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!
Susan says
I am totally in love with Planet Box too. My son has used it daily in Kindergarten and first grade now and it still looks new! My son has been really hard on the bag and it looks awefully tired but still functions perfectly. We also use the Ziplock divided containers if I need to make several lunches ahead for the week because I know we will be really busy. I can freeze a sandwich/applesauce/veg sticks type combo and they thaw beautifully. I also like to dress it up with a plastic cupcake ring sometimes and my kids love it. There are only two kids in my son's class last year that had cold lunch so I try to make my lunches more fun or interesting so he doesn't feel left out.
Jill says
You need to check out these on Amazon: Bento Lunch Box Containers. They are BPA free, PVC free and phthalate free. Many containers say BPA free but they can still contain other harmful chemicals. Also, anyone know where to find lunch boxes like these from Lands End but that are free of all these chemicals also?
William says
Do the silicone muffin liners work well for the Breakfast Casserole Bites recipe? I love the recipe but wondered if I would always have to have a supply of foil muffin liners on hand.
Lisa says
Yes, I use them for baking (including the breakfast bites) and they are great! I turn them inside out and sometimes give them a little scrub when it comes time to clean them.
Kelly says
I have to add our favorite way to send drinks. My kids drink water everyday for lunch. I hated the thought of them drinking water out of plastic everyday. I found the VOSS water that comes in nice glass bottles. We reuse those In a built NY bottle holder to protect them. Three kids, one year of lunches...only 2 broken bottles and plastic free water.
Laura says
Last year I started using a Mr. Bento. It is a large thermos that holds four small containers. It has been incredible for my 12yr old that has a bigger appetite than younger kids. It keeps food hot or cold.
Tiffany says
I am so glad you posted this! We start school August 1 :-(, so I have thinking a lot about what to pack for lunch and what to put it in!
Hannah says
I bought each of my kids a Planetbox two years ago and I will never use anything else. Even after two years of being used every day, they are still in near-perfect condition. The only thing is that the carrying cases looked a bit sad so I purchased new ones, but I could have easily gotten one more year out of the cases. I absolutely love them.
amanda says
I couldn't make a filled smootie pop mold fit in the zip lock container, perhaps it's just me. Also I love the muffin cup idea, it works great for us BUT, those things make terrible muffins! The muffins lack the nice crisp outside texture that you get from the metal molds FYI.
Robin says
Do the ziplock containers leak??
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Robin. As long the lid is securely fitted, the containers should not leak. ~Amy
Nicole Kippel says
I found the Ziplock containers cracked within 1 month of usage, even assuring they only went on the top rack of the dishwasher. Perhaps if I find them again I will ONLY hand wash them and see if they last longer. For now, I've found another lunch box on Amazon that runs about $10 and lasted for months. One finally got a small crack on the outside edge.
Sharon Zeveneyy says
My favorite is the Ziploc divided containers used in the Planet Box case --- Planet Box is the lunchbox from pottery barn with the metal divider container.... but I ditched the metal container for the platic ziploc divider container because it is so much more lightweight and I just purchase the Planet Box case for it from their website under accessories. It fits the ziploc container perfectly and you still have an outer snack pocket and a drink pocket on the outside.
Kathy says
I have to mention LAPTOP LUNCHES!! These are lunch boxes that combine pretty much everything you mentioned in your post, in one lunch "system". Buy it once and stop throwing away all those ziplock plastic containers from above. I have used laptop lunches for 3 years now and love them. My kids never have one item of trash to throw away at school. laptoplunches.com Please check it out.
Kim says
so, your kiddos don't have problems opening them? One review on amazon said her kindergartner couldn't open them, and even she had a hard time getting the containers open?
Kathy says
I have used them for both of my older kids when they were kindergartners. We did practice a couple times before school started, and neither one of them had a problem. I think they are a million times easier to open than those mixed fruit/jello/pudding cups that I always have to help the other kids with at lunch duty! :) Can't recommend the system highly enough. I really do love them! (Shouldn't I be paid for advertising, or something?) :)
Cdninak says
Lands End packs & lunch bags are 25% off right now. Should be a code on website.
Jill says
You really need to check out Planet Box lunch boxes! My niece and nephew each have one - they are AWESOME and good for the environment to boot!
http://www.planetbox.com/
Amy says
Hello! Thank you for all of your helpful tips on cleaning up our diets. While I hate to be a Debbie Downer, I can't help but wonder why you wouldn't take the extra step and eliminate plastic and its potentionally harmful effects on these little bodies? Is there a reason or is it simply a convenience factor? Thanks again for your guidance!
