Get the bento box, not the boring brown bag

For a kid (or adult) who eats five things, the lunch box matters less than keeping those five things from touching.

Separate compartments are the whole game. Bento-style boxes keep the chicken nuggets away from the fruit and the crackers from the cheese. Picky eaters are often texture people, and one soggy piece of bread can ruin a whole lunch. So get a box with firm dividers, not a single open container.

Also look for something the kid can open themselves. If they have to ask for help, the lunch becomes a power struggle. A few simple latches or a pop-top lid beats a complicated clasp.

Don’t waste money on insulated bags with a million features. You don’t need heating, dipping cups, or an app. You need three or four separate spaces, maybe five since they only eat five things. That’s it.

If they’re old enough, let them pack it themselves. Picky eaters are more likely to eat what they chose.