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Average Ratings (from 26 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
Would your child read other books in this series?
FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS- Simon & Schuster book review :
4.06 out of 5 based on 26 reviews.

FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS

by Brandon Mull

The launch of an exciting new fantasy series for 7-12 year olds. Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when he and his friends break into a spooky house with the scariest rep in town, it turns out to be the start of an adventure on a whole different level!

As his friends are mysteriously sucked away into another realm Cole dives in after them and finds himself in a magical place called The Outskirts. Made up of five kingdoms, The Outskirts lie between wakefulness and dreaming, reality and imagination, between life and death. It’s an in-between place. And once you find your way to the Outskirts, it’s very hard to leave…

MOVE OVER PERCY JACKSON, THERE’S A NEW HERO IN TOWN!

Available as paperback from your prefered book retailer for $14.99


Published 9th July 2014


  • Adventurous, intriguing and insightful into the pre-tween world.

    Looking at a boy with a glowing sword and a massive scorpion calls to you from the front cover, it calls out to you...Adventure! Epic Battles! Fantastical Creatures!

    From the very first words that jump off the page...'weaving down the hall, Cole avoided a ninja, a witch, a pirate...' Our imagination take flights! We are engaged! We meet our main character, we know it's Halloween, we meet his mate Dalton and we know about a girl-friend (emphasis) on the friend - Jenna. We are transported and already relating to the characters - our new friends.

    In the very first pages we get a sense of who Cole is, a very smart boy who may or may not have a little crush on this girl and to prove he's 'cool' like the other kids sets up to meet at the 'Spooky alley house'...but don't forget the haul of candy!

    For a group of kids in a haunted house on Halloween you know and feel something is going to happen. Even if you're too cool for trick-a-treating, don't really like that girl 'more' than a friend, cause you really want to hang...but also cause you're not afraid...You know you want to...Go on! Open that 'white door with a plain brass knob'...read on, you know you want to know what happens...go on I dare you!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Fun reading

    My eleven year old nephew absolutely loved this book. I bought it to encourage him to read now he wants to read more. Great fantasy book that is fun to read for kids and the young at heart. Brandon Mull writes in such a manner that you are drawn into a magical fantasy world.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Recommended book

    This is a great book for pre teens, teens and adults (I'm a kid at heart), anyone who enjoys fantasy mystery. Brandon Mull is a great writer and it's hard to put the book down once you start reading. He transforms you into another world so you enjoy reading. Great book to encourage children to read, that's why I gave it to my 11 year old nephew,
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Fantastic Five Kingdoms

    I have finally manged to pry this book out of my son's hand so that I could actually look at it! He ploughed through the book in records speed and then gave it to Dad to read as well - huge thumbs up all round in this household. Suitable for readers 9 to 99 and my nephew is currently reading it. Yes, we will be tracking down the series as it is a Fabulous adventure!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Just love it

    My son is just starting to read books and he couldn't put this book down it keep him on the edge of his sit, and he loved it that much he read it again
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Exciting reading for kids

    My daughter loves these types of books so was very excited to receive the book yesterday. Her first impressions after reading a few chapters is that the book is very exciting! She tells me so far she really likes the story which is about a boy named Cole. She didn't want to give all the details and spoil it for other readers but it starts with Cole and his friends going into a haunted house where they get kidnapped. Cole goes down a ladder to rescue his friends and finds himself in another universe. She couldn't wait to keep reading it today and took it to school for silent reading time. She recommends it for kids over nine.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Age has no limit when reading this book!

    I dared to drop into the darkness with Cole...and I was transported...engaged...and ready to see this adventure out with him. You are immersed with the need to help his friends, to learn more about the place that couldn't possibility exist - but it does and each word and each step that Cole makes, you need to know what happens next! Its a page turner and a tale twister! The immersion into this strange new world, the adventures he undertakes but with the final end game to rescue his friends always at the back of your mind. There is courage and determination and sheer luck on Coles part. You feel his sense of defeat of being sold as a slave, scared when he runs his first mission, relieved when he survives another day and that eventually he makes friends in a strange world.

