Best kids’ lunch boxes for school in the UK

Get back-to-school ready with all our school essentials here at Cotswold Trading. 

We know that selecting the right lunch boxes, water bottles, or backpacks can be overwhelming, especially if your little one’s starting school for the first time. That’s why we’ve made the selection process super easy for you. We’ve selected some of the best lunch boxes for kids​, a list of the best kids’ water bottles​ and the best backpacks for school kids​, to help your little one get ready for their next steps into the big wide world.

Table of contents:

• The best children’s lunchbox​
• The best lunch bag for kids
• The best kids’ water bottle​
• The best kids’ stainless steel water bottle​
• Best kids’ backpacks​

The best children’s lunchbox

What makes the best kids’ lunchbox​? Something that works for parents and children. It needs to be durable and able to withstand daily use and washing, preferably in the dishwasher to ease the cleaning load. It also needs to be secure, keeping food protected until lunchtime. For the kids, their lunchbox needs to be fun and colourful to help make lunchtimes a joy. Here are our top three best kids’ lunch box​ options to help you make the best choice for your little ones. 

Tyrrell Katz Set of 4 Snack Boxes

Our collection of Tyrrell Katz nesting snack boxes makes for the perfect back-to-school lunch boxes​. The various sizes allow you to pack a range of lunch treats and finger foods, from sandwiches and carrot sticks to dips, grapes, nuts, or home-baked biscuits. The nesting sizes also allow for easy storage when not in use, preventing clutter in your kitchen cupboards.

Each set features a fun, quirky and colourful illustration that your kids will love to show off at school.

For the parents’ peace of mind, each snack box is BPA and Phthalate-free, so you know your children are safe from harmful toxins when it comes to their school lunches. They’re also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning!

Trixie Set of 2 Snack Boxes

Geared towards younger children, our best kids’ lunch boxes​ for nursery or on-the-go snacking are the Trixie set of 2 snack boxes. The two sizes allow you to fit your child’s favourite snacks perfectly, and with the easy-to-open-and-close clip, these are perfect for little hands.

Each set features a colourful background to catch your child’s eye and a friendly animal to accompany them on their lunchtime break.

All these snack boxes are also dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning at the end of the day. They are 100% PP (a durable plastic resistant to chemicals) for your peace of mind as a parent.  

The best lunch bag for kids​

If you think your child might find it easier to carry their lunch in a bag, a lunch bag is a fantastic option. Not only does it carry snack boxes and lunch boxes with ease, but it can also fit items like cutlery and ice packs to keep your child’s lunch cool and fresh throughout the school morning. Or, if your child prefers to take a warm dinner to school, the best thermal lunch box for kids​ will keep it warm till lunch.

Tyrrell Katz Insulated Lunch Bag

If you’re looking for the best insulated lunch box for kids​, the Tyrrell Katz Insulated Lunch Bag will fit the bill. The insulated lining will keep food fresh until lunchtime time and with the handy side pocket, your kids can also carry their water bottle at the same time. These lunch bags also feature an essential name label so your little ones will never lose their lunch. These also feature an adjustable shoulder strap, allowing them to carry it in a satchel style if that is easier for them.

These handy lunch bags also feature a convenient mesh pocket inside, perfect for stashing cutlery or an ice pack. They also have a front pocket so that break-time snacks are always within easy reach, eliminating the need to dig through the main section. And with your child’s favourite illustrations, they will love taking their lunch to school.

Tyrrell Katz Insulated Folding Lunch Tote

If you’re looking for a space-saving solution for your child’s lunch box. The Tyrrell Katz Insulated Folding Lunch Tote is a practical, stylish, and eco-friendly option. This design will keep food fresh and cool for hours. Additionally, when not in use, you can fold these totes down, making it easy to tuck them away in a backpack, drawer, or cupboard.

The easy-to-carry handles make these lunch bags easy for little ones to carry into their classrooms. Plus, with the recognisable Tyrrell Katz designs, these lunchboxes will never go amiss.

REX London Lunch Bag

Another excellent option for kids’ lunch bags is the REX London lunch bag collection. With plenty of room and a secure zip, you can pack a hearty packed lunch for your child and keep it secure until lunchtime. These bags also have thermal linings, keeping the contents warm or cold until it’s time to eat!

