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Average Ratings (from 57 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?
Vicks Vaporizer :
4.53 out of 5 based on 57 reviews.

Preparing for the cold and flu season is essential, especially when you have little children. That’s why we’re so excited to bring you the Vicks Vaporizer review.

No mum likes to put their little one to bed when they’re unwell, especially when they’re having trouble settling because of a blocked nose or cough. All we want to do is provide some relief to our child so that they can get a good night’s sleep, and a Vicks Vaporizer can help with that!

For this review we will be sending mums the Vicks Warm Steam Vaporizer and Vicks Double Strength Inhalant, that helps provide natural cold and cough relief for the whole family.

Household heating systems in the winter and air conditioners in the summer can rob the indoor air of its natural moisture. The lungs and respiratory tract are dependent on moisture to function effectively. The Vicks Vaporizer helps provide appropriate humidity levels to keep respiratory systems moist and healthy and helps relieve the mucous associated with cold and flu symptoms.

The Vicks Vaporizer helps relieve the symptoms of nose and throat congestion, coughs and a parched throat by thinning mucous and draining sinus passages. This clears the nasal passages for easier breathing and relieves dry, scratchy throats. Using the Vicks Vaporizer overnight ensures sleep is more restful with gentle, natural steam therapy. You can also have peace of mind in this product, as it’s won the Trusted Brands award for the Most Trusted Vaporizer/Humidifier for 2 years in a row – as voted by the Australian public.

 

What features does the Vicks Vaporizer have?Image of Vicks Vaporizer for the Vicks Vaporizer Review

– Beneficial during times of colds and flu.
– Unique design to help avoid scalding
– Automatic shut-off
– Easy to clean
– Lock-on cap and nightlight
– 12-14 hour operation
– Full 5 year warranty
– Suitable for all ages

 

 

Where can I purchase the Vicks Vaporizer?

When stocking up and preparing your household for the upcoming cold and flu season, Vicks offers the ultimate in peace of mind in ensuring that you are ready. Find Vicks Vaporizers at Priceline, Big W, Amcal, Terry White Chemart and other leading pharmacies. See the full Vicks stockist list here.

More about this review

MoM Members have now shared their thoughts and opinions for our Vicks Vaporizer review. See if they rate this Vaporizer as the best in Australia below.

We love it when MoM Members send in video reviews too! See what a couple of mums thought about the Vicks Vaporizer here.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Inhalant sold separately.

What’s happening on Instagram?

#momreviewauvicks


Published 26th May 2020


  • Great for those stuffy noses

    For almost 10 years now I have been using a vicks vaporizer and it doesn’t let down. It helps our family during the stuffy noses and just makes us feel human again and get a good night sleep. A must have for your family.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • saviour during the flu

    This has been my saviour when I have had the flu, running cold, congestion in my chest, and head colds. It is so easy to use. Smells fragrant(due to the vicks), portable, and easy to store. I am super happy with this product. I have used this for 4 years and have never had a problem before giving it away. It is long lasting and value for money.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Essential

    Must have product in winter with young family

    Love it!
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Works wonders.

    I have owned a vicks Vaporizer for a little while now. I purchased mine when my little one was sick and had an extremely blocked nose, which no other products were helping. The first night using it was just proof of how amazing it was. My little one slept so soundly that night and could breathe through his nose. So for every sleep and nap while he was sick with a blocked nose we used it. We always have a better night sleep then what it was like dealing without it.

    Very simple and easy to use, it also has great safety features such as turning off when its finished and has a light on it so you know where it is while it is working its magic.

    Fairly easy to clean and packs away nicely after use.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Sleeping babies make this mama happy

    I’m back again as I’ve just uploaded my video. In a nutshell, I highly recommend as it really opens up their nasal passages and not be so congested. A sleeping baby makes me so incredibly happy. As a mum of four, when one gets sick it makes it’s rounds so if it can relieve at least one of my babes then it allows me the hands to tend to my other babes. I will be investing in a second vaporiser!
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • It works wonders

    The vaporiser arrived at the perfect time, my baby girl had the sniffles and it was the perfect aid to open up her airways and help her breathe easier overnight, resulting in a sound sleep. I would highly recommend and have already done so amongst friends and family.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Great

    We borrowed my mums as my oldest has asthma and we placed it into his room. He had the best nights sleep he told me the next day. He said he wasn’t having trouble breathing. He told me if we could get one to have in his room every night also. He said he found he wasn’t wheezy after using it and had so much more energy
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Missing my vaporizer

    I had a Vick's vaporizer for years and I really enjoyed it. However, when it needed to be replacing I decided to try a diffuser instead and have been regretting my decision ever since. You notice right away when you have your Vicks Vaporizer going in a room. Definitely helps little ones with stuffy noses I would recommend this product to everyone. Its perfect and relaxing for all ages
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Amazing for the winter months

    This Vick’s vaporiser is amazing for the winter months. It has that nose clearing Vick’s scent to it. Great as a preventative for colds. It keeps the airways nice and clear. It has a very calm and relaxing feel to it. Perfect for little ones, especially when they are unwell during winter.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Brilliant!

