With the end of the summer not too far away and kids heading back to school, now is the time to get them kitted out with the essentials - and a school lunch box is definitely on the checklist of things to buy. There are so many fun styles on the market right now, and thanks to the array of durable and efficient designs around, parents will love them too.
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What else, besides lunch boxes, are must-haves for bringing lunch to school?
Personalised Bumble Bee Drinks Bottle, £9.99, Ryman
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Think outside the (lunch) box! Bento boxes and container sets with compartments are perfect to keep each lunch item sealed and separated. Depending on the size, these types of handy snack and meal containers can be easily packed into kids' lunch boxes or tucked into a school bag. Flasks, many of which come with utensils included, will keep soups, pastas and stews hot, while an insulated water bottle will keep drinks nice and cold.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a handy edit of school-ready lunch boxes, flasks and containers, from cute picks for young children to cool ones for teens, that your kids will love and you will, too. So get ready for back to school!
Best fun lunch boxes and bags for kids
Our selection of lunch boxes and lunch bags younger boys and girls will love, from Disney themes and unicorns to Minecraft.
Lion Face Lunch Bag, £6, John Lewis
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Boden Mini Unicorn Lunch Bag, £19.00, John Lewis
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Lightweight Dinosaur Lunchbox, £12, Marks & Spencer
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Mei Lee and Red Panda Lunchbag, £15.00, Disney Store
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Star Wars Lunchbag, £15.00, Disney Store
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Minecraft lunch box, £17.68, Amazon
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Best lunch boxes and bags for teens
We know teenagers are looking for something cool – and parents want something durable and functional. Here are our top picks for teen lunch boxes and bags that make the grade.
Hype Lunchbag, £14.99, WHSmith
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Kate Spade Lunch Tote Bag, £28, House of Fraser
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Daisy Lunchbag, £15, Paperchase
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Jansport Big Break Insulated Lunch Bag, £35.36, Amazon
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Marble Print Lunch Box, £12, Marks & Spencer
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Best bento boxes
These gloriously efficient Japanese-style containers have compartments to keep mains, side dishes, snacks and desserts handily separated.
Campus bento box for kids, £10.50, KIDLY
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Bento Lunch Box, £6, Paperchase
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Sistema Slimline Lunch Box, £6.49, Amazon
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Bamboo Lunch Box, £6.50, Etsy
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Stasher Silicone Stand-Up Mega Bag, £28.07, Amazon
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Best insulated food flasks
Of course, lunch isn't just about boxes! Complete your child's handy meal set with insulated jars and water bottles that are great for school
Keetan vacuum insulated food flask with folding spoon, £15.90, Amazon
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Thermos Food Flask, £20.24, Robert Dyas
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Thermos FUNtainer Food Flask in pink, more colours available, £18.47, Amazon
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Best drink bottles and flasks
Contigo sip kids drinking bottle, £18.09, Amazon
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Keetan water bottle, from £18.90 in various sizes, Amazon
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Jumkeet Double Walled Vacuum Cup Flask, £12.99, Amazon
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Football themed Thermos bottle, more themes & colours available, £17.23, Amazon
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Waterdrop Tiger Bottle, £30.99, Selfridges
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Where to buy personalised lunch boxes, water bottles and flasks
With sharing now a no-no, make sure your kid's lunchboxes and flasks are instantly identifiable with a personalised touch.
Personalised lunchbox, more designs available, £22.95, Not on the High Street
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Personalised Lunch Box, from £15.33, Etsy
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Personalised Water Bottle, £12.50, Not on the High Street
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KEEP READING: A Norland Nanny shares her expert tips to make back to school easier for the whole family
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