In the next installment of our Back to School Guide, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest lunch box accessories–always one of our favorite categories. We’re not miracle workers or anything, but here’s hoping they’ll make you look forward to school lunch packing. Or at least, encourage your kids to gobble up everything you’ve so thoughtfully prepared.
Visit our most up to date back to school guide for 2019
All our picks have been editorially picked by our staff. There has been no compensation for picks. Cool Mom Picks is a reward style and Amazon affiliate and some picks may include affiliate links which you can click to support what we do.
S’well 9 oz water bottles ($25, S’well)
One of our favorite new finds, these awesome bottles keep cold drinks cool for 24 hours and without condensation, which means no soggy, stinky lunch bags for you to unpack. They look fantastic, plus a portion of the proceeds supports the charitable foundation, WaterAid. (Pssst: They keep hot drinks at temperature for 12 hours, so snatch one up for yourself if you’re tea or coffee-addicted like we are).
Koziol Pingpong sandwich box with cooler pack ($18.45, All+Modern)
The Pingpong sandwich comes with its own removable pack so you don’t need to worry about playing Tetris with your cooler pack and the lunchbox. Been there all too often, trust us.
Handmade reusable cloth napkins ($8.95/12, Marley’s Monsters)
While any cloth napkin or dishtowel will work in a kid’s lunchbox, we smiled when we came across this fun Etsy shop which offers lots of great patterns at terrific prices. You can even mix and match so your kid can have a different one every day.
Vacuum insulated cozy cans ($22.50, Beatrix NY)
These look like soda cans and feel like soda cans, but they are actually reusable stainless steel drink containers for water, juice, you name it. Bubbles not included. [Get 15% off with code COOLMOM15 through 8/31]
Tovolo sandwich shapers ($7.18, Amazon)
We don’t completely understand it but somehow sandwiches are much tastier when they are cut into cool shapes. The cutters from Tovolo come in all different designs while still keeping most of the sandwich in the box – in fact, feel free to pack the crust too and let kids separate the pieces, puzzle style.
Panda fork set ($8.50, My Sweet Muffin)
Ditch the plastic utensils and pack this adorable fork set instead, that we recently featured as one of our favorite panda-themed picks for back to school time. What kid could refuse to eat their lunch with a sweet Ailuropoda melanoleuca staring back at them?
Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento ($20.99, Lunchbots)
Since we discovered Lunchbots and their wonderfully no-fuss, easy-clean, stainless bento boxes, it’s been great seeing how they improve them each year. Now they have cases with up to 4 compartments, perfect for kids who don’t want anything touching. You know what we mean. The snap-on plastic covers in all sorts of bright colors keep things fun.
Squeezems reusable squeeze pouches ($6.99, BooginHead)
These reusable pouches are an eco-friendly, and more economical way to pack single servings of yogurt, squeezed fruit, or fruit and veggie smoothies, which is why we’re forgiving the big logo stamped onto the flip side.
SIGG mini water bottles ($17.99, diapers.com)
We’re longtime fans of SIGG bottles, and their minis are perfect for little hands and lunch boxes. They don’t leak, and we love that kids can actually open and close them all on their own, which is important when you’re not there to do it for them. If you’re looking for a larger size, check out the SIGG travel series we recently found which our older kids say are “very cool.”
Reusable sandwich bags ($10, TinyMe)
Reusable sandwich bags are such a smart way to pack an eco-friendlier lunch. These bold stripe-y versions from TinyMe make us happy, and kids won’t outgrow the classic design as they get older.
Superhero Thermoses ($19.50, PBK)
For kids who want a hot lunch (or parents who want an easy way to get rid of leftovers), these insulated Superhero containers by Thermos are so fun. And just the right serving size for little stomachs.
Neoprene bento sandwich box ($16.99, Built NY)
For just a simple sandwich or snack, or maybe a little of both, the insulated sandwich boxes from Built NY are the perfect size for kids–or adults–of any age, with the fun neoprene cover, a wristlet, and a BPA-free box inside.
Other 2014 Back to School Guide posts:
The coolest preschool backpacks
The coolest backpacks and bags for big kids
The coolest lunch boxes and lunch bags
The coolest back to school printables
The coolest school supplies
171 responses to “The coolest lunch box accessories: Back to School Guide 2014”
Awesome giveaway! I especially like the Tovolo sandwich shapers because I always feel like I am wasting so much sandwich when I use basic cookie cutter shapes for my son’s sandwiches!
I really like the TinyMe reusable sandwich bags! Very clever & eco-friendly!! Great pick 🙂
I love the reusable sandwich bags!
Honestly all these products are great. But, I really love those cloth napkins!! In fact I’m ordering some right now!! 🙂
Lunch packing is something I love to hate, but having one of those Dino vacuum water bottles would make it all better!