    It's his story, that crosses with another character, to help him reach his end goal but to perhaps enable him to help someone else along the way. There is no guile to who he is or his lack of bravery, he is indeed an accidental hero but with a heart of gold that bonds you to him. To travel with him to rescue his friends, to help others along the way and to really live the adventure of the Outskirts! There are lessons to be learned in these books, that resonant outside of the covers of this magnificent novel.

    The imagination of the author, the detail and the ability to keep the reader engaged is a testament to his wordsmith. His ability to capture the imagination of young readers has branched out to capturing the imagination of a mother of two! I have been given the opportunity to revisit my childhood through this book, to read through the eyes of a male author (very rare for me) and to learn a little more about my pre-tween son's world of books and maybe find a common bond not just in reading by the adventures of these books with him.I cannot wait for the next book in the Five Kingdoms Trilogy: Skyraiders series. A need to know that Cole and his band of mismatched friends will complete their next quest, my curiosity of the world in which he is trapped in, what is shapecraft and if they can save his friends and topple the HighShaper! If you're not reading Brandon Mull, you need to get on it - NOW!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Best book I read my whole life

    Only received the book yesterday, Really like the book only read up to page 20 but so far awesome.
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  • Nephew is now reading

    I bought this book for my 11 year old nephew as a present, hoping he would develop a love of reading as his mother and Auntie have. He absolutely loved it and now I'm keen to borrow it and see what it's like. I will be tracking down the other titles in the series for Christmas presents.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Fanastic read..

    My 11 year old son loved this book. He can't wait for more to come out. Read it at night and also over the school holidays. I was very surprised that he wrote a book review about it at school as well. Told me doesn't wanna give to much away to me as he wants me now to read it. Gr8 book, thankyou for allowing us to read it and review it..
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Fun reading

    My eleven year old nephew absolutely loved this book. I bought it to encourage him to read now he wants to read more. Great fantasy book that is fun to read for kids and the young at heart. Brandon Mull writes in such a manner that you are drawn into a magical fantasy world.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Recommended book

    This is a great book for pre teens, teens and adults (I'm a kid at heart), anyone who enjoys fantasy mystery. Brandon Mull is a great writer and it's hard to put the book down once you start reading. He transforms you into another world so you enjoy reading. Great book to encourage children to read, that's why I gave it to my 11 year old nephew,
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Nephew is now reading

    I bought this book for my 11 year old nephew as a present, hoping he would develop a love of reading as his mother and Auntie have. He absolutely loved it and now I'm keen to borrow it and see what it's like. I will be tracking down the other titles in the series for Christmas presents.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • loved this read

    I really enjoyed the read of five kingdoms my son and nephew loved it also.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Good read

    I got Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders for my nephew who said he thought it a good book. Loving science fiction / adventure novels myself I was keen to find a book out there that catered to young kids so this was a great find. It's easy for them to relate to the characters and the story is interesting.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Great little escape for kids!

    My nephew loved this book and it was his first introduction to science fiction / fantasy adventure novel. Being a fan of this genre myself it was good to find something that I could surprise my nephew with. He found it really absorbing and intriguing and couldn't put the book down till the end. A great read for a ten year old! I wish there had been more young child friendly science fiction adventure novels when I was younger!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Fanastic read..

    My 11 year old son loved this book. He can't wait for more to come out. Read it at night and also over the school holidays. I was very surprised that he wrote a book review about it at school as well. Told me doesn't wanna give to much away to me as he wants me now to read it. Gr8 book, thankyou for allowing us to read it and review it..
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Great Older Child/Young Teenager Read

    I only got half way through the first chapter before my son lost interest but he is only 7 and if it's not star wars or Lego at the moment it's just not cool! I got through 3 chapters before I ran out of time to sit and read (I also have a 2 yr old and a 4 month old so reading time is few and far between) But from what i did read it was captivating, so I donated the book to my son's library and so far it hasn't touched the shelf! One of the students read it and now her mum is asking where she can find them!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Loved it!

