Our Favorite Lunchboxes and Accessories for Kids and Grown-Ups

Looking for a lunchbox for yourself or your kids but feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Or maybe you need a few clever containers to make packing lunch a little easier or more appealing? We’ve got you. Here are some of our favorite lunch-packing essentials, from multi-compartment bento boxes (perfect for organizing meals and pleasing picky eaters) to microwave-safe stainless steel containers to hardworking carriers, food jars, and water bottles you’ll have for years. Our picks are all about convenience, durability, and ease, with options for toddlers, teens, and adults.

Also check out: Healthy Lunchbox Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Back-to-School.

FOK may collect a small share of sales from some of the links on this page, though it doesn’t influence our product picks.

This sleek set of three stainless steel containers from Black and Blum is a multitasking powerhouse. The containers, including the lids, are microwave- and freezer-safe. (Just be sure to open the lid lock before microwaving.) They’re also 100% leakproof and vacuum-sealed to keep food fresh. The medium size (30 fluid ounces) is perfect for lunch, but these stackable containers also work for storing leftovers, snacks, or prepping meals in advance. Durable, airtight, and endlessly reusable, they’re as smart as they are stylish. Black + Blum also makes nifty (but not microwave-safe) lunchboxes, including one with a bamboo lid that doubles as a chopping board.

Stylish, practical, and thoughtfully designed with a flat bottom, these insulated lunch bags perfectly fit Black + Blum’s stainless steel meal-prep boxes—with extra room for a water bottle, fruit, and snack containers. Durable and food-safe, they feature a wipe-clean, insulated lining. The fold-down top has a sleek look that feels right at home in the office or on the go.

For parents seeking a plastic-free and long-lasting lunchbox that can carry kids from kindergarten through college, the PlanetBox Rover is a top pick. Young kids, especially picky eaters, will love the multiple compartments—and the generous capacity works well for teens and adults. It’s made from almost 50% recycled stainless steel, and a smaller version is available for lighter meals or snacks. While the PlanetBox website has the best price, it’s also available on Amazon; keep an eye out for sales.

Perfectly sized to fit the PlanetBox lunchbox (shown above), this insulated carry bag comes in a variety of fun colors and includes a pouch for an ice pack and a designated space for cutlery. On the outside, there’s a spot for a small drink bottle, and the side pocket is perfect for snacks—handy for quick access without needing to open the main compartment. A sturdy adjustable strap makes it easy for kids to carry on their own. It’s also available on Amazon.

An excellent option for toddlers upwards, this affordable, compact stainless steel lunchbox is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. It also features fixed dividers, so you won’t be digging around for loose inserts every morning. It’s available with different-colored lids, making it easy to assign one to each child—no mix-ups. As your kid grows, you can always pair it with a separate snack box for added capacity or upgrade to the larger size. These are not leakproof, so be sure to pack the hummus and sauces in a separate container.

This spacious 6-cup-capacity bento box is ideal for packing multiple meals for long days. Use the bottom layer for one meal, the top for another, add a few snack containers and a thermos of soup, and you’ll be set for 12+ hours. On lighter days, just pack the top half. The clasps tightly close the box, and while not 100% leakproof—don’t go putting your soup in there—for most meals, you won’t have trouble with leaks. It’s durable and well-made, but avoid putting the clasped bottom half in the dishwasher.

If you live somewhere warm, this insulated lunch bag with two built-in ice walls is a must-have—it keeps food at fridge-like temperatures for up to six hours. It comes with two ice packs that you store in the freezer; when you’re ready to pack up, just slip them into the insulated walls. The expandable design allows you to double the interior capacity from 110 to 220 ounces: You’ll be surprised by how much you can fit inside. A sturdy strap makes it easy to carry by hand, and it’s compact enough to tuck into a backpack. Pro tip: Freeze the ice packs flat so they slide in easily!

Ditch those single-use plastics for high-functioning, food-grade silicone Stasher bags. This colorful tie-dye set includes two 28-ounce sandwich-sized bags and two 12-ounce snack-sized bags—perfect for everything from sandwiches and wraps to cut-up fruit, veggies, and crackers. Plus, once empty, they flatten and take up virtually no space in your bag. Durable and endlessly reusable, they’re an investment that pays off over time.

Help your kids stay hydrated with these fun and functional water bottles. The 14-ounce size is just right for younger kids, with an easy-to-use straw lid that’s leakproof when closed. Free of lead, BPA, and phthalates, it’s both safe and durable. Plus, it fits in most cup holders, comes in tons of fun designs, and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

These are a great pick for younger kids who’ve moved on from cartoon characters but still want a water bottle with personality. Hydro Flask bottles come in fun, bold colors and a variety of sizes—so you can choose one that’s just right for your child’s age and daily needs. The silicone “boot” on the bottom adds extra protection from drops and dings. For larger sizes, go here.

You can never have too many of these handy little containers! Made from premium-grade stainless steel with food-grade silicone lids, they’re 100% leakproof, easy for kids to open, and great for all ages. The set includes a variety of sizes to suit different needs: The smallest is perfect for dips or dressings, while the larger ones are ideal for extra snacks that won’t fit in a lunch box. They nest for compact storage and come in fun, colorful designs.

This fun and durable food jar from the Thermos brand is easy for kids to use, with a one-click lid to access the fold-away spoon and a grippable exterior that helps with twisting—though younger kids may still need a hand. It keeps food cold for up to nine hours and hot for up to seven hours. Dishwasher-safe and available in a range of colors, this budget-friendly insulated cup is a lunchbox staple you’ll use for years. For bigger appetites, check out the 16-ounce size, which comes in colors suitable for teens and adults.

From the brand behind arguably the best water bottles ever, these stylish, durable insulated food jars deliver the same high performance—this time for your lunch. Designed to keep food hot or cold, the sleek jars feature a wide mouth that’s easy to eat from and clean. The 20-ounce size holds about 2.5 cups, making it perfect for hearty soups, stews, or chilled fruit. Available in a range of fun colors and sizes for both kids and adults, they combine top-notch quality with an easy-grip lid and a lifetime warranty.

A timeless pick for big appetites or shared lunches, this classic Stanley thermos holds a hearty 24 ounces and is ideal for soup, stew, or chili. Built to last with a wide mouth for easy eating and cleaning, it's fully leakproof and rugged enough to take a beating. The lid doubles as a cup, and many parts are replaceable. Expect to own this for a lifetime!

This stylish cooler tote is a budget-friendly way to carry everything you need. With room for multiple ice packs and containers, it’s ideal for long days when you need snacks, lunch, or even a second meal. Two mesh side pockets offer extra storage, while a zip pocket is perfect for utensils or napkins. Easy to carry and available in a range of sizes and colors, it keeps everything in one place and looks good doing it.