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Average Ratings (from 153 ratings)
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AIRLINE Reviews, Ratings and Recommendations :
4.25 out of 5 based on 160 reviews.

As mums, it’s often up to us to plan the holidays … and do all the bookings!

Whether it’s the destination, the accommodation or the airline, there’s nothing better when you’re making your decisions than reviews, ratings and recommendations from people just like you.

In this review, we’re asking you for your AIRLINE Reviews, Ratings and Recommendations.

Whether your experience was good, bad or outstanding, we want to hear all about it.

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So … when it comes to AIRLINES … which one would you fly again? 

Which one would you recommend?  Which one rates highly with you?

 

*Reviews over 50 words with all star ratings complete will be automatically entered into the draw to win a $200 Prepaid VISA card. Entries open to 31 December 2015. Winners will be advised by 21 January 2016.

Published 30th October 2015


  • Love Emirates!

    I flew Emirates to the UK for the first time recently and to say I was impressed was an understatement.
    I was flying without my husband, but I did have our 18 month old in tow, and so I was extremely apprehensive about how the flight would go.
    From check-in to the moment the plane touched down, the staff were so welcoming, helpful and accomodating. They did everything they could to make the journey as comfortable as possible, especially on descent when my little one’s ears were becoming problematic.
    I couldn’t be more appreciative of the Emirates team and look forward to flying with them again.

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  • Yes to Qantas!

    Qantas is my preference for International flights. I love that meals are included in the price, escpecially if you have multiple flights in one day or a long flight. I have found Qantas staff to be professional and approachable. I like that it is an Aussie Company providing incomes to plenty of Aussies around Australia and abroad. I have recommended Qantas to friends and family already because i honestly have enjoyed all my flights with them so far.

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  • Virgin

    I’ve flown with Virgin a number of times and compared to the other airlines I feel it’s value for money. Especially compared to the other domestic airlines. It has Comfortable seats with sufficient leg room. Friendly, courteous attendants. Prices are usually pretty competitive. Not as expensive as Qantas and much more comfortable than Jetstar.

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  • Qantas

    Qantas is and has been my airline of choice for years. Always top service, comfortable seats, good amount of room, accommodating to families and amazing when an unexpected disruption occurs.

    I was homebound from Hong Kong to Sydney and there was a major Cyclone that was about to go over the top of us – category 5! We were on standby at the airport to try and get an earlier flight home – they got us on the flight at no extra charge. We boarded the plane to go and unfortunately due to weather had to get back off the plane as the weather had escalated faster than expected. We ended up we had to spend the night sleeping in the airport. They staff were amazing – giving us pillows, blankets, water, food. They checked on us throughout the night. The next morning we were given food and drink vouchers and they kept us fully updated on what was happening and when our departure might occur. We were boarded as soon as possible and left Hong Kong on the first flight out. I can’t speak highly enough of their professionalism and care in a scary situation. I will always choose them as first choice when flying.

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  • Scoot

    Despite being the budget airline, the plane we board from perth to singapore was a big airplane and comfortable. I definitely will fly again with flyscoot

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  • Virgin Australia

    I just flew from Melbourne to Perth and could not have asked for better service from the time I booked to the time I walked out of the airport. Highly receommended

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  • Scoot airlines

    We flew with Scoot when they first began operation – the flight from Sydney to Singapore was only $99! I would definitely recommend them, for a budget airline they provided great service, and there was actually a little bit more leg space than AirAsia. They often have sales so keep an eye out!

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  • Qantas Airlines

    We recently flew Qantas from Adelaide to Sydney return and had a fabulous experience. I am in a wheelchair so was boarded first with my family and and all organised before other passengers were boarded.
    Then assisted off at the other end. The hosts/hostesses were fantastic and nothing was to much trouble, this appeared to be the case for everyone on the plane. When arriving in Adelaide there was a bit of a mix up with my wheelchair, but nothing was to much trouble and the staff even once sorted assisted us to our taxi. Would definitely fly Qantas again.

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  • Celebrity Chef

    An extra reason for loving Singapore Airlines came up the other day when I was discussing airlines and airline food with friends. We had Gordon Ramsey food on the plane and it was such a wonderful treat and the food was simply wonderful. Everyone complains about airline food but I have to say it really was wonderful and we looked forward to every meal and every snack.

