While the school bells haven’t rung quite yet, you know what August brings — back-to-school purchasing, dorm shopping and everything else that comes with getting ready for a new school year.

While you’re shopping for your next best back-to-school backpack for the season, we highly recommend adding a lunch box to your list. And, not just any lunch boxes — the very best, hand-picked by the New York Post Shopping team.

Much like adult lunch boxes, our top picks have some handy compartments (a huge plus for meal-prepped options to unbox in your cafeteria seat) and others are insulated to ensure your cold-cut sandwiches and home-cooked meals are temperature-regulated.

Ahead, find top options from Amazon, Target, Etsy and more for a stylish (and quite practical) purchase that you’ll be sporting year-round — and then some.

Additionally, check out our guide to the best back-to-school deals on Amazon to save money and stock up.

Size: ‎8.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches

The Bentgo Kids Leakproof 5-Compartment Bento-Style Lunch Box comes in extraordinary kid-friendly patterns (seriously, click one of the buttons below to find out) and is the ultimate kid-friendly option. Our loved ones with preschool-aged children love it for making food compartmentalization a breeze, and it’s one of those leakproof options that’ll hold up for years.

With more than 56,000 applauding reviews on Amazon alone, this top-rated pick is also BPA-free, dishwasher-safe and — according to the brand — geared for ages 3 to 7.

Customers are saying: “Absolutely love these for kids lunches! They are durable and good quality, easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and seal super well so even if you put something like yogurt in one of the compartments, it will stay put and not leak out of the container or onto any of the other snacks! Also super easy for kids to open!”

Size: 9.4x 7.9 x 9.8 inches

You probably are already obsessed with Stanley Tumblers — but the brand does not mess around in the cooler bag category, either. For the shopper who’s looking for a versatile, kid-to-adult option, splurging on the Stanley All Day Julienne Mini Soft Cooler Bag and Lunch Box is a quality investment to make. With dual zip-around closure and insulated lining, it’s a great unisex option (pro tip: parents and caregivers can use it on the weekends when school isn’t in session!)

Customers are saying: “I was hesitant at first as it is a bit more expensive but it’s got a good name and I’ve heard great things about it. I’ve carried it now for probably at least a month and it’s great. I get compliments on it all the time and keeps food very cold and insulated within the bag —easy to wipe out as well.”

Size: 7.5 x 8.5 x 3 inches

For a “my first bento-style lunch box” feel, the b.box Mini Bento Lunch Box is the perfect starter option for any age, but especially for preschool- and kindergarten-aged students. It’s less than $20, has just enough storage to make it easy to carry and divide your balanced lunch well, and boasts leakproof compartments to ensure everything stays clean and safe.

Customers are saying: “I bought this for the Child’s school lunch box and swear it’s made out of iron. Nothing damages it. Any marks wipe off with a Mr. Clean. I love the separate compartments and the small blue divider. The only thing we don’t use at the moment is the Thermos but I’ve put it away in case that changes..”

Size: 7.5 x 9 x 4.3 inches

Who doesn’t want a machine-washable lunch box from Vera Bradley? It’s made with quilted cotton, features a lined interior slip pocket for ice packs, and includes an ID window to properly display your name. Choose between several unique floral prints, bold patterns, and decorative styles.

Editor’s Note: Your picnic pack has arrived. I adore Vera Bradley’s selection of delightful prints, and this lunch bag screams summer. Vera Bradley’s classic quilted fabric has been upgraded with an insulated interior and slip pocket for ice packs, so your food stays cool. It’s not the largest bag, but for a light lunch, it will easily do the trick. And the best part? If it gets dirty, you can just throw it in the washing machine.

Size: 10 x 3 x 7.5 inches

A favorite among boys, the Nike Grey Camo Lunch Bag boots the signature Nike swish, for a cool, sporty look at the lunch table. It may not have fancy dividers or Bento-style compartments, but i’s just the right size for a multi-course meal, and you can score it now for an impressive price of $22.

Customers are saying: “My grandson loves this. This lunchbox keeps everything cold and looks good. In the best part. It has the Nike swish on it.”

Size: 10 x 4 x 8.5 inches

Keep your food cold with the help of this insulated lunch box. With interior zippered mesh and pockets, you can also successfully store all of your utensils and small snacks. This is hands down one of the best lunch boxes for men as well.

Customers are saying: “I knew the brand would be sturdy, and it totally is. It is great quality and should never fall apart like the kind we get themed for little kids… It is much larger than I imagined, but it is designed in a way that can get thinner or fit in, while also being grip-able to youth’s hands inside a dark large backpack filled with the stuff the schools require them to have these days.”

