Let’s go, Parents! Another school year means another round of kids lunch boxes and some pretty cool backpacks for the upcoming school year. You can snag some of the most durable and long-lasting gear for your child this year. We’ve chosen some top brands that can take on the challenge of your child’s natural destructive nature (not on purpose, of course) as they trek to and from the school grounds.
Top Picks for Kids Lunchboxes & Lunch gear:
Hydroflask
Staying hydrated is the name of the game when kids head back to school. It’s still hot outside and heading outside for recess is their favorite part of the day, but cold water is a must. With many schools going green, and a push from our parents teaching our kids about sustainable living and reducing plastic waste, a high quality, durable water bottle is a must on the school supply list. Here to meet all your children’s need, big and small, is Hydroflask.
Guaranteed to keep your drinks hot for 12 hours or cold for 24 hours, these 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel construction bottles are perfect for taking on the go. BPA and phthalate-free, these water bottles will take your kids from school to soccer and everything in between. We love the 32-ounce bottles for our older kids which are ideal for all-day hydration; now available in Frost and Blue Hawaii, kids will love being able to choose their own awesome color to match with their cool backpacks. This bottle is also compatible with the hydroflip lid and wide mouth straw lid.
For the littlest explorers, athletes and students, we love the 12 ounce insulated kids bottle. You can pair it with the kids lunch boxes or as a stand-alone. Featuring the same great construction as the larger bottles, this water bottle is “just their size”. With an added silicone flex boot for added protection and traction on slippery surfaces and an easy sip straw lid, this is the one and only water bottle your little ones will need.
Read More: 5 Tips for the cold and flu season to keep kids healthy.
SHOP:
32 oz. Blue Hawaii | 32 oz. Frost | 12 oz. Kids Frost | 12 oz. Kids Lemon
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Hydroflask | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest
Dalcini Stainless Steel Kids Lunch Starter Pack
Trying to find the perfect kids lunch boxes for your children that actually holds everything they love to eat without making a mess or adding to the landfill with non-compostable products? The Dalcini Stainless Steel Kids Lunch Starter Pack provides ten different reusable stainless steel containers for everyday use, making it easy to pack your child’s lunch and reduce your environmental footprint.
The Dalcini Stainless Steel Kids Lunch Starter Pack comes with two kids lunch boxes which can fit a sandwich and up to two sides, two little snackers, and two round snackers (each with three nesting containers) which are perfect for fruit, cheese, or nuts. The entire kit helps to put you on the right track for the beginning of the school year and makes it easier to create healthy, wholesome lunches without using plastic baggies or worrying about items spilling in their lunches boxes.
SHOP:
Dalcini Stainless Steel Kids Lunch Starter Pack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Dalcini | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Arctic Zone
Forget the traditional little kids lunch box if you’re feeding a brood of hungry elementary or middle school age kids this year, and send them off with a lunch box large enough to meet their needs. The dual compartment lunch bag from Arctic Zone not only has two compartments for food storage, but also sports a leak proof bottom and three high performance ice walls. No longer will your child’s food be room temperature by lunchtime, with the 3 ice walls that easily slide into their own zippered pockets, lunch will be served as cold as if it just can out of the refrigerator. This ultra safe, BPA, PVC, lead and phthalate free lunch box also comes with Arctic Zone’s Microban Antimicrobial Protection which inhibits the growth of stain or odor causing bacteria for the life of the lunch box.
SHOP:
Dual Compartment Lunch Bag
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Arctic Zone | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
Pack It
Packing your lunch couldn’t be any easier with Pack It’s best-selling Freezable Lunch Bag and new bento storage containers that have helped families take safe, healthy meals everywhere without the need for bulky ice packs. Pack It’s built-in cooling power makes it the smartest alternative to the traditional lunch box and one of the best lunch bags for kids. Whether you like to keep your lunch to yourself or announce to the world your love of unicorns, these bags are perfect for school or any occasion that requires a bag meal.
Don’t need a full lunch bag? We equally love Pack It’s freezable Snack Box. Roomy enough for preschool snack time or a small bottled drink for an afternoon at the playground, its small profile still fits snugly inside larger bags. The buckle handle clips onto strollers or backpacks for added convenience.
In addition Pack It introduces three new products to their line up: the Flex, the Mod Lunch and Mod Snack Bento Boxes. All three bento boxes serve the same purpose: hold food using innovative, movable dividers that allow you to customize storage on your container every time you pack! The only difference is the size, and the flex bento is a little larger to accommodate lunch (it also fits the lunch bag or box) and includes a leak-resistant dip cup for sauces or yogurt. However, any of Pack It’s food storage containers are freezer safe, dishwasher safe on the top rack and microwavable (just remove the lid before reheating).
