Get the easy-open bento box

A bento box with simple latches is the right call for a kindergartener packing their own lunch.

The whole point is that compartments do the thinking. When a kid opens an empty bento box, they see four or five sections — fruit, protein, carb, snack — and fill them one by one. That’s a lot easier than a brown bag or one big container where the options are basically infinite.

The two names you’ll hear are Bentgo Kids and Yumbox. Bentgo Kids is the popular one and it does the job, but the latches can be stiff for a five-year-old to close. Yumbox uses a magnetic closure that’s basically effortless, so if your kid has weaker fine motor skills, that’s the safer bet. PlanetBox is the upgrade pick if you want stainless steel, but it’s pricey and the lid is easy to lose.

Whatever you get, avoid zippers, clips, and multi-piece sets — those end up on the cafeteria floor. And make sure it’s dishwasher safe and fits in their backpack alongside the actual backpack contents.

If they can’t open it, they won’t eat it, so test the latch before you commit.