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  • Singapore Airlines and Allergies

    Singapore Airlines also gets my vote for best overseas airline because of the caution and care they show to people with allergies. We were given 5 start treatment for allergies and they made sure there was no way that a particular allergen was on board the plane. They even provided individual customer support. Reassuring and comforting when on a plane and dealing with life threatening allergies.

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  • Qantas

    I have never flown with anyone else. For over fifty years they have provided quality service. Great staff. Its always a relaxed and enjoyable flight.

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  • Virgin Australia

    The first time I flew with Virgin Australia I was 21 and it was the first time travelling without the parents internationally. Virgin Australia were newly flying Internationally at this stage so it was a bit nerve-racking to say the least!
    But none-the-less, they were the cheapest airline carrier to America..

    We were thoroughly impressed with their service and everything they had to offer to us (My boyfriend and I). We came back to Aus raving about them!

    And now, with the change of Virgin to serve food and the like, we only fly with them Nationally! The smaller planes are not as delightful as they are the older planes without a TV – But in saying that we only have had this plane once on the Red-Eye when all we did was sleep! So I guess a win-win!

    Would definitely recommend nationally or internationally! They are a great carrier with lovely, helpful staff!!

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  • Only positive with Jetstar....the hostesses

    Paid for insurance on our flights in case we had to cancel. Didn’t realise there were conditions, plus $100 fee to make a claim. Hubby ended up having to cancel due to a beloved pet becoming sick and dying. This is not a good enough reason to cancel, no refund. To keep our money, we had to rebook, even though we have no future travel plans. Couldn’t rebook for the price we paid either, even though booking is 6 months away. Had to pay the difference between what we paid and the full price fares :/ only good thing about Jetstar is the hostesses. They are lovely, nothing is too much trouble. Flying Virgin next time

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  • Another perfect journey

    Just before Christmas we flew to Hobart from Melbourne with our 2.5 year old and our 9 month. I was nervous about the trip to say the least. But, we flew Virgin and the whole experience was amazing. We were made to feel so welcome both at the terminal and on board and the staff were very accommodating; offering to warm bottles and giving toddler extra snacks. The only airline we will fly with kids!

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  • Yes to Qantas!

    Qantas is my preference for International flights. I love that meals are included in the price, escpecially if you have multiple flights in one day or a long flight. I have found Qantas staff to be professional and approachable. I like that it is an Aussie Company providing incomes to plenty of Aussies around Australia and abroad. I have recommended Qantas to friends and family already because i honestly have enjoyed all my flights with them so far.

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  • Quantas

    Excellent service! Every time my family fly with them they go out of their way to make sure we are comfortable & have everything we need. I have mobility issues & every flight has been made as smooth and easy as possible. We don’t feel like they are put out by us at all. I recommend them to everyone

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  • Emirates Airlines - fantastic!

    I flew Emirates from Sydney – Lisbon via Dubai in August with my almost 2 year old. We booked a seat for him so we would have space to spread out which was a great idea.
    The staff were all very friendly, with some offering to take my son for a cuddle so we could have a break. The little one refused of course!
    Kids meals were served first, with plenty of snacks that could be saved for later.
    They also provided a baby amenities kit – wipes, bib, disposable change mat, baby lotion.
    The kids toys were also great – a snuggly blanket in its own plushy character carry case and activity sets.
    The staff also have a Polaroid camera to take photos during the flight.

    Overall a great experience with the staff and inclusions for kids. Would recommend and would fly with Emirates again!

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  • Emirates. A different experience

    I have never flown Emirates before, usually I prefer Qantas when flying long distances, however my travel agent too free reign and booked these guys instead. I was actually quite impressed with them in the end. They are punctual, pleasant, food is not bad, spacious (not a full flight from europe to dubai) and generally all ’round a great airline. Thumbs up

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  • Qantas is still the best

    It’s been a while since I took a Qantas flight (about to lose my silver status), but earlier this month I had to travel to Dubai for work. I am reminded of why Qantas is my preferred airline. Staff are friendly, planes either modern or modernised. Food is not terrible, economy seats a little too small for my liking. Flying home with them always makes me feel like I am on Australian territory before I arrive.

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  • Virgin. You'd think it was their first flight

    Before Jetstar was on the scene, Virgin used to be a really competitive airline, with value for money. Not any more. Not only are they hardly the cheapest anymore, but their service is just appalling. I recently took a flight from Sydney to Melbourne that was delayed FOUR hours. They didn’t even offer me a drink. The worst part was that they had known since the night before (i.e., 15 HOURS!) that my flight would be delayed, and they made no attempt to contact me to prevent me arriving at the airport 4 hours early! The food and the staff are not that any more either. Would no longer recommend.