SHOP:
Freezable Lunch Bag | Freezable Snack Box | Flex Bento Storage Container | Mod Lunch Bento Container | Mod Snack Bento Food Storage Container
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Pack It | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest
Tervis
During long days at school staying hydrated is extremely important. Many schools include water bottles on their supply list to help lower the use of single-use plastics and ensure that students are ready to learn without needing regular breaks for the water fountain.
The amount of water each student needs to drink per day will vary based on their height, weight, and level of physical activity. The typical recommendation suggests both children and adults consume 1.8 liters or 8 glasses of water per day. Regular hydration helps students stay alert and can prevent the desire for heavily caffeinated and caloric beverages at breaks.
Read More: Teaching our children healthy habits they can stick to
As you fill out this year’s supply list, Tervis has hydration solutions that will keep the entire family happy. The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to update everyone in the house’s water bottle and select a cup that is both in line with their style and daily needs. All of Tervis’s products are American made and come with a lifetime guarantee! Made with BPA free plastic, you can keep both hot and cold liquids the correct temperature all while being able to toss the entire thing in the dishwasher at the end of the day.
Older kids will love both the 16 oz tumbler and 24-ounce water bottle. Both designed with the fully enclosed wrap-around design, teenagers can start the day with hot cocoa and switch over to water after gym class.
For students in Kindergarten through 5th, we love the 10 oz Wavy Tumbler. Easy to hold and featuring a secure lid means that it’s easy to stay hydrated all day long. The Wavy Tumbler fits easily in cupholders or slides into their cool backpacks or lunchbox pockets.
The littlest members of the family will love their Tervis Sippy Cup on the way to preschool drop off. Designed for ages 9 months and up, the sippy cup features easy to hold handles and a secure lid to prevent spills when placed in the kids’ lunch boxes.
While waiting in the carpool line, Mom and Dad need a Tervis of their own! The 24 oz tumbler is perfect for topping off with a large cup of coffee or iced tea. We especially love that the contoured bottle ensures that it fits in most cup holders!
SHOP:
24 oz Water Bottle | Sippy Cup | 24 oz Tumbler | 10 oz Wavy Tumbler | 16 oz Tumbler
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Tervis | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube
Tula
Tula is widely known for its amazing collection of fine baby carriers, but it also offers a variety of gear for children of every age, namely, their line of sweet kids’ lunch boxes.
For children, there is nothing better than starting off the school year fresh, with new gear! One of those items is typically going to be choosing which kids lunch boxes are best for you. With all the choices you have, whether it is the type of case you want, colors, or sizes, Tula has something special for every child.
For the student who loves unicorns, the Unicornicopia lunch bag has magical patterns in bright colors and is the perfect way to accessorize their eats during the school day. Plus, it is 100% polyester and is easy to wipe down-so these sweet colors will be fresh all year long. If your student is an animal-lover, the Safari lunch bag will take them on a wild journey before their meal, with a scene consisting of lions, leopards, snakes, and more! Like all Tula lunch bags, Safari is easy to hold for even the tiniest of students but is large enough to hold an ice pack until mealtime.
If your children are ready to start the new year with new gear, Tula has your lunchtime covered with these kids lunch boxes!
SHOP:
Unicornicopia | Safari
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Tula | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest
OmieBox Lunchbox
If you are looking for a lunchbox that has it all and will keep your child’s foods fresh throughout the day, look no further than OmieBox. This unique bento-style lunchbox not only offers small compartments to make it easier to pack healthy, well-balanced lunches every day, but it also keeps cold foods cold and hot foods hot. Each bento box is insulated so your child’s lunch will stay delicious- just like if they were at home.
OmieBox now has their new utensil and carrying bag to round out the collection. The Pod utensil case attaches easily to the OmieBox so it can’t get lost and it is reusable, food and dishwasher safe, and ergonomically designed for little hands. OmieBox’s lunchboxes, utensil sets, and carrying bags come in bright colors like Meadow, Pink Berry, Blue Sky, Sunshine, and Purple Plum so you know it will be a hit with your kids.
SHOP:
OmieBox
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
OmieLife | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
Built
Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, we can all agree that the school year is long and hard, and sometimes our gear experiences some serious wear and tear! If you want lunch time gear that will last the year without tearing or breaking, then Built NY just might have something for you.
