We may not miss the questionable contents of packed lunches past (we’re looking at you Lunchables), but we do miss the conveniently compact and proudly totable vessels they came in. Bringing lunch to work as an adult is a challenge. For starters, we’re packing it ourselves now — and that faithful Pink Power Rangers insulated lunchbox? May it RIP. Throwing leftovers into sad plastic bags that are then shoved inside our work totes has turned too many a meal into a squished mess. It’s time to turn our techniques back.
Ahead, we’ve curated a list of the cutest, most adult-acceptable lunch boxes out there — from chill $10 cooler bag steals to chicer waxed canvas takes on the brown bag classic. Click on to join us in bringing back lunch pride with some much needed swag and packing ease.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Kate Spade New York Insulated Tumbler & Lunch Tote Set
Brighten up your desk with this punchy, citrus-print lunch-packing duo.
Kate Spade New York insulated tumbler & insulated lunch tote set, $48, available at Nordstrom
SoYoung Lunch Poche Bag
This oh-so-chic, canvas-style lunch tote comes crafted with a removable insulated lining and bonus pocket for storing your reusable cutlery.
SoYoung Lunch Poche Bag, $44, available at Anthropologie
BAGGU Reusable Nylon Grocery Tote
Instead of carrying our tupperware lunches in plastic grocery bags, we’ll be slinging them over our shoulders in eco-friendly style with this reusable, ripstop nylon shopper from BAGGU.
Baggu Reusable Nylon Grocery Tote, $10, available at Amazon
STATE Richmond Lunch Sack
This sleek black sack is athleisure-style lunch packing at its finest.
State Richmond Lunch Sack, $38, available at STATE
ban.do Square Lunch Bag
We love the calming lilac color of this simply chic canvas and mesh-pocketed lunch bag from ban.do.
ban.do What’s for Lunch? Square Lunch Bag – Lilac, $25, available at ban.do
Etsy Eco-Friendly Insulated Lunch Tote
Lunch packers who bike to work, rejoice — this U.S.-made tote comes with a durable waterproof lining and clip-lock design for secure commuting.
ThreadedRVA Eco-Friendly Insulated Lunch Tote, $25.99, available at Etsy
WAAM Industries Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag
We love this colorful waxed canvas take on the brown bag lunch so much, that we plan to give it dual use as an avant-garde evening clutch.
WAAM Industries Waxed Canvas Lunch Bag, $24, available at WAAM Industries
Room Essentials Yoga Sloth Lunch Tote
This streamlined lunch holder comes complete with a zipper closure and a sloth-doing-yoga-print for secure and stylish toting.
Room Essentials Yoga Sloth Print Lunch Tote White, $7.99, available at Target
Stoney Clover Lane Lunch Box
Stay on trend with this pastel-hued, tie-dye tote made from durable technical weave materials with a gleaming gold-tone zipper accent.
Stoney Clover Lane Lunch Box, $54, available at Shopbop
Takenaka Bento Box
Pack your lunch minimalist style with one of these sleek bento boxes that contain a conveniently compartmentalized interior.
Takenaka Bento Box, $29, available at Urban Outfitters
Dagne Dover Extra-Small Landon Carryall
With a removable shoulder strap, this crossbody duffle-like bag made from durable neoprene with a performance air-mesh lining will tote your lunch (and other essentials) from work to happy hour incognito-style.
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall, $95, available at Dagne Dover
World Market Hammered Metal Tiffin Lunch Box
If you’re more of an old-fashioned style lunch packer, then this hammered metal lunch pail is classic perfection.
Cost Plus World Market Hammered Metal Tiffin Lunch Box, $9.99, available at Cost Plus World Market
STATE Rodger’s Lunch Box
STATE’s insulated lunchboxes (for kids and adults) come in a sophisticated array of shiny styles and compact sizes.
State Rodgers Lunch Box, $38, available at STATE
Simon Miller Transparent Vinyl Lunch Bag Clutch
For the luxury lunch packer — this oversized, Italian meal clutch is made from stylish transparent vinyl complete with a structured leather base and magnetic closure opening.
Simon Miller Lunch Bag Transparent Vinyl Clutch, $86.99, available at Need Supply Co
Herschel Reflective Lunch Box
Make a packed-lunch statement with Herschel’s reflective lunch box in vivid hot-pink.
Herschel Supply Co. Reflective Lunch Box, $39.99, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Catchii Homeware Tropical Bamboo Melamine Lunch Box
These printed melamine boxes are the stylish solution for keeping your packed sandwich from its otherwise squished-inside-a-plastic-bag fate.
Catchii Homeware Tropical Bamboo Melamine Lunch Box, $20, available at Anthropologie
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Ashley Iaconetti & Jared Haibon Had Custom Dunkin’ Donuts At Their Wedding
Dunkin Has A New Fall Drink & It’s Coming For The PSL
Cheese Lovers, Brace Yourselves: Prices Could Skyrocket Soon For An Annoying Reason
Source: Refinery29 – Elizabeth Buxton