The coolest lunch box accessories: Back to School Guide 2014

by | Aug 16, 2014 | Back to School Shopping, School Gear | 171 comments

The coolest lunch box accessories: Back to School Guide 2014

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. 

 

coolest lunch box accessories: S’well 9 oz water bottles
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).

coolest lunch box accessories: Koziol Pingpong sandwich box with cooler pack
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.

Cool lunch accessories for kids: Reusable cloth napkins on Etsy

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.

coolest lunch box accessories: Vacuum insulated cozy cans by Beatrix NY
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]

coolest lunch box accessories: Tovolo sandwich shapers
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.

 

coolest lunch box accessories: Panda fork set at My Sweet Muffin
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?

Coolest lunch accessories: Lunchbots bento box with dot cover

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.

 

coolest lunch box accessories: SIGG mini water bottles
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.”

 

Coolest lunch box accessories: Reusable sandwich bags by Tiny Me
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.

Coolest lunch box accessories: Superhero Thermoses
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.

Coolest lunch box accessories: Neoprene bento sandwich box at Built NY
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

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Written by Cool Mom Team

We spend our time looking for cool stuff, fun finds, and helpful info just for you. Hope this one fits the bill.
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171 Comments

  1. Jane on August 16, 2014 at 7:50 am

    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!

  2. Meghan on August 16, 2014 at 7:54 am

    I really like the TinyMe reusable sandwich bags! Very clever & eco-friendly!! Great pick 🙂

  3. Emily Laliberte on August 16, 2014 at 8:06 am

    I love the reusable sandwich bags!

  4. Jennifer on August 16, 2014 at 8:11 am

    Honestly all these products are great. But, I really love those cloth napkins!! In fact I’m ordering some right now!! 🙂

  5. Karen S on August 16, 2014 at 8:31 am

    Lunch packing is something I love to hate, but having one of those Dino vacuum water bottles would make it all better!

  6. Kate on August 16, 2014 at 9:08 am

    Love the S’Well bottles. Definitely adding these to my families collection

  7. gdevilla on August 16, 2014 at 9:16 am

    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!

  8. Isabel on August 16, 2014 at 9:34 am

    The Pingpong lunch box is my fab

  9. Tami Van De Stroet on August 16, 2014 at 9:40 am

    My favorite is the Lunch Bots Multi-Compartment Bento. It looks so much easier than multiple plastic bags!

  10. Lindsey Tebo on August 16, 2014 at 9:41 am

    I need those cute superhero thermos for my little boy! He would go crazy and maybe actually eat his lunch!

  11. Bekki on August 16, 2014 at 9:43 am

    I really like the Sigg mini bottles, perfect for a lunch box!

  12. Janis on August 16, 2014 at 9:50 am

    Love the vacuum insulated cozy cans.

  13. Nissa on August 16, 2014 at 10:00 am

    Vacuum insulated cozy cups – what a cute idea!

  14. Suebob on August 16, 2014 at 10:13 am

    They’re all cool – who doesn’t love a Bento Box? – but the S’well bottles are my favorite. No sweating? Amazing.

  15. Jen S on August 16, 2014 at 10:25 am

    Love the sandwich shapers for the little one and the Swell water bottles! Fingers crossed!!

  16. JennR on August 16, 2014 at 10:54 am

    Love the large size of reusable sandwich bags!
    Camtt@hotmail.com

  17. Katy on August 16, 2014 at 11:00 am

    The cozy can containers are great! What a fun idea.

  18. Kathleen on August 16, 2014 at 11:07 am

    Of course I see this right after buying more Kleen Kanteens. The Swell bottle looks awesome!

  19. Betty B. on August 16, 2014 at 11:26 am

    I love the S’well 9 oz water bottles and superhero thermos!!

  22. Justine Nguyen on August 16, 2014 at 11:35 am

    Love the vacuum insulated cozy cans – adorable designs!

  23. Lien on August 16, 2014 at 11:37 am

    NY Built sandwich bento box is my favorite.

