Remember how thrilling it was to pick out a new lunch box for school each year? Well, it's even more exciting when you're a parent shopping for the best insulated lunch boxes for kids. Insulated lunch boxes are designed to keep your child's food the right temperature for hours, and with all the functional options and cool, kid-friendly designs available these days, you can find one that both of you will love.
Many of today's modern insulated lunch boxes are made of hard, sturdy materials and feature air-tight, leakproof compartments that make it possible to pack several food options, which is perfect for your gourmet-loving little one. Meanwhile, the softer options can be easily stored in your cabinet, while still keeping fruits and veggies crisp and fresh for hours. And, if you're concerned about unsafe chemicals in your child's lunchbox, there is even a vast selection of insulated lunch boxes that are free of BPAs and phthalates.
So, get excited for the start of the school year: These insulated lunch boxes will help you help your kid get all of the important nutrients needed for the busy days ahead, and they'll hold up in even the most energetic child's hands.
1A Waterproof Lunch Tote That Keeps Food Fresh For Up To Eight Hours
iSuperb Waterproof Lunch Bag Tote, $11, Amazon
For the kid who has a busier life than their parents, this insulated lunch bag tote keeps food, drinks, and snacks fresh for up to eight hours (which also makes it perfect for children in daycare). The zip closure keeps items from falling out and the exterior pocket fits money, ID cards, and utensils. It comes in four colors and two prints: African animals or cute bears.
2A Bento Box Lunch Kit With Reusable Plastic Containers
Fit & Fresh Bento Box Lunch Kit, $20, Amazon
A few features set this bento box lunch kit apart from its competitors. Instead of an all-in-one removable tray and hard cover, this insulated soft lunch bag has separate compartments for BPA-free plastic containers and ice packs. A large compartment holds three cups and each smaller compartment holds 0.75 cups. The plastic containers are microwave- and dishwasher-friendly, and there are several sweet patterns from which to choose.
3Adorable Lunch Boxes That Look Like Toys & Act Like Thermoses
Thermos Novelty Soft Lunch Kit, $12, Amazon
Young children will get a kick out of these novelty soft lunch boxes, which come in designs like firetrucks, Hello Kitty, Star Wars, and Disney princesses. Each lunch box is insulated to regulate the temperature of your soup or salad, and is 100 percent PVC-free with PEVA linings.
4A Fabulously Sparkly Insulated Soft Lunchbox
Bixbee Sparkalicious Insulated Lunch Box, $20, Amazon
This insulated sparkly lunch box has a front pocket for snacks and utensils, an ID card holder, and can latch onto backpacks using a carabineer. It's as sparkly and reflective as it looks and comes in blue, pink, purple, and raspberry. If your young child is using this, reviews suggest helping them practice zipping and unzipping it before school begins, as the zipper can be tricky.
5A Foldable, Stretchy Tote Lunch Bag With A Reflective ID Card Pocket
GoPrene Identi Tote Neoprene Lunch Bag, $16, Amazon
This foldable neoprene lunch bag tote can be easily stored anywhere, is machine washable, and fits everything from bento boxes to drinks and snacks. It comes in six modern colors and designs, and features a convenient reflective ID card pocket where your child will easily spot their name from a distance.
6A Bestselling Soft Lunch Box That Will Grow With Your Child
Wildkin Camo Lunch Box, $13, Amazon
Some lunch boxes are age specific, but this insulated soft lunch box grows with a child and is recommended for ages 3 to 15. It has a zippered front pocket, is easy to clean, and is free of BPAs, PVC, and phthalates. And, if camo isn't your kid's thing, it comes in 32 other fun patterns and vibrant shades.
7A Bento Box With An Insulated Thermos
OmieBox Bento Lunch Box With Insulated Thermos, $40, Amazon
As you've probably already guessed, bento lunch boxes are all the rage. This one is for the foodie kid in your life who wants soup and salad but never at the same temperature. It has three leak-proof bento compartments and an insulated stainless steel thermos food jar for hot foods. It's also food-grade safe and made from BPA-free materials.
8A Spacious & Organized Lunch Box With A Removable Shoulder Strap
Rubbermaid Lunchbox, $11, Amazon
This lunch box's design is so smart and high quality, you'll want to steal it for yourself. Pack the stackable containers and blue ice packs into the insulated bag and take advantage of the bottle holder and utensil compartment to keep your child's food fresh and intact.
9An Eco-Friendly Modern Lunch Box Made With High-Tech Insulation
Vaya Tyffyn Insulated Lunch Box, $49, Amazon
This modern, eco-friendly lunch box fits two 10-ounce, spill-proof containers that allow you to pack four different kinds of foods that won't get mixed up together. This BPA-free vacuum-packed box keeps foods warm or cold for four to five hours.
10A Washable Neoprene Lunch Bag Tote With A Water Bottle
Amerzam Neoprene Lunch Bag, $17, Amazon
The insulated neoprene used to make this lunch bag tote with zipper and accompanying water bottle tote will keep food and drinks fresh and at the perfect temperature for hours. It can be popped in the dishwasher, is stain resistant, comes with an adjustable cross-body strap, and is available in eight fun colors and designs.
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