Select is independent of editing. Our editor chose these offers and products because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase goods through our link, we may receive a commission. As of the time of publication, pricing and availability are accurate.

Believe it or not, the start of school season is approaching, which means you may want to start thinking about getting your child ready to return to face-to-face learning. Although many schools will not issue a supply list until late in the summer, one thing you can buy now is a lunch box that keeps your child's food at a safe temperature and makes it easy for them to transport everything. Below, we have collected some top children’s lunch boxes, bento boxes and containers from popular brands such as Hydro Flask, Simple Modern, Pottery Barn Kids and Thermos.

According to the brand, this lunch box from Hydro Flask is made of two layers of insulation and a fully lined lining, designed to keep food cold for several hours. It has an internal strap designed to hold tableware and ice packs, and it has children-friendly colors such as iris (purple), grasshopper (bright green) and geranium (bright red). On Hydro Flask's website, the lunchbox received an average rating of 4.9 stars from nearly 200 reviews.

This lunch bag from YETI uses the same rubber foam Coldcell insulation as many soft-surface coolers to keep food cool (although ice bags are sold separately). It is equipped with a magnetic Thermo Snap closure to ensure a consistent temperature, and its hook and loop grid can be used to adjust the size of the bag. This bag is available in five colors and has an average rating of 4.4 stars out of nearly 1,500 reviews on the YETI website.

This patterned lunch bag from Simple Modern is a popular choice on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from more than 500 reviews. This rectangular bag has a capacity of 4 liters, can hold sandwiches, snacks, etc., and uses triple insulation to keep food fresh. According to your child's preferences, there are dozens of patterns to choose from, including funny unicorn patterns and Mickey and Minnie patterns.

This rainbow-colored lunch box from Target’s More Than Magic series is a relatively affordable option, priced at $10. This insulated bag is designed to look like a unicorn, with an inner mesh bag, an outer zipper bag, and a water bottle bag. With a handle, your child can easily carry lunch to the cafeteria or Take away from the cafeteria.

This lunch box has an extraordinary galaxy pattern and is an interesting choice for astronauts in training. According to the brand, the PVC-free lining is easy to clean, and the closed-cell foam insulation is designed to keep food cool. Unlike other lunch boxes, this lunch box has two separate zipper compartments stacked on top of each other, so snacks and drinks can be separated from fruits, vegetables and sandwiches.

If your kids like Batman, they might like this lunch box from Pottery Barn Kids, decorated with superhero’s iconic vehicles and bat signals. According to the brand, the lunch box does not contain any harmful chemicals, and the interior is molded and easy to clean. You can also customize the lunch box with your child's name or initials for an extra fee. If they are not a fan of Batman, other interesting designs include Star Wars and Marvel's Avengers.

Bento boxes and containers can separate your child's food and prevent them all from mixing into a mess. Both can be used alone or in a lunch box-but since most lunch boxes and containers are not insulated, it is best to put them in a lunch bag.

This highly-rated bento box from Bentgo Kids has five compartments and is ideal for children aged 3 to 7. The tray can be used in both the microwave oven and the dishwasher. Choose from a dozen designs, including dinosaurs, safari parks and mermaid scales.

Another interesting and highly rated bento box option, this bento box from Simple Modern also has five compartments-you can remove the plastic compartment when you don't want to use them. The box itself will close, and it has several different patterns, including Mickey ears and ice cream cones.

This bento box has three compartments and can accommodate child-sized food portions. According to the brand, it is leak-proof, dishwashers and freezers are safe, plus a microwave oven without a lid is safe. If you want to create a set for your child, 3 Sprouts also produces lion lunch bags, lion sandwich bags and lion snack bags.

This two-piece set was designed by a mother for her mother. It can be used in the dishwasher and is an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags. It comes with a larger oval box for sandwiches and sides, and a small cup for dipping sauces, seasonings, yogurt or other mealtimes.

If you like to prepare meals early this week, this bento box set comes with seven reusable containers, each with three compartments for snacks, sandwiches, etc. Plastic containers can be used in microwaves, freezers and dishwashers, but the brand says they are not completely leak-proof, so it is best to use them for solid foods that will not spill. On Amazon, Youngever Bento Lunch Boxes has an average rating of 4.7 stars, based on more than 1,100 reviews.

Get the latest information from NBC News shopping guides and recommendations, and download the NBC News app to fully cover the coronavirus outbreak.

Morgan Greenwald is the SEO editor of NBC News Select.

© 2021 Choice|All rights reserved. Using this website means that you accept the confidentiality regulations and service conditions.