There was nothing quite like picking out a brand-new lunch box for the school year, and if you had the right one, you were the envy of the entire lunchroom. Back in the day, a good lunch box wasn’t just about carrying your sandwich and juice box—it was a statement. The best ones came with a matching Thermos and featured the coolest characters, bands, or TV shows of the era. Some of these boxes became collector’s items, while others are just fond memories of the cafeteria glory days. Let’s take a trip back to the lunch table and remember 12 vintage lunch boxes (with a Thermos) that made every school kid jealous.
1. Superman
If you had a Superman lunch box, you were carrying a piece of comic book legend with you every day. The metal box, featuring the Man of Steel in mid-flight, made any kid feel like they had superpowers of their own. It usually came with a matching Thermos that had more action-packed Superman artwork, making it one of the most heroic ways to bring your PB&J to school. Collectors Row Inc acknowledges Superman, in general, as a figure with great weight in the world of collectibles, so be on the look out for any other merchandise you may harbor.
Superman lunch boxes were produced throughout the decades, but the ones from the ‘70s were particularly eye-catching. Kids who carried this one instantly earned playground respect—it was like announcing to the world that you believed in truth, justice, and the American way. Even today, vintage Superman lunch boxes are hot collector’s items, with some fetching hundreds of dollars.
2. Mickey Mouse
Mickey Mouse lunch boxes were a staple for younger kids, but that didn’t make them any less cool. With their bright red backgrounds and classic Disney designs, these boxes often featured Mickey alongside his pals like Donald Duck and Goofy. The matching Thermos usually had Mickey’s smiling face, reminding you that lunchtime was the happiest part of the school day. Vintage Virtue notes that there are things to know when looking at all vintage lunchboxes, and Mickey Mouse ones are no exception.
What made these lunch boxes stand out was their timeless appeal—whether you were in kindergarten or second grade, Mickey was always a safe bet. If you had one of these in the ‘70s, you were probably a big fan of The Mickey Mouse Club or had recently been to Disneyland. Disney fans still seek out these classic lunch boxes, making them one of the most nostalgic finds out there.
3. Sigmund and the Sea Monsters
Sid and Marty Krofft’s Sigmund and the Sea Monsters was a quirky Saturday morning show that not every kid watched, which made this lunch box even cooler. If you had one, you were part of an exclusive club that appreciated weird and wonderful TV. The box featured the friendly sea monster Sigmund and his misfit monster family, making it one of the more unique designs of the decade. With the series gaining renewed attention a few years ago, according to MeTV, it’s always worth checking on your prized lunchbox.
The Thermos, of course, had Sigmund’s goofy face on it, which made every sip of chocolate milk feel like part of an undersea adventure. The show may not have had the staying power of The Brady Bunch or Scooby-Doo, but this lunch box remains a rare and sought-after collector’s piece. If you had it, you were definitely one of the cool kids with offbeat taste.
4. Barbie
Barbie lunch boxes were a must-have for kids who loved fashion, glamour, and all things pink. These metal boxes often featured Barbie in stylish outfits, sometimes alongside her friends or her famous pink convertible. The matching Thermos was just as fashionable, often showcasing Barbie’s smiling face with a swirl of pastel colors around her. There are actually some consistently sought-after boxes, too, according to History, and they’re worth knowing just in case you have one.
While Barbie has had many lunch box designs over the years, the ones from the ‘70s captured that classic, sun-kissed Malibu vibe. If you had one of these, you probably carried a matching Barbie backpack and were always up to date on the latest dolls. Vintage Barbie lunch boxes are highly collectible today, proving that style never goes out of fashion.
5. KISS
For the rock-and-roll-obsessed kids of the ‘70s, there was no cooler lunch box than the one featuring KISS. The artwork showed Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, and Peter Criss in full makeup, looking larger than life. If you had this lunch box, it meant you were serious about your music—and probably tried to convince your parents to let you see them in concert.
The matching Thermos made every sip of milk feel like it was straight from a rock star’s tour bus. This was one of the rare lunch boxes that had an edge to it—parents might have raised an eyebrow, but fellow kids knew it was legendary. Today, KISS memorabilia is worth a fortune, and this lunch box is no exception.
