I tested popular kids’ lunchboxes – the winner has a cute feature that my four-year old loved
PACKING the perfect lunch is hard enough but making sure it’s packed in a box that’s up to the job can be just as challenging.
Younger kids will want something lightweight they can carry and all children will want a design they love.
Some boxes keep food separate and some are better than others at keeping food cool.
Fear not if this is overwhelming, as we’ve done the hard work for you.
Lynsey Hope tested a range of lunch boxes to see which her kids Jacob, 10, Olive, seven, and Ivy, four, would like best and which was most durable.
She shares her top ten picks:
Kids’ Snoopy Lunch Box, £10, M&S
Not only does this box come in pretty colours and a super cute Snoopy design, it’s made with Thinsulate technology to keep food cool and fresh for longer.
The wipe clean lining was easy to keep clean and there is name label inside.
The top handle makes is easy to carry.
As an added bonus, the whole thing can go in the washing machine if it gets particularly grubby and it cleaned up like new.
Great value for a tenner.
Rating: 8/10
Eco Lunch Bag: Micro Unicorn, £10.95, Micro
A lunch bag and a rucksack all in one, the kids loved putting this on their scooters for the walk to school and it saved them (and me) carrying it.
It has an insulated foil lounging which was very effective at keeping the food and drinks inside cool.
For added eco points, this is made from rPet, recycled polyester yarn created from plastic bottles that pollute our oceans.
Amazing lunch bag that isn’t just for school but any scooting adventure. It was Olive’s top choice.
Rating: 9/10
Magcubic Lunch Bag, £9.99, Amazon
A great option for older children, this is available in a range of colours and designs and it’s great value.
It’s got a net on the side for a drinks bottle and a front zip pocket.
The middle layer is made with thickened pearl cotton, which provides excellent insulation and can keep food and drink warm or cold for four to six hours.
It was a good size, leak proof and the handle made it easy to carry. A little plain but a great option.
Rating: 7/10
Insulated Bee Lunch Box, £14.99, Tum Tum Tots
My daughter Ivy, four, absolutely loves this lunch bag and she has been using it for some time with no problems whatsoever.
If it starts to look a little dirty, I stick it through the washing machine and it comes out looking as good as new.
It has plenty of space for sandwiches, drinks bottle and fruit and snack boxes can lay flat.
The sides fold down to create a handy place mat if required. It’s insulated and has a handy pocket for a freezer pack or to store cutlery. BPA-free, loved it.
Rating: 8/10
Pokémon Comic Lunch Bag, £6, Asda
A stylish Pokémon lunch bag featuring the favourite characters Bulbasaur, Charmander, Pikachu and Squirtle.
It’s BPA free, comes with a carry handle and space for a name on the back. It’s a good size.
Nothing fancy, but it does the job. No complaints – for £6 it’s ok.
Rating: 5/10
Trixie Thermal Lunch Bag – Mrs Rabbit, £24.95, Scandiborn
Adorable design and this is a thermal bag so will keep your child’s lunch either warm or cold.
The outer coating is waterproof.
The floppy ears are particularly cute and it’s lightweight to carry around.
The zipper worked well and there is a name tag on the inside.
You literally couldn’t ask for more from a lunch box – it is pricey, but will last longer than most the others.”
Rating: 9/10
Limitless Oblong Attach ID Lunchbox, £15, Smiggle
Both girls wanted this one and I imagine the bright unicorn design would be appealing to lots of children.
The ID tag that you can put their names took it to another level- be warned there is only space for eight letters though.
Ivy, four, starts school in September and will be super chuffed to take this with her.
It’s good quality, and features insulated and BPA free lining, a carry handle and a clip-on which means you can attach it to a backpack for easy carrying.
Rating: 10/10
Vaschy Insulated Lunch Bag, £19.89, Amazon
Vibrant and a good choice for kids who like animals.
It’s made from water-resistant polyester and features double layers so you can keep hot and cold food separate.
It will keep food chilled for up to four hours without an ice pack or up to six hours with one.
There’s plenty of space and food didn’t get squashed. The adjustable shoulder strap was handy for ease of carrying.”
Rating: 7/10
Gabby’s Dollhouse Lunch Bag, £7, Asda
Cheap and cheerful, this is bright and colourful and a decent size for the price.
It is made from durable polyester material and is fully insulated to keep food fresh, warm or cold.
The PVC free lining is easy to wipe clean and keep hygienic.
It hasn’t got the bells and whistles of some of the others but does the job.
There is a name label on the bottom too.
Rating: 6/10
EXTRA HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS
IF you can't get targeted help from your council, you might have some other options available to you.
In some areas, you can talk directly to your school, which might be able to offer you clothing.
Or, you might be able to get cheap garments from low-budget shops or charity stores.
Some charities offer help to families in need too.
But bear in mind charities often have a limited amount of money to give and usually have specific criteria which must be met in order to get a grant.
Charity Turn2Us has a free grants search tool on its website which you can use to find out what help is available to you.
Meanwhile, you can always try approaching your nearest Citizens’ Advice branch.
If you don’t know where your nearest Citizens’ Advice branch is, you can find out by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/nearby/.
If you’re not eligible for a school uniform grant you might be able to get help through the Household Support Fund.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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