The Best Lunchboxes for this Back-to-School Season 2024!

As we look ahead to 2024 Back-to-school season, the trend of stainless steel containers is set to soar. More families are opting for these eco-friendly alternatives, not just for their durability, but also for their planet-positive impact.

Lunchbox Trends 2024: Innovations in Sustainability and Style

Whether you're prepared or not, the school season has arrived, which means making lots of SCHOOL LUNCHES AND SNACKS once more. And one of the things that I get asked a lot is "How do I get my child to actually eat their lunch box?". I recently created a course with my Nutrichicos' 3-Step Formula for Lunch Success, where I help you dive into easy steps and strategies to help your children eat their school lunch box. But you would be surprised when I tell you that everything begins with having the right equipment.

That said, I do want to make things easy for you! That is why I will share with you: MY FAVORITE equipment that helps me save time and effort in preparing balanced and tasty lunchboxes during this 2024 back-to-school season!

2024'S TOP 15 BEST LUNCH BOXES & GEAR

1. Bento Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunch Box

I really like this lunch box because it keeps meals fresh and mess-free. The Bento Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunch Box helps you kiss goodbye spills and leaks with its innovative design that seals in the goodness of homemade meals. This durable and practical lunch box is like the trusty sidekick every parent dreams of – reliable, easy to clean, and perfect for on-the-go adventures.

2. Yumbox Tapas Leakproof Bento Lunch Box, 5 Compartment Removable Tray

This 5 compartment lunchbox with a removable tray is like a treasure chest of possibilities! Each compartment becomes a canvas for you to fill with healthy and colorful foods that cater to your little one's tastes and nutritional needs. From crunchy veggies to protein-packed bites, this lunch box allows you to offer a balanced meal that's not only nourishing but exciting too. Besides, due to its compact size you can carry it inside the backpack or in its own pouch.

3. Yumbox Presto Stainless Steel Leakproof Bento Box

This one combines the durability of stainless steel with the convenience of a leakproof design and a practical lid – that's the Yumbox Presto for you! This bento box is not just a container; it's a tool for creating balanced and joyful meals for your kids. Easy to open for toddlers, and with compartments that invite you to fill them with colorful and nutritious foods, the Yumbox Presto makes packing lunches a creative and stress-free experience.

4. Leakproof Stainless Steel Containers with Lids

These containers are designed with your busy life in mind because convenience is key. The easy open and close silicone lids make it a breeze for your little ones to access their meals with no fuss. Plus, they're portable, reusable, and lightweight, making them perfect for work, daycare, picnics, and travel. These stainless steel snack containers are not only practical but also eco-friendly, helping us reduce waste and embrace sustainability.

5. Practical Water Bottles with Straws

Let's talk about the importance of keeping our kids hydrated on-the-go. Investing in a kid-friendly water bottle with a straw is a practical and fun way to make sure they drink enough water throughout the day. The daily durability of these water bottles means they can withstand the wear and tear of an active lifestyle. Plus, the easy care and cleaning makes them a hassle-free addition to your daily routine. And for those hot summer days or active afternoons, a few of these water bottles are designed with vacuum insulation technology that can keep drinks cold for hours! So it's good to make sure we also have the right equipment for keeping our kids hydrated.

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6. 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).

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7. OmieBox Bento Box

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If your kid is a fan of hot food or leftovers, this lunch box is for you! 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!

8. 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.

9. 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!

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10. 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.

11. 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!

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12. 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!

13. 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.

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14. 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.

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15. 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 multipurpose, 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.

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16. Mini Lunch Notes (BONUS)

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!

And that's it! I hope these ideas inspire you to make lunchtime both fun and sustainable for your family. By choosing stainless steel lunch gear, you're not only caring for your child's health but also for the planet we all call home. Remember, Nutrichicos is here to support and empower you on your journey to healthier, happier mealtimes. Remember that all these products and more can be found in my Amazon store click here.

If you're interested in learning how to make nourishing lunch boxes that your children will actually eat, check out my new course here:

‍Nutrichicos' 3-Step Formula for Lunch Success

‍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 moms!