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Average Ratings (from 39 ratings)
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Reconstructing Amelia ... a new release from Simon & Schuster :
4.45 out of 5 based on 39 reviews.

How well do you know your own daughter? And how far would you go to find out the truth?

A stunning debut novel told in alternating voices, Reconstructing Amelia is a story of secrets and lies, of love and betrayal, of trusted friends and vicious enemies – of how well a parent really knows a child and how far a mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she could not save.

Reconstructing Amelia, written by Kimberley McCreight, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available in paperback where all good books are sold for $24.99.  Also available as an ebook for $13.99.

Find out more about Reconstructing Amelia here.

In this review, mums received a paperback copy of Reconstructing Amelia.  Read their reviews below.


Published 20th May 2013


  • Definitely a book worth reading

    For a debut novel Kimberly McCreight has impressed me. I love reading and hate when an author clearly can't construct legible sentences or entertain the mind. This book is well written and gets the mind thinking all the way through. Not once was I bored or forgot what had happened when I did have to put the book down. The story stays with you from cover to cover. I just loved the way she wrote in two person view. Not many apple can pull that off. But the way Kimberly McCreight did it made it flow. It slowly pieced the story together from past and present views and mum and daughter views. The ending was a shocker but I had pretty much guessed what had happened just before the end.

    All round a FANTASTIC book to read!!!
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  • Fantastic book!!!

    I am loving this book!! Although I'm only halfway through I just had to write my thoughts on it now. The way the author has written in a two person view and jumping from past to present to cover what has happened and how it's lead up to the death of Amelia makes the story flow and allows you to become a sort-of detective yourself as you draw conclusions on certain things along the way. I absolutely love it and can't wait to finish it - if only these children would look after themselves so I never had to leave it!!! lol
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  • first early review

    Omg i cant put it down. Definitely a page turner. Make sure you have piece and quiet when you start. I cant wait to read the rest. The story line covers real issues. Im enjoying it as i have a daughter of my own. Tonight ill be snuggled up with this book in my mind going just one more page, hmm i wonder how many times ill say that.
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  • Lovely Book - Can't wait to finish it :) (First Impressions Review)

    Firstly, this was the book I chose to review as I felt I would be able to relate to it. I am a single mother with a young girl at home(also named Amelia) and so was drawn to this book from the very first moment.

    I love the way the story switches from both the mother and daughters point of view. It definitely makes it more interesting than other books.

    I am looking forward to finishing this book and posting my final review in the near future
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  • A good easy read

    Borrowed this book from a friend and am so very glad I did too, it was a very well written story.

    I loved the way you were given the chance to look at situations and events etc from more than just the one persons perspective.

    The story flowed freely and the plot was easy to follow and didn't deviate in its "flow" will be looking for more books by this author
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  • easy read

    i've now given this book to my friend and my mum to read... both have said, it was an easy read, an enjoyable read and both wouldn't hesitate to read another story from this author again, whereas may have passed her over before. i will continue to share this book with all and sundry and thank you for selecting me to be part of this review.. much appreciated.
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  • Reconstructing Amelia - Brilliant!

    I loved the way this was written to read in alternating voices, it makes for the most interesting read I have had in a long time. A very poignant and memorable story line! I recommend to anyone looking for a great read with a fantastic story line this is a must to add to your reading list you will not be disappointed!
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  • Good reading

    Having just finished this book, I've found myself thinking a lot more about my communication with my kids. I'd recommend this to family and friends for a good read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author. Whenever I finish a good book, I find it hard to find another book, it's been about a week since finishing & I've not been able to find one yet.....
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  • A Must for any Mum of a Daughter

    I Am half way through this book and are enjoying it a lot .....Gives you another reason to Hug your Daughter and understand them a little better...Will def look for more books written by this author.. It's a Very emotional read so far I def Recommend this novel to any Mums out there....You will enjoy!
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  • Makes mums of teens think

    Almost finished and I think I am dragging out the end, will have to bite the bullet and finish it. The story has been unfolding and at times its heartbreaking to think that it may have been different if the poor mum in the story had a bit more time for her daughter. Makes you think.
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  • Very easy read!

    Enjoyed this book when I requested it from the library. It was easy to get into and enjoyable and would definitely call it a "women's read'... I can't see my husband reading this!!!!
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  • so good

    This book is really really good, I really felt if engaged me a lot, I found It very difficult to put down, had to be reading it all the time, really annoyed the crap out of my hubby! which made it even better,

    very good story , would be happy to read it again!
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  • A good easy read

    Borrowed this book from a friend and am so very glad I did too, it was a very well written story.

    I loved the way you were given the chance to look at situations and events etc from more than just the one persons perspective.

    The story flowed freely and the plot was easy to follow and didn't deviate in its "flow" will be looking for more books by this author
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  • light read, very enjoyable

    I haven't read any other books byKimberly McCreight. I liked how the storyline was written, and it was a great read without having to sit and think too deeply. The relationship between the mother and daughter was so typical like today, you felt like you knew them and could easily relate. I borrowed this off a friend and she loved it and said she couldnt stop reading. I will keep my eye out for more books, and may start a collection.
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  • Couldn't put it down

    I wasnt picked to review this book but have just finished reading it after finding it in my Mum's collection.

