Back to school isn’t just the start of a new school year; it’s a new routine and a whole new set of daily needs to fuel busy school days. From the first bell to the last playtime, what kids eat and drink plays a big role in a successful school year.
Much like their lunchboxes, kids don’t stay the same. As they grow, their appetites, schedules and hydration needs change too. What worked last year might not cut it this time around.
That’s where power partners come in. These are smart lunch + drink pairings designed to work better together for every school stage. Think less guesswork and more balanced choices that make sense for your child right now. This guide is here to help you pick faster, shop smarter, and feel confident you’re packing the right combo for the year ahead.
what is a “power partner”?
A power partner is the right combination of one lunch solution and one hydration solution, chosen to work together. The best pairings are designed to match your child’s appetite, support growing independence and keep them fuelled for the length of their school day. Whether that’s a short morning activity or a full day of classes, it’s an easy way to pack smarter, without overthinking every lunchbox choice.
power partners by school age
pre-school power partners
For kids aged 3-4, our preschool power partners are perfect for little learners, where parents pack their lunch. For shorter days full of activities, kids at this stage need smaller portions, maximum spill protection and lunch gear that’s lightweight and compact enough for small hands.
The preschool power partner pairs our mini lunchbox and silicone bento tray with our 380mL drink bottle jnr., for a combo designed for stress-free days. Designed to fit in your child’s b.box lunchbox, mini lunchbox, and snackbox, the handy silicone inserts create additional sections for smaller portions and easy packing for parents. While our drink bottle jnr. is perfect for those little hands ready to take the next step in independent drinking with an easy-to-carry, simple-to-open, leakproof lid (when closed).
Together, this combo fits seamlessly into pre-school routines, where simplicity and reliability are key. Smaller portions mean less food waste, while leak-proof designs help keep bags and clothes clean and dry. Parents can confidently pack knowing their little ones will be fuelled without mess or fuss.
prep power partners
Designed for kids in their first year of school, our prep power partners are for kids stepping into independence for the first time. In this stage, kids are learning to open, close and manage their own lunch, needing easy-open features, simple layouts and a capacity that is just right for them.
Pairing our mini lunchbox and snackbox with a 450mL Tritan™ drink bottle creates a power partner that supports growing confidence, with products sized perfectly for shorter school days. Great for smaller appetites, our mini lunchbox is easy to open and features a simple layout for whole-lunch options, while our snackbox is the perfect companion to make snack time easy. Our 450mL Tritan™ drink bottle is designed for everyday hydration with its easy-to-open push-button lid and robust carry handle.
With a focus on easy-to-use products, our prep power partners support kids as they move through their classroom routines and break times independently. Simple, intuitive features help build confidence, leading to calmer lunch breaks, smoother classroom transitions and a more positive start to school from day one.
years 1-2 power partners
Our years 1-2 power partners are made for kids with longer school days, bigger appetites and more time being active. As days get busier, they need slightly larger capacities, food that stays fresh until it’s time to eat and hydration they can rely on between lessons and playtime.
The combination of a lunchbox, an insulated food jar and a 450mL sports spout bottle creates a power partner built for longer, active days. Our lunchbox is the perfect size for growing appetites, with a flexi fruit holder and room for a whole sandwich. The insulated food jar keeps food at the perfect temperature for hours, keeping warm meals warm and cool food fresh. While our 450mL sports spout bottle is perfect for active kids on the go, offering a no-fuss, easy-flow drinking solution.
This combo works because it delivers steady fuel and reliable hydration exactly when kids need it most throughout the day. The insulated food jar and lunchbox keep meals fresh until lunchtime, encouraging kids to eat well and stay satisfied for longer, while the sports spout bottle makes it easy to hydrate quickly during class breaks and playtime. Together, they help kids stay energised, hydrated and ready to learn and play all day long.
years 3-4 power partners
For kids with growing appetites, bigger school days and after-school activities, our years 3-4 power partners are here to help. At this stage, kids need more food packed into fewer containers, tough designs that can handle busy days and the flexibility to cover both lunch and snack time.
