18 Cute Lunch Boxes for Work You Won’t Be Embarrassed to Pull Out
They’re chicer than the one you had in school—promise!
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Mmkay, I get it. Those plastic bags you got from the grocery store are easy to grab and throw your lunch in, especially when you're rushing out of the house in the morning, but, it certainly ain't cute, honey. Especially now that WFH days are, for the most part, behind us, and we are regularly heading into the office.
A pretty adult lunch box would look much better on your arm. Nope, I'm not talking about the kiddie ones from your elementary school days. (Although, those were adorable too.) There are tons of new, sophisticated versions to bring to work, and they'll never leave you feeling like you need to hide them inside your work bag.
Picture a bag that's just as pretty as your new purse, except it's got compartments inside for utensils, space to store dressings, and insulated panels to keep everything chilled. You'll see exactly what I'm talking about in the roundup below.
Our top picks for the best cute lunch boxes for work in 2024:
Now that you’ve scoped out some of our favorite picks, read on–perhaps with some snacks by your side to get you in the mood—for more lunch box options.
Mepal Ellipse Duo Lunch Box
Pros
- Microwave-safe (excluding soft inner lid)
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Might be too small for larger meals
- Not insulated
Listen, if I don’t have ketchup or hot sauce with me during my meals—it just doesn’t taste the same! This set has separate compartments and its own mini container for dressings or toppings. Plus it’s sleek and spill-proof, which makes it easily portable.
Umami Wood Tone Bento Box, Light Wood
Pros
- Spacious
- Durable wood exterior
Cons
- Can be too bulky for some
- Not insulated
This bento box has a minimalist aesthetic with its wood grain finish. It has two tiers to keep your foods separate, and the top tier also features an inner lid. Additionally, there is a black elastic band to secure the box and keep all the goodz (your yummy food) from spilling everywhere.
State Bags Rodgers Lunch Box
Pros
- Insulated
- Interior pocket for silverware
- Personalization available for $20
Cons
- Pricey
- Some shoppers have noted that interior insulation flakes off over time
If all you want in a lunch box is one that sticks to the basics with no added fuss, you’ll love this one. Plain and simple, this bag comes in 18 different colorways and is made of water-resistant, rubberized fabrication. There is also a detachable velcro divider to help with organization of food and snacks.
Waamind Lunch Bag
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Easily collapsible
- 22 different colors
- Water-resistant
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe
Remember when your mom used to send you off with a crinkly brown paper bag in hand? This is not your average brown bag. While it hits at all the nostalgia all the same, this durable waxed cotton canvas is a more elevated piece than the one you had when you were a kid. Plus, it’s water-resistant and easy to clean when you make a mess (you will).
Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag
Pros
- Insulated
- Very spacious
Cons
- Not machine-washable
You packed lunch, and you’re feeling loud and proud about it. This puffed up lunch box shows off your hard work you put in the night or morning before (or your not-so shameful leftovers) and carries them like a champ. And if that includes a tasty smoothie you prepped, this bb is cool and cushioned (aka more than equipped to take on the task).
Calpak Insulated Lunch Bag
Pros
- Insulated
- Long straps that make it easy to hold
- 11 different colorways
Cons
- Designed to be held on its own, not stuffed inside a work bag
- Fabric exterior may be prone to stains
No, you’re not actually going to frolic in a meadow during your lunch break but this cutie lil bag makes you feel that way. So even if it's just seen in the inside of your cafeteria or cubicle, the whimsical design will stay with ya. Moreover, the fact that it has outside pockets also makes it perfect to BYOB.
BENTO BITE DUAL
Pros
- Small and compact
- Fork included
- Microwave-safe
- Dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Customers have noted it is not airtight sealed
Need more than one container? This box comes with two trays that can easily stack on top of each other. And it's even got a handy strap to keep it all together.
Inka The Lunch Kit
Pros
- Comes packed with all the essentials
- Looks like a purse
Cons
- Pricey
- Bulky exterior
It doesn't get more elegant than this leather bag that comes with microwavable glass containers, utensils, and fancy reusable napkins.