Love the S’Well bottles. Definitely adding these to my families collection
I love the panda fork and Lunchbots multi compartment bento box!!! Does it have to do anything with the fact that I am Asian? I hope so!
PS: I love your blog!
The Pingpong lunch box is my fab
My favorite is the Lunch Bots Multi-Compartment Bento. It looks so much easier than multiple plastic bags!
I need those cute superhero thermos for my little boy! He would go crazy and maybe actually eat his lunch!
I really like the Sigg mini bottles, perfect for a lunch box!
Love the vacuum insulated cozy cans.
Vacuum insulated cozy cups – what a cute idea!
They’re all cool – who doesn’t love a Bento Box? – but the S’well bottles are my favorite. No sweating? Amazing.
Love the sandwich shapers for the little one and the Swell water bottles! Fingers crossed!!
Love the large size of reusable sandwich bags!
[email protected]
The cozy can containers are great! What a fun idea.
Of course I see this right after buying more Kleen Kanteens. The Swell bottle looks awesome!
I love the S’well 9 oz water bottles and superhero thermos!!
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Love the vacuum insulated cozy cans – adorable designs!
NY Built sandwich bento box is my favorite.
S’well bottles
I liked you on facebook. I have no idea how to share the post because of my privacy settings, but i did share it.
Love the tovolo sandwich shapers!
Love the vacuum insulated cozy cans. We don’t drink soda but my kids are intrigued by the cans so this would satisfy that itch without the soda!
Hard to pick just one! The water bottle by S’wall is my pick!
Love them all – but the superhero thermos would be perfect for my picky son who just started liking soups.
I think my son would love the bento sandwich box. He prefers a non smushed sandwich.
I love the Vacuum insulated cozy cans ($22.50, Beatrix NY). They are a fun way to pack a cold drink and are reusable. Any kid would like having one in their lunchbox instead of a nerdy thermos!
Sorry I forgot to post this with my original comment!
I retweeted your giveaway tweet as @eyewonit https://twitter.com/coolmompicks/status/500636867667451904
and posted on Facebook too! https://www.facebook.com/nancy.reid.921/posts/10204666031840578
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I have liked y’all of FB already. I shared on my wall, but not sure how to post it here…. hope this works!
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The S’well bottles sound great, and I love that they support a good cause.
Love the swell water bottle!!!
The TinyMe reusable sandwich bags. Thanks!
Love the reusable cloth napkins!
Ping Pong sandwich box
Lunchbots!
I’m a big fan of Lunchbots. Really loving those new colorful lids.
Love the swell water bottles!
LOVE the S’well bottles! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Tweeted, from @klochelkluckle Link: https://twitter.com/klochelkluckle/status/500705501173149696
i love the beatrice insulated can
Love everything that was picked but my favorite is the swell bottle!
Those reusable sandwich bags are awesome
I love the vacumn cozy can-I’ve never seen that before! Very cool!
I love the S’well bottles!
I really like the reusable squeeze pouches…I had no idea 2 & 4 yr olds could like eating stuff out of a pouch as much as mine do!
I love the sleek design of the S’well water bottles and the fact that it can keep liquids hot or cold. I also like that they also give part of the proceeds to charity which is an additional plus.
love the lunchbots
The Swell drink bottle…I’ve been looking for one that won’t get everything wet!
love the Lunchbots bento!!
I love the lunchbots bento
Totally *LOVE* the Cozy Cans! I *want* even for me I just waaaant 🙂
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I love the S’Well bottles! Something for my grandson(cold) and his grandma(hot!) Yay!
Absolutely love the reusable lunch bags. GO GREEN!
I like the S’Well bottles.
Love the vacuum insulated cozy cans! Might have to get some for my husband too!
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I love that lunchbox. We have a backpack for our kindergartner but no lunchbox yet.
Got to love those reusable napkins! Perfect size for those little faces 🙂 Thanks!
I think the Tovolo sandwich shapers are great!
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Love the re-squeezeable pouches for yogurt, etc.
I love the Squeezem pouches, my kids love those smoothie pouches, this seems much better!!
I like the S’well 9 oz water bottles! Dd has to have COLD water or she doesn’t drink it so one of these would be perfect!
I love the Panda fork and the S’well bottles!
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Love the swell water bottles!
The sandwich shapers are cool. Love them.
The reusable cans look so cool!
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The Squeezems reusable squeeze pouches are intriguing. I’m always looking for the crossroad of reusable and economy. And yes, the enormous logo is unnecessary. If it looks interesting, a mom will ask the owner of a cool tool where it came from and where to get it.
Great giveaway! I love any lunch accessory that is reusable and non-toxic. I have a set of the reusable pouches and love them for my daughter. I have to say the reusable napkins and S’well drink bottle.
Love the sandwich shape cutter!
The S’well bottles would be an upgrade from other reusable bottles.
