IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

22 budget-friendly lunchboxes and containers for mess-free meals

Ditch the brown paper bag this year.
Mother kissing her son who is going to schoo
Dimensions / Getty Images

The first day of school is just around the corner, which means you're probably well ahead on stocking up on all kinds of supplies and essentials on your back-to-school shopping list. A few new face masks? Check! Notebooks and pens? Double check! How about a new lunchbox to maintain healthy eating habits outside of the home?

No matter if you're on the hunt for the perfect kids' bento box, a Pottery Barn lunchbox or just a simple snack container, we've got plenty of cool lunchbox options that are bound to work for your family.

To shop this article by category, simply click on each link below:

Kids' lunchboxes

Wildkin Insulated Lunchbox Bag

Available in 18 kid-friendly designs, this insulated lunch bag with a near-flawless average from Wildkin is roomy enough for all your food containers and made with a "100% play proof" material that's sturdy and easy to clean.

Fluf Zipper Lunch

For the kid who's obsessed with Shark Week, they'll adore this canvas lunch tote. Aside from being made with sustainable materials like 100 percent certified organic cotton, low-impact water-based dyes and recycled lining, it's also machine-washable — perfect for any unanticipated food fights in the cafeteria.

Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Lunchbox

Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, designs and characters, the Mackenzie lunchbox from Pottery Barn Kids is also available in three different options: classic, cold pack and dual. Each one has a different shape to it and offers different features, such as a zipper bottom pouch, a place to store a water bottle or a mesh pocket for snacks.

Adidas Santiago Lunch Box

With a wide main pouch and a zipper pouch below, your child will have enough room for lunch and an after school snack. "The quality is great and the size is perfect," said one reviewer, who has bought multiple of these lunch packs from Adidas.

Lonecone Kids Insulated Lunchbox

The Lonecone insulated lunchbox comes in two sizes that provide insulation and plenty of room. We love this colorful rainbow pattern, but it's also available in a dozen other kid-friendly designs like dinosaurs, unicorns and toucans!

L.L. Bean Kids Lunchbox

L.L. Bean's kids' lunchboxes are a classic option that any child would love! This one is designed with insulated BPA-free material and is compact enough to fit inside your child's backpack. For a personalized touch, you can also add a monogram for an extra $8.

Stoney Clover Lane Tie-Dye Lunch Tote

This one is more of an investment, but your child is bound to love this trendy tie-dye lunch tote from Stoney Clover Lane. It's made with durable nylon material and has gold metal hardware and two top handles, making it super easy for your little one to carry around. You can even personalize with it extra patches for a customized touch!

Kids' bento boxes

Locknlock Meal Box

No need to stress over mess with this meal box, containing two separate lids — one that snaps on top of the compartment and holds napkins and silverware and one that encompasses the entire box. "This is the perfect all in one on-the-go meal solution. It is durable, leak proof, and lightweight," said one reviewer.

Miss Big Bento Box

Perfect for older kids with bigger appetites, this bento box is designed with three large compartments to keep their lunch (or two lunches, according to one five-star review!) secure and separate. It's also made with natural wheat fibers, making this an eco-friendly choice for your child.

Pottery Barn All-In-One Bento Box

With five various-sized compartments, fit everything your child can devour in this bento box from Pottery Barn Kids. This bento box is also dishwasher-safe, making it and all of its accessories easy to clean and ready for everyday use.

Bentgo Kids Lunch Box

A small bento box is a great way to keep your child's food organized and makes it super easy to pack lunches in a sustainable way — with way less waste and mess. This Bentgo lunch box is a perennial Amazon's Choice product and has over 30,000 verified ratings! It includes five compartments that are portioned perfectly for a child's appetite, plus a drop-proof, rubber-coated, sturdy exterior for active kids. It's available in blue, green and purple.

Kinsho Bento Box For Kids

This bento box would work well for older kids thanks to the six organized compartments. It's made with durable and eco-friendly plastic that's insulated through double-walls. An added perk? This bento box comes with a spoon and fork!

L.L. Bean Yumbox Panino Bento Lunch Box

This bento box from L.L. Bean is leak-proof, dishwasher-safe and made with food-safe ABS plastic that's also free of BPA and phthalates. The tray has four compartments that can fit a sandwich, two sides and a dip or small treat.

OmieBox Bento Box

This OmieBox bento box is another great option that's highly-rated on Amazon with over 5,600 verified ratings. It includes a removable thermos insert to allow you to pack a hot and cold meal all in one container.

Kids' lunch containers

Locknlock Food Storage Containers

With a lid that easily snaps into place, you won't have to worry that your children's lunch is leaking all over the insides of their lunch box. While these containers are made with eco-friendly materials, they don't skimp when it comes to durability, ensuring food stays safe and fresh while in transit.

Pottery Barn Kids Glitter Sandwich Container

Add a little sparkle to your child's day when they open up their lunchbox to discover a sandwich cut just the way they like it — and this glittery sandwich container from Pottery Barn Kids.

Stasher Silicone Storage Bags

Looking to lighten your carbon footprint? Replace your disposable Ziplocs for these long-lasting Stasher bags! Available in a range of sizes and hues, one Shop TODAY contributor says these are worth the splurge since they're "one small daily step [she] can take to be a little kinder to the environment."

Sistema Lunch Food Storage Containers

If you already own a lunchbox and don't want to buy a bento box, consider these simple and colorful food storage containers with nearly 10,000 verified five-star ratings. They come in a set of four and are the perfect size for all of their favorite snacks.

WeeSprout Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers

This set of WeeSprout food containers is basically indestructible thanks to the stainless steel design. No more worrying about cracked plastic or broken glass containers!

Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Food Jar

Summer weather is definitely in full swing — but it will be cold before you know it! For those frosty days, consider buying your child this stainless steel thermos to keep their lunch warm. It can hold up to 10 ounces of food and keep contents cold for up to seven hours and warm for up to five hours.

Fit & Fresh Kids Reusable Lunchbox Container Set

If you're in the market for an entire collection, you can't go wrong with this 14-piece set that provides you with a versatile range of options for packing healthy lunches. It even comes with reusable ice packs that snap on top of the lids!

EasyLunchboxes Reusable Bento Containers

These reusable bento boxes come in a set of four and make for a budget-friendly way to send your kids off with a healthy and organized lunch.

For more stories like this, check out:

Subscribe to our Stuff We Love and One Great Find newsletters, and download our TODAY app to discover deals, shopping tips, budget-friendly product recommendations and more!