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  • QANTAS

    I’ve flown both domestically and overseas with Qantas and I must admit that they are my favourite to fly with. The staff are great, the planes are comfortable and dont feel as squashed up as some of the other airlines and they always have a great range of refreshments. I’ve also enjoyed earning frequent flyer points both through flying and with Woolworths, so this has saved me money on flights also.

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  • Hawaiian Airlines

    Fantastic service and extras on other airlines are standard in the cost of the flight. I have used them not just to fly to Sydney but also as my airline of choice to fly to mainland America, it might take longer but the economy of scale of using them outrages the others. Plus their reward system is fantastic and you see excellent returns if you can get to the next level.

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  • tiger value for money virgin is also great

    we love to travel so i am always looking for a bargin in australia and overseas. Here in australia I always find great deasls with tiger and Virgin. Tiger is cheaper , if we go to QLD i bring some snacks for the kids and in 2hrs we are in coolangatta. Each time i get to the terminal it is quick and easy to get through. the last 2 times we travelled did not have to wait, everything was on time. Crew were great and friendly. Our bags arrived with us to our destination!!seats are comfortable. On return, checked in got our seats and did not wait too long .
    When flying with Virgin i also have have a great time. Seats are abit roomier but for short distances this does not phase our family. On cheaper tickets no food but once again does not worry us as i will be bring a snack for a 2 – 3 hr flight. Staff are helpful and flight went roughly on time. I will continue to fly both airlines. I get emails so keep up to date and plan early not to miss out on great deals around Australia and overseas. Look at my emails for a bargain.

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  • Flying a lot, leg room please!

    I often fly Jetstar, Virgin and Qantas interstate 6-8 times a year with my daughter. Biggest problem for me is my height and the legroom of my seat. Often my legs touch the chair in front and if they recline I’m in trouble because I pretty much get stuck. How can no airline provide ample leg room? Traveling with a child I’m never given the seat near the exit. Why are we always pushed down the back? My daughter is 5 and doesn’t cry or complain. I think airlines should put kids near the front to exit early. It’s the waiting that makes them anxious. Might be easier to fly superman style sometimes LOL

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  • Emirates

    I try to book with Emirates every time we fly from Syd to Chc especially when I fly with my kids as they love it. My son never gets sore ears when he flies with Emirates and the flight attendants are so great with the kids! I especially love how they bring out the kids meals first and provide activity packs for them. Knock on wood but we have been so lucky that there have never been any delays. You get 30kgs checked backage plus 10kgs hand luggage, whats not to love? The prices are also reasonable. Love flying Emirates!

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  • Thai Airways

    I flew from Sydney to London via Bangkok and was delighted with the cleanliness of aircraft, politeness of the crew. My first impression was a feeling of welcome, especially when seated and found a delicate white orchid tucked into the back of the seat in front. The service was impeccable, the food was attractively served and delicious and the drinks were cold. Flight was on-time and boarding and disembarkation was hassle free.

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  • Virgin Australia On Time Performance

    I regularly choose to fly Virgin Australia. My usual consideration is Price, Timetable, In Flight Service, On Time Performance. Virgin Australia consistently lives up to my expectations. My only minor criticism is the included snack, which I find is not always appropriate for the time of day or drink option ie two choices would be appreciated – snack pack with cold beverage & cake with hot beverage. Only a suggestion!

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  • LAN airlines

    LAN airlines mostly flies the south american route. We used this airline a lot to fly to and from Australian in the last couple of years, as well as domestic flights within south america. They are well priced, the stewards are nice, the food is not bad (some dishes are a bit awful, but we flew sooooo much with them). The planes are mostly modern – though they really could move to putting individual tv screens in their domestic planes. Overall, I’m quite happy with them.

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  • Aussie accent you can bottle

    I love jumping on a qantas plane on my way home from any destination. The accent alone makes me feel like I have already come home before leaving the airport. The stewards are mostly friendly (some shockers occasionally) and helpful. The food is quite good. The chairs ARE FAR TOO CLOSE TOGETHER, so it really does feel like cattle class, and the tickets are far too expensive what you get, but I’d still recommend them.

