A lot of these items have been shared at one time or another on the blog, but I thought it would be helpful to have everything together in one post. So below are the supplies I love to use when it comes to packing school lunches. Please feel free to share your favorites in the comments below.
- Ziploc Divided Lunch Containers. These are my favorite lunch containers because they are inexpensive, leak-proof, and easy-to-use with only one lid to open. For other lunch container options check out our recent lunchbox review post.
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- Thermos Bottles. We love these bottles because they are insulated, leak-proof, durable, and they don't sweat on the outside.
- Thermos Containers. These containers are great for sending warm lunches when you need a break from sandwiches ...think oatmeal, soups or leftovers.
- Mini Round Containers. These happen to be the absolute perfect size for a single muffin and it also keeps them from getting smushed. When I send soup in a thermos I oftentimes send a muffin in one of these as well.
- Ice Packs. I don't like to hold back when it comes to keeping my daughters' lunches cold...so I usually add 2 - 3 ice packs. I like these flexible blue ones because they can be cut to any size (and they are light-weight), and I also like to throw in a fun animal ice pack as well.
- Lands End Soft Sided Lunch Bags. To ensure all these goodies will fit in one lunch bag you don't want to mess around...not all lunch bags are created equal! We use the Lands' End soft sided bags and love them. They will hold a lunch container and Thermos bottle along with several ice packs. Alternatively you can fit a Thermos bottle, Thermos container, and one other container (that will hold something like a side of fruit or a muffin) in these bags as well.
- Smoothie Pop Molds (a.k.a. Ice Pop Makers). We freeze smoothies, yogurt and applesauce in these molds and then wedge them into the Ziplock divided containers where they partially defrost by lunchtime. To learn more about how these molds work check out my recent post all about them.
- Reusable Napkins. When I first started packing lunches for my daughter I would look in her lunchbox at the end of the day and not even be able to tell if she used her napkin or not...and then it would go in the garbage. That seemed like such a waste so we started using cotton napkins that I wash with the rest of our laundry on the weekends. We bought some plain white, small cocktail napkins and tie dyed them ourselves, which by the way is a great way to hide stains, but you can also get napkins that are already colorful and ready to use like these solid colored ones from Laptop Lunches.
- Reusable Silverware. If I am no longer going to throw away lunchbox napkins at the end of the day then why still use plastic, disposable silverware? For things like soups, cut up fruit, pasta, and oatmeal we've been using an inexpensive small set of silverware and it works great because I don't fret if a utensil gets misplaced.
- Fun Toothpicks. It's hard to resist a sandwich if there is a bumble bee toothpick sticking out of it. I always keep my eyes open for cute toothpicks, and I usually have good luck finding them around the different holidays at Target or anytime at Party City. Here are some fun and colorful Martha Stewart picks.
- Cute Cookie Cutters. Whoever said "cookie cutters" only had to be for cookies! Now just imagine that sandwich with the bumble bee toothpick in the shape of a flower. You might just get the "Mother of the Year" award. :) If you are worried about wasting the bread ends after you cut out a shape simply throw them in the freezer for things like croutons or breadcrumbs. You can also use the cutters on other lunchbox items like fruit and cheese.
- Biodegradable or Reusable Baggies. Yes plastic throwaway bags are quick and easy, but I am going to try to be better about not using them this year. Some great alternatives are "monster" Wexy bags, which are biodegradable or these reusable bags from neat-os, which I think most resemble the ziplocs we are all know and love!
- Silicone Cups/Muffin Liners. These liners are great for both baking muffins (because they are non-stick, colorful and reusable!) and also for adding some cuteness to your child's lunchbox by holding side items like fruit or trail mix. Note we use both standard and jumbo sizes depending on our needs.
- Freezer-Safe Glass Jars. These jars are perfect for freezing individual portions of soups and other meals that can then be defrosted, reheated, and added to a Thermos container for your child's lunch bag. I defrost my soups in the fridge overnight and then reheat them on the stove the next morning before school. Just be sure to leave some room at the top of the jar so the food has room to expand.
- Ice Cube Trays. These trays are the perfect way to freeze small portions of things like applesauce or tomato sauce so you can add a few cubes to your child's lunchbox the night before school. Now you no longer have to worry about jars of sauces spoiling before you can use them all up.
- Lunchbox Love Cards. We quickly fell in love with these adorable little cards last school year and have been sending them in our daughters' lunch boxes ever since. Sure I could write my own note daily, but the thing is I could never be as creative or funny or thoughtful as these. Also, I love the fun facts and jokes for kids on the back of each card. I flip through the pack and pick one that's appropriate for the day...and my daughters look forward to getting them and sharing the jokes and trivia with their friends at the lunch table. (Note: The cards are sturdy enough to be reused a few times if they don't get wet.)
