The Best Back-to-School Lunch Essentials for Kids

It’s that time of year again—school’s back in session and parents everywhere are getting back into the swing of lunch packing. Whether you’re a seasoned lunchbox pro or totally over it by week two (no judgment), having the right gear can make packing healthy, fun, and stress-free lunches way easier.

Below are my top picks for the BEST back-to-school lunch essentials for kids. These are all mom-tested, lunchbox-approved, and linked for easy shopping. (Yep, affiliate links included!)

🍱 Omie Lunch Box

This bento-style box is a game-changer for picky eaters and organized parents. It keeps hot food hot, cold food cold, and has separate leakproof compartments. Available in fun colors like Blue Sky and Cherry Pink.

• [Omie Lunch Box – Blue Sky](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017SGIMV2?tag=fromworktotab-20)
• [Omie Lunch Box – Cherry Pink](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTRTVZZF?tag=fromworktotab-20)

🍴 Utensils with Case

Compact, reusable, and easy to pack—these kid-sized utensil sets come with their own travel case.

• [Pink Utensil Set](https://amzn.to/3TY40mc)
• [Blue Utensil Set](https://amzn.to/3UtImpV)

🎒 Bentgo Lunch Bag

These insulated bags come in adorable patterns and fit the Omni lunch box perfectly. Plus, they’re easy to wipe clean.

• [Dino Print](https://amzn.to/41aPZFu)
• [Rainbows & Butterflies](https://amzn.to/41e6Nvk)

🥤 Kids’ Thermos Cups

Keep drinks cold all day with these adorable stainless steel tumblers. Choose your child’s favorite character!

• [Bluey Theme](https://amzn.to/3TWucNW)
• [Minnie Mouse](https://amzn.to/3GFcgEI)

❄️ Ice Packs

A must-have to keep lunches fresh until the lunch bell rings.

• [Colorful Slim Ice Packs](https://amzn.to/4kTe3Ur)

🔖 Personalized Labels

Never lose a lunch box again! These waterproof name labels stick to bottles, boxes, and more.

• [Custom Name Labels](https://amzn.to/3H3gS7y)

🎉 Lunch Box Accessories

From mini forks to silicone cupcake liners and sauce containers—these little extras make packing more fun.

• [Lunch Box Accessory Kit](https://amzn.to/450YbJB)

💌 Lunch Box Notes

Brighten your child’s day with a sweet message or silly joke. These pre-printed cards are adorable!

• [Lunch Notes for Kids](https://amzn.to/4mh670C)

🫙 Leakproof Dip Containers

Perfect for ketchup, ranch, yogurt, or peanut butter. No mess, no leaks.

• [Mini Dip Containers](https://amzn.to/3IMVeVS)

🍓 Sandwich & Fruit Cutter Set

Make lunch fun with this 18-piece set that cuts sandwiches, fruit, and veggies into cute shapes.

• [Fun Shape Cutter Set](https://amzn.to/4mdy35p)

✅ Want to make life even easier? Don’t forget to grab the free downloadable checklist — coming soon!

Pin this post. Share with a fellow parent. And if you try any of these lunch essentials, tag @fromworktotable — I’d love to see your lunch wins and hear what your kids loved!

Unknown's avatar

Author: Katie

Hi, I’m Katie —full-time working mom, part-time short-order cook, and the heart behind From Work to Table. After a long day at work, I come home to the real challenge: making a meal that brings my family together, satisfies at least one extremely picky eater, and doesn’t take an hour (or all my energy) to pull off. This blog is my place to share the recipes, shortcuts, and survival strategies I’ve learned along the way—meals that fit into the chaos of real life without sacrificing taste, nutrition, or sanity. Whether you’re a fellow working parent, a tired caregiver, or just someone looking for a way to get dinner on the table a little faster and with a little less stress, welcome. You’re not alone—and dinner doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Let’s find what works, one meal (and one picky bite) at a time.

Leave a comment