    We’ve been using this since we received it and I’m loving it. Although it is a little difficult to clean, it’s easy to use, the inhalant works a treat and smells so nice. It also doesn’t get too hot and creates the perfect amount of steam. I feel like it definitely makes kiddos sleep better even when they aren’t particularly sick.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Great for those stuffy noses

    For almost 10 years now I have been using a vicks vaporizer and it doesn’t let down. It helps our family during the stuffy noses and just makes us feel human again and get a good night sleep. A must have for your family.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • saviour during the flu

    This has been my saviour when I have had the flu, running cold, congestion in my chest, and head colds. It is so easy to use. Smells fragrant(due to the vicks), portable, and easy to store. I am super happy with this product. I have used this for 4 years and have never had a problem before giving it away. It is long lasting and value for money.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • best vapouriser ever!

    we've been using this for years!! ever since i had little babies with the snuffles to when their Dad caught the flu - this has been an absolute god send for the whole family over the course of so many years, even since my eldest (8) was a bub!
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Great for colds

    I have had this product for about 7 years hasn’t missed a beat. When ever the children are sick with a cold we pop this on and use it untill they are better. Helps with their stuffy noses and can sleep a bit easier. It’s easy to use, we pop it on about 15 mins before they go to bed so their rooms are already full of the smell..
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Effective but noisy

    We got this when my little one had croup. It certainly steamed up the room effectively, though we’d been recommended it by the doctor for the warm air rather than steam, and the oil helped keep things clear for him. However it sounded like a kettle constantly on the boil and when it’s 2am and there are no other sounds that’s quite noisy and my little one kept waking so eventually we turned it off.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Must have

    With 3 kids this bad boy has certainly had a work out over the years. We’ve definitely noticed a difference in a sick kids sleep when we use this. Even when I go in to check them it clears my sinus instantly. It’s easy to use and clean. Don’t forget to leave the window or door open a couple of inches to help prevent the condensation build up on the walls.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Smells Amazing!

    I really enjoyed the smell that came from the vaporizer, it smelled so good and definitely helped with clearing stuffy noses. I put this on as my daughter was all blocked up and it helped clear her nose and she woke feeling better after having it going all night in her bedroom. It was easy to use however I found trying to empty any excess water out after use a little difficult due to the shape of the base. Maybe a drain plug would be useful.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Essential

    Must have product in winter with young family

    Love it!
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Vicks vapourizer 17 years old

    I bought my Vicks Steam warm Vapourizer when my son was only a few months old. He is almost 18 and I still use when either he or myself have a cold. Money well spent and I think it makes a great gift when someone you know has a baby
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Does the job but design could be better

    Have always been a fan of vicks prodcits all my life. We received the vapouriser from our baby shower and it woks.well in not only helping our little but us too when we we've got a sore throat or blocked nose. The only problem we have with it is it's design, the white bowl base makes it really hard to remove old water and the whole machine itself is quite bulky
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Works wonders.

    I have owned a vicks Vaporizer for a little while now. I purchased mine when my little one was sick and had an extremely blocked nose, which no other products were helping. The first night using it was just proof of how amazing it was. My little one slept so soundly that night and could breathe through his nose. So for every sleep and nap while he was sick with a blocked nose we used it. We always have a better night sleep then what it was like dealing without it.

    Very simple and easy to use, it also has great safety features such as turning off when its finished and has a light on it so you know where it is while it is working its magic.

    Fairly easy to clean and packs away nicely after use.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Love my vaporiser

    This is my go to when my kids are sick and congested. They love it and so do I!
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Great for a restful night - could do with some design tweaks

    Having used the Vick’s warm vaporiser for a couple of weeks now, I am happy with the steam that it produces. It’s not too hot so while a child shouldn’t touch it, in the event that they do they shouldn’t be scalded. The warm steam combined with the inhalant provides a more restful night for my son when he’s congested.

    The only suggestion I would have is to redesign the plastic reservoir that holds the water. I found it a bit tricky to align the heating unit with the plastic notches and click it into place. It’s also hard to empty the last bits of water that is left after the unit switches off. Because of the shape, you have to shake the reservoir to get the water out.