For ideas on what "real food" to pack using these school lunch supplies the check out my School Lunch Ideas post!
Nadya says
I just found this website and am so excited to get mine!!! That way I dont have to use plastic anymore. Just wanted to share!!! : ) Thanks for all your great ideas!!! Love your site!!!
http://www.planetbox.com/shop
Shannon says
I saw these and thought of you. I really enjoy your posts of your kids' lunches on Facebook; thanks for sharing!
http://www.kitchenkaboodle.com/product_detail2.php?sku=80-7785%21ICI&multi=0
Carla says
I love our reuseable lunch bags by repac. We wash them every weekend with our laundry. They are made in the USA and can be found at re-pacbags.com. I bought mine with groupons, so if you are groupons user, watch for them. I've had mine for 2 years now and they are still working like a charm. Plus they have cool designs. :)
Danielle says
I was just about to ask what lunchbox you use with the containers when you reposted this on fb. Thanks so much! My daughter is much happier (and healthier) with the lunches we've been making her for school and using some of these items make it a lot easier to pack a variety of things. Btw, just went to Land's End and they were having a sale plus 30% off until Feb 26, 2013. Bonus! :o)
Kerry Brown says
I enjoy your blogs and the suggestions are very interesting, but I have a question to pose for all of us to consider: If we are truly wanting to make a change and eat Real Food that is no processed and is organic, we have to look at the containers as well. Anything plastic starts to break down with repeated washings (yes, even hand washing) silicone isn't any better. A reusable plastic baggy while producing less trash is also placing chemicals and bacteria on the food if not all the corners are cleaned and dried each time.
Possible alternatives: The thermos is great because it is stainless steel which has a natural anti-microbial surface. Pyrex containers, while a littler heavier are practically indestructible.
Deborah L Davis says
I have been following your. Site for several months now and shared many of your ideas and products with my daughter and daughter in law for the grand kids. I bought some of you items for Christmas gifts. They all seem to especially enjoy the smoothy pop. I was wondering if you could post your pumpkin muffin recipe again. Thanks for all the great and healthy ideas. Deborah
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
So glad you enjoy the blog, Deborah. Here's a link to the muffins: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/09/25/recipe-whole-spelt-pumpkin-muffins-and-other-spelt-recipes/
Enjoy. ~Amy
Shannon says
Thank you @Megan for posting about the larger muffin liners. I wouldn't have thought of that. I searched in amazon and found these http://www.amazon.com/Casabella-53060-Jumbo-Muffin-Cups/dp/B0032AM7OM/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1.
I will be ordering them with the containers hoping they fit!
@Tiffany, that's a great question. I haven't used a thermos yet and wonder if it will stay hot if it in the fridge, or if there are ice packs in the lunch box with it.
Any suggestions?
Megan says
Can you please update the muffin liner link to direct us to the jumbo liners? The current link takes you to the standard sized muffin liners which do not hold small bits of food securely in the ziplock tupperware you recommend. Thanks! Love all of your tips!
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Hi Megan - I have to laugh because originally we had the link go to the jumbo size my mistake and got complaints from readers. I just added a note with links to both sizes...we use them both depending on what we are putting in them on a given day (and use the standard size for baking as well). Thanks for reading!
tiffany says
i have a question about the thermos for hot foods- will it keep the foods hot enough that they won't harbor bacteria? the kids' lunches get refrigerated, but if they're in the thermos, will they stay hot enough?
thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Tiffany. Here is some additional information on the thermoses that should be helpful in answering your question...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/26/how-to-use-thermos-food-jars/. Jill
Tricia says
I use a "Pack-it". They will set you back about $10 each, but I swear they keep your food cold. The whole bag is lined in freezy stuff. My kids will bring their leftovers home after school and the stuff is still cold. Amazing. Oh and it holds the plastic 3 compartment tray, shown in the article, with room for a water bottle, utensils and napkin. I sound like a spokesperson, ha ha. I'm not ... I'm just a Mom who likes her kids food to stay cold. by the way I live in the middle of the desert where temps can reach 115 (yes the food stays cold).
Megan says
Which size pack it fits the zip lock compartment container? Thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Megan. The Land's End lunch box works well...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#kids. Jill
Kelly Delahunty says
Made me smile... when I started ordering these items on Amazon there is a section on the bottom:
"Customers who bought your added item also bought these...." this list includes most of the items above.