Their All Day Water-Resistant Insulated lunch bag is large capacity, and the extra storage room means that you can pack more than just lunch. It works for men and women, and children of all ages. The soft carry strap is easy on busy hands, but it also comes with a detachable shoulder strap, so it can go with you wherever you need it to go!
If you are looking for a lunch bag with a smaller storage capacity, the Built Gourmet Getatway soft lunch tote is perfect for storing your lunch, and keeping it cool in the meantime. Since this is a soft bag, once it is empty, it’s easy to toss in a backpack, or in the back seat for the ride home! This machine-washable fabric will stay looking neat, because it is tear-proof and stain resistant.
The Built 30 oz. Double Wall Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler, pictured here in Gunmetal Grey, will keep your drinks the perfect temperature, from your kitchen to the office or school, and back home again. The double wall insulation is vacuum sealed, so not only will your drinks be the perfect temperature all day long, but it will never sweat or leave moisture rings on your desk or furniture.
Looking for more lunch time gear? Their Gourmet Bento 4-Piece Stainless Steel Utensil Set is sturdy and very attractive, and comes in a convenient nesting case. Using this flatware is not only convenient to store and use, but it is built to last, and can be used every day, saving you time, and keeping your lunchtime routine eco-friendly.
If you need to toss a beverage in your lunch tote, their Perfect Seal Bottle is available in a variety of sizes and colors, so it can suit any personality and environment. This double walled bottle keeps beverages either hot or cold, but the Perfect Seal technology will keep your belongings clean and your drink at the ready with the leak and spill proof fit. (Coming soon, Built NY will offer food jars to care for your lunch and the environment. These jars are leak and spill proof and fit into most Built NY lunch totes!)
Whatever your need are for lunch time gear this school year, Built NY has gear that will suit you, not only in style, but in quality and price point!
SHOP:
Built NY All Day Water-Resistant Insulated Fabric Lunch Bag-Midnight Botanical |
Built NY Gourmet Getaway Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote | Built NY Double Wall Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler, 30 Oz. | BUILT NY Gourmet Bento 4-Piece Stainless Steel Utensil Set | Built NY Double Wall Stainless Steel Perfect Seal Water Bottle
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Built | Facebook | Instagram
This That Lunch
Get into the back to school routine with creative ideas to prepare a healthy lunch that kids actually want to eat. Lunch Squares Lunch Kit contains three collapsible silicone lunch boxes, and comes with stickers and a washable marker so you can write a sweet message.
Not only does silicone offer a smart and healthy alternative to plastic, it also allows these lunch boxes to go in the oven to bake individual portions of kids’ favorite meals. Lunch Squares Lunch Kit also comes with nutritionist approved kid-friendly recipes to help parents find inspiration for balanced lunches and snacks.
SHOP:
Lunch Squares Lunch Kit
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
This That Lunch | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
Cool Backpacks for Kids
OMG Accessories
Nowadays, kids want the trendiest, cutest and coolest backpacks out there. OMG Accessories is the place to check for those types of backpacks! From unicorns to puppies to floral, sparkle and glitter, they have them all. They also have mini backpacks as well for the older kids with lockers who want to walk around with a few notebooks in hand and a cute bag to carry their necessities in for class. OMG Accessories is the way to go when in search for back to school backpacks for those girly girls!
SHOP:
Frenchie Love Print Full Size Backpack | Full Size Groovy Gwen Hologram Backpack White
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
OMG Accessories | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
Parkland
Your one stop shop for all your child’s back to school gear needs, Parkland has got you covered. From kindergarten to college, your child can chose from their wide selection of backpacks, lunchboxes, pencil cases, snack bags, sports duffels and more. Additionally, Parkland’s eco-friendly and sustainable products are made using recycled water bottles making their bags and gear an environmentally friendly selection.
We love the Kingston Backpack for your older elementary age and up kids who want a classic style with all the pockets for their modern tech. With a 15″ padded laptop sleeve, front zip pocket and mesh padded straps, this backpack provides plenty of room for all your students books and more. Paired with the Parkland Valley travel case that is small enough to toss in your backpack for your daily essentials, but also large enough to use as a toiletry kit for travels, this winning combo will last all year for school, after school, and even seasonal travel.
If your child also heads to school every day with a packed lunch from home consider picking out a Parkland Rodeo lunch tote, available in a variety of colors and patterns. This sustainable lunch bag has an insulated interior for easy clean up, a writeable name tag, and a secure front zippered pocket for quick access to small snacks.
