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Average Ratings (from 131 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Quality colours and accessories
Stays chip-free for longer
Creates a professional gel nail finish
Quick and easy to use
Would you recommend to others?
Gel nails from ORLY SmartGELs :
4.4 out of 5 based on 131 reviews.

Nail bar perfect gel nails at a fraction of the price? Now that’s smart thinking.

Introducing ORLY smartGELS™

If you’ve been wondering about gel nails or have had gel nails from the nail bar, you are going to love ORLY smartGELS™.  And thanks to ORLY smartGELS™, some very lucky mums will have nail bar perfect nails right in time for Christmas!

Revolutionary at-home nail gel technology that gives you up to 3 weeks of gorgeous nails… high gloss and chip free. ORLY smartGELS™ innovative gel manicure system offers you everything you need to create and remove a salon quality gel manicure at home at an affordable price.

In the ORLY smartGELS™ review, mums will receive:

  • A 39 bulb LED light with a timer for extra fast curing $99.95
  • A Starter Kit which contains the items required for application and removal, including; a primer, base+top coat, remover and tools $79.95
  • A selection of smartGELS colours worth $23.95 each

ORLY smartGELS™ starter kits, LED lamps, colours and accessories are exclusive to: ORLY

 


Published 12th December 2012


  • i loved the colours, i loved that it gave a great finish without having to leave the house, i love that it didn’t chip like normal polish. I wasn’t too impressed with the start up price that included buying the lamp, top and base coats etc. I would still recommend to those who are time poor.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • love longer wearing polish

    i like to paint my nails, but have trouble keeping it on but when you read the benefits of this product: Revolutionary at-home nail gel technology that gives you up to 3 weeks of gorgeous nails… high gloss and chip free, who wouldn't want to try it? it does work even for me!!!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Fantastic product!

    Orly nail gels is fantastic guys - you can believe everything they say about the product. It's easy and quick to do, lasts for longer (well put it this way - your nails grow faster then this stuff chips off!) and the colours and finished look is great. Highly recommended - I will definitely be buying again!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Thank you for my ORLY nail pack, the color's are great, dries pretty quick, the glittery ones feel smooth and not rough like some nail polishes. My daughter also has tried this and found it to be great, she likes the unusual color's, and the smooth feel even though it has glitter in it. All in all were pretty stoked with them and would recommend them.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • longlasting

    Ive just removed my colour after 3.5wks, and only because it had grown out too much. 3.5wks of colour on my nails...thats unheard of with traditional polish. I had oh cabana boy on, which is very noticeable with even the smallest chip. Im never ever going back to normal polishes again!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Wow wow great product

    I bit the bullet and made the purchase, and I don't regret it, great product and actually takes longer for polish to chip, as a mum my hands are constantly in water earthier bathing the kids doing washing, my hands are always in contact with something it's great that it works and. Love the color range.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • OMG this is just AMAZING!!

    I received my ORLY pack New Years Eve, the next day we were leaving for a trip overseas for 3 weeks. The whole time away I was wanting to get started with this! So now we are home, I got straight into it. Thinking that it would take me some time ( I am a bit slow at this sort of stuff!!) I got started, and WOW how simple is it. All up it took me just under 20 mins and my nails look amazing! I choose the 'Oh Cabana Boy' color and how stunning is it, my nails just look fab!! And they are Gels. Never in a million years did I believe I could do this, but I did and it is so simple. My 4 yo daughter sat and watched as I did it, 'oh mum you nails look beautiful!' What more could I ask for, beautiful nails done at home!! As yet, 2 days in, no chips or problems, only issue is I want to try the 'Haute Red'!! Will post again when I do a colour change in a few weeks. If your looking for glam nails with the benefit of doing it in your own time, this is for you, trust me! Coming from somebody with minimal 'nail painting' experience!! Thanks Mouth of Moms for allowing me to be involved in this, I think I am hooked!!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • classic colours

    well, ive finally had some time to try applying the polish. i decided to try the sheer nude. the step by step instructions made it so simple to follow. when you first open them up, it feels like theres 100steps, but as you progress through, it actually takes no time at all. i love that the lamp beeps at you to tell you when to change and then turns off after a minute. it really makes it fool proof (or mum proof for all those times when we get distracted with the little ones) i love that the whole process only took about 15minutes and i was able to wash my hands, do housework look after my daughter straight away. My nails feel stronger already. when i consider the price for buying a kit, whilst it seems alot, i can see that this would pay for itself in a matter of months. Ive had gel nails done at the salons before, and they usually cost approx $50, add to that my time, travel, and getting someone to watch my daughter, it adds up quickly. For a $200 kit, thats only four times using it for it to pay for itself. good bargain in my books.

