The Best Lunchboxes for Kids and Teens

Get those peanut butter sandwiches and bananas ready! It's time to start packing lunches again. Grab one of these top-rated lunchboxes to kick off the new school year.

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July 17, 2023

Our Top School Lunchbox Picks

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 Overall Lunchbox

$15.99

Ideal for elementary, middle and high schoolers, the Fulton Bag Co. Upright Lunch Bag will safely keep their lunch stored away until it's time to eat. A crush-resistant exterior and an adjustable interior divider ensure no more squished lunches. A Swing Clip on the handle allows for hands-free carrying to and from school.

Best Lunchbox for Preschool

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 koala. 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 Kindergarten

$18.99

Another easy-to-open option, like this Simple Modern Hadley Lunchbox, is perfect for developing kindergarteners. The kid-friendly dimensions are roomy enough to hold it all, including a water bottle, bento box and reusable snack bags. With a durable zipper, buckle top handle and triple-insulated liner, it's easy to open and easy to carry, too.

Best Lunchbox for Early Elementary

$39.99 $24.99

Send your kids' lunches to school in style with the Bentgo Kids' Lunch Bag. This durable bag is available in 18 different prints, from bugs (pictured) and mermaids to trucks and fairies. A water-resistant exterior, adjustable carrying strap and padded, thermal lunch compartment make this top-rated lunchbox an easy pick for our list.

Best Lunchbox for Grade School

$16.99

Once your kiddo hits double digits (the big 10!), the FlowFly Insulted Lunchbox is an ideal bag to keep their lunch secured on the go. Durable and easy-to-clean, the bag features a roomy interior that can hold a reusable lunch container, soda can, fruit and more.

Best Lunchbox for Middle School

$29.95

The large size of the L.L.Bean 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 Lunchbox for High School

$24.99

With a wide variety of teen-approved prints, these lunchboxes make it easy for you 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 stick it in the freezer overnight. In the morning, it's ready to pack and keep everything cold for hours.

Best Lunchbox for Print Selection

Kids love having fun motifs; parents love a sturdy lunchbox that will last all school year. Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Lunchboxes come in dozens of prints 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 Bento-Style Lunchbox

$27.99

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

$21.97

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 Insulated Lunchbox

$24.99

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.

Best All-in-One Lunchbox

$21.99

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.

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