10 Best Lunch Boxes for Toddlers and Kids

Need a dependable preschool lunch box that can withstand the wear and tear of busy toddlers? This classic L.L. Bean design is a great choice. One of the best kids’ lunch boxes for school, this option is much lighter than a bento box and keeps food cold until lunchtime, thanks to its insulated layers. Plus, it’s compact, so it can easily fit into a backpack. Have to pack more snacks than usual? No problem—this container expands another two inches for extra space. Best of all: You can add a monogram to ensure easy retrieval from the lost and found.

Dimensions: 7" (L) x 3.75" (W) x 9.5" (H) | Capacity: 4.3 L (expands to 6.2 L) | Weight: 6 oz. | Color options: 5

Next up is this parent-approved option that has hundreds of five-star reviews. Available in several bright colors, the Hydro Flask kids’ lunch box is super-durable with a flexible carry handle made for little hands. But the real standout features are the double-layer insulation and an interior band designed to hold an ice pack to keep food cold for hours. Plus, it’s BPA-free and the interior easily wipes clean—score!

Dimensions: 10.65" (L) x 10.65" (W) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: 1.2 lbs. | Color options: 10

Bento toddler lunch boxes are popular picks these days, and with good reason: They’re a practical choice for fussy eaters and children who like variety at mealtime. This durable, modern version by Bentgo is hard to beat. It has five perfectly sized compartments with space for a main meal and an assortment of healthy snacks. It’s also dishwasher-safe, making it super-easy to clean. Better yet, it comes in an array of fun colorways and prints, so even the most discerning of tots are sure to find one that they like.

Dimensions: 8.5" (L) x 2" (W) x 6.5" (H) | Capacity: 567.8 mL | Weight: 1.4 lbs. | Color options: 28

When it comes to picking out the best preschool lunch box, this classic design from Pottery Barn Kids is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. Inside, you can fit a bento box filled with your kiddo’s favorite foods—and on the outside, there’s a handy pocket for their water bottle. There’s also a zippered, external pocket to hold a napkin or tot-friendly utensils. Thanks to the straps on this toddler lunch box, your child can easily carry it in their backpack to boot. Choose from a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing designs, like this glow-in-the-dark option, a tie-dye print or a dino pattern.

Dimensions: 7.5" (L) x 4" (W) x 8.5" (H) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: N/A | Color options: 44

If your daycare provides meals and snacks you’ll need a petite toddler lunch box to house a few essentials (a small water bottle, a piece of fruit and some snacks). Our favorite? This mini lunch box from STATE Bags The main zippered compartment comes insulated, and you can get the exterior personalized with your child’s initials. We’re also big fans of the see-through pocket meant for notes or pictures. Of course, if you’re packing a full lunch and other snacks you’ll need a bigger daycare lunch bag. In that case, opt for the regular-size Rodgers lunch box. Whichever option you choose, your purchase will help STATE support a range of causes, like giving fully stocked backpacks to children in need.

Dimensions: 7.09" (L) x 3.35" (W) x 5.12" (H) | Capacity: 1.5 L | Weight: 5.6 oz. | Color options: 13

Searching for a super-durable stainless steel toddler lunch box that you’ll have for years to come? This sleek design from Bentgo has got you covered. Conveniently, the kids’ lunch box features three sections—as well as a bonus container—that are perfect for keeping tasty bites fresh and separate. You’ll also appreciate the leakproof seal and new, improved locking clips for added security. What’s more, it’s dishwasher-safe, so cleaning up when the kiddos get home from school will be one step easier.

Dimensions: 9.8" (L) x 2.2" (W) x 7.6" (H) | Capacity: 1.1 L | Weight: 1.5 lbs. | Color options: 5

Picking out a top-notch toddler lunch bag doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Case in point: This cute, simple style from Skip Hop. For under $10, you’ll get an insulated lunch box that you can count on to keep meals and snacks at their ideal temperature. It’s also complete with a mesh water bottle pocket, so you can send your little one to school with their favorite drink. Best of all, the flap closure makes it easy for tiny hands to open and close. Choose from four sweet designs, including this pug, a butterfly or a koala.

Dimensions: 7" (L) x 4.25" (W) x 9.5" (H) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: N/A | Color options: 4

These cute lunch bags for little kids come in a wide range of designs, so you’re sure to find something your child will love. They’re insulated to keep hot food warm and cold food chilled, and the Velcro closure makes it easy for toddlers to open independently. You’ll love how it collapses completely flat for easy storage and cleans easily with soap and water. It’s also PVC-, BPA- and phthalate-free for total peace of mind.

Dimensions: 8.5" (L) x 5" (W) x 10" (H) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: 4.8 oz. | Color options: 13

If you like to keep things streamlined, this lunch bag for toddlers is bound to check all of the boxes on your list. It features a built-in cooling gel, so you can fold it flat and put it in the freezer overnight. Then, by morning, it’ll be ready to keep your kiddo’s meal cold for up to 10 hours. This mini lunch bag was designed with little ones in mind and easily fits into toddler backpacks and diaper bags. It’s made from PVC-, BPA-, phthalate-, formaldehyde- and lead-free materials and has a food-safe, water-resistant lining.

Dimensions: 8.5" (L) x 6.5" (W) x 9.5" (H) | Capacity: 5.7 L | Weight: 1.34 lbs. | Color options: 12

This preschool lunch box set has tons of five-star reviews—and it’s easy to see why. With it, you’ll receive an insulated lunch bag, complete with a spacious main compartment and a zippered front pocket. But that’s not all—it also comes with a five-compartment bento box to keep meals organized, a water bottle, a slim ice pack and a reusable spork. Prefer a food jar instead of a water bottle? No problem, there’s a set for that as well. Now comes the hard part: Choosing just one of the many color options that are available.

Dimensions: 10" (L) x 3.3" (W) x 8" (H) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: 2.27 lbs. | Color options: 29