Pairing our lunchbox with a lunch tub and a 500mL insulated drink bottle delivers that next-step solution. Our lunchbox gives kids the flexibility to include both lunch and snacks in the container, covering big and small appetites. Our lunch tub fits perfectly into our lunchbox sandwich compartment, giving you more lunchtime options for any fussy eaters. At the same time, our 500mL insulated drink bottle keeps drinks at the perfect temperature all day long.
It’s a practical upgrade that provides lasting hydration and enough fuel to get through the school day and beyond, without going too big too soon. The result is a balanced, reliable combo that keeps kids energised, organised and ready for whatever the school day brings.
years 5-6 power partners
Our years 5-6 power partners are made for upper primary students who are gaining greater independence and taking more responsibility for their lunches and hydration. They need fuller meals, fewer refills and products that can grow with them as their appetite and activity levels increase.
The combination of a lunchbox, snackbox, insulated lunchbag, and a 690mL insulated flip top bottle creates a reliable power partner built for long school days and after-school sports. Our lunchbox offers a large compartment that fits a whole sandwich as well as a flexi whole fruit holder for big appetites, while the snackbox is perfect for snacks during sports and after school activities. Both our lunchbox and snackbox fit inside our insulated lunchbag, keeping your kids' food cooler and fresher for longer. While our 690mL insulated drink bottle provides a bigger-sized drink bottle that keeps drinks cool for up to 44 hours.
With plenty of capacity, easy-to-use designs and durable materials, this combo keeps meals fresh and drinks accessible. Parents can send their kids off to school with confidence that they will be fuelled and hydrated for the entire school day and beyond.
high school power partners
Our high school power partners are designed for teens managing self-packed lunches, long school days, sport and travel to and from school. High schoolers need maximum capacity, temperature control to keep their drinks cool and hydration that lasts all day without constant refills.
The high school power partner pairs our lunchbox with our 1L insulated flip top bottle, creating a no-fuss, practical solution teens can rely on. With long days including after-school activities, our lunchbox is the perfect size to fit enough food to satisfy a high schoolers’ big appetite and keep it fresh. Our largest drink bottle, the 1L insulated flip-top bottle, can keep drinks cool for up to 46 hours and is perfect for all-day hydration.
Durable, practical and teen-approved, this combo takes the stress out of lunch and hydration. With temperature-controlled food and drinks and generous capacity, our high school power partners make it easy for teens to stay fuelled and hydrated all day, with no fuss and no extra effort.
how to choose the right power partner for your child
Choosing the right power partner comes down to a few simple questions you can ask yourself:
- How long is your child’s school day?
- Do they carry their own bag, or is it packed and unpacked for them?
- Do they graze across multiple breaks, or sit down for one main meal?
Answering these helps you match capacity, durability and ease of use to your child’s routine. And don’t forget, as kids grow, their needs change, so don’t be afraid to size up when appetites, independence, or days get bigger.
find your power partner
The right lunch and hydration combo can make a real difference to a busy school morning. Having the perfect power partner means less guesswork, fewer spills, and kids who are ready to take on the school day, no matter what stage they are at. As routines shift and kids grow, it’s worth reassessing what’s in their bag each school year to make sure it still fits their needs. Make sure you are ready this back to school and beyond by exploring our lunch and hydration ranges by school stage to find the power partner that works best for your child.
BTS best sellers
lunchbox - sugar plum 
insulated lunchbag - deep blue 
lunchbox bento tray - ocean 
690mL insulated flip top - lilac love 
snackbox - flamingo fizz 
insulated lunchbag - stardust 
lunchbox - night vision 
jumbo gel cooler twin pack 
Marvel Spidey by b.box - lunchbox 
690mL insulated flip top - midnight 
bento buddy lunchbox - ocean 
lunch tub - berry 
lunchbox cutlery - twilight 
snack tubs - ocean 
silicone snack cup - berry 
mini lunchbox - flamingo fizz 
500mL insulated drink bottle - emerald forest 
insulated food jar - blush 
Batman by b.box - 600mL Tritan™ drink bottle 
silicone lunch pocket - berry