Packing your child’s lunch box is an act of love, even though it might not feel that way at 7 am on a Monday morning. You might be separated from your child during the day, but he sits down at lunchtime to eat a lunch that you’ve lovingly prepared. Even when you are apart, you nurture and nourish your child.
Some parents pride themselves on creating quirky bento lunches for their kids; others shove in whatever food they can find in the kitchen and hope for the best. It doesn’t matter which of those categories you fall into. Your kids are loved, and that’s all that matters.
Whether you’re constructing a nourishing masterpiece or a packed lunch inspired by the 80s, which lunchbox should you choose?
Keep reading to discover the best kids lunch boxes.
Whether you’re buying your child’s very first lunch box or their fifth, you’ll want to get the best one.
When you were a child, the most crucial factor to consider was probably the character design on the front (My Little Pony, am I right?). As a parent, however, it’s more complicated than that. Sure, aesthetics are important, but the practicalities will carry more weight.
Things to consider when buying lunch boxes for kids
Here are some things to consider when choosing a lunchbox for your child:
Size
Lunch boxes and bento boxes vary in size from too-small-to-fit-a-decent-lunch-in right through to too-big-to-carry. It’s important to consider what you’ll be packing your child for lunch eat day and how much space he’s likely to need. You don’t want to be cramming everything in so your child endures a lifetime of squished sandwiches, but neither do you want an overly large lunchbox that’s a pain to transport.
Durability
It’s crucial to consider the durability of lunchboxes (and everything else for that matter) you buy for your child. On the whole, children are rubbish at looking after stuff. The lunchbox is likely to get dropped, sat on, and perhaps even kicked across the playground. You want to invest in a lunchbox that will last. A stainless steel lunch box is likely to last much longer than its plastic counterpart.
Practicalities
Think about the kind of lunches you might pack. Some kids lunch boxes are simply a void for you to fill, and others have compartments for smaller snacking options. You know your children best. Which is likely to work best for them? Bear in mind that children are great at losing things and are likely to misplace a compartment or two in time.
If your children like to graze on different foods, bento boxes might be ideal. If, however, they prefer fewer items, you might benefit from a simpler lunchbox.
Ease of use
If the lunchbox is for a younger child, you might need to consider how easy it is to use. If the opening mechanism is fiddly or requires a lot of strength, your hungry child will probably have to wait for the help of a lunchtime assistant. Nurture his independence by choosing a lunchbox your child can open without assistance. It’s also worth checking whether it can be fastened securely; otherwise, you’re likely to end up cleaning out a messy school bag at the end of the day.
Aesthetics
Your older children are likely to have an opinion on which kids lunch boxes are socially acceptable, so it’s worth getting them involved in choosing their lunch boxes. Younger children are likely to be convinced by anything that looks fun and colourful – especially if it features one of their favourite colours. Think about how it will stand the test of time. A plastic box with stickers for decoration is likely to look less impressive once the stickers are faded and peeling off.
Budget
Lunchboxes can be a bargain buy or could cost the earth. You can easily spend a small fortune on a lunchbox but ask yourself whether you really need to, before parting with your cash. Plan a budget and stick to it. There is no point in overspending on a lunchbox. It’s likely to end up needing replacing, because it’s been lost or broken or is simply past its best. This is not a lifelong investment, so be realistic about how much you can afford to spend.
Top 10 leak-proof lunch boxes for kids
We’ve selected our favourite leak-proof lunch boxes for kids, so keep reading to find out which household names made it onto the best lunch boxes for kids list:
1. Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box $52.95
The Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box is practical, compact and looks cute. It is available in various colours, including an attractive aqua colour. The USP of this box is the built-in ice pack which keeps food cold even on sunny days.
The Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box is ideal for warmer days. The built-in ice pack slots right into the lunchbox and keeps your child’s food chilled until lunch. Save your child from the horror of warm, sweaty sandwiches with this clever lunchbox.
The kid-friendly latch keeps the container securely fastened when not in use. Its expert design is ideal for smaller hands to open easily. In addition, the four inner compartments allow you to separate your children’s food to make it easier for them to enjoy.