Best,
Amy
Amy says
Thank you, Jill!
My apologies to 100daysofrealfood., I'm just seeing the previous comments regarding the elimination of plastics from last year's original post. Obviously a popular topic!
Johnna Wheeler says
I hate to use plastic in connection with food too, but you can't send glass containers to school, they don't travel well and are heavy. Sometimes, but rarely, I have to compromise. I never expose the containers to heat, either by putting hot food in them or reheating food in them. I always remove the food to a pot or eat it cold. Many plastics these days are BPA free. The plastic containers I am most concerned about are plastic wrap around foods in the meat department (on foam trays), and the commercially packaged clear plastic bottled waters, and other beverages.
Debbie Lang says
I found the divided Ziploc containers at Target. I did order some similar to them from amazon that are Easy Lunch Boxes.com.
DN says
I can always find the ziploc containers at target!
Aubree says
I've seen the ziplock containers at both Walmart and target recently. You might want to check there before ordering them online.
kristina says
Aldi has some great ones this week!! 2.99 for a two pack, and is 3 sections with a fork and spoon that snap into lid!
Nicole says
Angela, I found them on amazon.com
Tanya Durant says
I SOOOOOOO wish you didn't have to order the Ziploc divided containers online. why is that, anyway?
Angela Davis says
I can't find the Ziploc divided containers anywhere! Where are you purchasing them? Thanks so much!!!
Johnna Wheeler says
I find them at Walmart. I hope they don't stop making them because my favorite feature is that each compartment is sealed. Other multiple compartment containers have sections divided in such a way that the contents of one cell can go over the divider and mix with the contents in other cells. Also, each compartment is a realistic size for what ever you intend to put in it; meat or sandwich and two side dishes. I make one months worth of dinners and freeze them in these containers so they can be transported easily when we will be away from home at dinner time. This prevents any need for eating out.
Catina says
I have found mine at Target. They are always at the back of our store where paper supplies are.They have a overstock of Kleenex and zip lock baggies back there. Target has a whole section of plastics with Ziploc, and plastics.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Ladies! You can also just click on the link in the post and find them on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-Container-Divided-Rectangle-2-Count/dp/B003U6DJ90/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1332174810&sr=1-1-catcorr :) ~Amy
Angela says
Thanks so much for this info. I have a kindergartener starting in the fall, and this has helped so much!
Kelly says
Thanks once again!
Kelly says
Thanks for the response! So do you recommend another Lands End bag or just the Planet Box bag?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi again. We've not used other Land's End bags in conjunction with the PlanetBox. You could check out dimensions of their other bags on their website to see if they might have a fit but I am not sure. ~Amy
Kelly says
I have a quick question: do the PlanetBox containers also fit inside the Land's End Soft Sided Lunch Bags? I'm trying to figure out what I'll need for school this upcoming year as I send my boys off and am not sure if I should go ahead and get the matching carry bag from PlanetBox. There were some unfavorable reviews about it but I know the Land's End bags are great. Thanks in advance! I LOVE this site!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kelly. The PlanetBox is just a little too large for that particular Land's End lunch bag. It's (PlanetBox) dimensions are:10 x 7.5 x 1.5″ OR 10.25 x 7.75 x 2″. Good luck on your search. ~Amy
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi. We typically use a thermos for heated items. There are other non-thermal stainless steel alternatives, too. You can find some here:https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/09/product-review-lunchboxes/. Stainless is more expensive but very durable. Hope that helps. ~Amy
MaconMom says
I have great erservations in sending anything warm in a plastic container. Are you concerned about the potential for toxins to be released? Heat or contineud washing can make these a bit dangerous.
Are you aware of any "greener" alternatives?
Truly appreciate your blog!
Diana says
THANK YOU! My day has finally come to start making my munchkin lunches! He starts preschool and is a picky eater. Your blog has given me so many ideas for his lunchbox. I've been following your blog for a long time now. I'm so excited to actually try some of your recipes and food combinations! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!
Nina says
We just got the silicone muffin liners. My kids (3 and 5 yrs) immediately brought them into the bath tub as bath toys. The little cups are called "ga-ga's" because they're babies :). Maybe tomorrow I'll wash and use them for lunch!