Love the S’well water bottles!
Love the bento box!!
Swell bottle!
I tweeted this!
https://twitter.com/creationzstudio/status/501035710548570112
The little panda fork. We have similar styles from a little mom and pop store nearby and my kids love them.
I love the Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento. They would be very practical and I like how the look, too.
The Koziol Pingpong sandwich box with cooler pack would look great with the Mochi little kid backpack by Beatrix NY.
The Squeezems pouches are a great idea, but I am really loving the cloth napkins! Paper napkins are my pet peeve but I never even thought to send cloth to school.
bento boxes and thermos get my votes!!
Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento — love lunch kits that have only 1 lid! Easy off, easy on = more time for eating.
Those s’well bottles are cool. I like that they don’t sweat!
Love the SIGG mini bottles and the reusable sandwich bags. Thanks for the tips!
The Squeezems are brilliant! My kids love those applesauce pouches but I always feel guilty about the packaging waste that goes along with them. I’ll be picking those up for sure!
I love the reusable napkins! And you can choose your own design!
I would love the LunchBots! They have been on my wish list for a while now.
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My son would love those superhero thermos jars!
The Sigg bottles are adorable and practical.
The SIGG mini bottles! They are the perfect size and so cute!
Love the TinyMe reusable sandwich bags! The insulation is a big improvement over the reusable bags we have.
I love the mini water bottles and the sandwich cutters!
Squeezems reusable squeeze pouches! Great idea.
Those dinolicious reusable water cans are a hoot!
Facebook? yep.
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Tweet! Tweet!
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I like the sandwich shapers!
I got to get me one of those S’well bottles!
I love the Swell bottles! What a great idea. We are constantly on the hunt for decent, reusable bottles.
I love the neoprene bento sandwich box … I’d like it for my daughters OR for myself!! So cute!
I love the superhero thermos!!! So cute especially for my son!!
My kids would love the insulated cozy cans that look like sodas!
I love the swell water bottles and the dinolicious cans. Too cute!
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I love the swell bottles.
Sandwich shapers and the s’well bottles are two of my favorites.
My favorite is the Marley’s Monsters reusable napkins.
Love the S’well bottles. Will be getting one of those for myself!
I love those Swell water bottles – so pretty!
Lunchbots!
The Cozy cans are so cool!
https://twitter.com/sarcoupon/status/502443727768780800
I’m LOVIN’ the Squueze’ums!! How cool are they?!!! So awesome!
The S’well water bottle.
The insulated cozy cans draw my attention.
Love the koziol ping pong lunch box! So cute!
I might just need to pick up the s’well water bottle for myself!
The Squeezems reusable pouches
The Tovolo sandwich shapers are pretty cool!
Love the superhero thermos, and might have to get an extra for my husband!
I like the Swell water bottles, because they have the same shape as old 7-Up bottles (the glass ones…wow I’m old).
i love the lunchbots !
I’m torn between the Koziol Pingpong sandwich box with cooler pack and the Built Bento sandwich bag. They would both be so useful to pack a healthy fresh lunch.
Love those vacuum insulated cans that look like soda. How clever!
Those swell water bottles look amazing!
Love lunchbots! My hands down favorite.
I love the Lunchbots Bento Box! Fun and great portion sizing.
The cozy cans are awesome! Love the cloth napkins too!
Love the Swell bottle
I love the dinolicious cans!
love the Sigg mini bottles
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I like the Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento
I love the S’well Water Bottles!
The Dinolicious drink holders are so cool!
Awesome giveaway. I love any water bottles that don’t leak, so the Siggs would be perfect, and I would love a Swell for me!
Thanks!!!
Loving the TinyMe reusable bags. Thanks for the chance to win.
I really love the Lunchbots multi compartment bento box .
I’m gonna have to get the Tovolo sandwich shapers and the S’well 9 oz water bottles!
They would be much appreciated by my kids!
I love those reusable sandwich bags too. In college, a Brazilian neighbor would reuse her plastic bags, this was over 20 years ago.i thought, they should make these sturdier and finally, they did.
Love the Star Wars Superhero Thermos! My gal can’t get enough of Star Wars!
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/Molomatic/status/506583633910837249
Vacuum insulated cozy cups
https://twitter.com/garyshorr/status/506638766145286144
The Neoprene Bento Sandwich Box!
LOVE the whale shaped sandwich cutter. My son is gonna gobble them up.
My favorite lunch box accessory is the SIGG mini water bottle
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My favorite accessory is Superhero Thermoses
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Love it all -especially the cozy can!
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Like on facebook. 🙂
The reusable sandwich bags!
I think the coolest one is the Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento.
Thanks for the contest.
Thanks for the giveaway… the Superhero Thermoses are going to be a big hit with comic book fans like my nephew.
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I really like the S’well 9 oz water bottles.
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