If being plastic-free is important to your way of life—or if you want something functional, without frills, and that’s super easy to clean—PlanetBox is a great option. The one issue someone might run into with these bento boxes is that younger kids may have difficulty with the latches. They’re secure, but a little more difficult to close, so tiny hands might have trouble. PlanetBox recently released a line of stainless steel boxes with silicone lids, but again, I found them tricky to secure and worry that leftover food would be all over your kid’s lunch box or backpack. For older kids, though, this won’t be an issue.

Of all the PlanetBox models I tried, the Rover is my favorite. This model has five compartments of various sizes, so there’s plenty of room and division. Plus, it comes with two small containers (dippers) for modularity. There’s a smaller size for preschoolers (the Shuttle), and a larger size for middle and high schoolers (the Launch), but the Rover feels like the perfect in-between size, plus it fits in most lunch boxes. And just because it’s stainless steel doesn’t mean it can’t be flashy—PlanetBox sells magnet sets for zhuzhing up your bento.

Other lunch accessories worth buying

Thermos

Hydro Flask

Hydro Flask Insulated Food Container

If your kid is the type who prefers a warm lunch over a cold one, then the Hydro Flask Insulated Thermos is a must-buy. It holds 12 ounces of liquid or food, and the steel keeps it hot for hours. (Alternatively, cold food or liquid also stays quite cold in it.) The lid and outside of the container are grippy to increase stability for little hands. The whole thing is dishwasher-safe, and the colors are just as fun as their iconic water bottles.

Utensils

Antetok

Antetok Disposable Wood Sporks

Many of the lunch container brands mentioned have their own utensils. The OmiePod is a fork and spoon set, complete with a carrying case that loops around the bento’s handle; PlanetBox features a stainless-steel set with a silicone case; and Bentgo has two different sets. These are cute and all, but I prefer these biodegradable wooden sporks. Kids lose things (they’re kids!), so more environmentally friendly disposable utensils really come in handy.