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  • Qantas still has it

    I recently travelled to New York with Qantas and I super impressed. The service was brilliant from purchase of ticket to check in and then the flight itself. The cabin staff were amazing. I was travelling with my sister niece and daughter and they made us so welcome and comfortable. On the way home my daughter had a little illness and they were fast to respond and took wonderful care of her. I always feel safe flying Qantas and they are.my airline of choice.

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The right lunch box helps keep little humans nourished while making life a lot easier for mums and dads! So to help you find the perfect one faster, we’ve put the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia in one handy spot.

Kids’ lunch boxes have come a very long way. No longer just plastic boxes for toting treats, they’re now durable, washable, droppable and best of all, easy for kids to use. There are heaps of different styles to choose from, and if you head to the bottom of this article, you’ll find more information on what to look for, how to choose the right one for your child, and even what to put in it!

Whether you’re after a colourful lunch box to match that new drink bottle, or a machine-washable option that saves you time, there’s something in our shortlist for every type of foodie.

The Star Patrol Mini Lunch Case.
The Star Patrol Mini Lunch Case. Image: The Somewhere Co.

Lunch Box Comparison Table

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to lunch box shopping, check out our comparison table below as a handy guide. (Use the bottom slider to see all brands)

The table below is a guide only. Products are subject to changes by brands.

MontiiCoB.BoxFrank Green Lunch ContainerYumboxSky Gazer Bentgo ModernThe Somewhere Co. MiniEcoCocoonBright Star KidsStuck On YouCountry Road ElysiaOmieBox
StyleBagBentoBoxBentoBagBentoBagBentoBagBentoBagBento
Colour variationsYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
MaterialFabric & aluminium liningPP & siliconeStainless steel & siliconeABS, tritan & siliconeFabric & PEVA liningBPA-free plasticRPET & aluminium foil liningStainless steel & siliconeFabric & insulation liningBPA-free plastic100% cotton canvas & insulation liningStainless steel, plastic & silicone
Start price$42.95$27.95$79.95$49.95$34.99$39.95$38$84.95$39.95$54.95$59.95$89.95
Loved for itsRoomy size & machine washable designCustom divider3-in-1 designPortion-controlled sectionsUnique designsRemovable sandwich dividerShoulder strapDishwasher-safe partsPersonalisationLeak-proof silicone sealInternal name labelStorage for hot and cold food
Mouths Of Mums Kids’ Lunch Boxes Comparison Table. (The products above are featured in our shortlist below.)

How to choose the best lunch box for school

When you’re searching for a kids’ lunch box, take the time to work out what will best suit their needs. If you make the right choice and invest in a quality one, it will last many years.

  • Box, bento or bag? If your child doesn’t like different foods touching, a bento lunch box is a great choice. Also, think about whether they prefer cut-up or whole fruit; a bento is better suited to cut food, while bags and boxes suit whole fruit. Bags are fantastic if you like to pack separate containers, like smaller bento or snack containers.
  • Freshness is a must – An insulated bag or box will keep everything cool and fresh until snack and lunchtime. But you can also get boxes that come with cold and ice packs. Remember, kids’ lunches often sit at room temperature for up to 5 or 6 hours before they’re eaten, so insulation and coolness are important. Check out how to keep school lunches safe in the heat.
  • Easy-to-clean design – Check if the box is dishwasher-safe, or for lunch bags, if they’re machine-washable.
  • Leak-proof – The last thing you want is a soggy mess at lunchtime, so if buying a hard lunch box, look for designs that are leak-proof with proper seals.
  • Child-friendly – Depending on your child’s motor skills and independence, you may need to start with a product that’s simple to open and close.
  • The right size – We tend to pack way too much in our kids’ lunches, so think about how much realistically you’ll need to pack for your child when choosing the size of their lunch box. You may also need to consider the size of their school bags.

12 Best Lunch Boxes For School Kids In Australia

Ready to get back-to-school sorted? From stainless steel gems to beautiful bentos, we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. So sit back and enjoy our curated Mom Guide of the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia.

Any included reviews come via the Mouths of Mums Facebook Page.

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags, $42.95

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags.

These award-winning lunch bags have sold over 200,000 units – and it’s clear to see why. The interior of each large bag measures 29cm x 23.5cm x 7.5cm, making them big enough to fit multiple containers and even many popular bento boxes. Each bag comes with an ice pack for up to eight hours of cooling – and you have a massive range of designs to choose from.

