The Best Lunchboxes for this Back-to-School Season 2023!

Ready or not, back-to-school season is here, which means lots of SCHOOL LUNCHES AND SNACKS again.

If your child takes lunch from home to school, it means that you will be preparing around 25 lunchboxes per month and approximately 250 lunchboxes per year! A lot! Believe me, I feel ya!  I also have to prepare snacks and lunchboxes daily, so I know how annoying and stressful it can be!

That said, I want to make your life easier! Below you will find  MY favorite back-to-school equipment that has saved me time and effort in preparing balanced and tasty lunchboxes for 2023!

TOP 16 BEST GEAR AND LUNCH BOXES

1. EasyLunchboxes Reusable Bento Box

One of my all-time favorite lunchboxes! I have used them since Emma Lucia was little, and they have lasted all these years. This lunch box has a classic design, easy to wash, with good distribution, and is perfect for covering the basic needs when packing children's meals; it will certainly not disappoint you. I like them because you can pack bigger things like wraps and sandwiches and you also have 2 other containers where you can pack fruits, muffins or popcorn. They come in a set of 4 containers, each with 3 compartments, and are super durable. Other smaller sizes are ideal for DIY Lunchables or picnic-style snacks. They are definitely a hit in our house!

2. Full Circle Sandwich and Snacks Reusable Bag Set

If you are trying to minimize plastic consumption and are making an effort to be more environmentally friendly, these are for you! These reusable bags have been a favorite this season! They come in many sizes, have cute designs appealing to kids, and are excellent for traveling too. Ideal for snacks like trail mix, granola, or something bigger like sandwiches.

3. Unicorn & Dinosaur Fun Chopsticks for Kids

I found these chopsticks on a culinary trip to Napa, and they have been a hit! They are a fun way for kids to try new foods; my daughters love them for sushi, but really we use them for everything!

Tip: Fun utensils can be a great way to incentivize new foods and make them feel less threatening!

4. LunchBots Omie Bento Box - Stainless Steel Lunchbox

This small 3-compartment lunch box option is made of high-quality steel, which makes it durable, resistant, and easy to clean. Two sizes are available; the smaller one is great for 1/2 sandwich and a fruit. The larger can hold more food and includes a total of 3 compartments (see below).

5. OmieBox Bento Box

This lunch box has been a new acquisition this school year, and we really like it! Its main feature is that it can store hot and cold food in the same container. It has a small insulated steel thermos to keep food warm at all times, plus the thermos can be removed. The other two compartments are quite spacious and designed to keep food fresh. Ideal for older children or those who like to keep food hot! The only drawback is the higher price tag, but overall I think it's worth it!

6. Yumbox Leak-proof Lunch Box

Alicia, my youngest daughter loves this lunch box! I like it because it's easy to open (she can do it by herself, a huge plus!) and it's not bulky. This bento box contains labeled containers for each food group, which can help parents make balanced lunchboxes without much thought. It is simple to wash as it has a retractable tray, and its resistant lid prevents accidents due to its leak-proof design. You can place semi-liquid foods such as yogurts, sauces, creams, etc.

7. Fit & Fresh Insulated Bento Lunchbox

What I like most about this school lunch box is that it contains an ice pack on top that helps keep food cold and fresh. It contains 3 boxes with 2 compartments with its container included. A sandwich fits perfectly, and in the other compartments a fruit or some other snack. A very complete and comfortable size lunch box that keeps food cold!

8. PACKIT Freezable Lunchbox

This lunch box has a system that allows it to be used with a small cooler if we put it in the freezer beforehand. It maintains the temperature for a long period of time and is easy to carry. It can be folded to put in the backpack after use to save space. Inside, you can place small lunch boxes or separate food. An excellent option to take to the beach or on very hot days!

9. PLANETBOX Rover Eco-Friendly Stainless Steel Lunchbox

A large stainless steel lunch box that includes 2 round containers with lids, a soft and light carrying bag that makes it much more comfortable to carry. It is a little larger than other lunchboxes, and the price shows it. But, overall, I think it's a good investment that will last longer than other plastic containers.

10. Bentgo Durable & Leak Proof Lunch Box

One of the best sellers on Amazon. This lunch box is perfect for children who like to have options! My favorite feature is its durability (it's very resistant for active kids) and ability to keep food in place. They come in many colors and designs, and it's dishwasher safe.  It has 5 practical compartments that allow you to put small snacks and include semi-liquid things like dips or yogurts.

11. Bentology Lunchbox Set

This bento box comes with its own easy-to-carry insulated container bag and its translucent lunch box with 5 containers, one of which is perfect for dressing or salads. Each container has its own leak-resistant lid and multiple compartments for separate storage. An ice pack is also included to keep your meals at adequate temperatures.

12. PantryElements Silicone Baking Cups

If you want your lunch boxes to look the "Pinterest-perfect" effect without having to spend hours creating a lunch box, these are for you! These silicone molds are a great option to make your children's food colorful and entertaining. Remember that children eat with their eyes and are attracted to bright colors. They are multi-purpose, reusable, and work as dividers to keep your little ones' backpacks more organized. They can also be used to bake some delicious cupcakes for a nice snack.

13. Sistema Lunch Cube Lunchbox

A lunch box suitable for older children. I confess that I used it a lot when I had to go to work at the hospital.  It comes in 2 large and spacious containers; in one, you can place a meal approximately the size of a sandwich, and in the second container, you will find 3 compartments to distribute the food to your preference.

14. Rubbermaid LunchBlox Lunch box Set with small containers

This modular lunch box is perfect for the most meticulous people who want everything in order. It contains enough containers to separate the food according to the person's preference. It brings 2 ice packs that fit directly to the lid of the containers, keeping food cold. Its material makes the ideal microwave lunch box and is very easy to wash.

15. Mini Lunch Notes

These little cards are designed with fantastic colorful and bright patterns to liven up children's lunch boxes.  They give a personal touch without a lot of effort!

16. Fun Food Picks Toothpicks for Kids

One of THE most requested ITEMS by many of you! I've honestly used these toothpicks for everything! From fruits, ham rolls, tomatoes, Caprese salads, and more! I like them because they are inexpensive and a great way to introduce new foods without being overwhelming. Sometimes kids with sensory issues don't like touching foods of different textures because they can feel sticky, slimy, or unsure. A toothpick can be used as a fun tool to pick up food.

And here you have it, MY FAVORITE school lunch boxes and products of 2023. Remember that all these products and more can be found in my Amazon store click here.

Now it's your turn; what is ONE product that you absolutely love for your kid's snacks or lunchboxes?  I would love to add it to my list and share it with other mamas!

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