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Average Ratings (from 170 ratings)
Overall star Rating
How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?
The Kidstore :
4.33 out of 5 based on 170 reviews.

As mums, we’re always on the lookout for great fashion buys for our kids – whether it’s a cute pair of shoes, some practical pants or a perfect party outfit, we love to shop!

Which is why we’re excited to announce The Kidstore review … the review where we’re sending mums shopping for their kids at The Kidstore and then asking them to rate and review their experience.

The Kidstore is about great designs for real kids.

From newborn to primary school children, The Kidstore delivers fashion and quality, in a vibrant and friendly environment.

In-store now, the summer collection features; bold prints & colours and classic spots and stripes – all designed to be mixed and matched.

Key items for the season include graphic tees, shorts, shirts, dresses and swim wear, perfect for party or play.

Don’t forget to check out The Limited Edition Kidstore Kids while you’re in-store – at only $15 each, they are the perfect companion for some summer fun!

kidstore kids

The Kidstore makes shopping easy for mums with in-store play areas to keep the kids occupied and having fun while you shop.

The Kidstore has something for every kid with sizes ranging from 0-12yrs and prices from $10 – $60.

Stay in touch with The Kidstore and find out more …

Sign up to The Kidstore newsletter right now you will automatically receive 25% off your first purchase.

“LIKE” The Kidstore on facebook …

Or follow The Kidstore on Instagram @the_kidstore

Discover locations around Australia, fun activities for children and view The Kidstore range here.

 Find out more about The Kidstore review team …

In The Kidstore review, mums selected received a $40 voucher from The Kidstore and we asked them to shop at their nearest store for an outfit* (or two). Once mums have shopped at The Kidstore we’re asking them to post their reviews and ratings on this page.

Applications to review are now closed. If you’re not already a member and would like to receive invitations to review other products, you can join here.

In the meantime, like MoM on facebook to keep up to date with our product reviews!

 *Excludes toys, books and accessories

kidstore logo


Published 21st November 2013


  • Just as good as bardot junior

    This is one of my favourite store that I love shopping at for my daughter. At one stage I bought every girls cardigan they had and not only is affordable but it comes with cute price tags. There was an animal print pant they had at bardot junior that costed around $60 but I found a similar pair that almost looked identical at the kidstore for $20 you'll find so many good stuff
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • 5 months on...

    I received a voucher for the kidstore just before chrissy. I am so impressed with these clothes! No fading, piling or coming apart! Very well made, will shop here again and again. Also super cute clothes!! I highly recommend this store .. You and your little one will not be dissapointed!
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • gorgeous range!

    Such a large variety for both genders, Gorgeous modern looks for our kids to wear not to mention thequality of all things I buy from the kidstore is exceptional for the price. Even after many washes and soaks the colour is still vibrant and looks still new. Recommend them to all my parent friends!
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • great range of clothing and great service

    i loved bright colours and good quality of clothing at kidstore it's different and practical which is pretty rare these days I think. the service was really good too, return policy and help from a shop assistant was excellent. my daughter loves her outfit and wants to wear it everyday.
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Worn and washed

    My daughter has now worn her brand spanking new clothes from the kidstore. What great quality! They have been washed and ready to wear again. They washed well and have worn well. No complaints here! Really lovely quality of clothing! We will be back to shop again and again. Thanks The kidstore!
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
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  • Exceptional customer service, wonderful products & lovely fresh store!

    I was very impressed by the customer service I received in store along with the product knowledge and returns policy. My nephew loves his new outfit and toy, just when I thought the little bloke couldn't get any cuter... This outfit brings it out all the more! Thank you for allowing me to review your gorgeous store and products! Looking forward to shopping there again!- (I have gorgeous photos, but unable to post them as the website tells me they aren't photos...)
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Super cute fashionable kids wear

    I have never heard of the kid store before so when I got there I was surprised that the kids clothes were high quality had great prints and very affordable they had a sale on when I was there 25-30% off so I brought 3 jump suits and a tee for my little boy and love there clothing now will be buying from there more often
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • kids store web site

    when looking around the kids store web site there were very limited items for you to have a look at before going into there store 2 dresses for girls along with a swim set baby's were one set and boys were limited to i be leave they would benefit if they were to expand what they advertise on there web site this would encourage people to check there store out. if they were to add more products on there site and have a person on there where you could mix and match clothes on them this would be great and when you go to the store you would have a fair idea of what you are going to purchase i really enjoyed my review experience and loved having the chance to view the kidsclothes store i will be recommending this store to friends and id happliy go back and shop there again
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • the kidsstore

    when i was in the store we looked around had great customer service i loved there display of the toys and the prices were cheap what took my eye was the two skipping ropes wrapped in plastic with good quality cotton rope brightly colored purple and green with wooden handles these where on a stand at the entrance of the store it is an eye catching display. the cost was a reasonable price $9.95 for two great quality skipping ropes my children will love Christmas morning when they check there stockings as they love to be out side
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • highpoint kids store melbourne

    when i was in the store earlier this week we looked around had great customer service i loved there display of the toys and the prices were cheap what took my eye was the two skipping ropes wrapped in plastic with good quality cotton rope brightly colored purple and green with wooden handles these where on a stand at the entrance of the store it is an eye catching display. the cost was a reasonable price $9.95 for two great quality skipping ropes my children will love Christmas morning when they check there stockings as they love to be out side
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Fantastic clothing :)

    Great designs & good prices too for all my children :)
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Great quality reasonably priced.