    Other than those two points above, it does a great job of easing my child’s cold and would still recommend it as a useful tool during winter.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Fresh air Vicks

    I love my vaporiser as it leaves the air fresh and a clean atmosphere. I have mine situated in the hallway under the stand and it always delivers a fresh inhalation that clears a blocked nose and opens up ones airways. I have used Vick’s for many years either as a rub or spray so I loved my vaporiser.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Sleeping babies make this mama happy

    I’m back again as I’ve just uploaded my video. In a nutshell, I highly recommend as it really opens up their nasal passages and not be so congested. A sleeping baby makes me so incredibly happy. As a mum of four, when one gets sick it makes it’s rounds so if it can relieve at least one of my babes then it allows me the hands to tend to my other babes. I will be investing in a second vaporiser!
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • It works wonders

    The vaporiser arrived at the perfect time, my baby girl had the sniffles and it was the perfect aid to open up her airways and help her breathe easier overnight, resulting in a sound sleep. I would highly recommend and have already done so amongst friends and family.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Love it!!

    I love having this, especially during the winter months!! It works well on the whole family, including my 4 month old baby. It is super easy to setup and use and lasts for the night to help with breathing, especially when the temperature drops so cold over night! Highly recommend to help with the cold and flu season!
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Great quality and easy to clean

    I have used a number of vapourisers over the years and am always frustrated by the inability to open the unit and clean them out. The first one we had you could open the init up but this leaked water all over the counter top and our second unit was dully enclosed and got a lot of grime in it.

    This unit is by far the best I have used. I am not a massive fan of the scent of the vapouriser liquid but that is more a personal preference. Great quality and a good buy for any mums out there
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Effective but I felt that it could be stronger

    I like using it but I feel that my diffuser is stronger, it could have a stronger vapour.
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?


  • Nice scent, warm (not hot) steam, sleeping kid = happy mama!

    We have tried several different brands of vaporizers over the years, and I have had concerns with each of them. However, so far the Vicks Vaporizer has pleasantly surprised me.

    The pros that I have for it are - 1. The VapoSteam that is used with it is very soft and subtle. It isn’t overpowering, but it is strong enough that it drifted through the room nicely.

    2. The steam really is just warm. The reason I say this is because my last two vaporizers poured out hot steam, so much so that I have burnt my hand on them a few times. Not enough to cause an issue, but enough to pull my hand away really quickly. This always concerned me with my kids being in the room with them without supervision. I don’t have that worry with this one - the steam isn’t hot to touch.

    3. There was no condensation in the room in the morning. Our last vaporizer left the room a little wet.

    4. And finally, the automatic shut off time is quite long, so it can run for the whole night.

    The cons I found with it are:

    1. Personally I found it hard to align the top piece with the water holder. It felt like they didn’t fit properly, but once I managed to get the top in, it fits well and snug. It has gotten easier after a few uses to line it up and insert it, but that was a con.

    2. I find it hard to empty all the water out if there’s any left in the bottom piece. The container has a lip to it, which allows the top piece to lock in. However this lip stopped the water from coming out when trying to empty it.

    Overall, I am very happy with it, and my daughter slept very peacefully with it in her room - not sure if that’s a coincidence, but I’ll keep using it just to be safe! ????
    Is the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer effective?
    Are you happy with the quality of the Vicks Steam Warm Vaporizer?

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Topics

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

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

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

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

Lunch Box Comparison Table

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

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

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

How to choose the best lunch box for school

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

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

12 Best Lunch Boxes For School Kids In Australia

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

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

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags, $42.95

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags.

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

Pros:

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

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

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

Where to buy it: MontiiCo, Lime Tree Kids


b.box 2L Kids’ Lunch Box, $27.95

B.box 2L kids bento lunch boxes.

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

Pros:

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

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

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

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

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

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


Frank Green Lunch Container, $79.95

Frank Green coloured lunch containers.

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: Frank Green


Yumbox Kids’ Compartment Lunch Boxes, from $49.95 

Yumbox Kids Bento Box shown in pink and purple options.

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: Biome, Yumbox


Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bag, from $34.99

Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bags.

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Sky Gazer


Bentgo Modern Bento Boxes, $39.95

Bentgo Modern Lunch Boxes.

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Amazon


The Somewhere Co Mini Lunch Case, $38

The Somewhere Co. Mini Lunch Bags.

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: The Somewhere Co.


EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Bento Lunch Box, $84.95

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

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: Biome, EcoCocoon


Bright Star Kids Personalised Lunch Bags, $39.95

Bright Star Kids insulated lunch bags in a row.

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: Bright Star Kids


Stuck On You Large Personalised Bento Lunch Box, $54.95

Stuck On You Large Kids' Bento Boxes.

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: Stuck On You


Country Road Elysia Lunch Pack, $59.95

Country Road Elysia Lunch Packs in pink and green.

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Country Road


OmieBox Hot/Cold Bento Lunch Box V2, $89.95

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

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

Pros:

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

Where to buy it: Biome, Woolworths


What to put in kids’ lunch boxes

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

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

Top image: MontiiCo

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

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

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  • 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.

    Reply

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