    My ten year old daughter loved this book so much that she can't wait for the next one to come out! I've tried asking her about it but she doesn't want to give to much more away than I have in the previous review. She finished the book and said it was amazing. As stated previously probably better for kids over 9 or ten because of the content. She would definitely recommend this book for boys or girls.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Great Book

    This is one of those books that both tweens and parents could enjoy together. Love that there is strong female character and lots of twists and turns. I also like that it will carry on over several books in order to get to the other worlds!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • awesome read

    Finished book today is a great light read looking forward to the next adventure but still a great read for tweens
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  • Fantastic Five Kingdoms

    I have finally manged to pry this book out of my son's hand so that I could actually look at it! He ploughed through the book in records speed and then gave it to Dad to read as well - huge thumbs up all round in this household. Suitable for readers 9 to 99 and my nephew is currently reading it. Yes, we will be tracking down the series as it is a Fabulous adventure!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Just love it

    My son is just starting to read books and he couldn't put this book down it keep him on the edge of his sit, and he loved it that much he read it again
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Intriguing

    I found this book rather in ticking as now each evening I get time to sit down with my eldest daughter and read to her which is connecting us more, it's even better that it's a book that we can talk about together, I would define toy continue to buy this series and read with her.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Starts slow but does get better

    The first few chapters were a bit difficult to get into as the 'love story' is established and Cole gets through the shock of the new world, but from about the middle of the book onwards the writing smooths out into the adventure and the second half is a good easy read. Looks like this is the first of at least 5 books, so it is worth considering how your child will deal with waiting for the next book to continue the story (if they are more than 6 months apart then your child will probably outgrow the series before it ends).
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Kingdom Saviour and Scorpinan Lord!

    Even I was excited when we opened the package, with the cover catching our attention straight away. It seemed to be in line with the style of story my son enjoys, so off to his bedroom armed with snacks!

    After a speed read of the first couple of chapters - I left him to it! So far, so good as he hasn't put it down, so hopefully this will become a favourite for our family
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Is this a kissing story?

    I thought this sounded like a great book for my 9yr old, who loves fantasy stories, and devoured all the HP books and is a great little reader. Unfortunately the first few chapters started off with the lead character being romantically attracted to a girl, and my 9yr old son wasn't impressed. If your child is still in the 'girls are icky and gross' stage they may find it a little hard to get into. We haven't finished reading the book yet, as it only arrived a few days ago, so hopefully when we finish it we'll be able to give it a more positive review.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • A well written, engaging book aimed at the "tween" reader.

    I just got this book today and after reading two chapters was hooked!

    The language is simple and engaging and I will be interested to see what my 12 year old son thinks of the story line. I think, if he can get past all of the "words", that the plot will be one that is relate-able - boy likes cute girl, wants to be the hero and save her and his best mate - with enough twists and turns and excitement to keep him engaged and reading.

    I will keep you posted!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Exciting reading for kids

    My daughter loves these types of books so was very excited to receive the book yesterday. Her first impressions after reading a few chapters is that the book is very exciting! She tells me so far she really likes the story which is about a boy named Cole. She didn't want to give all the details and spoil it for other readers but it starts with Cole and his friends going into a haunted house where they get kidnapped. Cole goes down a ladder to rescue his friends and finds himself in another universe. She couldn't wait to keep reading it today and took it to school for silent reading time. She recommends it for kids over nine.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?


  • Can't wait to get into this book

    Thanks MOM for this book. We got it yesterday and my son is very excited to start reading it. He is 7 so not sure if this book is going to be up his ally just yet as it looks for kids a little older maybe 10+. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover but it draws you in. Can't wait to update everyone on our progress and happy reading!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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Topics

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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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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