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Whether you have a kid going back to school, or you’re unfortunately adulting at an actual job, packing a lunch is a non-negotiable fact of life. It’s significantly more cost effective bringing a lunch to school or work – between grocery shopping (or buying in bulk) and eating leftovers, one source estimated bringing a lunch could save you up to $1,500 per year.

So splurging on a $20 or even $40 lunch box won’t set you back too much in comparison. According to the cost of eating out today, $40 can hardly cover a meal for two people.

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We’re rounding up some of our favorite lunch boxes for kids and adults just in time for the final push of the back-to-school season. Kicking off the list is one I use every week for my office trek. These insulated lunch boxes are perfect for keeping your food cool, compact and stored safely during commute.

1. Hydro Flask Insulated Lunch Bag

Price: $39.99 at Target

Features:

• Lightweight and made from 100% recycled polyester
• Water-resistant coating
• Exterior and zippered interior pockets
• Easy to wipe clean with lined interior (including welded seams for leak protection)
• Large 5L size for assortment of containers and utensils

This Hydro Flask insulated lunch bag is one I use every day – I’ve taken it into the office, used it at horse shows and even took it on an outdoor picnic. It can be stuffed full of tupperware, drinks and ice with plenty of space to spare. It’s also leakproof thanks to the interlocking seams, so no mess in your vehicle or refrigerator.

It’s a soft-sided cooler style lunch box and has a soft foam structure to keep it from toppling over and retaining its shape. When it’s completely full and somewhat heavy, while I can hold the top strap to carry it, I will also support the bottom. During a normal commute, however, it’s strong enough to support your lunch weight without threat of the carry strap snapping apart.

I loved it so much, I even encouraged my boss to buy one as well.

2. Vera Bradley Lighten Up Lunch Crossbody

Price: $19.99 at Target

Features:

• Adjustable crossbody lunch bag
• 8L capacity
• Exterior side slip pocket and zip closure
• Cleaning: Spot clean with mild detergent and damp cloth, rinse and lay flat to dry

I love the color selection for the Vera Bradley Lunch Crossbody Bag, which looks like it would be easy to tote on a short hiking trip or if you prefer to eat outdoors at campus. One reviewer on Target said, “I love how big it is. It is so worth it, and the patterns are so much [prettier] in person.”

3. Bentgo Kids' Double Insulated Lunch Bag

Price: $24.99 at Target

Features:

• Ideal for ages 3+
• Water-resistant fabric and padded thermal lunch compartment
• Padded carry handle
• Multiple carry options, including straps, handles and hooks

The Bentgo Kids’ Insulated Lunch Bag is lightweight, durable and easy to carry with tons of cute print options. With zippers designed for little hands to open and close, it’s also easy to clean in case of messes. Make it a matching set with the extra kits options, including sandwich boxes and water bottles.

4. GoBe Kids' 2-in-1 Bento Style Lunchbox with Small Snack Spinner Flip

Price: $25.49, was $29.99 at Target

Features:

• 5 small compartments and 1 large sandwich compartment
• Ideal for school, daycare or on-the-go
• Each compartment holds up to ¼ cup of food
• Drop-tested to ensure “kid-proof” durability, according to the company
• Top rack dishwasher safe

I’m not going to lie, I kind of want this GoBe Kids’ Bento Lunchbox – with the snack spinner and sandwich container, it looks like a nice way to portion food and ensure you’re getting enough nutrition throughout the day. While it doesn't offer the same kind of insulation as a regular lunch box, if you’re sending kids to a daycare or tossing it into the fridge, it may not make much difference.

5. Embark™ Refreezable Ice Pack (2-Pack)

Price: $3 at Target

Features:

• Small ice packs
• BPA-free and non-toxic, according to company
• Easy to fit into much lunch box sizes
• Hand wash to clean

Reviewers were happy with these Embark refreezable ice packs, noting they kept items cool for a good stretch of time. One reviewer said it “kept my baby’s milk cold during a four hour drive”, while another called it a “great affordable ice pack for lunchboxes.”

You can store them in the freezer in between uses, and will fit in most lunch box sizes. I use a similar ice pack in my Hydro Flask lunch box just to keep items extra cold during my commute and in cases when I won’t be able to toss it into a refrigerator.

Price accurate and items in stock at time of publish.