SHOP:
Kingston | Valley | Rodeo Dino | Rodeo Bee Flash
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Parkland | Facebook | Instagram
7 A.M. Enfant
Our accessories tell our story and the backpacks our kids carry this back to school season are no different. Let them express themselves in style while also carrying the ultimate in design, functionality, and comfort with a backpack from 7 A.M. Enfant. Lightweight, with multiple interior and exterior pockets, zipper closures and more, these backpacks are durable and high quality ensuring they’ll last this school year and beyond.
We love the BK718 for kids (or even moms!) with 7 interior pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, 2 exterior pockets, and soft handles for ease of carry, this backpack comes in a classic or colorful camo, silver glacier butterfly, prints, solids, feminist and more. With the added option of including a changing pad and stroller straps, this backpack can convert from weekend to weekday use with ease.
For your littlest kiddos heading back to school this year you will love the Mini Dino Backpack that is totally rawr-some! Preschoolers will feel stylish and safe heading to school as their favorite prehistoric creature. Featuring cute spikes, a full zipper, and a size perfect for a preschoolers small frame, but just the right size for snacks and a change of clothes, this backpack is a great choice for the upcoming school year as well as weekend trips around town.
SHOP:
BK718 Backpack | Mini Dino Backpack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
7 A.M. Enfant | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest
Kavu
The cool backpacks from Kavu come in colorful prints and patterns perfect for your back to school bound kiddo this year. Whether heading into elementary, middle or high school, a backpack that will last for years to come, and not fall off the trendy list because of childish character prints or themes, is the way to go. With a classic style, the Packwood backpack from Kavu features a main compartment and front compartment with full zip closures, padded adjustable straps, back panel and bottom, multiple exterior pockets perfect for water bottles and pencils, and even an interior laptop sleeve. Cool enough for school, but classic enough to remain in style the Packwood will be your child’s go to for school and travel alike.
Pick up Kavu’s fully padded, insulated lunch box to pair with the Packwood backpack this school year. With matching prints available, your student can chose to express their style however they so chose. This durable lunch box has a padded handle, along with a longer carry strap making it easy to slip into a backpack or carry on its own. All about good vibes and great times, heading back to school in style is easy to do with Kavu.
SHOP:
Packwood Backpack | Lunch Box
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Kavu | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest
June & January
Just released from a name we love, the new June & January Backpack would be an adorable accessory to any child’s back to school ensemble this year. This black backpack with fun, multi-colored polka dots all over it takes any look from boring to bright while still staying clean throughout the entire school year. Featuring a zipper closure, front pocket for all those school found treasures, adjustable straps and deep side pockets for your child’s water bottle, this trendy backpack will take your child back to school in style.
SHOP:
The Backpack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
June & January | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
Wanderwild
Looking for a backpack that’s water-resistant, with reinforced seams, and padded straps? Then Wanderwild’s Explorer cool backpack is the perfect fit to send your child trotting off on their first day of school. Wanderwild packs are perfect for school, sports, trips, and activities. When kids can pack and carry their own things, they grow in responsibility and beam with pride. All the kids lunch boxes can fit inside here as well!
SHOP:
The Explorer-Dino Dig
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Wanderwild | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
Universal Character Backpacks
You can’t go wrong with a brand new backpack when it has your child’s favorite character on it. Universal has brand new designs with all your child’s favorite characters and shows like Spirit: Riding Free, Secret Life of Pets 2, Jurassic World, Trolls, How To Train Your Dragon and more. And the best part? You can pick up these special designs at any of your favorite big box stores like Wal-Mart and Target.
Spirit: Riding Free has quickly become one of the most beloved shows on Netflix, especially for little girls who love horses. Universal has several different designs in partnership with Wal-Mart and Target that are exclusive to their stores. Back-to-school shopping will never be more fun than when you can get your child’s favorite characters right on their new school gear all while you pick up their school supplies.
SHOP:
Spirit: Riding Free Backpack
Smart Backpacks for High School & College Students
Victorinox Compact Laptop Backpack
Technology is an integral part of education today, and many students from high school through grad school are taking their laptops to school every single day. With this in mind, it is a good idea to get a comfortable, secure, and safe backpack specifically designed to keep your laptop protected. The Victorinox Compact Laptop Backpack does all of this, and more, without being too bulky or heavy to carry around.
Read More: How heavy is your child’s backpack?
