What items do you actually need for packing school lunches? Not that many! I’m sharing the 5 best items for packing a waste-free lunch that’s super easy to pack.
If you’re looking for other school lunch info, be sure to check out my 100 school lunch box ideas and all of my lunch box recipes.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of Contents
The Only 5 Items You Need to Pack School Lunches
Bento Box
I love stainless steel lunchboxes as they hold up really well after daily use for years! They are definitely an upfront investment, but I think they are worth it.
- Dishwasher-safe
- I recommend two bento boxes per child
- The Rover lunchbox lays out the lunch component framework for you!
- Price: $42.99
- Link to buy on amazon
Thermos
Use this insulated thermos for hot or warm foods like leftovers, pasta, soups, or potstickers.
- Keeps food warm for a few hours
- Dishwasher-safe
- Price: $34.99
- Link to buy on amazon
Dip Containers
Use these for dips, nuts, candy, etc.
- Dishwasher-safe
- Leak-proof
- Price: $25.99 for 3
- Link to buy on amazon
Silicone Muffin Liners
You’ll use these for separating items in the bento box and making egg cups and apple muffins!
- Easy-to-clean
- Price: $14.98 for 24
- Link to buy on amazon
Insulated Lunch Box
Let your kids pick their favorite design, these insulated lunch boxes come in a few and are the perfect shape for a bento box (versus some of the more vertical ones).
- Perfect shape for bento boxes
- Easy-to-clean
- Price: $15.99
- Link to buy on amazon
Small Ice Packs
If you have a full freezer like me (ugh!), you’ll like the size of these ice packs.
- Soft and slim size
- Price: $15.99 for 4
- Link to buy on amazon
Fun Extras
You don’t need these, but they can help infuse a little fun into lunches.
Animal Food Picks
Picky eater? Child who doesn’t like the way some foods feel (slippery mango for example)? Try food picks!
- Adds some fun to any meal
- Can help promote trying new foods
- Price: $9.99 for 66 pieces
- Link to buy on amazon
Sandwich + Veggie Shape Cutters
Want to make your own un-crustables? It’s easy with these sandwich shape cutters!
- A fun way to switch up sandwiches and veggies
- Can help promote trying new foods
- Price: $19.65 for 20 pieces
- Link to buy on amazon
School Lunch Box Ideas
I’m always coming up with new and fresh school lunch box ideas, here are a few to try first!
Did you like this recipe? Please leave a review and let me know what you thought! I appreciate it so much.