Back to school doesn’t need to mean panic-buying, overflowing drawers, or spending money on things that never leave the cupboard.

What you do need is a solid lunch setup that works for your child’s appetite, your routine, and real school days (not Pinterest lunches 🙃).

So here it is - the back-to-school list in priority order, mum-approved and tested in real lunchboxes.

The back-to-school essentials (in the right order)

A lunch box to suit your child’s appetite

This is the big one.
Not too big. Not too small. Just right.

A good lunch box should:

• Fit the amount your child actually eats

• Be easy to open (no mid-day meltdowns)

• Handle leaks, drops, and daily use

Did we mention a really good lunch box? Because everything else works around this.

Top picks for big appetites:

• Bbox original - great price point and by far the most popular. Comes with really cool accessories
• Feast - a bit more pricey but great quality and colours. Lightweight (this matters for a preppie). Dishwasher safe! Add a colourful tray or cups for extra variety.

Kindy/daycare/small appetites:

• Hands down bbox mini paired with a bbox snackbox
• Bite - more expensive, but great quality and colours. Add a colourful tray for extra variety.

A container for munch & crunch (or whatever you call it)

Recess snacks deserve their own container.

Perfect for:

• Crackers

• Fruit

• Veggie sticks

• Little treats that don’t get squished

Top picks:

• Hands down bbox snackbox
• Snack - more expensive, but great quality and colours
• Mini food jar
• Lunch tub
• Snack tubs

A good insulated lunch bag (with an ice pack)

An insulated lunch bag is a non-negotiable in Aussie heat.

Look for one that:

• Keeps food cool all day

• Fits the lunchbox properly

• Has room for an ice pack

Because no one wants warm yoghurt at lunchtime. What fits in what is a whole other blog post!

A durable water bottle

School water bottles need to be tough.

Think:

• Leak-proof

• Easy to open

• Fits in the bag side pocket

Hydrated kids = happier kids (and fewer calls from school).

Reusable food pouches (for the yoghurt monsters)

If your child lives for yoghurt, smoothies, custard or purées - this one’s a game changer.

Reusable food pouches:

• 💰 Save money

• 🌱 Reduce waste

• ✨ Make lunch packing faster

Reusable up to 100 times. If you don't know where to start - grab the Yoghurt Lovers starter kit.

A mini food jar (according to sales … ESSENTIAL)

We don’t argue with the data.

Mini food jar are perfect for:

• Yoghurt

• Pasta

• Leftovers

• Warm foods in winter

Once you have one, you’ll use it way more than you expect.

Mini cutlery (so cute)

Small hands = small cutlery.

Mini cutlery is:

• Easy for kids to use

• Perfect for food jars and lunch boxes

• Ridiculously cute and colourful (important factor)

We have LOADS of options - check them out here.

The new b.box silicone tray inserts

We can’t keep these in stock … and there’s a reason. Mainly because pretty much the whole of Australia uses this lunch box.

They:

• Add extra compartments

• Help separate foods

• Make lunch boxes even more flexible

One small upgrade, big lunchbox (and parent) win.

Containers in all shapes and sizes

Because not every snack fits in the same container.

Different sizes help with:

• Portioning

• Variety

• Keeping food fresh

Once you have a mix, lunch packing becomes way easier.

A lunch pocket (goodbye cling wrap 👋)

No more wrapping sandwiches in cling wrap or foil.

Lunch pockets are:

• Reusable

• Easy to clean

• Better for the planet

One small swap that makes a big difference.

The takeaway (save this for later)

You don’t need everything - you just need the right things.

SAVE this list.
Add it to your notes.
Send it to a friend starting school.

And if you’re unsure what works best for your child, we’re always here to help 💛

Because back to school should feel organised … not overwhelming.