In addition to unique and fun designs to pique your child’s interest, these lunch bags are made from recycled materials. Opt for REX London for the best kids’ lunch bag today!

The best kids’ water bottle​

In addition to a lunchbox to keep your little one’s lunch fresh, kids will also need a water bottle to take to school with them to stay hydrated throughout the day. Having their own water bottle will help remind them to stay hydrated, and using a reusable bottle is more eco-friendly than using disposable cups.

To help you choose the best kids’ water bottles for school​, we’ve compiled a list of all our favourites to help you find the right one for your child. 

Tyrrell Katz Water Bottle

The Tyrrell Katz water bottles are a hugely popular product amongst kids and parents, and it’s easy to see why. These Tritan bottles are reusable and eco-friendly, easy to open, leak-proof and incredibly durable, perfect for taking to school.

The flip-top bottles feature easy-to-use pop-up nozzles and removable straws, making drinking easy for children and cleaning easy for parents. Every part can be popped in the dishwasher for effortless cleaning at the end of the day.

Kids will love taking these colourful and vibrant illustrated drinking bottles to school, and their see-through body means you can see how much they’ve drunk! Choose a design that reflects your child’s interests or personality for the best water bottle for kids.

The best kids’ stainless steel water bottle​

If you’re looking for the best water bottles for kids, you might consider a stainless steel water bottle. Incredibly durable and easy to clean, stainless steel water bottles are robust enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of school days. They will also help keep water cool for longer, encouraging children to stay hydrated throughout the school day, especially on hot days. Here are our top picks.

Tyrrell Katz Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle

The Tyrrell Katz stainless steel drinking bottles are a fantastic choice for your child to take to school. They’re leak-proof, so they won’t have any issues with a flooded school bag and sodden homework. Additionally, the pop-up mouthpiece is easy for little hands to use, and the convenient carry handle allows them to hold it securely.

Choose from a range of fun illustrated designs that will be unique to your child, so no more lost water bottles at school!

Trixie Drinking Bottle 350ml

For the best kids’ metal water bottles, browse our collection of Trixie drinking bottles. Kids will love the choice of cheerful animal designs, which will become their favourite companion when at school or out and about.

These stainless steel water bottles are a sustainable alternative to disposable plastic bottles, and they never release toxins into the water, for peace of mind for parents. Due to their simple design, these bottles are easy to clean with warm water, a bottle brush and dish soap.

Our collection features a range of 350ml sizes, perfect for fitting into their backpack or school bag. With a leak-proof cap that is easy to open and close, even for little hands, and a handy drinking spout, this is the perfect water bottle for school children. These bottles also feature an easy-to-carry cord that attaches to backpacks.

Best kids’ backpacks​

Get your child ready for school with an essential backpack to carry and keep all the things they need for their day. The best kids’ school backpack needs to be easy for little ones to carry and access, while also having helpful pockets to make finding things easy. A splash of fun and colour is also a must. 

Tyrrell Katz backpack

If you’re looking for the perfect backpack for your primary school-aged child, the Tyrrell Katz backpacks are a winner. Brightly trimmed and boldly printed, these backpacks will stand out for children. Plus, with their soft straps, children will be able to carry them easily on their way to school. The rucksacks also feature a handy side pocket for them to slot in their water bottle and a large front-zipped pocket for easy access to necessities or snacks. Make going to school more fun with them and watch them carry their own things with pride.

Frugi Backpacks

For eco-conscious parents looking for their kids’ first backpack, the firm favourite has to be Frugi. These backpacks are made from post-consumer recycled materials, and can withstand the rigours of school-day life. Additionally, they feature practical accessories, such as toddler reins and name tags. Inspire your children to love and protect the planet with a backpack that’s kind to the environment, decorated with fun and adorable illustrations they’ll love. Whether your child is starting school, preschool, or simply wants to carry their belongings on their next adventure, these backpacks are practical, durable, cute and sustainable!

Back-to-school essentials at Cotswold Trading

Whether your child is going back to school or you’re getting them ready for their first day, prepare for the big day at Cotswold Trading. We have everything they need to set them up for success as they embark on their next steps into the big world. Whether you’re looking for the best lunch box for kids or a fun way to help them stay hydrated during their lessons, shop back-to-school essentials at Cotswold Trading.