I put together a post a few years ago with some of my favorite school lunch supplies, but we've since discovered some new favorites I'd love to share. Don't forget to check out our recent lunch box review post if you're looking for more than just accessories!
My Favorite School Lunch Supplies (Updated for 2015!)
- Sandwich Cutters
My kids are probably technically too old for this, but they still LOVE their sandwiches cut in fun shapes. Here are two of our favorites below. And no fear about wasted crust because you can always throw it in a freezer bag for croutons, breadcrumbs or even stuffing on a rainy day!
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- Mini Squeeze Bottles
I recently bought a set of these simply based on the fact that they are adorable! They are perfect for sauces or dressings without taking up much room in the lunch box.
- Fun Toothpicks!
It's amazing how a tiny little inexpensive wooden stick can take your lunch from typical to super fun. My daughters especially like these unicorn and pinwheel food picks.
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- Simple Water Bottle (without straw parts)
We love our Thermos bottles - don't get me wrong - BUT sometimes I just get tired of dealing with all the parts and pieces in the dishwasher (4 per bottle). So it was breath of fresh air to try this 2-piece insulated "bottle rocket" from PlanetBox instead. More often than not we find ourselves grabbing this one first now. 
"Side Item" Container
When I pack soup or another hot lunch in a Thermos container I always send some side items to go with it. And my new favorite container for this purpose is this simple rectangular stainless steel box by U-Konserve with an adjustable divider to give me lots of flexibility (PS - if you want to try it out, they've offered 15% off of anything on their site with code 100DAYS15). And I still love my LunchBots "side item" containers, but sometimes what I'm packing doesn't always fit nicely into the divided compartments.
- Mini Paper Loaf Pans
Once again I had to buy these simply because they were too cute and fun to pass up. Mini colorful 3" loaf pans (in oven-safe paper) that will make all your old muffin and quick bread recipes seem new again. Now, how fun is that?
- Lunchbox Love Cards
Okay, this is nothing new but for 3 or 4 years now (and going strong!) my daughters still love the sweet and fun little cards from this sponsor of ours. I could never be as creative as they are with all the funny jokes and thought-provoking trivia, and I also love how a couple of cards in each pack have a blank side for me (or my husband!) to write something special of our own. Bonus: They're sturdy enough to reuse a few times.
- Reusable Pouches by Squooshi These adorable and reusable food pouches are just the thing to send wholesome, yummy and, of course, squooshi foods. Think smoothies, applesauce, yogurt, oatmeal and even soups! Doesn't matter how old or how young they are - these are adorable and very versatile. Want to try them out? Use code 100DRF and save 20% off of your order!
What are your most favorite lunch box accessories so far this year? Please share in the comments!
KENT says
I like these concept! Especially the sauce container for baloney.
thanks for posting a good article.
gary says
its nice ,thanks
Kent RO Services says
very cool stuff..
Edna says
hi Lisa,
All the lunch items were super cool. I like the sandwich cutter the most.
Regards
Edna
Neha Sharma says
My most cherished have been a water filtration container recently. It offers me some help with drinking continuously.
Jessica Ray says
Haha, the unicorn toothpicks are so much fun! I have to get a grip of those :) Love the sandwich cutters as well.
My most loved has been a water filtration bottle of late. It offers me some assistance with drinking progressively and I can likewise refill it basically anyplace without agonizing over drinking unfiltered water.
Regards
Jessica Ray
Martina Cruz says
very cool stuff.. for kids.... !!
Melissa Brown says
Love these ideas! Especially the sauce container for applesauce. I don't like my kids throwing away all those individual applesauce containers.
I also like all the reusable drink containers. The plastic water bottle industry is so scary. Here is a blog we did about plastic water bottles and why we shouldn't use them.
http://agreenleafhome.com/the-peril-of-plastic-water-bottles/
Thanks again for the great ideas.
BetsyD says
You know how we have all missed the Ziploc divided containers that are now discontinued? Well, there is a great alternative that is actually affordable and we love them better than the Ziploc. Durable, inexpensive, so far leak-proof, and great for families with multiple children, since you can color code the container to child's lunchbox. Easy Lunchboxes- 3 compartments http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S129AQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Francoise says
These leak. In the description on amazon, it says they are not leak-proof. We like these containers as well, but miss the leak-proof part of our old ziplock ones.
rakhi says
@SHAWN
I had the same issue with her battered chicken bites! they taste extraordinary new, yet sickening in a lunch box..
regards
rakhi
Lucie Javorska says
Haha, the unicorn toothpicks are so much fun! I need to get a hold of those :) Love the sandwich cutters too.
My favorite has been a water filtration bottle lately. It helps me drink more and I can also refill it pretty much anywhere without worrying about drinking unfiltered water.
Suzie says
How do you keep things like chicken nuggets warm without them getting soggy from the steam in the container?
Shelby says
place a paper towel inside the container before putting in the nuggets. It absorbs the moisture from the nuggets, so they nuggets stay warm and dry.
Janie says
I had the same problem with her chicken nuggets! they taste great fresh, but disgusting in a lunch box
Kristin says
Do rocket bottles fit in the side pouch of a Land's end lunch bag? We too are getting sick of all the parts of the thermos bottles. My oldest and middle daughter's are two year apart and so are their thermos bottles. Unfortunately thermos changed the holes ever so slightly between years, so if the spouts arent put in the correct bottles, the older one leaks.
Lisa says
Yes, they fit! Good question :)
Kelly says
How sturdy is the mouth piece on the PlanetBox bottle? My son bites holes in the funtainer straws and I'd like to find something that will hold up.
Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says
Hi there. They are made of silicone like others, so if you have a biter that may be problematic.
Jennifer says
I love your posts and am always looking for new products....especially for sending hot food. However, we really are in need of economical options! I have a 10 yr old boy who is a bit of a space cadet. Every time he leaves his lunch box on the school bus I freak out! There is NO WAY I can spend $30, $40, $50+ on lunch containers. I value my last two Ziploc segmented containers like you wouldn't believe.
Brooke says
Have you had any trouble with the mini squeeze bottles leaking?
shawn says
Hi Brooke. We have not had a problem with them leaking.
Dee the Chef says
Love the ideas!!!! What size is the mini squeeze bottles?
As for a water bottle (drink bottle), I prefer the Hydro Flask, not only is it insulated and keeps their water ice cold for up to 24 hours it is easy to clean, easy to use, sweat free, lifetime warranty, & doesn't use any straw/sippy cup type thing. This is the exact one we have for our kids lunch boxes.... http://www.hydroflask.com/12-oz-wide-mouth#92=28. We have had them for several years & love them!!!
shawn says
They are 1.18oz