Pros:

  • Interior name label
  • Fabulous large size fits everything!
  • Comes with an ice pack for day-long cooling

“A vote for montii co lunch boxes, lunch bags and freezer bricks (they really do stay frozen all day!!” (Megan)

“Montii lunch bags are the best and the freezer brick can stay frozen for ages I forgot one day and it was still cold after 24hrs” (Sarah)

Where to buy it: MontiiCo, Lime Tree Kids


b.box 2L Kids’ Lunch Box, $27.95

B.box 2L kids bento lunch boxes.

Tired of apples not fitting in hard lunch boxes? b.box has solved this with its flexible ‘whole fruit holder’ that bends around the fruit rather than squashing it – genius! If you’re not keen on cutting up a fruit salad every day, this multi-compartment two-litre lunch box has handy homes for everything. It also comes with a gel cooler pack (a must for Aussie summer!), and it’s freezer-safe. Choose from a range of colours.

Pros:

  • Leak-proof silicone seal
  • Comes with a gel cooler pack
  • The square section is big enough for a regular sandwich

“B-box lunch boxes are the best…all parts come out so you can wash them super easy! So many awesome accessories available for them too!” (Kerrie)

“BBox lunch boxes are great and they fit in the large Montiico lunch bags. As someone has said, the ice brick that comes with it is amazing too” (Tash)

“I really like the B.Box lunch boxes.” (Kendal)

“Bbox is the winner in our community on repeat.” (Mums On A Budget)

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Woolworths, b.box


Frank Green Lunch Container, $79.95

Frank Green coloured lunch containers.

Got a Frank Green fan on your hands? This is the lunch box to match their drink bottle. It comes in a gorgeous range of colours suited to all ages and uses 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel and quality silicone lids. Monograms, bumper guards and ice bricks are all available separately.

Pros:

  • Leak-resistant design for mess-free travel
  • Comes with two microwave-safe removable containers
  • Customisable with your choice of bumper, ice brick and monogramming (at an additional cost)

Where to buy it: Frank Green


Yumbox Kids’ Compartment Lunch Boxes, from $49.95 

Yumbox Kids Bento Box shown in pink and purple options.

With the option of four, five or six compartments, it’s easy to see why Yumbox Bento Lunch Boxes are such a hit with Australian kids. They feature handy, pre-measured half-cup serving compartments to help pack a healthy lunch and contain absolutely no BPA or phthalates. Pop it straight into the dishwasher on the top rack for easy cleaning.

Pros:

  • Top rack dishwasher-safe
  • Includes five half-cup sections for portion control
  • Sections are labelled to help parents with a balanced lunch

Where to buy it: Biome, Yumbox


Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bag, from $34.99

Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bags.

If your little (or not-so-little) one wants a lunch bag everyone will comment on, this is it. Available in a range of stunning designs, they come with a long and strong handle and easy-use zippers. But good looks aside, what’s winning heart about these is their capacity – they hold up to seven litres of food!

Pros:

  • Water-resistant
  • PEVA internal lining
  • Side pocket for a water bottle

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Sky Gazer


Bentgo Modern Bento Boxes, $39.95

Bentgo Modern Lunch Boxes.

After something a bit more mature? Bentgo’s Modern lunch boxes are a great option. They have a sleek matte finish in a choice of four stylish shades, including Mint Green, Orchid, Dark Grey and Navy. Each is cleverly designed with a removable divider that allows you to choose between using three or four compartments. Even better, they are leak-proof, microwave-safe and fine to pop in the dishwasher.

Pros:

  • Kid-friendly latch
  • Antibacterial silicone seal
  • Includes four large compartments

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Amazon


The Somewhere Co Mini Lunch Case, $38

The Somewhere Co. Mini Lunch Bags.

Colourful and easy to carry, these bags are insulated, eco-friendly and secure. It features aluminium foil lining that keeps food fresh all day long, and it comes with top-level carry handles and a shoulder strap, which is brilliant for those days when kids have a lot to tote. Choose from a range of styles.

Pros:

  • Roomy and stylish
  • Shoulder strap makes carrying easy (and great if schoolbags are too full!)
  • Zip-front pocket handy for cold packs or notes from mum

Where to buy it: The Somewhere Co.


EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Bento Lunch Box, $84.95

EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Lunch Box with a bagel and fresh food inside.