6. Harlem Globetrotters
Basketball fans in the ‘70s knew that the Harlem Globetrotters weren’t just athletes—they were entertainers. Their lunch box featured the team’s iconic red, white, and blue uniforms as they pulled off their signature trick shots. The Thermos, of course, had that spinning basketball action, making every drink feel like part of the game.
If you had this lunch box, you were the kind of kid who could dribble a ball between your legs and nail a no-look shot at recess. The Globetrotters were so popular they even had their own cartoon, so this lunch box was a double win for both sports and Saturday morning TV fans. Even today, it remains a piece of basketball history.
7. Mickey Mouse Club
For kids who were devoted Disney fans, the Mickey Mouse Club lunch box was the ultimate throwback. Featuring the famous Mickey Mouse ears and classic club logo, this lunch box was a favorite among kids who grew up watching the show. It was an instant conversation starter in the cafeteria, especially for kids who dreamed of becoming Mouseketeers.
The Thermos kept the theme going, often featuring Mickey alongside the club’s cheerful motto. Whether you had watched the original Mickey Mouse Club or the revamped version of the ‘70s, carrying this lunch box meant you had Disney spirit. Today, it’s a rare find and a true collector’s gem.
8. Rambo
Yes, Rambo had a lunch box, and yes, it was as intense as you’d expect. Featuring the action hero in full battle mode, this lunch box made every peanut butter sandwich feel like part of a survival mission. The Thermos added to the excitement, often showing explosions or jungle scenes straight from the movies.
It was a bold choice for a school lunch box, and some parents probably weren’t thrilled about it. But if you had it, you were the toughest kid at the lunch table. While Rambo may not be typical kid-friendly fare, this lunch box became an unexpected classic.
9. Star Trek
For kids who loved space exploration and futuristic adventures, the Star Trek lunch box was a must-have. Featuring the USS Enterprise, Captain Kirk, and Mr. Spock, this lunch box made every lunch break feel like a mission in deep space. The Thermos often had a dramatic starry background with the crew in action poses.
Carrying this meant you were a true sci-fi fan, even if some classmates didn’t quite understand your obsession. With Star Trek still going strong today, this lunch box remains one of the most iconic collectibles of the era. If you had it, you were boldly going where no school kid had gone before.
10. Peanuts (Snoopy)
Snoopy was everywhere in the ‘70s, and his lunch box was one of the most popular choices for kids of all ages. Whether it featured Snoopy as the Flying Ace, Charlie Brown trying to kick the football, or the whole gang, it was an instant classic. The Thermos usually had a cheerful scene of Snoopy and Woodstock, making every sip feel a little more fun.
This lunch box had mass appeal—it wasn’t just for boys or girls, and it worked for all ages. Peanuts fans are still collecting these boxes today, proving that Snoopy never goes out of style. If you had one, you definitely had good taste in comics.
11. Get Smart
Secret agents weren’t just on the big screen in the ‘70s—kids who carried a Get Smart lunch box felt like they were part of CONTROL themselves. This metal box featured Maxwell Smart in action, often dodging enemy spies or using his famous shoe phone. The Thermos typically had his partner, Agent 99, making it a perfect set for any budding spy.
If you had this lunch box, you were a fan of quick wit, ridiculous gadgets, and classic slapstick humor. It wasn’t as common as some of the other TV-themed boxes, which made it even more of a status symbol. Carrying one of these meant you appreciated smart comedy and weren’t afraid to mix a little espionage with your peanut butter and jelly.
12. Country Bear Jamboree
Disney Parks fans knew that Country Bear Jamboree wasn’t just an attraction—it was a way of life. The lunch box featured Big Al, Henry, and the rest of the singing bear band, bringing a little bit of that Disneyland or Disney World magic to school every day. The Thermos often had the band mid-performance, making lunchtime feel like a mini trip to Frontierland.
This was the perfect lunch box for kids who had visited the Disney parks and couldn’t get enough of the lovable, musical bears. While the Country Bear Jamboree still exists at Disney World, the lunch box has long been retired, making it a rare find today. If you had one, it was clear that you had country charm and a great sense of humor.
Back in the 1970s, having the right lunch box wasn’t just about carrying your food—it was about making a statement. Whether you were into superheroes, sci-fi, rock bands, or Saturday morning cartoons, there was a lunch box to match your personality. The best ones came with a Thermos and a design that made your classmates jealous every time you popped open that metal latch.
