We asked Mykidstime parents to recommend their favourite lunch boxes for kids to save you time and money. Don’t worry, these great lunch boxes recommended by parents are also kid-tested and kid-approved!
Parents Find These Lunch Boxes for Kids the Best
Are you looking for the best lunch box for your kids? A lunch box that little fingers can open, yet doesn’t burst in a schoolbag by mid-morning? It’s not easy to find a balance between a practical lunch box that will hold the essentials, and one that won’t take up all the space in a school bag.
The lunch boxes below were the top-rated from our parent audience. We have put links to where you can buy these, NB we get a small commission if you buy through our Amazon links.
Sistema Lunch Boxes
These stylish, colourful lunch boxes from Sistema come in a range of sizes with multi compartment options to keep food and snacks separated – something to suit everyone’s lunch needs and perfect if you would like to try these 13 Brilliant Bento Box ideas for Kids.
Key Features
- BPA and phthalate free
- Dishwasher, microwave, fridge and freezer safe
- Separate compartments keep food fresh and protected
“I bought Sistema ones in Home Store + More. They are easy to get into but the lid won’t come off on its own. The water bottles are great as they don’t leak.” – Lisa
Available from Amazon.co.uk & Amazon.com and from other retailers.
Smash Lunch Boxes
Smash lunch boxes and insulated bags and bottles come in a range of colours and designs, including this cute Owl lunch box/bag and bottle.
Key Features
- PVC free with a PEVA food safe lining that can be wiped clean
- Thermal insulation to keep food warm or cool
- Padded carry handle
- Panel on back to personalise
“We got a Smash one last year in Tesco and it lasted the whole year. Easy to clean as you can put it in the washing machine.” – Rachel
“Smash are great and BPA free” – Lynda
“Smash are amazing – we used them last year and have got new ones for this year. My sons have no problem opening them either.” – Samantha
“Our boy & girl both love Smash…funky and brilliant value” – Sandra
Smash lunch boxes are available from Amazon.co.uk, & other retailers.
Packit Freezable Lunch Boxes and Bags
The dilemma of keeping food cold through the day is solved with these lunch boxes and bags from Packit. Just fold it up and put it in the freezer, no ice packs are needed to keep food chilled.
Key Features
- BPA free
- Foldable and freezable to act like a fridge on the go
- Keeps food and drink cold on the go
- Available in different sizes and styles
Available from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and other retailers.
Polar Gear Lunch Bags
The Polar Gear ranger has Dual Compartment Lunch Coolers offering an ideal storage solution for both lunch and snacks, providing an insulated storage solution that is able to keep food and drinks cool. And Minions fans might enjoy this Minion-themed Polar Gear lunch cooler.
Key Features
- Dual compartment to keep foods separate
- Durable easy clean fabric
- Thick insulation for better cooling and protection
- Easy cleaning reflective lining
- Distinctive colour suitable for kids and adults
- Cooling effect for up to 3 hours
“I have the Polar Gear Little Ones lunch bag for my son. I got it when I went back to work – it took all his food and bottles for the day back then and we still use it now.” – Claire
“I like the Polar Gear cool bags as they have plenty of space. I bought the Sistema ones last year, but found the compartments very shallow so couldn’t fit the likes of an apple or yoghurt pot in them.” – Tara
Available in different colours and themes from Amazon.co.uk and other retailers.
Don’t Miss…
Pack a punch with plenty of goodness and deliciousness with these easy and healthy lunchbox bars – they’re perfect for hungry kids!
YumBox Lunch Boxes
Go green and pack a Yumbox for school, play and work for mess-free lunches every time. You can pack yoghurt or hummus next to crackers with no worries – Yumbox’s unique single lid seals all food wells individually. Food won’t touch or leak outside of the box. No plastic bags or tin foil! No cling film! No lost lids! No mess!
Key Features:
- Leak-proof single lid
- Portion control
- Green design
- Dishwasher and food safe
- Child friendly and easy to open
- BPA-free and phthalates-free
“It’s super ideal for kids who like choice as the little compartments allows for different food options without having to fuss about with different boxes and lids. It also lightweight, leak proof, airtight and most importantly dishwasher safe. We have six kids and all six of them have one, even the baby for days out and running errands.” – Kellie
Available from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, Earthmother.ie and other retailers.
Bentgo Kids’ Lunch Box
Bentgo Kids’ Lunch Boxes come in bright colours and are designed with kids in mind, with compartments that are perfectly sized for kids. They also have drop-proof rubber-coated edges.
Key features:
- Leak-proof technology to avoid messy lunches
- 5 practical compartments portioned perfectly for a child’s appetite (recommended for ages 3-7).
- Durable, drop-proof and sturdy design
- 2 kid-friendly latches that are easy for small hands to open and close.
Available from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com and other retailers.
One final suggestion! One of our parents made a great suggestion of re-using their plastic takeaway boxes. We all have them lying around, but have you ever used them for lunches?
“My kids have cute lunch bags – Hello Kitty, Angry Birds, etc – but the actual lunch boxes are the boxes our Chinese takeaways come in! They are the perfect size, easy to open, dishwasher safe, and FREE!” – Lynda
About the Author: Michelle
