9 Clever Bento Box Lunch Ideas for Kids

What Bento Box To Use

I love my OmieBox UP for my middle schooler. It has a thermos to keep food warm for up to 4 hours and a cooling pack no the opposite side. Now just in time for back-to-school season, the new OmieBox Lite cold-lunch bento box officially launched today on OMIE’s website, with upcoming rollouts on TikTok Shop, Amazon, and Target. Available in Rosy Pink, Surf Blue, Clover Green, Lilac Puff, and Aqua Glacier, the Lite swaps the traditional thermos for a removable, built-in cooling pack beneath the tray, alongside handy new additions like the Smart Strap for carrying essentials and a secret Treasure Pocket in the lid for notes and treats. The launch also features matching Lite Dip mini containers ($15 for a set of two).

Here's Brit + Co's Kam's review: "We started the summer using a lunch bag for camp since I needed enough room to pack lunch plus a full day's worth of snacks for my 5-year-old. The problem? He was eating all the snacks and bringing his lunch home untouched. We switched to the OmieBox Lite, and it's been such a game changer. I can pack a little of what he loves alongside what he actually needs, and he's been eating so much better. We're excited to keep using it this fall as he starts kindergarten!"

Bento Box Ideas For Kids

Cat & Mouse

My daughter loves a good hard-boiled egg, and using simple carrot slices for ears and whiskers is an effortless way to sneak a few extra veggies into her midday meal. Feel free to swap out the classic olive details for blueberries or chocolate chips depending on what you have on hand!

Piglets

How adorable are these little rice balls? Use your kiddo's favorite seaweed snack pack to easily shape the facial features. Pairing these sweet little pigs with a side of savory sausage makes for a high-protein lunch they’ll devour in minutes.

Owl Bento

Um, is it possible to hire someone to pack our lunches like this? These cute owl bento designs are almost too charming to eat, though your kids definitely won't hesitate once they pop the lid.

Cutout Shapes

If you think putting together a bento box requires expert culinary skills, think again—all you really need is a trusty set of cookie cutters. Kids go crazy for food in fun shapes, and you might even convince them to try something new if it’s disguised as a flower, star, or dinosaur.

Teddy Bear Bento

These clever bear rice balls get a light touch of soy sauce to add color without making a mess. Balance out the compartment by filling the other side with finger-friendly snacks like yogurt, pretzels, fresh fruit, and cheese cubes.

Stick To The Basics

The absolute best part about using a bento box is that you can cut virtually anything into fun, bite-sized shapes—no fancy prepackaged snacks required. Sit down with your little ones to make a quick list of their favorite carbs, fruits, veggies, and proteins, then mix and match a couple from each category for a balanced meal that takes almost zero prep time.

Waffle Mouse

My daughter is obsessed with protein waffles for lunch, and turning them into a PB&J Waffle Mouse is hands-down the coolest sandwich upgrade on the block. Because honestly, who doesn't love breakfast for lunch?

Piglet Bagel

Bagels are a certified crowd-pleaser in our house. Satisfy their sweet tooth with a fun bagel spread made from strawberry cream cheese, surrounded by plenty of fresh, colorful fruit sides.

Monkey Bento

Mix up their sandwich routine by swapping out traditional bread for english muffins. Carry the playful theme right on through by tossing in a banana and a handful of cheeky animal crackers.