  24. Jessica Dillon on August 16, 2014 at 11:38 am

    S’well bottles

  25. Justine Nguyen on August 16, 2014 at 11:39 am

    I liked you on facebook. I have no idea how to share the post because of my privacy settings, but i did share it.

  26. Dawn Saczynski on August 16, 2014 at 11:44 am

    Love the tovolo sandwich shapers!

  27. Amy Hegwood on August 16, 2014 at 11:44 am

    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!

  28. Nancy Beaty on August 16, 2014 at 11:47 am

    Hard to pick just one! The water bottle by S’wall is my pick!

  29. amy colthurst on August 16, 2014 at 11:53 am

    Love them all – but the superhero thermos would be perfect for my picky son who just started liking soups.

  30. theresa J on August 16, 2014 at 11:55 am

    I think my son would love the bento sandwich box. He prefers a non smushed sandwich.

  31. Nancy Reid on August 16, 2014 at 11:56 am

    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!

  35. Dana on August 16, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    The S’well bottles sound great, and I love that they support a good cause.

  36. Monique on August 16, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    Love the swell water bottle!!!

  37. Deb P on August 16, 2014 at 12:43 pm

    The TinyMe reusable sandwich bags. Thanks!

  38. Leah Ingersoll on August 16, 2014 at 12:53 pm

    Love the reusable cloth napkins!

  39. Elayna Fisher on August 16, 2014 at 1:18 pm

    Ping Pong sandwich box

  40. Laura on August 16, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    Lunchbots!

  41. Corina on August 16, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    I’m a big fan of Lunchbots. Really loving those new colorful lids.

  42. Julie U on August 16, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    Love the swell water bottles!

  43. libby k on August 16, 2014 at 2:06 pm

    LOVE the S’well bottles! Thanks for the great giveaway!

  45. lindsey on August 16, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    i love the beatrice insulated can

  46. Heidi on August 16, 2014 at 2:21 pm

    Love everything that was picked but my favorite is the swell bottle!

  47. Jessica W on August 16, 2014 at 2:24 pm

    Those reusable sandwich bags are awesome

  48. Leslie Chandler on August 16, 2014 at 2:29 pm

    I love the vacumn cozy can-I’ve never seen that before! Very cool!

  49. Megan B on August 16, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    I love the S’well bottles!

  50. Amie H on August 16, 2014 at 2:52 pm

    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!

  51. Cathy on August 16, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    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.

  52. Bill S on August 16, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    love the lunchbots

  53. Karen Pullin on August 16, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    The Swell drink bottle…I’ve been looking for one that won’t get everything wet!

  54. Jenn S. on August 16, 2014 at 3:59 pm

    love the Lunchbots bento!!

  55. Lisa B on August 16, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    I love the lunchbots bento

  57. Lyn Solomon-Linville on August 16, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    I love the S’Well bottles! Something for my grandson(cold) and his grandma(hot!) Yay!

  58. Samantha Meyerhoffer on August 16, 2014 at 6:49 pm

    Absolutely love the reusable lunch bags. GO GREEN!

  59. Seniha on August 16, 2014 at 7:18 pm

    I like the S’Well bottles.

  60. TJ on August 16, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    Love the vacuum insulated cozy cans! Might have to get some for my husband too!

  62. Sonya U. on August 16, 2014 at 9:53 pm

    Got to love those reusable napkins! Perfect size for those little faces 🙂 Thanks!

  64. Cks2 on August 16, 2014 at 11:01 pm

    Love the re-squeezeable pouches for yogurt, etc.

  65. Joyce on August 16, 2014 at 11:48 pm

    I love the Squeezem pouches, my kids love those smoothie pouches, this seems much better!!

  66. Amanda Alvarado on August 17, 2014 at 12:11 am

    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!

  67. Tracy S on August 17, 2014 at 12:11 am

    I love the Panda fork and the S’well bottles!

  70. Rebecca reich on August 17, 2014 at 12:16 am

    Love the swell water bottles!

  71. Natalie Baldwin on August 17, 2014 at 12:26 am

    The sandwich shapers are cool. Love them.

