What’s the Best Lunchbox for a 5 Year Old? (Parent-Tested Guide)

Starting school at age five is a huge milestone. From learning to read and write to making new friends, there’s plenty to get used to — and one thing that makes the transition smoother is the right lunchbox. Parents often ask us: What’s the best lunchbox for a 5 year old?

The truth is, every child is different. Some five year olds are nibblers, while others surprise you with appetites that rival older kids. That’s why choosing the right lunchbox depends on size, weight, compartments, and durability.

In this guide, we’ll take a parent-tested look at the best lunchbox options for prep and kindergarten in Australia — including silicone, mini, medium, large, maxi, and mighty lunchboxes.

What to Look For in a Lunchbox for 5 Year Olds

When choosing a school lunchbox for a five year old, focus on:

• Lightweight design – easy for little hands to carry.

• Simple latches – kids need to open it themselves without teacher help.

• Correct size – enough for recess and lunch but not oversized.

• Durability – it needs to survive daily school bag bumps.

• Fun colours or personalisation – makes it feel special and reduces the chance of getting lost.

The Best Lunchboxes for 5 Year Olds

Silicone Lunchboxes – Soft and Flexible

Silicone lunchboxes are ideal for young kids because they’re lightweight, soft to touch, and easy to open and close. They fit comfortably in smaller school bags and are dishwasher safe, making them a parent favourite for busy mornings.

Mini Bento – Snack-Sized and Simple

For five year olds with small appetites or on days when lunch is ordered from the canteen, the Mini Bento is perfect. It’s compact, easy for little hands to manage, and holds just the right amount for fruit breaks or smaller meals.

Medium Bento – The Everyday All-Rounder

If you’re looking for balance, the Medium Bento is the go-to. It’s big enough to hold a sandwich or wrap, plus fruit and snacks, without overwhelming younger kids. For most five year olds, this is the best all-round choice for school.

Large Bento – Extra Space for Hungry Kids

Some five year olds have surprisingly big appetites! If your child tends to eat more than average or prefers variety, the Large Bento is a great option. With more compartments, you can pack a mix of sandwiches, snacks, veggies, and treats all in one box.

Maxi Bento – Room for Growing Appetites

The Maxi Bento is the largest in our range, perfect for parents who want one box to hold both lunch and recess. While it may be bigger than some five year olds need daily, it’s excellent for growing appetites, long school days, or when you want to fit in extras like a full wrap, fruit, and even a food jar.

Mighty Lunchbox – Stainless Steel Durability

For families wanting an eco-friendly and ultra-durable choice, the Mighty stainless steel lunchbox is unbeatable. Built to last for years, it’s strong, hygienic, and perfect if you want a lunchbox that can keep up with school life (and beyond). While a little heavier than other styles, many parents choose Mighty for its long-term value and sustainability.

Tips for Packing a 5 Year Old’s Lunchbox

• Choose bite-sized foods that are easy to eat without help.

• Pack a mix of colours and textures — it makes food more exciting.

• Keep portions smaller; kids can always eat more at home.

• Involve your child in choosing designs or personalisation — it helps them feel proud of their lunchbox.

• Read our recipe blog for endless lunchbox inspiration & ideas

Final Thoughts – Which Lunchbox is Best for 5 Year Olds?

The best lunchbox for a five year old is one that’s lightweight, simple to open, and perfectly matched to their appetite. For most children, the Medium Bento is the ideal everyday lunchbox. Smaller eaters may prefer the Mini Bento, while bigger eaters thrive with the Large or even Maxi Bento. Parents wanting a long-term, sustainable option often choose the Mighty stainless steel lunchbox, while silicone lunchboxes are perfect for little ones who need something soft, light, and easy to manage.

At Mum Made Yum, we make choosing easier by offering all of these options in fun, colourful designs — with the bonus of personalisation.

👉 Explore our full collection today and find the perfect lunchbox for your 5 year old.