Order your Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box online today.
2. Yumbox Leak-proof Bento Box For Kids $30
Yumbox has become a household name among parents, and it’s not hard to see why. These cute boxes are ideal for packed lunches. The original leak-proof design features six compartments so you can include a variety of foods for your child.
This bento-box was designed for younger kids who might prefer to pick at various foods rather than eat a whole sandwich. One thing we love about the Yumbox is the labelled tray insert that tells you what to include in each compartment (e.g., ‘protein’) to ensure your child enjoys a healthy and varied diet. It also features a circular compartment that’s ideal for yoghurt or a dip, such as hummus.
The leak-proof bento box is available in a variety of colours, including Dreamy Purple, Power Pink and Neptune Blue. You can buy additional inserts for the Yumbox, including different variations of compartment size, and illustrative themes.
Take a look at their website to see the full range and Order a Yumbox Leak-proof Bento Box For Kids today.
3. Go Green Medium Bento Lunch Box $39.95
The Go Green Medium Lunch Box is a decent-sized box, perfect for a filling midday lunch. It features four deep compartments, so there’s plenty of space to pack your child’s favourite foods. Unlike shallower lunch boxes, the Go Green Bento Lunch Box has space for plenty of food, including whole fruits and sandwiches.
The Go Green boxes are sturdy and durable, so you won’t have to worry about them getting ruined. The boxes are free from lead, BPA, phthalates and PVC.
The turn’n lock tech keeps food fresh. Each compartment is individually sealed to prevent the foods from mixing in transit. The Go Green boxes are available in three colours, including green, blue and purple. Go Green also sell lunch bags so your child can transport the Bento box to school easily. These come in a variety of designs, including unicorns, bricks and space themes.
Order your Go Green Medium Bento Lunch Box now.
4. b.box Lunchbox $29.95
We love the simple, colourful design of the b.box lunchbox. Strawberry Shake is our favourite, and other colours and designs are available.
The changeable compartments provide ample flexibility, so you can change the lunchbox as often as your kids change their favourite foods (probably every day). In addition, the customer divider slides across, so you can change the size of the compartment to fit the foods you want to include, which is really clever.
The b.box lunchbox features a large compartment roomy enough for a whole sandwich. There’s a removable gel cooler pack to go under the sandwich compartment, to make sure your child’s sandwich stays cool and fresh until lunch time. The value of this gel ice pack is not to be underestimated. Or, if you prefer, you can remove the sandwich tray and use the compartment to house pasta or salad.
The unique flexi whole fruit holder stretches to accommodate large fruit items, so you don’t need to spend your morning cutting up fruit. The leak-proof silicone seals are perfect for storing wet foods like watermelon and yoghurts.
Order a b.box lunchbox for lunchtime flexibility today.
5. OmieBox $72.95
The award-winning OmnieBox is perfect for children who like to choose between a hot and cold lunch. OmieBox prides itself on being a more innovative bento box for healthier lunches. The removable insulated bowl keeps food warm for up to 4 hours, so you can relax knowing your child is enjoying a hot lunch. The removable insulated bowl is perfect for packing soups, pasta and other warm meals your child loves.
There are two smaller compartments at the side in a separate temperature zone so your child can enjoy both cold and hot food in the same sitting. The insulated bowl can be removed, so the large compartment can be used to store a sandwich or another cold lunch item instead, giving you the flexibility each morning.
The kid-friendly design is easy for little hands to use so they can cherish their independence at mealtimes. The OmieBox is BPA-free and phthalates-free. It is made from ABS, PP, silicon and 18/8 food-grade stainless steel. The OmieBox is available in a mix of colours, including Pink Berry, Purple Plum, Green Meadow and Yellow Sunshine.
6. Hipp-O-Bento Box Switch $49
These Instagram-worthy kids lunch boxes are beautiful. We love the mustard colour, but other vibrant shades are available, including pink, teal, blue, purple and navy. They are all stunning colours that make the perfect base for your child’s personalised bento box.
