The Best Bento Lunchbox For Girls

Buying Guide

Getting kids to eat all of their lunch at school can be a challenge. There are so many distractions around, and friends to talk to, that kids often don’t feel like eating what their parents have packed for them. However, when kids don’t eat their lunch, they can get hungry and cranky later in the day, making it hard for them to concentrate in class.

A bento lunchbox is a great way to encourage kids to eat their lunch. It is traditionally a Japanese style of lunchbox that has several separate compartments. Bento boxes make foods more visually appealing so kids are likely to try them. They also keep different foods separate from each other, which is important for many children who don’t like their foods to touch.

Most bento lunchboxes have three to five compartments, allowing you to easily pack a balanced meal without the need for baggies or other containers. For example, pack a grain, like pasta, bread or rice in one section, and a protein, like cheese, turkey slices or cubed chicken, in another. Pack a couple of different brightly colored fruits and vegetables your kids like, such as cucumbers, carrots, strawberries, oranges and grapes. Some parents also include a small treat in the bento box, like chocolate chips, fruit gummies or candy.

When it comes to the materials of the bento box, opt for metal or plastic that is non-toxic, and free of bisphenol A and phthalates. Many bento boxes are also dishwasher and microwave safe. Be sure to consider how durable the material is, as kids will often shove their lunch boxes into the backpacks. They can get banged around or dropped on the floor, so opt for something sturdy.

• When looking for a bento lunchbox that’s specifically aimed at girls, consider what kinds of things she likes to eat. For example, is she a fan of snacky foods, like cheese and crackers, or does she prefer warm meals, like mac and cheese, for lunch? This will help you determine what kind of bento lunchbox you need.
• In addition to normal compartments, some bento boxes also have a specific spot for hot foods. This mini thermos is great for sending things like soup, pasta and rice for lunches. You can also use the thermos to add in small grilled cheese sandwiches and ensure they stay toasty.
• Check out the size of the lunchbox and see how well it fits into the lunch bag. In many cases, you’ll need to send an icepack along with the bento box in the lunch bag to ensure the food stays cool. Remember that it may be several hours before kids actually eat their lunch, so items like cheese, meat, mayonnaise and eggs can grow bacteria if they start to warm up and get closer to room temperature.
• Some bento lunch boxes have removable compartments. This offers more flexibility so you can send different kinds of foods, and don’t need to be as restricted by the number and size of compartments.
• If you want to send liquidy foods in the bento box, like yogurt or ketchup, opt for one that is leakproof between compartments. That way, something from one compartment will not seep into the next compartment when the lunchbox is closed.
• For many kids, color and style are important. Opt for a bento lunchbox in their favorite color or one that matches their backpack or lunch bag.