Size: 10.7 x 8.7 x 4.6 inches

Available in four colors, this insulated lunch box is made with a water-resistant exterior and a rock-solid form, so you don’t have to worry about your lunch getting crushed and smashed. Complete your YETI lunch lineup with the Thin Ice ice pack ($18) and Molle Zinger multitool ($30).

Editor’s Note: Keep your food fresh for hours with this high-quality pack from YETI. This bag works like a charm. The insulation power is top-notch and the cold-cell foam is also included to keep your food at just the right temperature. I only wish this bag came with a shoulder strap because if it did, I would always have it on me. Check out our review on which YETI items we think are worth it, too!

Size: 6.5 x 8.8 x 8.5 inches

Toss in your food, drinks, and snacks, and prepare to look good while doing it. Simply toss the bag over your shoulder and call it a day! The shoulder strap is also adjustable, so you can find your perfect fit. or if you prefer a grab-and-go option opt for the top handle.

Customers are saying: “Bought this for my kid for lunch…almost didn’t give it to them it’s SO CUTE! So far surviving elementary school use-very strong, well-made, durable. Great quality-worth every dollar.”

Size: 10 x 7.5 x 5 inches

You may need to do a double-take to make sure this isn’t one of JanSport’s best-selling backpacks, but rest assured you’re looking at a soft-sided lunch caddy. Customers love this well-priced lunch bag, which features external zippered pockets and a generous main compartment for all your storage needs. Plus, the external material is flexible, which means it takes up far less space in a backpack!

Customers are saying: “. This bag is waterproof just like the actual backpack and it’s lined with thick thermal material to keep your food, cold and hot for hours. The mini zipper pouch in the front works great for holding napkins, utensils, and snacks/ food you don’t want to keep hot or cold. Machine washable as well. I expect to get longevity out of this as I have with the actual backpack in the past.”

Size: 4.3 x 7.7 x 10.6 inches

Shop the FlowFly Insulated Soft Lunch Box if you’re seeking an Amazon essential for less than $25 that comes in a variety of colors and patterns for both boys and girls. Namely, this option has been bought by more than 6,500 happy shoppers sending their children off to school, all because of its eye-catching, soft-bodied exterior, food-safe PEVA lining, and sturdy zippers.

Plus, it has more “give” than others — great for packing home-cooked meals and snacks.

Customers are saying: “Bought this lunchbox for my 3-year-old to use for his snack when at his preschool twice a week. He loves trucks so the pattern is perfect; very vibrant colors. The inside wipes clean easily. He’s been using it for the past 6 months with no issues at all. He doesn’t unzip the zipper by himself, but I’ve had no issues with it sticking when I pack and unpack his snack. Definitely a good deal for the price.”

Size: 220 x 260 x 150 millimeters

Is it a handbag or a lunch box? The Bellroy could easily be both. This cooler caddy is cute as they come, and has every feature you can imagine, including a built-in bottle opener, seam-sealed waterproof lining, and a wide mouth opening for quick access. You can even attach it to the outside of a day bag with the convenient clip. The leather-free construction makes it another incredible vegan option.

Editor’s Note: It’s not often that I look at a lunch bag and ponder if I should wear it as a purse for the day, but that is a frequent thought with this caddy. The compact build is attractive, easy to carry, and light as a feather. The best part, in my opinion, is the fact that this bag stands upright on its own. You wouldn’t expect it from this little caddy — but it’s quite stable. The aluminum slide hook (which doubles as an integrated bottle opener) is also a welcome surprise! Consider this tote your perfect bar buddy.

Size: 19 x 21.6 x 7.6 inches

As adults, we salute the W&P Porter 3-Compartment Bento-Style Lunch Box, and its smooth-surfaced, compartmentalized style makes it truly exceptional for any age. It’s fairly priced, comes in chic pastel colors, and comes with a silicone strap to make it easy to carry and to ensure all of your munchables stay intact.

More, it’s also dishwasher-safe — allowing you to toss it into your kitchen appliance after the school day ends.

Customers are saying: “Nice size and shape for this lunchbox’s more than enough room for lunch for my elementary-aged children. The removable divider makes it easy to section off the lower half, but you’ll need your own containers if you want to pack more than two items. The removable top section is tray-shaped and is the perfect depth for a sandwich.”

