Technology

Get Your Child One of These Great Lunch Boxes and Backpacks to Take Back to School

Why You Can Trust CNET

Our wellness advice is expert-vetted. Our top picks are based on our editors’ independent research, analysis, and hands-on testing. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

$17 at Amazon

Green and white stackable Lunchbox

Bentgo classic stackable bento box

For the older student

$17 at Amazon

Price alerts on for Bentgo classic stackable bento box

$18 at Amazon

Mint green lunchbox with pocket in the front

Amersun insulated lunch box

All the colors and patterns!

$38 at Walmart

Grogu lunchbox attached to backpack

Grogu backpack and separate lunch box

This is the way

$38 at Walmart

Price alerts on for Grogu backpack and separate lunch box

$15 at Walmart

backpacks in the shape of animals on a purple background

Canis Cute Kid toddler backpack

For your smallest students

With school starting all around the US in just a few short months, making sure your child has a fun backpack and lunch box is now a priority before they start. A good backpack will last your child the whole year if you’re lucky, and lunch boxes are more important than ever.

This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.

Lunch boxes have come a long way since I was a kid. I used to have a metal Transformers tin — I’m old, don’t judge — but while it kept my lunch together, it also made it warm and a little gross. These new-style lunch boxes, though, keep your child’s food fresh and delicious all day. Lunch is one of the most important meals for a child as it helps wake them up after a morning of studying and gives them the energy to face the rest of the day.

Backpacks are another essential for every student, whether they’re 5 or 35. Having a good bag to hold your laptop, notes, pens and pencils, and having one that’s comfy and sturdy, makes your scholastic year easier to deal with.

Best lunch boxes

Yellow and blue lunchbox with separate compartments
Bentgo

Gone are the days of sending your child to school with a warm tuna sandwich and dry chips. This new trend of bento-style lunch boxes has made school lunches something to look forward to. My daughter loves hers, as it means she can have different, smaller snacks, as well as a nice dip to eat them with. 
Sometimes she’ll have carrots and celery with a delicious ranch dip. Most of the time though, she gets a chocolate sauce with strawberries and oranges. It’s easy to clean, too, and completely dishwasher safe, making it perfect for everyday use.

You’re receiving price alerts for Bentgo kids lunch box

Green and white stackable Lunchbox
Bentgo

Not all students are young and need bright colors. If you’re an older high schooler or a mature student, you may want to bring your lunch in something a little more sophisticated. This stackable bento box comes with a cutlery set and separate compartments for more adult food, like SpaghettiOs, Dino-Nuggies and… maybe leftovers? I don’t know what grown-ups eat, I’m a man-baby who loves baked beans on toast.

You’re receiving price alerts for Bentgo classic stackable bento box

Mint green lunchbox with pocket in the front
Amersun

While the Amersun is a fairly standard-looking lunch box it does have a few nice features. I love the front pocket, which can be used to store things separately from the food. My kids use it to store the dirty cutlery so it doesn’t make a mess over all their snacks. The insulated main pocket is spacious and, if you use a freezer block, will keep your food cool well into lunchtime.

You’re receiving price alerts for Amersun insulated lunch box

Four brightly covered ice packs
Thrive

All of these lunch boxes so far have had some kind of insulation that will allow them to hold temperature well. This four-pack of reusable icepacks can be used to help keep food cool, and because there are four. you’ll always have one ready when you need it. 

Bright colored zip bags with fruit inside
ReZip

Having to buy hundreds of Ziploc-style bags irritates me. I don’t like how much waste they produce, and I don’t like how much they cost. These reusable silicone zip bags save both money and, because they can be washed clean, plastic too. 
I was initially worried the seal wouldn’t be as good as on a standard bag, but it works great and keeps my kids’ food fresh all day.

You’re receiving price alerts for ReZip 5-Piece

Backpacks

Grogu lunchbox attached to backpack
Walmart

The Mandalorian is a huge part of the culture right now, with Grogu — once called Baby Yoda — taking center stage. This fun backpack has plenty of room for your young padawan to store all their books and notes, while the chibi-style lunch box can be detached when it is time to snack. It’s around a foot high, so it should be OK for anyone starting full school, though I think kindergartners might struggle a little if it’s full.

You’re receiving price alerts for Grogu backpack and separate lunch box

A white backpack on a an orange background
Auobag

Despite being advertised for 6-8-year-olds, this backpack is big enough to hold a small Chromebook or iPad, so it’s likely ok for an older child too. The extra pockets are great for storing all your different whosits and whatsits and the overall look is super cute.

backpacks in the shape of animals on a purple background
Canis

The first day of kindergarten is a milestone that can affect how your child progresses into their school career. Start it off with some cheerful fun with these cute little animal backpacks. They have several different spaces to store stuff and have mesh pockets on the side for your child’s water bottle. They’re so colorful and light, I wish I had one when I was a lad.

You’re receiving price alerts for Canis Cute Kid toddler backpack

vintage look brown leather messenger
Newhey

Although this isn’t technically a backpack, it’s a nice bag for a college student. It fits your laptop, notebooks and just about everything else you need. I’m a big fan of the vintage look and that waxed canvas exterior repels water, so your electronics should stay safe as you run to class.

You’re receiving price alerts for Newhey Messenger bag

Clear backpack with black trim
Trailmaker

I hate that this exists. I hate that my child might need one of these someday. But they do exist, and some schools now require them to make it easier to spot weapons. So if your family needs one of these, this is a good one. The stitching is strong around the plastic so it won’t come apart, and it has a mesh bag in there for pens and pencils. The straps are well padded too, so at least your kid can be comfortable. 

You’re receiving price alerts for Trailmaker clear backpack

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Other Wellness Guides

Medical and Mental Health

Source: CNET

Donate to Breeze of Joy Foundation

Global NewsX

Global NewsX is a news sharing website that offers a wide range of categories, from politics and business to entertainment and sports. With its easy-to-navigate interface, users can quickly find the news they are looking for and stay up-to-date on the latest global events. Whether you're interested in breaking news, in-depth analysis, or just want to stay informed, Global NewsX has got you covered.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button