My 6yo starts first grade next month and the cafeteria food is apparently "disgusting and weird." Need something that keeps stuff separated (texture issues) and doesn't leak. We've tried like 5 different ones. Currently using an old Rubbermaid that's massive and he won't carry it. Budget up to $40 if it actually works. TIA
Look into Bentgo Kids or similar compartment lunch boxes. Your texture-sensitive 6yo will appreciate the separated sections. They're not insulated but they don't leak and they're durable enough to survive first grade.
Pottery Barn Kids has some solid ones with good compartments. Bit pricey but they're leak-proof which is huge. My 6yo has been using the same one for two years now. Fill it the night before so he can grab and go.
Since he's texture-sensitive, honestly just do sandwiches in one area, fruit/veggies in another, snacks separate. Any box with basic dividers will work. The real move is asking him what he actually WANTS to eat and packing that instead of guessing.
Bentgo Kids lunch box saved us. compartments, doesn't leak, easy to pack. pricey but the separate sections thing is exactly what you need for texture-sensitive kids
I'd go with an insulated soft lunch box over a hard compartment one if he cares about food temps. The compartments help less than you'd think if everything gets all mixed around from jostling.
The leak thing is real. We tried 5 different boxes too and finally settled on a simple insulated soft lunch box with a small ice pack. Just separate everything intentionally when you pack it—sandwiches in a small container, fruit in another, etc.
first grade cafeteria food is legitimately weird tbh. you're not crazy for packing. just get something insulated and with good compartments
what kind of texture issues we talking about here? that'll matter for what lunch box actually works
lunchbots stainless steel has different sized compartments and legit doesn't leak. not cute looking but functionally solid for picky eaters. survived 3 years of my oldest so far
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the texture thing is so real. my 6yo also can't stand food touching. we ended up getting one of those divided tray lunch boxes from Target. like $20 and works perfectly