    I would have loved this review! I love Kidstore clothes, they're excellent quality, reasonably priced and they have pieces that are just a little bit different. Their sizing is spot on and their sales are great too. The clothes we do own have washed and worn well. Highly recommend although my experience with sales staff is that they very eager.
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
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    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
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  • Lke it

    Lke it
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Love it

    Love the kidstore, would love for them to have more shops and closer to home as it would become a regular for me
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • So cute and funky

    I love The Kidstore. I went in there quite by accident one day and it was one of my best mistakes. They have a great range of funky clothing without being trashy and too over the top for little ones. They also have a great range of non toy gifts. We have purchased many a present at The Kidstore.
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • just love them

    wow what a place to do your kids clothes shopping, they fit my kids and my kids love them, price is great so i able to buy heaps of clothes and i have told my friends and family to go do there kids shopping i have brought heaps for xmas. the clothes are comfty and my son plays rough and no holes in and they wash well as well
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
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  • great styles

    wonderful place to shop. lots of range and choices that i could choose but best of all there are sizes available. its hard to choose because there are so many but categorizing each and every thing made is really easy and accessible. its a great atmosphere that the whole family loves and adores and kids have so much fun and get excited with all the products in store. great great great is what i would say truly!
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • was sad to see fountain gate store close

    I worked across from the the store at fountain gate and I loved the clothes that they had. Great quality and beautiful colours. The only downside to this store was it's price. It was more expensive at times than bardot kids or pumpkin patch but although their clothes are great they aren't of the quality of those stores. In saying that I did find quite a few cheaper things there and miss the brightness that the store brought to the centre.
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Good option for kids clothes

    I've found some great things here for the kids!
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
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    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
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  • Just as good as bardot junior

    This is one of my favourite store that I love shopping at for my daughter. At one stage I bought every girls cardigan they had and not only is affordable but it comes with cute price tags. There was an animal print pant they had at bardot junior that costed around $60 but I found a similar pair that almost looked identical at the kidstore for $20 you'll find so many good stuff
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • Beautiful, stylish & affordable kids clothes

    This was my first ever visit to The Kidstore & finally I've found a store that is inexpensive but good quality near designer for my babies!
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • love it. bright happy colourful!

    Love how happy and playful this stores clothes are. They have a gteat selection of boys funky clothes. And a great size range. Love all the great gifts in store too!
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Cute

    I found the store great, it had a lot of variety
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Out of my price range

    I didn't get chosen for this but found The Kid Store very expensive so whilst I didn't buy clothing which I must say looked of good & high quality I bought 2 little dolls for my 2 nephews so hopefully they will like them. There were some items on sale but nothing stood out & still too dear for my budget :)
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • Hit and Miss

    As the title states. I have been able to find a few great items for a reasonable price, but most items are over-priced and do not look or feel that great. I would even go as far as saying some pieces of clothing look like they have way too much frills and print on them that they look cheap.
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • poor

    My daughter got given some tee shirts from the kidstore it was cute but after the first wash it stretched out of shape marks on the shirt that i can get off other clothing of my daughters didn't come out, Also colour faded after one wash . Also i find it on the expensive side the material is quite thin and the clothing has quite a funny smell to it and you can smell it when you go in the store it smells almost of some like a chemical in the clothes. Sorry but compared to other stores it is on the expensive side considering the quality
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • personally its pricey.

    I love the style in the kidstore.. but for me on a strict budget.. its out of my price range which is a shame because not many stores have a variety for boys.. if I had money most definitly would shop here all the time.. I cant justify spending 60 dollarsuick
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
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  • Kidstore in Mornington is THE BEST

    I love the Kids Store. I bought all my babies clothes there and they were so lovely and such great qualitiy. After many many washews, they kept not only their shape but also their vibrant colour. I also love the designs. I find them old fashioned yet modern at the same time.
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
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  • Quality of clothes are excellent!

    This is a follow up review for the Kidstore.

    After a few months of wear, the shirts I bought for my toddler are as good as new. The prints have started bright and not even begun to fade, although I do take care to dry inside out. They haven't lost their shape at all and still fits perfectly.

    If they can put up with a toddler at childcare, I would recommend their clothes to anyone who likes their clothes to last!
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore to others?


  • Affordable

    I purchased three gorgeous jackets for bub from The Kidstore, and i love them all. I've received so many compliments for them every time bubs wears them. Also, even after going into the wash a few times they still maintained their quality which is fantastic as i know that bub can wear them over and over especially with winter coming.
    How would you rate your experience in The Kidstore?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for choice of clothing?
    How would you rate The Kidstore for quality of clothing?
    Would you shop at The Kidstore again?
    Would you recommend The Kidstore 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.

    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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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.

    Reply

  • 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

    Reply

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

    Reply

  • 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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