Nice following!
Thank you for making my life a little easier. I appreciate your Mom/Food blog and all your efforts.
Mindy says
I am in the middle of getting a new lunch box set for my son since his last one got some holes in it. I have been looking online to by the Ziploc divided containers but there isn't anywhere that I can see what the deminsions are. Do you know the height, width, and depth of the containers? I havent been able to find them in store to see if they fit in his new container so it looks like the only option is online. Thank you if you are able to answer this for me! It would be a real life saver :) Thus far I have used more of a stand up lunch tote with our glass Snap-Ware containers but being able to use just one, divided container would be awesome!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Mindy. The ziploc containers are 9" long, 6" wide and 2" deep. Hope that helps. Jill
Jamie says
My Smoothie Pop molds came in the mail yesterday & they were washed by my 5 y.o. girl & myself & filled with my homemade yogurt, homemade strawberry jam, & fresh local honey. These are spectacular! Thanks for raving about them!! :)
Andrea says
I have been reading your blog for a short time only, but I absolutely love your posts and get some great ideas here! It's also nice to have some issues in common regarding the importance of real foods! One thing the does surprise me is though is your use of convenient plastic lunch containers. While they are handy, I cannot bring myself to subject my children to the leaching of plastic chemicals from these. I can tell you are very conscientious about what you are feeding your family, but out of curiosity I'm wondering why you use items such as Gladware. I have tried many lunch containers but none are as simple/leak proof as the plastics, but we just don't buy them. Wish there was something better out there!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Andrea. We're glad you are enjoying the blog. The lunch containers you refer to are actually BPA free. There are a lot of other options out there, however, if you don't like these. Check out this post on school lunch supplies...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/09/product-review-lunchboxes/. Jill
Kelli says
I see you mention the silicone muffing cups above...I have been leery of the silicone baking mats, muffin cups, etc. What have you read that makes you comfortable baking with these products? I'm truly interested since I've been wanting to use them, but what I've read and heard is enough to keep me from jumping on the bandwagon.
Lisa says
Hi there - I honestly haven't read/heard anything (from a reliable source) convincing me that silicone is bad for baking so I feel okay using it.
arta says
hi kosova love me
Melanie says
Does anyone have an alternative suggestion to the ubiquitous plasticy lined soft sided lunchbags? I find the liners are weak, tend to crack/rip, and are impossible to keep clean, so after only 2ish months of use, my son's lunchbag already smells like a science experiment, even though I use a warm damp cloth to wipe it out every evening and let it air dry open overnight.... I tend to send a combination of fresh fruit (unpackaged), baked goods (in ziploc or reusable cloth bags), and either a sandwich or a thermos with soup/leftovers, so a hard-sided option isn't really great either unless it's a good size (ie, can hold a thermos). Ideas?
C Wyatt says
If you are crafty . . . I've used PUL diaper lining material to make zippered snack bags. I have a dream to use that with felted old wool sweaters to make a washable lunchbag. However, that dream is a not a reality and I just ordered Land's End lunchbags this week on their 30% off sale. I got 4 bags for $25 and free shipping.
elizabeth says
Hi there - just wanted to mention that I don't think PUL is a food safe material, so I would personally avoid using next to food.
Nicole Duval says
I bought the Appleberry Attic reusable bags and find they work well for lunches but don't keep the food fresh. If you pack sandwiches the night before they are already drying out the next morning and you certainly can't store leftovers in them. They also stain very easily. Wouldn't buy them again. Have you tried Itzy Ritzy brand? They have a zipper close and a thicker lining. You should update this post with your opinion of the Appleberry bags.:)
Lisa says
Thanks for sharing Nicole. I have used the bags, but only to transport fruit and other side items to school and back (and they've worked well for that). I haven't experimented with them for extended use like you have.
Sally says
Can anyone inform me if the smoothie pop molds fit in a bento Laptop Lunch container? Thanks!
Jamie says
Lisa, have you seen or considered using these: http://www.amazon.com/Light-My-Fire-Spork-4-Pack/dp/B0013L2FGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349285684&sr=8-1&keywords=plastic+spork instead of the full silverware set? We've been using them for several years in our girls' lunches, and they are great. They even have a little serrated area (not sharp) for "cutting." I love that I only need to send one utensil.
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Jamie - I actually have one of these I use for camping. I even brought it to work in my lunch a few times, but never thought about it for school lunches. Lisa and I agree it's a good idea!