Shannah says
Hi, I am a new follower. So far I love the blog! I have been using the ziplock containers for a couple of year for school lunches. I love them. My question, have you found anything similar to ziplock containers that are not plastic and are inexpensive? We are eating a couple of our dinners on the go and I am looking for something that will work for holding warm food while the kids eat on the way to our evening activities.
Thanks for any ideas.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Shannah. You can look at some of our favorite school lunch supplies here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/09/product-review-lunchboxes/. While, the alternatives to the ziplock containers are not inexpensive, they are very durable and will last a long time. I write my kids names and my cell number on everything just to make sure that if lost they make their way back to us! ~Amy
Saira says
Hi there - I'm exploring options for my daughter's lunchbox supplies as she's starting Kindergarten in the fall. I have what might be a silly question, but I'm wondering: When the food is placed in the ziplock divided containers, doesn't it leak from one comparment to another when stood on end in the lunchbox? I'm particularly worried about putting something like mandarin oranges which are so wet and messy into one of the rubber muffin molds - doesn't the juice end up all over everything? Thanks in advance for your feedback! P.S. LOVE this site! :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Saira. Not a dumb question at all. :) The ziplock containers do a really great job keeping everything separate. I've not had trouble with leaking. Just make sure the lid is securely fastened. That said, the thinnest liquid I've used in the containers has been yogurt. To be safe, you might want to drain as much of the liquid as possible. Good luck. ~Amy
Ashley says
Been a fan of 100 Days for a while!
What do you have the girls don with their dirty silverware? Do you have them just pack it into their empty thermos, or do you have a baggie or something for them to put it in.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Ashley. The silverware just goes back in their lunch box and is cleaned at the end of the day. ~Amy
Lisa says
Greetings!
Your site is so very helpful and FULL of practical tips. Thank you! I just received the divided ziplock plastic container via Amazon and am wanting to now order the Lands End Soft sided Lunch box. Can you please tell me if the divided ziplock container will fit in the Lands End lunch box? I just want to confirm before ordering. Thanks so much for your help.
Lisa
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lisa. It does! We use the soft sided rectangular ones. ~Amy
chantal says
Hi
Thank you so much for your reviews! I helped alot in choosing a lunch container for my boys. I have 1 question, can you tell me the measurements on the ziplock divided dish? I have tried looking it up but no luck. I want to order the containers and boxes at the same time.
Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Chantal. I don't have one in front of me right now but I think it is 6.5 x 9. :) ~Amy
Jennifer Walker says
How awesome that your items listed above came up on Amazon as items purchased together! Your message is a great one and being heard for sure! I love it!
Ashley says
Did you ever post a review of what you thought of those Appleberry reusable bags?
Thanks so much this list is perfect!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Ashley. We did not post specifically to this product. We just listed it on our favorites. ~Amy
marcia cunningham says
I often use small Pyrex dishes with plastic lids or the super small Mason jars like shown above for sending items in lunches. They are well cushioned in the lunch bags, and both are heavy glass. I have never had one break at school yet - and I have 3 kids!
Siobhan says
If I may start off by saying, I am so grateful for how much I've learned from your website and for how much it's changed my family's way of thinking about food as well as our eating habits. Thank you! As I continue to learn and delve in further, I am continually coming up with a consistent concern and can't find an answer that I feel good about.
I've been searching for better ways to carry my kids' lunches to school, but every morning, as I place fruits and veggies and power balls :) into the lunch boxes, I wonder what the best solution is, to no avail so far. I'm not convinced that plastic or silicone is the way to go, especially when the silicone is brightly colored. In keeping preservatives and dyes out of our foods, I have to wonder how our foods may be affected when they are sitting in a bright pink or yellow silicone container for several hours. I have been looking for containers that are stainless steel (but small enough in size for a muffin or grapes), but have yet to find anything. Glass is not an option for school lunches, obviously. Any thoughts on this?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Siobhan. Have you considered Lunchbots or other stainless containers? While they are pricey, they are very durable and would relieve your concerns about plastic and silicone. Here is our post: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/14/lunch-ideas-for-all-ages-with-lunchbots/. ~Amy
Sahily says
Thank you so much for sharing this list. My daughter will be starting preschool in the fall and your blog is full of helpful ideas to pack and make nutricious lunches for my little munchkin. Thank you!