Fit & Fresh Sanibel Lunch Tote
Pros
- Has handles that make it easy to carry
- Spacious
- Affordable
- Water bottle holders
Cons
- Not machine-washable
- Shoppers have noted zippers are flimsy
Need to bring breakfast and lunch with ya? This spacious bag will hold smoothies, salads, snacks, and more.
kate spade Blush Stripe Lunch Tote
Pros
- Insulated lining
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Spacious
Cons
- Pricey
This one has a sweet message (“save room for dessert”) printed on the front. And how could you say no to the gorge blush color? On top of that, this gorg pretty-in-pink option is insulated and will keep your drinks cold alllll day.
Back to Lunch Bag Blue Melon Lunch Bag
Pros
- Compact
- Insulated
- Handle included for easy transport
Cons
- Pretty small at 9-inches high
This multi-color sack has the extra compartments you need to keep your snacks and sauces separated from everything else.
Hydro Flask Lunch Bag
Pros
- Insulated
- Handles included for easy transport
Cons
- Bulky exterior
- Pricey
There are many people who cannot live without their Hydro Flask that keeps their water cool at all times, and if you relate, this lunch bag will be your new holy grail. It also has a large exterior pocket and a zippered interior pocket so you can stash your ketchup packets, napkins, and silverware.
Vera Bradley Cotton Lunch Bunch Lunch Bag
Pros
- Compact
- Insulated
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Limited stock
Love Vera Bradley bags? Well, they've got an adult lunch box that's quilted and covered in flowers. The sizing is also great if you want to stash it in your work tote. Score!
Corkcicle Baldwin Boxer Lunchbox
Pros
- Insulated
- Spacious
- Handles included for easy transport
Cons
- Pricey
You'll look like the boss with this structured design that has a cool slanted pocket on the outside. If you really want to up your lunch game, purchase the matching water bottle too.
PlanetBox Classic Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box
Pros
- Dishwasher-safe
- Multiple compartments
Cons
- Not the most spacious
- Not easy to carry
- Not microwave-safe
This stainless steel find has a matching metal handle and will keep your lunch organized with its multi sectional display.
Stoney Clover Lunch Bag
Pros
- 17 different colors available
- Insulated
Cons
- Pricey
- Customization cost extra depending on icons and letters selected
The best part about Stoney Clover items is the totally fab personalization options that come with it. The whimsical and fun designs are close to none, and you can do just that with this lunch tote.
Dagne Dover Axel Lunch Box
Pros
- Sleek design
- Handles included for easy transport
Cons
- Not insulated
Featuring a top and cross-body strap, this neoprene beauty is the perfect addition to your office days.
modern picnic THE LUNCHER
Pros
- Looks like a purse
- Cool design
- Insulated
Cons
- Too bulky to carry inside another tote
- Pricey
Pack your lunch for the day in the morning, then throw your wallet and phone in for HH at the end of the day.
What to consider when looking for a lunch box
Insulation
For those who plan to have more than just snacks in their pack such as a sandwich or poultry, you’ll want to ensure your food stays in tip-top shape until you’re able to munch. This means looking for lunch boxes that are insulated and will keep your food cool (or hot) throughout the day.
Size
While some people prefer their lunch boxes to fit inside their work tote or backpack, others have no problem carrying it in addition to their regular bag. In this case, there are many lunch boxes with handles that make it easy for you to hold and carry throughout the day. If you’re someone who would rather keep your lunch bag hidden until you’re ready to grub, consider a smaller, more compact pick instead.
Daisy Maldonado is an editor who covers everything from the latest fashion news to deeper looks at beauty culture and the internet’s most talked-about pop culture moments. She’s especially interested in the intersection of style and digital culture, and loves exploring what the trends we follow say about us. When she’s not writing, she’s probably four pages deep on The RealReal searching for vintage designer pieces or planning her next trip abroad (she lived in Paris for a year and hasn’t stopped talking about it since). Her work has appeared in Vogue, Bustle, Allure, and many more.
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