The Hipp-O-Bento Box Switch can be personalised so your child can have a ‘one of a kind’ lunchbox. You can choose from variety of colours, labels, designs and fonts to design a box to suit your child’s unique style.
The central clip is perfect for little fingers, so your child can independently open and close the lunch box. The brightly coloured Tritan tray is durable, with movable and removable dividers to give you flexibility when it comes to lunch.
The Hipp-O-Bento Switch Box is BPA and PVC free. The matt finish feels and looks great. The bento lunch box fits perfectly into the Hipp-O lunch bags so you can have the whole set.
Personalise your child’s lunch box today.
7. Smiggle Large Happy Bento Lunch box $54.95
For older kids, you can’t go wrong with Smiggle. The Smiggle Large Happy Bento boxes come in fun vibrant designs. We love the Bright Side design with its cute animations and positive messages.
These bestselling Bento Lunchboxes feature individually sealed compartments so your child can enjoy a variety of foods each day. The bento boxes are also available in medium, but the large option fits whole fruits in, which is a timesaver on weekday mornings.
The leak-proof seals mean each compartment can be used for wet foods, such as yoghurt and guacamole. The removable inner tray and inner lid mean it’s easy to clean and dry between uses. The clip closure and hinged lid allow for secure locking and storage.
The Smiggle Large Happy Bento Lunchbox features additional sub-compartments so you can include a greater variety of foods for your picky eater.
Order this awesome lunch box for your child today.
8. Stuck On You Large Personalised Bento $49.95
One way to reduce the risk of your kids’ lunchboxes getting lost is to stick their names on them. Personalised lunch boxes are ideal and the Stuck On You designs look fantastic.
Thanks to the vast array of customisation choices, your kid’s Stuck On You Personalised Bento Box is likely to be one of a kind. There are various coloured boxes to choose from, including pink, blue and yellow. You can pick from ten different designs, including dinosaurs, mermaids and rainbows. You can choose from five fonts and personalise the box with your kid’s name, reducing the risk of it getting lost.
This customised bento box features six roomy compartments and a leak-proof silicone seal, so food stays fresh, crisp and ready to eat. The Stuck On You Large Personalised Bento is free from BPA and phthalates, making it safe for your child and good for the planet. Sturdy and durable, this personalised lunchbox is easy to clean. There is a 4-compartment sandwich tray, sold separately, if you would like greater flexibility.
Take a look at the Stuck On You Large Personalised Bento personalisation options today.
9. Thermos 290ml FUNtainer $34.95
The Thermos 290ml FUNtainer Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Food Jars are perfect for children who enjoy eating a hot lunch. The FUNtainers come in a variety of colours and styles, including a striking Star Wars design.
The Thermos 290ml FUNtainer Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Food Jars are ideal for soups, pastas and warm rice dishes. They are great for packing leftovers and ensuring your child has a warm meal in the middle of the school day.
The Thermos vacuum insulation technology provides maximum temperature retention for both hot and cold foods. You can use the FUNtainer to keep fresh salad cool and crispy.
The kid-proof design features a durable stainless steel interior and exterior, designed to withstand daily wear and tear. The extra wide mouth is eash to fill, eat from and clean, so you needn’t worry about your child making a mess. The non-slip base keeps the Thermos 290ml FUNtainer Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Food Jar on the table and reduces the risk of spills.
Take a closer look at the Thermos Food Jars today.
10. Identity Direct Personalised Bento Lunch Box $44.99
The Identity Direct Personalised Bento Lunch Box is fun and practical. The lightning design and geometric shapes look modern, colourful and on-trend. The transparent lid allows your children to peek at their lunch before opening the box, allowing them to whet their appetite.
These fabulous Bento Boxes feature three silicon sealed leak-proof compartments. The roomy compartments can carry plenty of food so your little one won’t go hungry in the afternoon.
These funky kids lunch boxes can be personalised with any name (up to 12 characters, including spaces). Not only does this reduce the risk of them going missing at school, it also helps your children identify their own lunchboxes easily.
The removable inner compartment is ideal for easy cleaning : Order a personalised bento lunch box from Identity Direct now.
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