6 Best Lunch Boxes for Toddlers and Kids, According to Parents

Looking for a lunch box that can keep up with the daily adventures of a busy preschooler? This classic design from L.L.Bean is a trusted favorite for good reason. It’s crafted from the same ultra-durable packcloth used in their iconic school backpacks, making it tough enough to handle drops, spills, and whatever else the day throws at it. Inside, the lunch box features an easy-to-clean lining that’s both BPA- and PVC-free, so it’s safer for kids and easier for parents to wipe down after use. The insulated interior keeps food cool and fresh until lunchtime, and there's even a mesh pocket to tuck in an ice pack or utensils.

Despite its rugged build, it's much lighter and more compact than a hardshell lunch box, and fits easily into a backpack without adding bulk. (In fact it’s the lightest option on our list by a wide margin.) And when you need a little more room (like for an extra snack or a small thermos), the expandable base provides that flexibility, growing two inches (and adding almost 2 liters to the capacity) with a simple unzip. Topping it all off, you have the option to personalize it with a monogram, making it easier to identify at pickup, and less likely to wind up in the lost and found.

Dimensions: 7" (L) x 3.8" (W) x 9.5" (H) (zipped); 7" (L) x 5.8" (W) x 9.5" (H) (expanded) | Capacity: 4.3 L (zipped); 6.2 L (expanded) | Weight: 6 oz. | Color options: 5

Bento-style toddler lunch boxes, which keep foods separated in transit, are a total game-changer for parents of picky eaters, and the Bentgo Kids Bento-Style Lunch Box is a favorite for good reason. Designed with real-life parenting in mind, this thoughtfully crafted lunch box makes mealtime simpler, more fun, more organized and—dare we say—a little less messy. Laura B., a mom of two, uses this lunch box with her kids, and tells us, “It’s been great, and we’re happy with the brand.”

The Bentgo Kids lunch box features five perfectly portioned compartments: one for the main meal and four for fruits, veggies, dips or whatever mini-bites your toddler is loving this week. The leak-resistant design helps prevent spills between compartments, so applesauce, for example, won’t end up in a compartment with cheese, while the durable, drop-resistant outer shell is built for toddler tumbles and preschool backpack tosses. Even better, the whole thing is dishwasher-safe for quick, low-stress cleanup. As an added bonus, it comes in a variety of bright, kid-approved colors and whimsical prints—think dinosaurs, unicorns, and outer space—and when your toddler is excited about their lunchbox, getting them to eat what’s inside becomes that much easier.

Dimensions: 8.5" (L) x 2" (W) x 6.5" (H) | Capacity: 567.8 mL | Weight: 1.4 lbs. | Color options: 8

Finding a cute, functional toddler lunch box shouldn’t have to break the bank, and the Your Zone Plastic Bento Box proves it. This sweet little set is thoughtfully designed for everyday use and priced at just under $8, making it a smart choice for families who want something reliable without overspending. Available as a single or in a convenient four-pack (a great value if you have multiple kids or just want extras on hand), this bento box offers a simple, colorful design that appeals to little ones. Choose from two color options–pink/purple or blue/aqua—each with a bright look that makes lunchtime more fun.

Each set includes a fork, spoon and a small dressing container, all designed to fit neatly inside. The inner tray is removable, BPA-free, and microwave-safe—ideal for quickly reheating leftovers or warm meals without transferring food to another container.

Designed with two secure latches, the box is easy for small hands to open and close on their own. It’s lightweight and compact, making it a great fit for preschool bags, daycare cubbies or on-the-go meals. Whether you're packing lunch for daycare, a weekend outing, or a quick snack at the park, this bento box offers everyday convenience at a price that’s hard to beat.

Dimensions: 7" (L) x 9" (W) x 2" (H) | Capacity: N/A | Weight: 1.1 lbs. | Color options: 2

If you’re packing hot lunches for your toddler, the OmieBox Bento is a smart, all-in-one solution. What sets this lunchbox apart is its built-in insulated thermos, which keeps hot foods warm until lunchtime–ideal for sending soups, pastas or leftovers without needing a separate container. And because it combines this insulation with the divided layout of a bento design, it’s designed to handle both hot and cold foods at once. The removable stainless steel thermos bowl sits securely in one section of the box, so the rest of the compartments can stay at room temperature, or even chilled if you add a cold pack. This thoughtful layout was exactly what Ashley G., a mom of one, was looking for: "Bento works great for hot lunch options," she says.

The compartments are deep enough to pack a full meal with sides or snacks, and the wide, easy-to-open latch is designed for little hands to use independently. Everything is made from high-quality, BPA-free materials, and the interior pieces are easy to remove for cleaning, which is another plus for parents packing daily lunches. For families who need a lunchbox that can do more than just carry cold food, the OmieBox is a reliable option that helps keep meals warm, organized, and packed in one place.

Dimensions: 7.5" (L) x 8.5” (W) x 3" (H) | Capacity: 1.4 L (box); 0.25 L (thermos) | Weight: 1.8 lbs. | Color options: 12

When you're rushing to get out the door in the morning, a lunchbox that’s simple to pack, and actually fits your toddler’s favorite foods makes all the difference. That’s exactly why we love the b.box lunchbox. It comes in a whopping 13 color options, so your kid can pick their favorite. But the real win? This box fits full-size fruits and even a whole sandwich. I use this lunch box with my 5-year-old son, and I love the stretchy silicone compartment that expands around things like apples—no more cutting everything into tiny pieces just to make it fit. And he loves that it’s easy for him to open on his own. Even better, you can pack a whole banana, which just so happens to be his favorite.

There are multiple compartments, two of which are leak-proof, and a removable divider so you can customize the layout depending on the meal. There’s even room for a small ice pack to help keep things fresh. Clean-up is simple too—just pop it in the top rack of the dishwasher. If you’re after a toddler lunchbox that helps you pack quickly, and keeps lunch stress-free, this one checks every box.

Dimensions: 8.5” (L) 10” (W) x 2.9” (H) | Capacity: 2 L | Weight: 1.3 lbs. | Color options: 13

If you’re looking for a lunchbox that skips plastic entirely, the PlanetBox Rover is a solid pick. Made from durable, food-grade stainless steel, it’s built to last through toddlerhood and beyond! The tray is made from a single sheet of stainless steel, so it’s sturdy, smooth and won’t warp over time. You can add magnets to the lid for fun personalization, and if you want to introduce a bigger pop of color (or make it easier for little ones to tote around), you can pop it in the padded carry bag (sold separately).

Bump forum member Aimathy got her daughter a Planetbox, and says, “she loved it. It's like a metal mess kit inside a cute, padded lunch bag. It has all sorts of little compartments for the food which she loves.” That’s exactly what makes the Rover such a hit, with kids. It’s all about the compartments—five of them, to be exact—each sized for easy variety without needing a bunch of separate containers. Everything has its place, from fresh fruit and veggie sticks to little stacks of crackers, cheese or lunch meats.

It comes with two dipper containers (one big, one small) that seal tightly for sauces, yogurt, or anything slightly messy. Cleanup is simple with everything in the dishwasher, and there are no tight corners or hidden parts to worry about.

Dimensions: 7.4” (L) x 10” (W) x 1.5” (H) | Capacity: 1.2 L | Weight: 1.6 lbs. | Color options: 18