15+ Fun Back-to-School Lunchbox Accessories for Kids

Set the tone for an awesome school year with these encouraging notes, special ice packs and more.

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July 21, 2023

The transition back to school can be tough for parents and kiddos alike. There are new teachers to meet, new schedules to adjust to and usually new class rules to follow. Our advice? Give your child something from home that they can always count on by preparing their lunch with a surprise on the side. Here are 16 fun accessories to add to their lunchbox this school year.

$19.95 (Set of 4)
Williams Sonoma

If they prefer breakfast to go, then hide some playful pancakes in their lunchbox. These nonstick "Rise and Shine" molds can be used the night before or the morning of and will instantly transform their favorite food into suns, stars, rainbows and clouds. Best of all? The silicone molds are also dishwasher-safe.

$28.69 (Set of 3)
Amazon

Some words of encouragement (or a gentle reminder to print off their summer book report) can go a long way. Show your kiddo how much you care with these whimsical, illustrated lunch notes. Each cube contains 30 positive, pre-written messages that will instantly make their day. Plus, on the back of each card, you'll find blank lines that you can personalize.

$27.99
Target

Bento-style boxes are a great way to introduce your child to a variety of foods and ensure they're getting the right portions. (Not to mention that they're a feast for the eyes.) We love this container from Bentgo because it's drop-proof, leakproof and offers five different compartments for a main dish and sides. It's also available in eight vibrant colors.

From $12.50
Pottery Barn Kids

Skip the plastic utensils this year, and surprise your buddy with some colorful, reusable cutlery. Each set is crafted from stainless steel — so it will actually last the entire school year — and includes a fork and spoon. You can choose from seven finishes, like stripes and glitter, too. And yep! A matching carrying case is included.

$11.99 (Set of 8)
Amazon

Make their daily dose of fruits and vegetables a little more enticing with these special silicone squares. You can use them to corral berries, grapes, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, carrot chips and more, and effectively create your own bento box. Need more ideas? Check out the elongated dividers, vegetable stamps and kid-friendly cocktail picks down below.

$9.99
Amazon

Get those giggles out before class resumes with these cheesy, tear-out riddles. Inside the booklet, you'll find kid-friendly jokes like, "What kind of songs do astronauts sing?" and "What is a witch's favorite sport?" They'll love reading the riddles aloud and knowing that they always have a treat waiting from Mom or Dad.

$40
Uncommon Goods

Who knew that eating a burrito, gyro or wrap could be so cool? Make your kiddo feel like a secret agent at lunch with this Twist & Eat Burrito Holder. Inside the colorful container is a hidden elevator, which they can activate by twisting the bottom. The elevator then lifts the perfect, bite-sized portion up to their mouth for one fun (and mess-free) experience.

$7.95 $6.99
Amazon

Prepare to feel like a PB&J hero thanks to this ingenious sandwich cutter and sealer. The plastic gadget slides right over sliced bread and instantly turns their sandwich into a homemade Uncrustable (for a much cheaper price tag). It's also available in four colors.

$9.99 (Set of 4)
Amazon

Squeeze even more magic into your child's day with these unicorn-shaped ice packs. The packs are intentionally slender to fit on the sides or at the bottom of their lunch bag and will keep their food at the perfect temperature for hours. If radiant unicorns aren't their thing right now, you can also choose from dinosaurs, sharks, rocket ships and fairy princesses.

$14.99 (Set of 3)
Amazon

Who could resist this adorable and sustainable Bee's Wrap? Preserve your honey's sandwich and afternoon snacks with these bear-printed parcels. You'll simply hold a sheet in your hands, fold it over their food and press down gently to create a seal. Each set includes three sheets and is reusable.

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