, but they are more bulky. If you're packing for younger kids, I'd pass for now, but it might be worth checking out other brands.

These suggestions might not be essential for school lunches, but they will earn you bonus points.

• Lunchbox Notes - (Grade: A) While you can write your messages on these heart-shaped sticky notes, alternate them with these fun premade joke cards for older kids. I also have a free download here.
• Sandwich Cutters for Fun Shapes - (Grade: A) This cutter set has stood the test of time and turns everyday sandwiches or fruit into fun, lunchbox-ready shapes. I don't use them daily-because wasting the edges isn't my style-but they're perfect for a little lunchbox magic on special days or when you just need to make "same old" feel special.
• Sandwich Sealers - (Grade: A) These sandwich sealers are fun to use, and older kids love to make sandwiches with them. They work well and add variety to the same old sandwiches. Check them out in my post for Eggless Salad Pockets.
• Add Some Personality with Waterproof Stickers - (Grade: A) Lunch gear doesn't have to be boring. A few waterproof stickers can totally transform a plain water bottle, backpack, or lunchbox into something uniquely theirs.