6 Things to Look for in a Kids’ Lunchbox
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How to Pick the Best Lunchboxes for Kids
With back-to-school season right around the corner, you’re probably already thinking about backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supply checklists. Finding the right kids’ lunchbox is essential, but it can be hard to find the design that has all the right features for each child in your family. Use this guide to help you find the perfect lunchbox or lunch bag for back to school.
Kids' Lunchboxes that Stand Up to Daily Use
When it comes to kids’ lunchboxes, durability is key. You’ll want to find a design crafted from sturdy materials, such as nylon or polyester, that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Lunch bags with reinforced zippers and water-resistant fabric are great options. While bags are popular in schools now, you can also still find old-fashioned metal lunchboxes that can also withstand bumps and drops. Heavy-duty lunchboxes can last throughout the school year and beyond, so you don’t have to worry about replacing them halfway through the year.
Lunchboxes for Kids that Keep Foods Fresh
The best lunchboxes for kids are insulated to help keep foods fresh between the first morning bell and the start of lunchtime. Lunch bags with thermal insulation are ideal, but you’ll also want to make sure you add ice packs to help keep cold foods chilled throughout the day. By combining these two features, it’s easy to pack yogurt, cheese, deli meats, and other kid-approved lunch foods. Pair your child’s insulated lunch bag or lunchbox with these adorable ice packs to keep everything perfectly chilled. Remember that the thermal linings also help keep foods warm, so you can pack soups and other hearty lunch favorites on chilly days.
Easy-to-Clean Lunchboxes for Back to School
Lunchtime can be messy, from spilled drinks to sticky crumbs left inside your kids’ lunch bags or boxes. Fortunately, many designs have thoughtful features that make cleanup easy. Look for lunch bags with wipe-clean linings. If your child is planning to use a bento box instead of a traditional lunchbox, make sure there are latches that stay securely closed and leakproof seals to keep messes contained. Some lunch bags are even machine-washable to remove any food odors or stubborn messes.
Lunch Bags and Lunchboxes with Plenty of Organization
Be sure to pick a lunchbox or lunch bag that has plenty of organization options. Some designs feature built-in pockets for water bottles, while others have multiple zippered compartments to hold napkins, condiments, and even notes from Mom and Dad. Mesh pockets inside lunch bags hold ice packs neatly in place. Some even feature two separate main food compartments, so you can keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot throughout the day.
Kids' Lunch Bags for Every Age
Kids in each grade have different needs, and that extends to what they need at lunchtime. First graders might not need to pack as much food as high schoolers, so their lunch boxes or bags should be smaller than their older siblings. Kindergarteners might only need a small bag for snack time and a water bottle. Bento box and lunch bag sets might be the perfect choice for younger kids, while older kids might just want a large lunch bag with plenty of space for extra snacks or bigger portion sizes. No matter which age you’re shopping for, keep an eye out for extra handles and carrying straps to make toting meals to and from the cafeteria easy.
Kids’ Lunchboxes that Match their Personalities
The fun part for kids is to pick out the lunchbox or lunch bag that best fits their personalities. This might mean a favorite Disney princess or a dinosaur theme for younger kids. Teens and tweens can choose a simple color scheme or have fun with a playful design. You can also find backpack sets that come with matching lunchboxes to create a whole back-to-school vibe your kids will love. Let them be a part of the shopping process so they feel involved and so they can be truly excited about bringing their favorite foods to school every day.
Of course, you don’t have to buy a new lunchbox or lunch bag every year. If you select a design that’s durable enough to last for several years, there’s no reason it can’t be used over and over again. Even if my kids do grow out of their lunchboxes, I still keep the old ones around to pack snacks for road trips or sporting events. I even keep an old lunch bag in the car filled with emergency snacks and supplies, which can come in handy in the event of a breakdown in extreme weather. The best kids’ lunchboxes will last for years to come, so be sure to compare different designs before you buy. For more kids lunchbox ideas, check out our recent post about adorable kids’ lunch accessories.