Size: 8.7 x 6.9 x 11 inches

RTIC is the ultimate gear brand — especially when it comes to coolers and drinkware, but the back-to-school options are no less impressive. The RTIC Ice Lunch Bag does not fall short in any way; it’s designed with built-in, freezable gel packs to lock in the cold for multiple hours. Plus, the tote design is especially easy to carry. They even will throw in a free lunch container while supplies last!

Customers are saying: “I used the ice lunch bag on a trip recently and it work great. I transported medicine that needed to stay cold and some snacks. I like that I can throw it in the freezer and it freezes up and stays cold all day. Great product.”

Size: N/A (three size options)

For more of a bag-style lunch box, you can’t go wrong with the Hydro Flask Carry Out Soft Cooler. It’s backed by hundreds of cheerful reviews, comes in a wide array of colors, and — drumroll please — is made with water-resistant, durable 600D fabric to keep your food fresh for up to 24 hours.

Customers are saying: “I am very picky about my lunch totes, I don’t like my Tupperware to tip or lay on its side so the size of this cooler allows all the dishes to sit flat. I am able to fit multiple meals with drinks/snacks in this cooler with the hydroflask medium ice blocks on the bottom and top of the food. My food stays cold all day long. It is very easy to clean, and doesn’t hold any odor.

Size: 11 x 9.5 x 3 inches

Etsy is notorious for its classic catalog of seller-listed, personalized options — and its Personalized Lunch Bag is no different. Thanks to seller ChicbabyStudio, your child will never lose their lunch pack, thanks to the on-trend, oversized block letters, and embroidered personalization options. In short, order now before the school year starts.

Customers are saying: “Very nice. Arrived quickly even with it being personalized which sometimes takes longer. My daughter loves it.”

Size: 10 x 4 x 10.7 inches

What’s great about the Bentology Insulated Lunch Bag and Box Set with 5 Containers and Ice Pack is that it’s value-driven — coming at less than $30 to ensure your child has everything they need for a safely packed lunch. The best part? Its ice pack, to help keep this portable option cold (and also, to come in handy should an emergency arise).

Customers are saying: “The kids love it, it’s so easy to clean in the dishwasher and it’s great to put food in the bent box style containers. It’s a great way to keep food organized and everything stays in place throughout the day when my kids are eating lunch and snacks at school.”

Size: 7.5 x 3.75 x 6 inches

We love Pottery Barn Kids’ lunch box options (see here for more!) and its Mackenzie Baseball 3D Lunch Box is ideal for the sports-loving student who wants to add some personality to their lunch box. Luckily, it’s less than $25 for the tried-and-true steal.

Even better, it’s water-resistant and has the ability to come with an included cold pack should you want to upgrade for a total of $29 at checkout.

Customers are saying: “If you want a unique lunchbox, this is a winner. It even has a water bottle holder on the size, though it is for smaller-sized bottles, so anything over your 20-ounce soda bottle will have a hard time fitting into it. I don’t see this as a downside, as this has helped me eat smaller portions.”

Size: 6.9 x 10 x 3.35

Though a splurge, the STATE Rodgers Lunch Box comes in a rainbow of colors and is one of the best options to transition from a kids’ lunch box to a young-adult (and even adult) lunch pack. Dubbed “the perfect sized lunchbox” by the brand, its insulated, wipeable lining design is one that’ll serve your child well through thick and thin.

Customers are saying: “Ordered for my 5th grade daughter. I waited to write the review till after using it for a while. This lunch box held up the entire school year and is still in great shape! Will order again next school year!”

Size: 10.5 x 7 x 6 inches

For the student who prefers more of a compact tote as opposed to the standard box shape, Under Armor has given us a wonderful option — the UA Sideline Mini Bag. This upright bag features built-in hooks for easy hanging and a wide-top opening for easy loading.

Customers are saying: “This is the perfect size for a drink and a couple of snacks. The outer pockets are more like tight sleeves for your keys or a little energy bar, not really useful for anything too big.”

Size: 6 x 5.37 x 8.37 inches (for the containers)

Great for elementary and middle-school students, the Zojirushi Classic Bento Lunch Jar is a travel-friendly option that not only makes for the perfect soup and pasta container but also comes with a handy travel bag. This helps ensure the jar’s stainless steel body remains safe-as-could-be, and we love its three microwave-safe containers to add to the mix.

Customers are saying: “These are awesome. All the containers are great in terms of reducing costs spent on eating out, minimizing the garbage of packing lunches in disposable containers, and even helping with portion control for weight loss. They all fit into a compact bag which has a strap so it is easy to carry around. The quality of the containers is very good and so is the utensils.”

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