When my son started preschool at age 2, I was on the hunt for a lunch box that wouldn’t leak, break, or be impossible for him to open on his own. We ended up with a plastic Bentgo Kids lunch box… and here we are four years later, still using the same one.
It’s been to school hundreds of times, on road trips, to the park, and on picnics. It’s been dropped & stuffed in backpacks, and it’s still going strong. The lunch bag we got with it has come along for many adventures too!
This year, I added two new stainless steel Bentgo lunch boxes to our rotation, and I’m honestly excited to see how they hold up.
Since we parents are always looking for the best products for our kids, I’m sharing the details here – with affiliate links to the exact Bentgo products we own. That means if you click and purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), which helps support my family and my photography work.
If you’re looking for a lunch box for preschool or elementary school that will last, here are five reasons why Bentgo has been worth every penny for our family!
1. They last for years (seriously, YEARS)
Our first Bentgo Kids Prints lunch box has been through four full years of preschool and still works perfectly. The latch still closes securely, the seal hasn’t worn out, and it’s never cracked – even after a few accidental drops.
I’ve seen reviews for cheaper bento style lunch boxes that lose their seal after a few months or end up with broken hinges. With Bentgo, the quality really does show. It’s the kind of purchase you make once and use for years – DAILY – instead of replacing every back-to-school season.
2. Easy for kids to use
Preschoolers and elementary-aged kids can open and close Bentgo boxes without help (which means fewer “Can you open this for me?” moments at school).
The compartments make it easy for them to see everything without having to dig around, and the leak-resistant design has saved me from ketchup-in-the-backpack disasters. My son can request for certain foods to be in each section now, which saves me some mental bandwidth as I try to figure out what to pack.
3. Versatility beyond the lunchroom
Bentgo lunch boxes aren’t just for school! We’ve used ours for car rides, picnics, and afternoons at the park.
The compartments are perfect for packing a balanced meal or fun snack spread – think fruit, cheese, crackers, and a sweet treat. (The little circle in the middle of the standard Bentgo Kids lunch boxes are perfect for a sweet treat.) I’ve heard the new stainless steel version is even better for keeping certain foods cooler or warmer for longer, which I’m looking forward to testing out on longer outings.
4. High-quality materials & construction
Yes, Bentgo lunch boxes cost more than some other kids’ lunch boxes, but they pay for themselves when you’re not rebuying every year.
The materials are high quality – the plastic Bentgo is BPA-free, and the stainless steel is extra sturdy and eco-friendly. Even after hundreds of washes, ours still looks good! Just be sure to obey any handwashing instructions, which helps the silicone parts hold the seal. Honestly, if socks lasted this long, I’d be thrilled.
5. Bentgo offers great styles to fit your family’s needs
We’ve now got both the plastic Bentgo Kids Prints lunch box and the new stainless steel version, and I love having both.
The plastic version is lightweight and comes in fun designs that younger kids love (and many older kids, too). The stainless steel is slim, durable, and perfect for the long haul (and for messier meals).
I’m excited to pack school lunches, weekend snacks, and road trip meals in them this year!
Check out the site for even more options, like one with a built-in ice pack!
BONUS: Customize the Bentgo kids lunch box for your child!
One of my favorite extras with Bentgo lunch boxes? You can personalize them with your child’s name (or any text you want) and even add a cute little icon next to it – like a heart, star, or favorite animal.
It’s not just adorable – it’s practical. One less thing to label for school or daycare. Maybe your children will even feel a little more ownership over it and keep track of it reliably (fingers crossed).
The bottom line
Bentgo lunch boxes are one of those rare kid purchases that really are worth it for the long haul. They’re durable, easy for kids to use, versatile, and a better value over time than constantly replacing cheaper versions.
If you’re looking for a kids’ lunch box that will last, I can’t recommend Bentgo enough. These are the exact ones we use and love:
Here’s to happy, well-packed lunches – whether it’s for preschool, elementary school, travel, or a picnic at the park!
If you found this post helpful, let me know what other everyday items you’d like to hear about!
