The Best Lunchboxes for Kids and Teens

Let's make your school morning routine as easy as possible with the right lunchbox. Our best-of list has lunchboxes that are insulated to keep fruit, veggies and sandwiches cool until it's time to walk to the cafeteria, though it's always helpful to add a reusable ice pack. I've found that having a few extra ice packs on hand is essential, just in case I forget to put them back in the freezer the night before.

The other key element to a long-lasting lunchbox is keeping it clean and odor-free. All the ones on this list are easy to wipe out or wash with soap and water, and a few are completely washable.

We found lunchboxes that stand up to kids' wear and tear, have enough room for all their lunchtime essentials (plus, an extra snack or two) and, of course, look cool.

Best Lunchbox for Toddlers

For your littlest ones, look for a lunchbox that's easy to open and access everything they need. These oh-so-delightful lunchboxes come in a variety of animal friend shapes, including this adorable butterfly. The soft bag has an easy-to-clean insulated lining with one main compartment for housing your kiddo's meal. All the lunch bags also have matching backpacks and water bottles to maximize the overall cuteness factor.

Best Lunchbox for Preschoolers

Another easy-to-open option, like this 3 Sprouts Lunch Bag, is perfect for developing preschoolers. The kid-friendly dimensions are roomy enough to hold it all, including a water bottle, bento box, food jar and reusable snack bags. With a dual zipper, top handle and adjustable shoulder strap, it's easy to open and easy to carry, too. You can even buy coordinating accessories to complete the set.

Best Lunchbox for Elementary Schoolers

Kids love having fun motifs; parents love a sturdy lunchbox that will last all school year. Pottery Barn Kids' lunchboxes come in dozens of prints, like this under-the-seas design, and two different configurations: the classic and the cold pack, which has an extra divider, shoulder strap and is a little bit bigger. These lunchboxes are a great pick for elementary-age kids who want to show off their personalities. Plus, they can be monogrammed.

Best Lunchbox for Teenagers

With a wide variety of teen-approved prints — from graphics and leopard to chevron and tie-dye —, these lunchboxes make it easy for your or your teen to pack a quick lunch. Instead of relying on separate ice packs, this clever lunchbox has freezable gel built into its lining. Fold it down flat and simply stick it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, it's ready to pack and keep everything cold for hours.

Best Lunchbox for Kids With Allergies

It's happened to all of us: That one time you forgot to clean out the lunchbox and the odor lingered for days. The FlatBox is 100-percent machine washable so it's easy to keep clean. It also fully unzips to lay flat and act as a placemat — an added bonus for a child with an allergy since it keeps the food from touching any other surface.

Best Bento Lunchbox

This bento-style lunchbox is perfect for young eaters. Five compartments, including a small spot for veggie or fruit dip, keep everything separate for kiddos that don't like their food to touch. And the best part? It's leakproof.

Best Washable Lunchbox

Available in a variety of beautiful patterns and colors, this neoprene lunch tote will keep kids' food cold for up to four hours. Plus, it's stain-resistant and machine washable for all those inevitable uh-ohs.

Best All-in-One Lunchbox

It's everything you need in one handy package; this lunchbox kit comes with a bento box set of five containers and an ice pack. All of it fits in the bag with room to spare for additional snacks and a drink.

Roomiest Lunchbox

The large size of this flip-top lunchbox is ideal for older kids who have a bigger appetite. Made from durable material and fully insulated, the bag is designed to last and is easy to clean. The lid features a mesh pocket that holds a water bottle or cold pack separately from the rest of your food.

Best Insulated Lunchbox

Packed with personality, Wildkin's insulated lunchboxes are spacious enough to fit all your little one's favorites — and then some! Made from durable polyester fabric with an interior moisture-resistant nylon lining, this fun lunchbox is capable of handling anything you throw at it — both inside and out.