August 16, 2023
updated
All the articles & recipes on this website have been created through real-life testing and experience (no ai) since 2010. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This post explains how to choose a kids’ bento box for school that meets your lunch packing needs.
From stainless steel, built-in ice packs, affordable bento boxes, and even one with a built-in thermos, you’ll find the best one for your child.
What to Look for in a Bento Box
If you’re on a mission to shop for a cool bento box for your child, there are a few things to remember when browsing online. Here is what to look out for before you buy:
- Size: the size of the bento box will determine how much food you can pack inside.
- Number of compartments: choose a design that fits your child’s packing needs.
- Cost: purchase a bento that fits your budget and consider having a spare.
- Leak-proof: a good seal prevents messy leaks.
- Material: plastic, stainless, or a combination of both. This will also determine price and durability.
- Dishwasher safe: this makes cleanup easier; some are top-rack only, and other bentos are hand wash only.
- Design & colors: from colorful options and characters to neutral colors, there’s a bento for everyone.
- Durability: sturdy bentos should last through the school year and more! My stainless steel bentos have lasted nearly a decade!
- Lunch bag: larger bentos might need a bigger lunch bag, so keep both dimensions in mind!
Best Bento Boxes for Kids
One of these bento boxes is sure to be the right size for the amount of food you need to pack, has compartments to keep foods separate, and is durable enough to last through the school year or many years to come. Wondering what to pack? Learn more about school lunch Bento Box ingredients and combinations here.
Durability: Lunchbots Trio
The 3-compartment shape is perfect for a younger kid's lunch. As they get older, it will become their go-to snack box. Perfect for cut-out sandwiches or half-sandwich + sides!The stainless steel material is made to last -I've owned a few since 2007! While it's not leakproof (no yogurts or apple sauce), I highly recommend it for kids of all ages!Available in 5 colors.
Pick a Color
Affordable + Versatile: Easy Lunchboxes
These simple lunch containers are a long-standing favorite for families with kids of all ages. The 3 compartments allow you to pack a variety of foods under one lid. Available in classic, brightly colored, and neutral sets.
Check Amazon
Durability: Lunchbots Quad
This 4-compartment shape is perfect for adding variety and keeping things separate. It grows with your child and will become a snack box for teens. For kids of all ages.The stainless steel material is made to last -I've owned it since 2007! Not leakproof (no yogurts or apple sauce), I highly recommend it!Available in 5 colors.
See Color Options
Built-in Ice Pack: Bento in One
You can pack anything inside this bento-style lunch box. It includes a freezable tray that keeps lunches cool. The edges are rubberized and drop-proof, minimizing cracks -the #1 reason lunchboxes break with younger kids. It's completely leak-proof, so you can pack yogurt, sauces, and fruit, eliminating soggy messes. Great for 3-8-year-olds.It comes in 10 different colors!
Browse Color Options
Bento Snack Box
This bento-style snack box is a must-have for daily snacking.The 4-pack is affordable and comes in a variety of colors, and it's dishwasher-safe! A terrific option for a reusable snackbox for all ages.
Grab a Set
Most Compact: Yumbox
This bento-style lunchbox lets you pack a variety of foods without sacrificing the lunch bag options.You can buy extra tray inserts in several configuration options and sizes. This was the first leak-proof bento-style lunchbox I purchased for my son and continues to be a parent-favorite for kids kindergarten-2nd grade (original size), 3-7th grade (panino), 11 & up (tapas size).
Pick your Size & Color
Large Bento
Build charcuterie-style lunches inside this larger 5-compartment bento lunchbox.Affordable, dishwasher-safe, and practical for kids of all ages. Drawback: not the best option for sandwiches or wraps.Available in classic and bright colors.
Grab a 4-Pack
Omie Box – Hot + Cold Foods!
The built-in thermos insert is perfect for sending your kids' favorite warm meals or cold foods (like yogurt) to school without worrying about ice packs or a separate container. Remove it, and use that space for sandwiches, cold pasta salads, and more!It's sturdy and high quality, so it will last! Hand wash only.Available in 4 colors.
Check Amazon
All-Day Food + Ice-Pack!
The Lunchblox makes packing food for the day easy.One large compartment at the bottom for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more and multiple containers for snacks and sides on top.The locking, built-in ice pack keeps everything in place inside a lunch bag. Great for bigger kids, 11 and up!
Check Amazon
Bigger Bento Box
Bentgo Pop lets you pack more food, so it's great for kids ages 8 and up. It's leakproof + microwave-safe, and the 3 compartments can handle anything from yogurt to goldfish, juicy fruit, sandwiches, and wraps.Available in 4 colors.
Check Amazon
Screw-Cap Dip & Sauces
The easiest way to pack salad dressings and dips without the mess! Fits inside all bento boxes, it's dishwasher-safe, and holds 2 tablespoons inside. I recommend these to everyone.One color option.
I Need These!
Stainless Dips
A durable and affordable option to pack salad dressings and dips. Fits inside all bento boxes, dishwasher-safe, and holds 2 tablespoons inside.I recommend these to everyone but make sure younger kids learn to seal the top bac on.6 or 8 pack.
Grab yours Here!
Leave a Reply