    I tried the sheer nude colour today, which has a similar look to a french manicure. my only complaint is that the colour sample on the bottle made it look like a shimmering greyish colour, so i was surprised when it went on almost clear. i guess the name 'sheer nude' describes it really well though. the colour does look pretty, leaving my nails looking natural, just super shiny.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • perfect nail

    gel nails looks so stunning & gives a strong shape to nails i tried some of the colours & it lasts weeks.i really like this idea & all colours are beautiful.first i looked to my sis wearing these,& when i applied i was bit impressed by the colour changing feature.now i recommend these to all my friends.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • great gift

    I brought some of this Orly nail varnish for a teenage girl and it was hard to pick which one so I purchased a few colours so she can choose. It paints on well and is very glossy which makes it seem more of a luxury polish as though you have been to a salon to have it done.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Happy Chappy

    Great product they really don't chip and last a long time.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Not bad

    Not to bad. Did chip after only a couple of days. Love the colour range. A little on the expensive side.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • I can’t say how much I adore these as I am too busy choosing my next colour! Though they do take a little longer than just whipping out the old polish and lathering it on. It’s worth taking the time. If you take the time and put a little effort in, you will save time later. I have had a ton of people compliment me on my nails and beg me for the place I got them from
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Beautiful Nails

    I love these nail polishes, apart from all the incredible rich colours and tones, I found the consistency of the polish to be great, gives an excellent coverage on the first coat, only needing 2 to complete the look.

    The length of time they last without chipping is great too, I found that I didn’t need to change the polish for at least 2 weeks after using. i definitely recommend this product
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • i loved the colours, i loved that it gave a great finish without having to leave the house, i love that it didn’t chip like normal polish. I wasn’t too impressed with the start up price that included buying the lamp, top and base coats etc. I would still recommend to those who are time poor.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • No need to wait for your nails to dry

    I work at a beauty therapist and have worked the professional version of orly as well as using this one myself. I find is not quite as long wearing as salon gel polishes but is an excellent alternative to paying for fortnightly applications in salon if you don't ind a few chips here and there. There is no need to wait for your nails to dry afterwards, once its been cured with the led lamp, its on with whatever you need to do. You defiantly wound not go bak to using ordinary nail varnish after this.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Did a good job

    My sister got one of these for christmas and I was one of her guinea pigs. She got a range of colours so you could never complain about not finding a colour. It wasn't super quick and easy to use but in it's defense my sister is only just learning the technique. I would recommend to others as it would still work out cheaper then going for a manicure and paying top dollar.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Glossy Nails

    I love this product. it makes my nails looks amazing, glossy and chip free. I can do it at home but the result like salon quality. I'm really happy with this gel nails. Quick and easy to use but a little expensive. Will be buy more and recommend for others.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • was good

    Was great to use & wear I have brought about 6 different colour shades in his it is easy to apply & liiks good on beautiful colours & good lasting. Want to to buy more colours in this thats for sure I would reccomend it to anyone that's for sure give it a try u will like it.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • hello!

    this product is amazing, I love how easy it is to use and my girls really really like it too!

    very good product would buy use it over and over again any day!

    the colours are amazing and it lasts for absolutely ages and ages! I definitely will be getting this for

    chritmas gifts for my friends!!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • cute nails but took a bit of time

    I love nail polish and getting my nails done at a salon is like a luxury to me. When I tried these i found it took a bit of time to figure out how to apply them but once I got the hang of it the nails were lovely. I think that this is a good option for people who cant make it into a nail salon
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • I love my nails

    I have nice long nails the fact three to four weeks of beautiful ails is a plus. The beautiful choice of colours now with out reviews I would not of gone down this road ... But very happy I did ... My nails look beautiful. .. It's the bit of treating my self I allow do smoke drink go out very much .. But I do like beautiful nails ... My feet are next..
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • so many awesome colours, stays on for a long time!

    I love these nail polishes, apart from all the incredible rich colours and tones, I found the consistency of the polish to be great, gives an excellent coverage on the first coat, only needing 2 to complete the look.

    The length of time they last without chipping is great too, I found that I didn't need to change the polish for at least 2 weeks after using.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • a little pricey

    i loved the colours, i loved that it gave a great finish without having to leave the house, i love that it didn't chip like normal polish. I wasn't too impressed with the start up price that included buying the lamp, top and base coats etc. I would still recommend to those who are time poor.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • love

    i really loved the gel nail produts i have used alot of different product be for but this one is my favourite easy to apply goes on smooth & did last a lot longer than others i have since brought a fair few different colours since seeing this nail gel. & my daughters like using it as well & i have got a few friends onto using it as well
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Love

    I have tried alot of different nail products but i can TRUELY say i love everything about this product from the range of colours and glossy your nails look and how fast your nails take to dry is super fast .the price is reasonable for the quality of the nail products.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • Not tried but sound good

    Sounds good product, nail colour in gel based and stays for more than 3 weeks, never seen a product like this. Love to try this , next time will sure buy the product from super market. Hope the lucky reviewer gets the products, eager to try this product. I love the idea
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • No more smudged nails!

    I can't say how much I adore these as I am too busy choosing my next colour! Though they do take a little longer than just whipping out the old polish and lathering it on. It's worth taking the time. If you take the time and put a little effort in, you will save time later. I have had a ton of people compliment me on my nails and beg me for the place I got them from.
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • One of the easier ones to use

    It is one of the easier ones to use as it dries as fast as another brand that I often use. Orly smartGEL keeps my nails chip free for a longer duration though. It also has a good range of colours and I prefer non high gloss for 'daily' use
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?


  • love longer wearing polish

    i like to paint my nails, but have trouble keeping it on but when you read the benefits of this product: Revolutionary at-home nail gel technology that gives you up to 3 weeks of gorgeous nails… high gloss and chip free, who wouldn't want to try it? it does work even for me!!!
    Quality colours and accessories
    Stays chip-free for longer
    Creates a professional gel nail finish
    Quick and easy to use
    Would you recommend to others?

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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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

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  • 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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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