Best Retro Lunch Box Reviews 2023

The price often varies because of the materials used, design, licensing agreements and more. A licensed lunchbox made of tin with a big, vibrant, shiny design will cost over $20, but you can find ones that run as low as $13 (usually unlicensed, or the theme is generic, like extra-terrestrials or the Loch Ness Monster).

In our course of research, we found some very low-priced retro lunchboxes, but we decided to steer clear of these products because users reported that they were easily damaged or that the graphics wore off after a short while. We know everyone lives on a budget—us included!—but we highly recommend you spend just a little more to save yourself money in the long run.

When choosing a lunchbox—or any novelty item—we know that there are a handful of features to consider with design and style perhaps being the most important. But if you’re looking for a collector’s item—something you won’t actually use to carry your lunch—your required features will change (for example, you may not need to pay extra for an insulated interior if you aren’t carrying anything in it). If you’re looking for something durable that your kids can take to school, you may want to consider the size of the box to see if you can fit Tupperware or other bulky items inside it. We think retro lunchboxes also make unique toiletry bags, so if you want a bag for this purpose, considering a soft bag versus a hard tin box is an important factor.

Try to think of all the uses your item may go through as you consider which one to buy. When you have all these features in mind, we know you’ll have no problem finding the best lunchbox to show off your fandom!

Some retro lunchboxes are made with thin, which is lightweight but can be prone to getting dented from hard use. Others are made with BPA-free plastic and are more durable (great for little kids!) while others are made with canvas. Canvas bags and boxes withstand hard use better than tin, but they can be more difficult to wash than plastic (usually, canvas-types are hand-wash only).

Although most tin boxes will have similar sizes, canvas and plastic lunch bags may be bigger or smaller. If you do plan to carry your lunch in your retro lunchbox, we recommend measuring the Tupperware or lunch items you typically carry to see if everything will fit. Generally, if you use a lot of plastic baggies to pack your food, you won’t have a problem fitting your lunch into a plastic, tin, or canvas box or bag!

If you do measure your lunch items and you find out they won’t fit, finding a bag with a different shape may help. Because some retro lunchboxes are made with canvas, the shape will differ and you might be able to fit awkwardly shaped items in it. For folks looking to just display their collectibles, remember to measure the space you intend to display your item.

Most retro lunchboxes have a metal latch that you just snap to keep the box closed. Canvas bags typically have a zipper closure, but they can also have a button or Velcro closure. If you want to carry your lunch, a lunchbox with an included thermos is a good choice because it saves you money and you can be certain the thermos fits inside the box! If you want a box for carrying toiletries, a latch closure will help keep everything locked inside.

The beauty of retro lunchboxes is that they let you show your love for your favorite characters, shows, movies, comic books and more. People who love classic cars can find lunchboxes with the Mustang logo while lovers of Star Wars can display their affection at the next upcoming movie (retro lunchboxes are great for carrying in snacks at the movies, which we of course do not recommend you do, but thought should be mentioned anyway).

Whether you’re a diehard fan, a collector, or just someone who wants to a unique lunch carrier, a retro lunchbox is a budget-friendly way to be yourself!