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It’s getting close to that time of year again. The sweet, sweet smell of brand-new crayons is mingling with the scent of finger paints, and your kiddo is getting ready for their first day of Pre-K. Along with their lovey, an extra pair of “big kid” underwear, and some brand new clothes, your kiddo needs to pack a lunchbox to take to school. Oh, but not just any ol’ lunchbox: Your preschooler needs one that’s super-cool. Lucky you — we’ve pulled together some of the best kids lunch boxes of the back-to-school season.
Skip Hop Baby Zoo Unicorn ($14)
Unicorns are everywhere. Their poop is in our rainbow-tinged cookies and they’re somehow magically transformed from mythical beasties to play slime. This soft lunch bag isn’t just adorable (it’s got teeny rainbows as zipper-pulls): It’s also BPA- and phthalate-free *and* insulated enough to keep your preschooler’s treats chill.
Care Bears Metal Lunch Box ($19)
Your preschooler can head to class with old-school style when you grab them a Care Bears lunchbox. This metal lunch box is a total throwback to your own childhood, and packs a nostalgic punch.
PackIt Freezable Lunch Bag with Zip Closure ($18)
Those freezy packs that always seem to end up in the school’s garbage are a thing of the past with this lunch bag. It has freezable gel that’s permanently built into the actual bag. On top of that, it comes in tons of cute colors and patterns.
OmieBox Bento Lunch Box ($45)
If your preschooler is like just about every other kiddo when it comes to keeping their foods separated (aka there’s absolutely no way they’re letting those carrots touch their sandwich), then this is the lunchbox for you. This Japanese-style design has compartments that are perfect for kids who can’t even contemplate foods that mingle. It’s also thermal-insulated, with *two* temperature zones. Yep, you can stash both hot and cold foods in this bento-riffic box.
YUMBOX Leakproof Bento Lunch Box ($32)
Another bento-style box for kids who thrive on keeping their food groups completely separated, this box has a leakproof lid that lets you safely pack “wet” foods, such as applesauce or pudding. It also has an adorable (and removable) tray that features some pretty out-of-this-world art.
Sugarbooger Good Lunch Bento Box ($12)
The retro birds and butterflies design on this divided bento pick is cute, yet completely cool too. The clear material will let your kiddo see their food inside, and its small size makes it ideal for tiny tots. Plus it’s free from BPA and PVCs.
BUILT Big Apple Buddies ($18)
Aww! This soft lunch tote looks more like a plush pal than a reusable lunch sack. It’s like having an animal friend — minus the hassle of dealing with an actual animal. Your preschooler will get a kick out of the ladybug design.
Yodo 3-Way Convertible Playful Insulated Kids Lunch Boxes Carry Bag ($22)
It’s a lunch box, and it’s a carry bag. Or it’s a carry bag, and it’s a lunchbox. Whichever way you slice it, this bag has maximum potential. With a few simple strap adjustments, this adorable animal pack goes from lunch box to carryall. Fab and functional!
R2D2 Thermos Lunch Kit ($25)
You preschooler might not be fully into Star Wars just yet, but if you are, then you need to grab this bag. This lunch kit goes beyond being just a cute character box: It lights up and makes sounds. Yeah, we know, the Pre-K teacher will kind of hate you for sending a lunch box that makes more noise than the kids do. That’s okay — your kiddo will love it.
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