This unique laptop backpack has three main zipper compartments which make it easy to keep your items organized and secured. The padded rear compartment not only keeps your laptop protected but it also has lockable zippers to keep it secure. The exterior has two vertical zip-front pockets and a unique hanging organizer that can be removed to place in your locker or on the outside of your bag for extra storage and accessibility. The Victorinox Compact Laptop Backpack has all you need to make it through the school year comfortably with everything you need.
SHOP:
Victorinox Compact Laptop Backpack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Victorinox | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
Acme Made
The North Point Venturer Backpack by Acme Made is a well-designed backpack ideal for school, commuting or travel. What makes this pack stand-out are it’s roll-top design, aluminum hardware, and it’s many hidden and zippered compartments, including a inner laptop sleeve. The Venturer Backpack holds more gear than one would think, which is great for long days transitioning from school and sports on to the library and work. Acme Made’s products are inspired by the streets of San Francisco and are a perfect blend of streamlined and smart.
Acme Made describes its products in 3 words: authentic, simple and cool, and the Skinny Laptop Sleeve delivers on that promise. This ultra-thin laptop sleeve does not add bulk to your computer and carry bag. Made of stretch neoprene that is both water and stain resistant, the Skinny Laptop Sleeve is durable and fashionable. It is available in 7 color combinations to help show off your personality. To help keep a Stylus safe, a bonus unique storage pocket is hidden under the elastic strap.
SHOP:
North Point Venturer Backpack | Skinny Laptop Sleeve
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Acme Made | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Pinterest
SOLO NYC Thrive Laptop Bag
If you have a high school or college student looking for a backpack that is big enough to hold all their books plus a large laptop, then the SOLO NYC Thrive backpack is what you need this back to school year. The 17.3” laptop compartment holds even the biggest laptops, and the numerous interior and exterior pockets hold everything else you need. There is even an iPad/tablet pocket to hold smaller devices, too.
The Thrive Backpack is lightweight and comfortable to wear all around campus. The padded back and shoulders make it extra comfortable, and the front-down zipper and side pockets organizer keep everything in its place so you can find it easily. Its classic black color goes with anything and it holds just about everything you need to be successful in class this year.
SHOP:
Thrive Laptop Backpack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
SOLO NYC | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
Gregory Backpack
Does your child need a backpack that does more than just carry books and school supplies? The Diode 34 from Gregory is known for being a “fully loaded backpack” that your kid will use during the school week, for after-school activities, and weekend trips. This backpack has tons of pockets to fit everything you need and back panel padding to keep you comfortable when this bag is loaded down. The laptop compartment and soft-touch accessory pocket will keep all of your devices and valuables safe and scratch-free. The Diode is available in orange, navy, and black.
SHOP:
Diode 34
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Gregory | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
Smarty Co.
More and more schools, airports, concert venues, sporting events, and festivals have implemented clear bag policies in an effort to maintain safety and loss prevention. However, just because you’re required to use a clear bag, doesn’t mean that you’re destined to purchase a dozen or more cheap plastic bags throughout the year. The Original Heavy Duty Clear Backpack by Smarty Co. is the best in the market, backed by a money-back guarantee.
Up to 2x thicker than any other brand on the market, and reinforced with military-grade nylon fabric, the heavy-duty medium and large clear backpacks are the perfect blends of comfort, durability, and style. Whether you need one for school or to take to the next event, your belongings will be secure.
SHOP:
Heavy Duty Clear Backpack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Smarty Co. | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Solo New York
Built for all-day use, the League Backpack has all of the essentials for a busy student. It has a fully padded 15.6″ laptop compartment, internal tablet pocket, internal organizers, and padded back and backpack straps for added comfort. Solo backpacks can take a student from class to hanging out, to working out, all while keeping you organized and stylish. It’s a cool backpack, to say the least.
SHOP:
League Backpack
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
Solo New York | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
28 Collective
A monogrammed backpack is the perfect way to give your kid a personalized touch for their back to school backpack this year. The Monogrammed Canvas Backpack from 28 Collective is a durable canvas bag with vegan leather accents that gives your student both style and functionality. With numerous interior and exterior pockets, all of their school supplies will be able to be accessed easily and kept organized. There is also a laptop compartment to keep your computer separated and protected.
SHOP:
Monogrammed Canvas Backpack in Navy
EXPLORE AND CONNECT:
28 Collective | Facebook | Instagram
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With all the options available, choosing the best kids lunch boxes and cool backpacks is no easy feat. Pick up the essentials that work for your family’s lifestyle, school settings, and then add on a bit of personality and pizazz. Your student will love it, so shop together and stay cool this school year!
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Here are some cute clothes to upgrade your student’s wardrobe too!