    I loved it, it was one of those books that you couldnt put down. I love the way that you get to read 2 sides to the story and that they were clear. Sometimes when reading books from multiple perspectives its easy to get lost.
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  • friends opinions

    I have lent my copy of Reconstructing Amelia to 4 friends, 3 female one male, and interestingly all the girls said they could not put the book down, whereas the male friend found it dull and hard to read. I guess it means this one is for chicks!
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  • I really enjoyed it.

    Was not sure I would enjoy this book as I had never heard of the writer. I was wrong as soon as I picked it up I could not put it down, my first reading I read the book for two hours straight. Very easy to read and is a book that you can read without to much thought so a good relaxing read as well as entertaining. Liked how it goes back and forth between caractors.
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  • easy read

    i've now given this book to my friend and my mum to read... both have said, it was an easy read, an enjoyable read and both wouldn't hesitate to read another story from this author again, whereas may have passed her over before. i will continue to share this book with all and sundry and thank you for selecting me to be part of this review.. much appreciated.
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  • It was ENLIGHTNING!

    KUDOS' to Kimberley McCreight! This debut novel opened my eyes to how a seemingly normal, but high achieving adolescents life can go so terribly wrong. A decision made by her, taken into a few hands can destroy a life Psychologically and eventually take her life. It takes bullying into a totally different mind set. Riveting to the last page. :)
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  • Great easy read

    Thank you for the chance to read this book. It was a great book to read. The Author kept me glued for the whole book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. The book was well written and the writing flowed well. I would recommend this book to other mums. It is a book that can be read without too much thought.
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  • Definitely a book worth reading

    For a debut novel Kimberly McCreight has impressed me. I love reading and hate when an author clearly can't construct legible sentences or entertain the mind. This book is well written and gets the mind thinking all the way through. Not once was I bored or forgot what had happened when I did have to put the book down. The story stays with you from cover to cover. I just loved the way she wrote in two person view. Not many apple can pull that off. But the way Kimberly McCreight did it made it flow. It slowly pieced the story together from past and present views and mum and daughter views. The ending was a shocker but I had pretty much guessed what had happened just before the end.

    All round a FANTASTIC book to read!!!
    Did you enjoy the book?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    Would you read more books by this author?


  • Thought provoking.

    When I started to read this book I thought it would be a predictable ,low impact and uninteresting story.

    How ever, a few chapters into the story made me sit up and think that I must find out what happens from here.

    It is the story of the relaionship between a daughter and a single mother who believes she is doing the very best she can to give her daughter a good life and future. The book asks the question are material goods ,beauty and wealth necessary for a happy life. After reading this story you may change your attitude to this question.

    I reccomend this book as a good ,thought provoking read that was hard to put down.
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  • Reconstructing Amelia - Brilliant!

    I loved the way this was written to read in alternating voices, it makes for the most interesting read I have had in a long time. A very poignant and memorable story line! I recommend to anyone looking for a great read with a fantastic story line this is a must to add to your reading list you will not be disappointed!
    Did you enjoy the book?
    Would you recommend to a friend?
    Would you read more books by this author?


  • enjoyable read so far

    This book is great. I'm only half way through but couldn't wait to write my review. I have to read books that are enjoyable and move at a reasonable pace as I get bored very quickly. The characters are well defined and the book seems to be well written. The start of the book engages you right away. Its a simple read, not taxing at all so far.

    There is a little swearing which puts me off a little, but that's the story of thing I don't like. Im only half way through but will finish it.

    Give it a goid for sure :-)
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  • disappointed

    After such good reviews I was looking forward to reading this.

    However I just couldn't get into it, I forced myself to read half the book but for me it didn't get any enjoyable.

    I normally enjoy books that jump bak forth in time ...I think it was the use of swear words that put me off the most.
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  • Fantastic book!!!

    I am loving this book!! Although I'm only halfway through I just had to write my thoughts on it now. The way the author has written in a two person view and jumping from past to present to cover what has happened and how it's lead up to the death of Amelia makes the story flow and allows you to become a sort-of detective yourself as you draw conclusions on certain things along the way. I absolutely love it and can't wait to finish it - if only these children would look after themselves so I never had to leave it!!! lol
    Did you enjoy the book?
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    Would you read more books by this author?


  • final review of reconstructing amelia

    Wow wow wow, what a fantastic book, it will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. it really gets down to the nity grity of raising a teenage daughter. a real page turner i couldnt go to sleep without reading more znd more. even my husband picked it up and started reading it.
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  • bery useful when u r on stress

    I read this book great ideaKimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn’t a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn’t a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.

    Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day
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  • Good reading

    Having just finished this book, I've found myself thinking a lot more about my communication with my kids. I'd recommend this to family and friends for a good read, and I look forward to reading other books by this author. Whenever I finish a good book, I find it hard to find another book, it's been about a week since finishing & I've not been able to find one yet.....
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  • Lacked Sub Plot, but Good Pace

    This book finished exactly as I thought it would - all the loose ends tied up and a neat little package which had solid morals.

    Kimberly McCreight has used the different points of view of the characters really deftly and the jumping between time frames works seamlessly, but there wasn't a lot of depth to keep track of, so there wasn't a lot of distractions either. Her characters are entirely typical of a TV show (the bad girl, the mum who wants to be better, the absent father etc) so the world is entirely familiar the issues are those that anyone could relate to.

    Very much recommended for a quick read on holiday or if you are having a stressful day, then it's nice to jump in to a familiar story in an easy voice.
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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.

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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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