Jamie says
Jason, Thanks for the reply! I'm glad you like the idea. I truly enjoy your site. I am a registered dietitian, and I think your approach to food is great. I actually recommend several of your recipes to my clients.
Healthy Belle says
I just wanted to stop by to tell you that I consider you my lunch box hero. I have so many options for lunches now. I was worried that my daughter would go on a hunger strike if she has to eat another pbj. Thanks for sharing your ideas :).
Nikki says
Haha! I went to the link for the Appleberry Attic bags and the suggestions for "people who bought this also bought this" was everything from this post! Love it!
Go plastic free! says
I love all the reusable things you talked about it this post! The reusable napkins and silverware are great. Have you ever watched the documentary, Bag It? It's currently on Netflix. I encourage you to watch it with your family and learn about the importance of avoiding plastic, including in food containers since they leach toxic chemicals that can be hazardous to children. Please, please, please watch it. It is worth your time, I guarantee it. I'd love to see an updated post in the future showcasing any changes you decide to make in your household.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Thanks for the recommendation. I've not seen it. Jill
Denise says
I love all these awesome ideas! My daughter just started preschool this month so I am new to packing lunches. Can anyone tell me the approximate size of the Ziploc divided containers? I would like to know if it will fit in my daughters lunch bag.
Thanks for all the tips...so very helpful!! : )
Denise
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Denise. I just measured mine and they're 6x9. I know they do fit in the Land's End lunch boxes. Jill
Kathy says
planetbox.com has a stainless steel lunchbox with 5 compartments (the Rover), a yogurt container and dip container. It is the best! Not cheap but so worth it. No plastic. My 4th grade daughter loves it! I use her old stainless steel baby forks and spoons in the lunchbox as they are just the right size.
Tiffany Winner says
there's an awful lot of plastic coming in contact with your food, seems a shame to me to put so much effort into clean eating then possibly contaminate it by putting it in contact with unknown chemicals. love what u do though and encourage you to take it a step further by going plastic-free. i think u could reach a lot of people with the alternatives if u tried it. check out myplasticfreelife.com for ideas or read Plastic Free by beth terry, awesome resources that are changing my life :)
amy says
I agree Tiffany. I was thinking the same thing. I now use corn starch utensils that are disposable and not plastic (can be found at Party America, etc in the Eco-party area). I don't use plastic containers anymore either so have bought all sizes of glass containers that work just as well and are not going to leach anything unhealthy in their food.
Go plastic free! says
I wholeheartedly agree, too! MyPlasticFreeLife.com has been an excellent resource for my family and a great guide to help us stop contributing to plastic pollution. Have you ladies watched Bag It? It's an excellent documentary.
Josie Marsh says
I agree. Plastics are endocrine disruptors. Read more here: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm
But I believe silicone is OK... I'm going to look for some more info on that.
Sandie says
I forgot to mention this earlier. Our school has gone healthy. Any snack brought in or served is a healthy snack. And,yes,imagination needs to happen for this. Our kids are no worse for wear. They make it through holidays without cupcakes with mile hight pink frosting. Teachers don't do so well however.
Nancy C. says
http://www.typhoonplus.com/index.html
Love the Sistema Lunch Cube Coloured -- it's wonderful, roomy for a sandwich or wrap and the other side is split in two. So easy to clean and I'm on year 3 with these for both kids! Just another lunch box suggestion
Sheri Nowlan says
I have started following your blog and trying to implement the meal plans and am very excited. However, I had a disturbing call from my sister this am that I found very interesting. Their school is no longer allowed to have any homemade treats for birthdays and holidays. Rather, they are required to provide only store bought goods. I am guessing that not everyone is able to either find nor afford treats with no processed ingredients and I'm also guessing this will expose her children to even more High Fructose Corn Syrup in the list of ingredients. Sad. Any suggestions on how to handle this to stay true to your own Real Food beliefs?
Ashley says
My daughter's school has the same rule. It is because legally the store-bought foods must list all ingredients and whether they were made in an environment where certain foods, like peanuts, are also processed. We have a local restaurant called "Start", which is all organic fresh food, and I get muffins and desserts there. Also try Whole Foods or perhaps a local bakery that has organic options.
Sandie says
Being a newly retired teacher,I hope I can shed some light on this. Most school districts require any food brought in made in a kitchen that has been state ok'd. Many times a family may be questionable and this stops that also. Nut-free may be an issue also. We cooked in the room a lot because the things were baked at school. It is a pain,but it also protects the kids.
