Since the new term started, my kids’ most frequent request is, I think, a common one; they want to take a packed lunch to school. Finding myself firmly in the “could do better” camp when it comes to providing nutritional and interesting lunches, I made the mistake of showing them, via Instagram, what some lucky kids get in their lunch boxes every day. They were mesmerised and I have now got two hungry monsters who not only demand to watch “the lunchbox videos” repeatedly but also have started requesting themed packed lunches, sushi characters and lunchbox joke notes.
The craze for lunchbox content is big and (warning) quite addictive: If you already enjoy the occasional ASMR video or watching fridge restocks on TikTok, I guarantee you will be happy to lose hours of your life to observing people stamping out cucumber flowers, anthropomorphising strawberries by adding googly eyes and demonstrating how to slice off sandwich crusts with a pizza cutter before arranging it all into brightly coloured bento boxes.
Most of the lunchboxes featured are bento style, with multiple compartments that offer several advantages over a standard case or bag. Picky eaters can see exactly what is there and slow eaters can benefit from the fact that all their food — yoghurt, fruit, veg sticks — is ready to go, keeping teachers happy and making sure kids have more time in the playground. Making lunches in this way can also be economical. Compartments can be filled up from large family packs — a big bag of pretzels for example or a slice cut from a large cake — far better for the environment too, than buying individually wrapped snacks.
There are boxes for all budgets but if you are making lunches daily, it is worth making sure you invest in something leakproof. At the middle of the market, Yumbox bento boxes pass the shake test, promising that yoghurt and hummus will stay put. The more expensive Omiebox includes an integrated thermos flask allowing kids to safely take soup and a sandwich in the same box.
Grown-ups should not be forgotten (and believe me, the #lunchspiration does not stop with the kids). Black+Blum, who launched their first Japanese style bento box in 2008, make several options that offer both durability and style. Of particular note are their stainless steel boxes that can be filled with leftovers, refrigerated and even microwaved, making lunch nice and simple whether you are WFH or in the office.
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And once you’ve got the box and decided to branch out from sandwiches, where should you start? Facebook fans can check out the All Packed Up group where parents share packed lunch inspiration (One fun tip? Set jelly directly into a lunch box compartment the night before school). I also recommend the queen of packed lunches, American content creator Winny Hayes, who starts all of her YouTube videos with the line “here’s what my kids are having for lunch”. Spoiler: it isn’t a cheese sandwich and a packet of crisps. Instead, think pancakes, pinwheels, sushi rolls and mac ‘n’ cheese — all home-cooked and lovingly organised. OK, some of it looks way too time-consuming, but lots of the ideas are actually very achievable and I think, could brighten up a lot of small and big people’s days.
The omiebox is a leakproof, bento-style lunchbox with two temperature zones. It incorporates a Thermos flask so it is possible to include both hot and cold food, £44.95, yesbebe.co.uk
Great for snacks for younger children, Alessi’s two-compartment snack box in the shape of a toy car comes in red and blue thermoplastic resin. £45, alessi.com
This sleek lunchbox from Black+Blum — a reboot of their original 2008 design — includes an inner pot (suitable for microwaving) and a smaller pot for dressings, making sure your salads are sog-free. £21.95, black-blum.com
This stainless steel bento box was inspired by military mess tins and is built for longevity. It has a vacuum seal to ensure it is leakproof. £31.95 for the large, black-blum.com
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Pop a lunchbox love note into their bag to bring midday joy to kids (and adults). £10, notonthehighstreet.com
Sistema’s simple double-decker lunchbox is affordable and stackable. £9.50, johnlewis.com
The Yumbox Original comes in lots of colours and patterns, has six compartments and is suitable for kids up to the age of eight. For older children, there are several larger boxes available as well as a smaller snack box which is perfect for baby-led weaning. £29.95, scandibugs.co.uk
Kids love a condiment, especially if they can squeeze it on their food themselves. Set of 3 easy-squeeze sauce bottles, £13.99, scandibugs.co.uk
French brand Mon Bento have collaborated with Catimini on this chic offering, featuring several containers as well as easy-open clasps. £25.90, monbento.co.uk
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This 400ml Thermos jar is perfect for taking leftovers to work or to school. £22, mycitron.co.uk
Pair with cutlery in a cute case, £16, mycitron.co.uk
