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!
WHEN YOU USE THE LANDS END LUNCHBOX AND YOU’RE USING A THERMOS, CAN YOU ALSO FIT THE ZIPLOCK DIVIDED CONTAINER? OR, IS THERE NOT ENOUGH ROOM FOR BOTH OF THOSE ITEMS?
THANKS!
Hi Julie. No, you will need to use a smaller container to accompany the thermos. You can see it here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/05/29/school-lunch-roundup-iv-picnics-camps-road-trips-pool/. ~Amy
Looking for the food warmer/rice pouch type thing you were advertising on the side bar for school lunches? Thank you!
The Rubbermaid lunch blox look kind of neat. They had them at Costco. They’re not exactly like the Ziploc ones, but could be a good option. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0078K416Y?pc_redir=1411424671&robot_redir=1
My local superstore (Loblaw’s) had divided plastic containers in princess and cars designs. I can’t recall if they were Zip lock brand but they seem to be holding up very well.
Has anyone had any luck finding the Ziploc containers?
I have been searching high & low for these, as well . I called ziplock today and the item had been discontinued!!! There are plans for a replacement product. They have the regular rectangular one without divider. I expressed my disappointment. : (
Edit….there are NO plans for a replacement product.
I found the ziploc containers on Walmart.com !!!!
Never mind :(
Walmart.com just cancelled them from my order. I’m so mad!!
After looking into several lunch container options I decided on the Ziploc divided container, only I’ve looked at almost every local retailer that I thought would carry them and I’ve had no luck finding them. After coming up short online as well I contacted the Ziploc company and was informed they are no longer producing or selling the product :( Guess I will start my search over and look into some other options.
That is too bad about the Ziploc containers. No wonder I can’t find them anywhere anymore! I did just run across these though: http://www.easylunchboxes.com/
I haven’t ordered yet, but they are very similar to the Ziploc ones.
Thank you Katie! I am looking into those and will probably end up ordering on Amazon.
Do you have lunch box ideas for the big boys? Aka husbands? I have the most trouble figuring out how to pack large healthy lunches, not the tiny ones ;-)
Hi Brooke. Outside of scaling up the size of the many different lunches Lisa puts together, and mixing and matching contents, think leftovers. I get the most mileage out of meals for my big eaters when I “plan” lunch as I am making dinner, not always but probably 3-4 days a week. Tomorrow, they get Cuban black beans with garlic-onion quinoa along with a small salad and strawberries which that just happens to be very similar to what they ate for dinner tonight. :)
Lisa mentioned she can fit a ziplock divided container and a thermos in her soft sided Lands End Lunch Bag. HOW?? The Thermos must be on the outside?
Hi Naomi. The drink thermos goes in the pouch on the outside of the bag. ~Amy
My son is starting preschool in a few weeks and am trying to get lunch ideas for him. I see many helpful things here, so thanks! I am wondering about sending hot/warm foods. How do you send both hot foods and foods needing a ice pack? Does a thermos of hot food not affect cold stuff in a different container, even if they are both in the same lunch box? Does it matter? Thanks for any tips–I am adept at packing my own lunch but I can use a microwave, and he won’t be able to do that.
Hi Laura. You can pack hot and cold together for sure. I do it all the time. The thermos will have little effect on the cold stuff and visa versa. Don’t stress. :) ~Amy
Why not reheat the soup or food in the mason jar instead of pouring it into a pot in the morning? Are they not microwave safe? I am looking for anything to save more dishes/pots to clean.
Hi Suzanne. You can certainly use the microwave. Just be sure to remove the lid and cover with something microwave safe. :)
I don’t know if there’s a Container Store near you but they have a lot of awesome lunch solutions.
OK, I got my answer from a different post that actually did show the dimensions. I think it will fit. I’ll give it a try.
:)
Looking for a lunch box. Do you know if the Wildkins brand lunch boxes fit the Ziploc containers inside? I’d like to buy the lunch box on Amazon if I can and they don’t have any Lands End ones on Amazon (that I can find). Or do you know of any lunch boxes on Amazon that fit the containers? There are no dimensions listed anywhere. If not, that’s OK. I can always return it. Just wondered if anyone knows.