  72. Meg on August 17, 2014 at 1:31 am

    The reusable cans look so cool!

  74. Heidi on August 17, 2014 at 3:49 am

    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.

  75. Jena on August 17, 2014 at 8:47 am

    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.

  76. Bea on August 17, 2014 at 8:55 am

    Love the sandwich shape cutter!

  77. Ela on August 17, 2014 at 9:52 am

    The S’well bottles would be an upgrade from other reusable bottles.

  78. Lynn on August 17, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Love the S’well water bottles!

  79. Monica on August 17, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    Love the bento box!!

  80. Rebekah on August 17, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    Swell bottle!

  82. Kristi on August 17, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    The little panda fork. We have similar styles from a little mom and pop store nearby and my kids love them.

  83. Michelle C on August 17, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    I love the Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento. They would be very practical and I like how the look, too.

  84. Karine on August 17, 2014 at 7:22 pm

    The Koziol Pingpong sandwich box with cooler pack would look great with the Mochi little kid backpack by Beatrix NY.

  85. Jen on August 17, 2014 at 8:17 pm

    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.

  86. Amy G on August 17, 2014 at 8:47 pm

    bento boxes and thermos get my votes!!

  87. AustinMochi on August 17, 2014 at 9:43 pm

    Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento — love lunch kits that have only 1 lid! Easy off, easy on = more time for eating.

  88. Robin on August 17, 2014 at 10:10 pm

    Those s’well bottles are cool. I like that they don’t sweat!

  89. Lee on August 17, 2014 at 11:28 pm

    Love the SIGG mini bottles and the reusable sandwich bags. Thanks for the tips!

  90. Monica on August 18, 2014 at 9:20 am

    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!

  91. Kristin on August 18, 2014 at 9:57 am

    I love the reusable napkins! And you can choose your own design!

  92. Denise L on August 18, 2014 at 10:17 am

    I would love the LunchBots! They have been on my wish list for a while now.

  94. Lisa on August 18, 2014 at 10:49 am

    My son would love those superhero thermos jars!

  95. Lisa Marie on August 18, 2014 at 11:30 am

    The Sigg bottles are adorable and practical.

  96. Angela L on August 18, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    The SIGG mini bottles! They are the perfect size and so cute!

  97. Maggie on August 18, 2014 at 12:29 pm

    Love the TinyMe reusable sandwich bags! The insulation is a big improvement over the reusable bags we have.

  98. Gail P on August 18, 2014 at 1:10 pm

    I love the mini water bottles and the sandwich cutters!

  99. Kalani on August 18, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Squeezems reusable squeeze pouches! Great idea.

  103. holly on August 18, 2014 at 4:32 pm

    I like the sandwich shapers!

  104. Lindsay on August 18, 2014 at 5:14 pm

    I got to get me one of those S’well bottles!

  105. Veronica on August 18, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    I love the Swell bottles! What a great idea. We are constantly on the hunt for decent, reusable bottles.

  106. Jennifer Ladd on August 18, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    I love the neoprene bento sandwich box … I’d like it for my daughters OR for myself!! So cute!

  107. Alisha on August 18, 2014 at 10:37 pm

    I love the superhero thermos!!! So cute especially for my son!!

  108. sara on August 19, 2014 at 3:41 am

    My kids would love the insulated cozy cans that look like sodas!

  109. Melissa on August 19, 2014 at 7:32 am

    I love the swell water bottles and the dinolicious cans. Too cute!

  112. Stacy on August 19, 2014 at 9:53 am

    I love the swell bottles.

  113. Heather on August 19, 2014 at 11:40 am

    Sandwich shapers and the s’well bottles are two of my favorites.

  114. Melissa on August 19, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    My favorite is the Marley’s Monsters reusable napkins.

  115. Kathleen S. on August 19, 2014 at 2:59 pm

    Love the S’well bottles. Will be getting one of those for myself!

  116. mere on August 19, 2014 at 6:44 pm

    I love those Swell water bottles – so pretty!

  117. Betsy on August 20, 2014 at 2:11 pm

    Lunchbots!