Large enough for the hungriest of school kids, this stainless steel wonder has a removable silicone seal in the lid to stop thick liquids from leaking. No more soggy anything! There are five handy compartments to make sure all of the food groups are ticked off, with a large compartment perfect for sandwiches, and smaller ones for snacks.

Pros:

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Every compartment is leak-proof
  • Easy to open and close (suitable for younger kids)

Where to buy it: Biome, EcoCocoon


Bright Star Kids Personalised Lunch Bags, $39.95

Bright Star Kids insulated lunch bags in a row.

Practical and customisable with your child’s name, these insulated bags tick all the boxes. You have a choice of five bag colours, and from there you get to choose from a huge range of designs and fonts to personalise it! Each comes with a mesh pocket for ice bricks, a top carry handle, a secure zip closure and enough internal space to fit a medium bento box.

Pros:

  • Machine-washable
  • Internal mesh pocket for an ice brick
  • With their name on it, you won’t need to visit lost property!

Where to buy it: Bright Star Kids


Stuck On You Large Personalised Bento Lunch Box, $54.95

Stuck On You Large Kids' Bento Boxes.

With a leak-proof silicone seal, these colourful lunch companions keep sauces and dips right where they belong. They come with six compartments, which convert to three for easy washing on the top shelf of the dishwasher. They’re free from any nasties and customisation with your child’s name – no more lost property, yay! Choose from box colours of Matte Navy, Pink Lemonade, Dusky Blue or Seafoam Green- if you can!

Pros:

  • BPA and phthalate-free
  • Top rack dishwasher-safe
  • Separates into three parts for easy cleaning

Where to buy it: Stuck On You


Country Road Elysia Lunch Pack, $59.95

Country Road Elysia Lunch Packs in pink and green.

Uber stylish and as roomy as can be, these contemporary bags are perfect for kids of all ages who prefer to pack several separate containers. It has a 100% cotton canvas outer, an insulated lining and comes with a super handy internal name label. Just as great for preschool as they are for high school.

Pros:

  • Easy-carry handle
  • Internal name label
  • Stylish design, great for kids who prefer muted shades

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Country Road


OmieBox Hot/Cold Bento Lunch Box V2, $89.95

Omiebox hot and cold kids' lunch boxes in pink and blue styles.

Finally, a kids’ lunch box that stores hot AND cold food in one place! Designed out of necessity by a problem-solving mum, the OmieBox encourages low-waste lunches and ends the need to use multiple clunky containers (which always get lost!). The spill-proof individual compartments mean no mixing of savoury and sweet, and the  280ml double-wall thermos keeps soups and pasta hot for up to six hours!

Pros:

  • Keeps food hot for up to 6 hours
  • Fabulous for ‘nude food’ lunches
  • Awesome carry handle for younger kids

Where to buy it: Biome, Woolworths


What to put in kids’ lunch boxes

Health professionals agree that kids need a good balance of lean protein, grains, fruit and vegetables throughout the school day. Skip the processed food and try to reach for whole foods that pack a punch in the nutrient department. Here are some great ideas:

  • Grilled chicken or turkey wraps with fresh salad
  • Crackers and vegetable sticks with healthy dips like hummus
  • Whole-grain pasta with cherry tomatoes and your choice of cheese
  • Zucchini slice cut into rectangles for easy stacking in an insulated box
  • Almond-meal slice with raspberries or blueberries – or both!
  • Vegetarian sausage rolls – these freeze well and make a great meat-free lunch when cold.

Top image: MontiiCo

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Do your kids hate sandwiches? Check out these 10 sandwich alternatives that dial up the YUM! 

  • That lunchbox comparison table is handy to have. It helped me make a decision on which lunchbox to buy next for my daughter who is starting kindergarten. I needed to upgrade her lunchbox but wasn’t sure which way to go. The table helped me with my decision. I ended up going with the BBOX and have found a cheaper lunch bag from a department store that it fits in.

    Reply

  • I do not know if anyone else has picked up on this or not, but every bag mentioned in the table above is a ‘designer’ brand. There are plenty of more affordable options that aren’t over $40. I have never spent that much on a lunchbox – even from Smiggle. The cheaper brands last just as well too.