Alicia says
Our school had a similar problem. However, they went one step further (and most parents applauded it) and said birthday treats had to be non-food items. Now no one worries about nuts or other allergens AND we don't have to worry about the constant stream of junk food because it seems it's always someone's birthday. The kids weren't thrilled but quickly got used to it. Now they get things like pencils, temporary tattoos, etc - still junk but not unhealthy!
Christi says
Love this idea. Just wondering what state you live in.
Kathy says
My daughters 4th grade teacher doesn't do birthday treats. They sing a special song to the birthday person, the child gets to pick out a book or some prize, and then once a month the 4th grade teachers have the birthday kids and one friend they pick from their class eat lunch with them (the teachers). They bring their own lunch though. I love this soooo much better I wish all teachers would do this! They do get an ice cream sundae that one day with the teachers, but it is so much better than 28 days of eating crap from birthday parents who don't believe in healthy food!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sheri. Yes, our school has the same policy. My understanding is that the reason for it is so that any allergens are clearly labeled and nutritional information also available (for example to calculate information for diabetics). As for avoiding it, that's always a tough one. You will have to decide how to handle it with your children. You may be interested in a couple of posts Lisa did that touch on this...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/24/being-polite-vs-honoring-your-values/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/21/the-importance-of-junk-food/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/12/newsflash-we-are-not-just-fine/. Jill
Erica says
I've contemplated ordering the yogurt molds for a while now. I was reading through the reviews today and noticed a lot of people said they smell weird. Have you noticed a weird smell with yours?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Erica. I have had no issues with mine smelling. Jill
ModernPioneerMom says
Hi, do the Ziploc containers happen to indicate that they are BPA-free? I almost bought something similar today (not Ziploc), but couldn't find that indicated anywhere on the packaging, so I left them in the store. Will look elsewhere for Ziploc but just wondering if you know? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Yes, they do indicate that they are BPA free. Jill
Meredith says
My daughter has just started asking for a hot lunch sometimes so I purchased the thermos - but I'm curious have you been able to pack other cold items with an icepack in the lunchbox and still have the thermos stay warm inside?
Lisa says
Yes, I do...I use just a small strip of those blue ice packs and sort of wrap them around the ones that are perishable. A rubberband even helps. I did just that yesterday b/c they got hot potato soup, but I put a little sour cream and cheese topping on the side.
Amy says
I use plastic cocktail stirs as perfect little shish-kabob sticks for cheese, meat and veggies. If you want to add a little lunch note, please take a look at my site http://littlelunchnotes.com/. Every school day I add a new free printable lunch note.
Laura says
It's hilarious! If you go to Amazon, you will see that the Ziploc containers are sold out. Stay on the same page, and scroll down to the area that says "Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought." The items shown there are all the other items Lisa listed on this page. It gave me a good giggle. Lisa, you are quite influential! I am impressed. :)
Kristin says
FYI the rubbermaid flexible blue ice packs are only $4.95 at REI. http://www.rei.com/product/723941/rubbermaid-blue-ice-blanket
They are supposed to be sold in stores, but said the product may vary by store, so I had mine shipped to the store for free. (REI charges $5.99 for shipping something under $50 to your home.)
Also, we LOVE our reusable sandwich/snack bags for on the go lunches and snacks.
http://www.nickisdiapers.com/Planet-Wise_bymfg_21-1-1.html
I just wash mine in warm soapy water. Though they can be washed in the washing machine on cold as well.
Lastly, thrift stores are a great place to pick up cheap "real" silverware. It might be mismatched, but you won't fret if it gets lost.
Trish says
I received an email saying I won an MP3 player through your blog. Just making sure this is not spam/scam?? :)
Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real says
We have been using Thermos bottles and the animal ice packs the last few years. This year I want to try the reusable baggies for sandwiches. Thanks for sharing your favorite lunchbox items.
Julie says
I have been using the Cozi calendar for a couple of years now. I love it. I have it on my phone, my pad, gadget on my computer at home and at work. I always know what is going on!
Prior to that I was using Google calendars in different colours for all members of the family but that was lots of calendars to maintain. Now i just click the name for each new entry.
I love the meal planning part that was added this year with the add to cozi menu tool as an add on. Also you can add the Fly Lady chores (that is how I first came across it) to the list and calendar.
Sara says
You can also make cute picks at home! Use a basic toothpick, and attach stickers to the top to make a "flag". (You can put them back to back if the shapes match.) The decorative rolls of tape work well, too. Fun project for kids and, um, adults too!
Kristy says
FYI--They have the Norpro silicone ice pop makers for $8.99 on Zulily today. Not sure how much for shipping.