  118. Sarah J on August 21, 2014 at 9:18 am

    The Cozy cans are so cool!

  120. candy on August 21, 2014 at 11:39 am

    I’m LOVIN’ the Squueze’ums!! How cool are they?!!! So awesome!

  121. Cecilia on August 21, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    The S’well water bottle.

  122. Lindsay on August 21, 2014 at 4:37 pm

    The insulated cozy cans draw my attention.

  123. Laura H on August 21, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    Love the koziol ping pong lunch box! So cute!

  124. Jamesie on August 22, 2014 at 8:45 am

    I might just need to pick up the s’well water bottle for myself!

  125. Carla on August 22, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    The Squeezems reusable pouches

  126. Michelle on August 22, 2014 at 4:24 pm

    The Tovolo sandwich shapers are pretty cool!

  127. Shauna on August 22, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    Love the superhero thermos, and might have to get an extra for my husband!

  128. Margaret on August 22, 2014 at 6:56 pm

    I like the Swell water bottles, because they have the same shape as old 7-Up bottles (the glass ones…wow I’m old).

  129. Kayleen Gamo on August 22, 2014 at 8:29 pm

    i love the lunchbots !

  130. susan on August 22, 2014 at 10:30 pm

    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.

  131. Regina on August 24, 2014 at 9:55 am

    Love those vacuum insulated cans that look like soda. How clever!

  132. Cat on August 24, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    Those swell water bottles look amazing!

  133. Brette on August 24, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    Love lunchbots! My hands down favorite.

  134. Noelle on August 24, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    I love the Lunchbots Bento Box! Fun and great portion sizing.

  135. Sonja on August 27, 2014 at 10:02 am

    The cozy cans are awesome! Love the cloth napkins too!

  136. Sophia on August 27, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    Love the Swell bottle

  137. Stephanie S on August 27, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    I love the dinolicious cans!

  138. miranda on August 29, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    love the Sigg mini bottles

  141. Bill on August 29, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    I like the Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento

  142. Marva on August 30, 2014 at 8:00 am

    I love the S’well Water Bottles!

  143. Anne on August 30, 2014 at 11:11 am

    The Dinolicious drink holders are so cool!

  144. Lisa Lin on August 31, 2014 at 2:51 pm

    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!!!

  145. Deirdre on August 31, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    Loving the TinyMe reusable bags. Thanks for the chance to win.

  146. Jessica on September 1, 2014 at 7:20 am

    I really love the Lunchbots multi compartment bento box .

  147. Mona A on September 1, 2014 at 8:57 am

    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!

  148. Kimberly on September 1, 2014 at 9:25 am

    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.

  149. Molomatic on September 1, 2014 at 7:31 pm

    Love the Star Wars Superhero Thermos! My gal can’t get enough of Star Wars!

  151. gary on September 1, 2014 at 11:04 pm

    Vacuum insulated cozy cups

  153. MindyB on September 2, 2014 at 12:01 am

    The Neoprene Bento Sandwich Box!

  154. Kipp on September 2, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    LOVE the whale shaped sandwich cutter. My son is gonna gobble them up.

  155. Cynthia Richardson on September 4, 2014 at 2:06 pm

    My favorite lunch box accessory is the SIGG mini water bottle

  158. RICHARD HICKS on September 4, 2014 at 7:52 pm

    My favorite accessory is Superhero Thermoses

  161. Rosa on September 5, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    Love it all -especially the cozy can!

  163. Rosa on September 5, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    Like on facebook. 🙂

  164. Kathy Smith on September 5, 2014 at 6:56 pm

    The reusable sandwich bags!

  165. Sarah L on September 6, 2014 at 1:25 am

    I think the coolest one is the Lunchbots Multi-Compartment Bento.
    Thanks for the contest.

  166. Bryan E. on September 6, 2014 at 1:28 am

    Thanks for the giveaway… the Superhero Thermoses are going to be a big hit with comic book fans like my nephew.

  169. Sand on September 6, 2014 at 1:39 am

    I really like the S’well 9 oz water bottles.