We’ve vetted the best lunch boxes and bento boxes for kids of all ages on Amazon for 2019. Free shipping on all. Perfect for back to school season.
By Katie Bangert, Contributing Author
While our kids cling to lazy summer days, the back to school emails are starting to pour in. We know you have a lot to do to get ready, so we did a bunch of research and put together our Best Back to School Lunch and Bento Boxes!
All our recommendations are eco-friendly and safe–PVC, BPA and Phthalate free. These highly-rated lunch boxes and bento boxes are available with free shipping on Amazon and delivered right to your door.
Note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read our full disclosure policy here.
Top Picks for Bento Boxes
We love the bento box option to go inside a fun print lunch box! Bento’s are great for the green factor, but it also makes packing lunches a breeze. Perfect for the picky eater, the dividers ensures foods will not touch.
Best Overall
This sturdy, 6-compartment bento is one of our favorites with great colors and roomy compartments. The bottom tray is labeled for portion control (fruits, veggies, protein, etc.) which is great for kids starting to pack their own lunch! Dimensions – 8.9 x 7 x 2.
Best for Larger Portions
This 2-pack is highly rated for being leak proof. Easy to clean, we like that it includes a fork and spoon. Pixi Creations is a bigger bento, allowing larger portion sizes for growing appetites. Dimensions – 9.2 x 6.7 x 3.7 inches.
Best Preschool Bento
Bento Kids 5 Compartment Lunch Box
This bright colored box is perfect for the younger crowd with preschool-age appropriate portion sizes. This could also double as a snack box when you’re on the go. Leak proof and easy to clean, Bento Kids is dishwasher safe. Dimensions – 8.9 x 7 x 2.3 inches.
Best Budget-Friendly
Qualitas Products Premium Kids Bento Box – Set of 5
This one is perfect for parents who want a lot of bang for their buck. With 5 sets for around $16, these are great when you have multiple kids, want the ease of running through the dishwasher or just want to pack a quick snack to toss in a purse. In a pinch, you can even use them to store leftovers. These are also a little bit smaller and will fit in almost any lunch box. Dimensions – 9.5 x 6 x 2.
Best Stainless Steel
LunchBots Large Cinco Stainless-Steel
Although a bit pricier, this stainless-steel bento option is a great way to go plastic-free. The box is roomy with five compartments for packing a variety of foods. Bonus – it stays odor free! Works perfectly with this lunch box we recommend below. Dimensions – 6 x 8 x 1.8.
Top Picks for Lunch Boxes
We think the bento box paired with a fun traditional lunch box is the best of both worlds! Many of the bento’s don’t leave room for a drink or extra snack. Putting the bento inside a traditional lunch box is the ultimate in versatility, leakage protection and keeping foods hot or cold. Pro tip – double check the sizing of your lunch box dimensions to make sure the Bento will fit and account for any extra snacks you might want to pack. Below are some Top Lunch Box options that will fit most of our Bento picks.
Best All Around
Bentology is an easy choice! With loads of adorable options (kitties, sharks and even SLOTHS!!) this one is right- sized for kid’s lunches. It fits most bentos, has pockets and a drink holder. Dimensions – 10 x 8 x 3.5.
Best Name Brands
We get it! Peer pressure to fit in at school can be tough, and sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. While not the cheapest option, these picks have the “cool” factor for those kids who want a name brand tote.
Under Armour partnered with Thermos on their lunch box and we’re a fan. The interior hard plastic liner makes this pick super easy to keep clean, and we like the water bottle holder on the side. Bonus! It clips to a backpack. Dimensions – 10.5 x 9.2 x 3.4 inches.
Vera Bradley Lighten Up Lunch Cooler
With lots of color and pattern choices Vera Bradley will keep your kid in fashion at the lunch table. The wide base allows drinks and containers to stay upright. Dimensions – 7.5 x 9 x 6 inches.
Best Budget-Friendly
Wildkin Lunch Box
There are so many patterns to choose from! Dinos to camo, llamas to mermaids, this budget-friendly option offers a choice to make almost any kid happy. Dimensions – 9.75 x 7 x 3.25 inches.
Best Dual Compartment
Lunchbots Duplex Insulated Lunch Bag
With two compartments, this larger pick is perfect for sending both hot and cold foods. The bottom compartment fits most Bento Boxes, and is specifically designed for the large Lunchbots Bentobox we recommended above. Several classic colors to choose from and a removable shoulder strap. This roomy option fits most bento boxes and is perfect for your kiddo with a growing appetite. Dimensions are 9 x 8 x 6 inches.
Top Ice Pack Pick
Don’t forget the ice pack! Check out Blue Ele’s 4 Pack Ice Packs. These lightweight packs are long-lasting and colorful. The thin size allows them to fit in zipper pockets or placed on top of bentos. Dimensions – 6.26 x 4.33 x .59.
We’d love to hear which Lunch Box and Bento Box you chose for 2019! Comment below to let us know!
Wondering what to pack in your new lunchbox? Try our 20 Easy and Healthy Lunch Box Ideas That Kids Will Love.
About the Author
Katie Bangert is a wife, mother, unapologetic book lover and nature enthusiast. Published in five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, she somehow turned a marketing degree into a passion for writing and children’s education. She hopes to inspire her readers to find the blessings hiding within the everyday.
You may enjoy these other articles by Katie:
- 10 Read Alouds for Reluctant Readers
- 10 Audiobooks for the Family Road Trip
- Top 10 Safe and Budget-Friendly Sunscreens for Kids
- Best Lunch Boxes and Bento Boxes on Amazon (2019 Edition)
- Fall Fashion Must Haves From Target (2019 Edition)
- Road Trip Cards: 38 Fun Games & Questions for the Whole Family
- 12 Quick and Easy Fall Decor Ideas