    Reply

  • Getting ready for the return to school has started to kick in so this was a timely read. We have the yum box and i love it, it is so easy for my daughter to open and close on her own. I find the lunch cooler bags also a great idea however some days depending on what else needs to go to school, they can be quite bulky to include in the school bag. I need to do some more research this year as i like the idea of being able to watch it in the washing machine, that is a clever idea.

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  • Along with all of the other back to school products; there is also a good range of lunch boxes available for people to buy. It has been fun to see the wide range of bottles and lunch boxes that are available for the new year for school and for work.

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  • Lunch boxes have come such a long way since my eldest was a kid, he’s now 26! There’s really a solution to everything from food heating, cooling, dividers, pockets etc etc. Lunch boxes are a real fashion accessory and so on-trend these days. I personally love the Bento lunch boxes. They save on plastic and separate different foods.

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  • I am such a huge fan of Bento lunch boxes and Bento. Food should be so many wonderful things; including delicious, fun, colourful and nutritious too. Lunch is a favourite meal because the body is ready for some more calories and a boost of energy. Food looks so good in Bento lunch boxes.

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  • So so many fantastic options! We use the montii co ones for our kdis and swear by it. Its lasted 3 years so far and still standing strong, like new since the first day using it. They are so durable and i find cleaning them to be the easiest for us.

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  • There are so many great lunch box option out there indeed ! I’ve always liked the Bento style lunch boxes for my kids. It reduces the use of plastic lunch bags and packaged food which aren’t very good for the environment and it encourages to present a good variety of foods (which is not only better nutrition wise but lao to prevent our kids from getting bored with same foods all the time.

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  • There are some really fabulous options here. So many variations of colour, shape and size. I love the bento style lunch boxes, so handy to keep food separate and eliminate the use of plastic packaging. The machine washable bags are a great idea too. They can get grubby so fast, this would be so much easier to maintain

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  • This has gotten much easier since my kids hit high school – they have strong opinions about their lunch boxes, so I don’t have to think about it so much anymore! However, I am strongly in favor of bento style boxes regardless of their age. They’re easy to clean, easy to pack, and invite appropriate sized portions.

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  • Great article! Our kids are so lucky, when it comes to lunchboxes, they really are spoilt for choice. There are so many to pick from. Regarding sandwiches, my eldest son, used to hate sandwiches for school lunches. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered that he’d throw out his sandwiches in the playground bins. My son’s an adult now and he still hates sandwiches. He only likes “hot” lunches. So glad he lives on his own now and can make his own “hot” lunches just the way he likes them.

    Reply

  • This is an extremely useful article!! 2 schppl going kids and third starting kinder soon means we are always on the lookout for lunch ideas and lunch boxes. This is a great list with features and prices listed to make the search easier and help with decision making for purchasing of the lunch boxes

    Reply

  • This is super useful article and thank you. I can see so variety of lunch boxes from every store. Always wonder which one would be more convenient to use by little hands. I love some of these lunchboxes to give it a try for this year. And then decide to go with suitable ones

    Reply

  • Wow, lunch boxes have really come such a long way from when I was taking a lunch box to school. Feel old, like “back in my day”, but we were lucky to have options like are available now. While I like some of these designs, I feel like they aren’t super practical.

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  • These lunchboxes are beautiful but are they really worth the expensive price tag? I have been through so many lunch boxes and bags over the years and found the best it to use an insulated lunchbox bag with ice brick and use small containers to keep individual items fresh and assessable.

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  • I love the bbox lunch boxes. They are so reliable and tough when kids throw their bags around. Easy to wash and store. I have used the we can be tiny snackies at home too. The boys love choosing a certain animal shape. They wash well, are durable and great quality.

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  • My kids are old enough now to pack their own lunches and I am so happy to see the great choices they are making. They take left over meals, cook food in the morning to take and now I am confident they aren’t throwing away sandwiches! I do have the chilly bags for them, I find they fit better into bags

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  • Love our bento b.boxes. So easy to pack. I do however worry that they’re made of plastic, not metal….

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  • My daughter uses a bento box now for work and sometimes an insulated bag in summer, but when she was at school it was a rectangular lunch box with no compartments. It was very easy to wash each day, just the box and lid, and it could still be filled with rolls/sandwiches and snacks.

    Reply

  • Lunchboxes are so important these days. Back in my day it was a brown paper bag or the exact same lunch box that everyone else had and there were three compartments. Today its such a fashion statement and as much as the lunchbox itself is judged so are the contents.

    Reply

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