In this guide, we’ll cover all the gear you need for packing your preschooler’s lunch. We’ll also provide some product recommendations featuring safer and non-toxic products.
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We’ll get into some specific recommendations in a bit, but first, let’s go over the basics of what gear you’ll (probably) need:
First and foremost, you will need some type of lunch bag to transport and store your child’s lunch.
Next, you’ll need containers for your child’s food. There are so many various styles of containers that are perfect for lunch, including bento boxes, baggies, thermoses.
Most likely, your child’s preschool will want you to send a drink with your child’s lunch.
Depending on what you pack, you will likely need some utensils (either a spoon or a fork).
Lunchtime can be messy, especially for toddlers who are learning to feed themselves. You’ll want to send a napkin, unless they’re provided by your school.
It’s a good idea to stick an ice pack in your preschooler’s lunch to help regulate the temperature.
Most preschools want everything labeled.
Please consider purchasing reusable gear for your preschooler’s lunch, as opposed to disposable. Yes, this will likely cost more upfront, but it will save money in the long run. Not to mention, this is so much better for the environment. So instead of using plastic, disposable utensils for instance, send in reusable ones.
When buying your preschooler’s lunch bag and other gear, consider the quality of the products and if they will last. Also, consider the style. Try to choose a timeless design so you can re-use the gear for several years. Avoid popular characters that will become outdated or your child will outgrow. And as much as we love personalization, consider avoiding getting your child’s lunchbox personalized with their name or initials so when you are done with it, it can be handed off to another child (or better yet, sold).
One size does not fill all in terms of lunch gear. How much your child eats and drinks will determine the size of drink and food containers you need, and thus determine the size of lunch bag you need. Also consider whether or not you will need to send snacks for your child.
Consider the materials of your preschooler’s lunch gear. It’s much more important that your food and drink containers are non-toxic, since they come in direct contact with food.
The best materials for your food and drink containers are stainless steel and silicone. There’s some really cute bento boxes made of plastic, but even BPA-free plastic should be avoided if possible.
In terms of the lunch bag, you’ll want to avoid materials like BPA, phthalates, PVC, & added formaldehyde. Many vinyl lunchboxes found in big box stores sadly contain these harmful materials. Another chemical of concern is PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This is often used as a water and stain repellent. Your selection of lunch bags is further limited if you want to avoid PFAS, but it is possible.
Consider how user-friendly your child’s lunch gear is. Try to get products that your child can use independently. This will make lunchtime easier for both your child and your child’s teacher. Plus, there’s the added benefit of building your child’s confidence when they can navigate their lunch gear themselves.
Consider what the logistics will look like in your home. This will partly dictate what kinds of gear and in what quantities you should get.
What is your meal prep and clean up going to look like? Will you have time to wash the food containers every night (if attending 5 days a week)? Or do you like to meal prep and pre-portion lunches a week at a time? What kinds of foods will you be sending? Dry and cold foods (like cut fruits, sandwich, etc)? Wet and cold foods (like yogurt, applesauce, etc.)? Wet and warm foods (soup)? Wet and dry foods (warm pasta)? What kinds of food containers will each of these require? How many of each will you need?
Obviously one major factor that needs to be considered when purchasing gear for your toddler’s lunch is the cost. All this gear can add up quickly. Plan ahead if you can. Decide in what areas you can compromise. Shop sales and consider buying second hand.
Your preschool likely has specific rules regarding lunch. There may be certain things that are required or restrictions as to what is allowed. For instance, most don’t allow any type of glass. Many may require an ice pack. Your preschool may or may not heat your child’s food. Read up on the school’s policies before you go on a shopping spree to make sure you’re abiding by the rules.
The best place to find your preschooler’s preschool gear is online. Not only do you have more options, but you have many safer options. Both Sprouts San Francisco and Mighty Nest are great places to start. Most of the products mentioned below are from these retailers. We love supporting small businesses!
Here’s some lunch bags that fall into the “good,” “better” and “best” categories in terms of toxicity:
Regular Price $18
The Wildkin lunch bag is a good budget-friendly option. It’s insulated and comes in plenty of design options. It’s made of Made of 600 denier polyester. The Wildkin lunch bag is lead-safe, BPA-free and Phthalate-free. There are better options that are “lead-free” as opposed to “lead-safe” if your budget allows it.
Eco-Friendly Insulated Lunchbox by Petit Collage
Price: $25
The Petit Collage lunchbox is padded and insulated. It features a wipeable cotton canvas exterior coated with a protective solvent-free biodegradable laminate made from sugar cane. It’s lead-free, BPA-free and Phthalate-free.
Cooler Bag or Lunch Box by So Young
Price: $25-30
So Young has a cooler bag in two sizes, as well a lunchbox. All are made of a Linen/Cotton exterior and insulated Interior. They’re lead-free, BPA-free and Phthalate-free.
Shown below is: 1 | Narwhale Lunchbox 2 | Narwhale Small Cooler Bag 3| Unicorn Lunchbox 4 | Fox Cooler Bag
There are a lot more designs to choose from too!
Price: $30
Individually-crafted in Taiwan, these bright and bold lunch bags are insulated, lead-free, BPA-free and Phthalate-free.
Price: $22
This lunchbox is made of certified organic cotton (body), water-resistant polyester (lining) and nylon (backside coating). It’s lead-free, BPA-free and Phthalate-free. It is also PFAS-free (although it is not insulated).
Lil B Backpack by Fluf
Price: $33
Though technically a small backpack, Fluf claims it’s “Sized for the pre-school set, to comfortably hold a pint-sized lunch.” The body is made of 100% certified organic cotton and the lining is 100% polyester. It’s lead-free, BPA-free and Phthalate-free. It is also PFAS-free (although it is not insulated).
Shown in Unicorn and Shark
Kanken Mini Cooler Lunch Box by Fjallraven
Price: $50
Fjallraven is a Sweish company that makes sustainable outdoor gear. Their lunchbox is lead-free, BPA-free and Phthalate-free. It is also one of the few (if not only) insulated lunchbox that’s PFAS-free!
LunchBots
Price: $25
LunchBots in the Medium size for perfect for preschoolers. They come in a variety of options (one compartment, two, three, four, etc.). It’s made of 100% Stainless Steel.
Dimensions: 6″ x 5″ x 1.75″
PlanetBox
Price: $40
PlanetBox in the “Shuttle” size for perfect for preschoolers. It’s made of 100% Stainless Steel.
Dimensions: 7.75″ x 5.2″ x 2″
Stasher bags are reusable zip-lock style bags made of silicone. They come in various colors, designs and sizes.
For the best selection and cheapest price on Stasher bags, check out the Natural Baby Company (CLICK HERE).
Insulated Food Jar by U-Konserve
Price: $18 (Buy here)
Foogo Vacuum Insulated Straw Bottle
Pura Sippy Cup or Straw Cup
Price: $25 (Buy Here)
Silicone and Stainless Steel Kids Silverware Set by Chewbeads
Price: $18
Comes in Pink or Blue. We like these silverware sets because they’re made of non-toxic materials and easy for liitle hands to grip.
3 Piece Baby & Toddler Stainless Steel Utensil Set by Ginko
If you’re looking for a more plain set of silverware for little hands, we like this set as its’s 100% stainless steel.
Price: $12
Price: $11
We have some from Mabel’s Labels that we like. This brand was recommended to us by a daycare/preschool worker who has seen all sorts of labels and said these held up the best!
Hopefully you found this guide useful!
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