In case anyone wants to know, the Wildkin brand lunch box (at Amazon) DOES fit the Ziploc divided container. They both came in the mail today. However, a thermos won’t fit alongside. No big deal. I’ll just have my son carry the thermos on the side of his backpack. I love these products, though! I’m actually excited to pack lunches.
Hi Shelli,
I bought “EasyLunchboxes Insulated Lunch Box Cooler Bags” on Amazon and they are awesome! They have a bunch of colors and I simply glued on inexpensive cute patches for my four kids to personalize the bags. The bags fit their own brand (Easylunchboxes) three part containers, which look a lot like the Ziploc brand. I can fit the container, a small drink thermos, snacks, and utensils in the bag, no problem. I just put an ice pack or two inside to keep things cold since it gets hot where we are. This morning I put a kid size thermos full of Lisa’s yummy macaroni and cheese in the lunch box, along with a drink, a reusable snack bag, a homemade green smoothie pop (using the molds Lisa recommends), and one other snack and had room to spare! :)
I wash my girls lands end boxes in the washing machine with a load of towels every couple months, seems to keep them fresh. (I hang them dry)
We have had the lands end soft sides for about a year and they smell awful. Any tips for cleaning? Milk has leaked and we have washed and washed but no luck getting the smell out.
Hi Holly. This has happened to us, too. I soaked the bag in dish soap and white vinegar. Once it dries, it should not smell like milk or vinegar. :)
I follow this blog all the time. I am dying to find and use the Ziplock divided containers from the top of your list. But we live in Canada; Alberta to be more specific. I can’t find these containers at Walmart, Target or local grocery stores here. Do any of your Canadian fans know where I can find them? Thanks so much.
We’ve already bought the Ziploc containers, the water thermos, the ice pack blanket, next are the lunch bags from Lands End.. slowly acquiring more of your list to be fully ready for lunch making! :)
Are the ziplock divided lunch containers really leak proof? Judging from your lunch bags, it looks like they’re being carried sideways. Does the food ever leak or get mixed up from one divider to the other?
Hey there.. She has some lunch posts that explain what all she’s packed in the ziplock containers such as yogurt, and that they’re the best for leak-proof lunches..
Here’s the link to one of her posts (with pictures included) that shows before/after of the life cycle of a packed lunch: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/04/12/school-lunch-life-cycle/
Hope this helps, friend!
I’m just starting out on the packed lunch bandwagon myself.. my son starts kindergarten in about a month so I was so glad I found this blog! :)
Do the neat-os bags keep things from getting stale? I’ve used other reusasable bags and found it is not a tight enough seal since I like to pack parts of lunches and snacks the night before. For example, would pretzels still taste fresh if packed the day before?
Hello Deirdre. Compared to some of the other non-disposable bags we’ve tried, Neatos does a good job keeping things fresh. ~Amy
Hi. Nope, not at this time.
Just wondering if you have any coupons codes for the YumBox
have you seen the Norwex bags to use for sandwiches, etc.?
Hi Merrie. Yes, we are familiar with Norwex products.
Hi Lisa, the coupon code for neat os says it’s expired. Do you know if they’ll be offering one again soon?
Hi Sierra. It is possible but I couldn’t say when. Sorry. ~Amy
Land’s End advised me today that they’re discontinuing their current soft sided lunch box. For anyone seeking a different color other than what they have left in stock, I’d suggest checking on ebay. I just bought one for my daughter on there and there’s still some sellers with a few more in stock. They’re new and for a much lower price (considering shipping)!
There are several new soft-sided lunchboxes on the Lands End website! I love them – my son is going on using his same LE lunchbox for the 8th year. Amazing!
The soft sided lunch bags are out of stock!! :(
One of my favorite lunch containers that I use every day in my kids lunches is from Sistema. These are easy to open and BPA free. They have really made my mornings packing lunches stress free. I no longer have to search for lids! I found mine at my local grocery store. Here is a link to see what they look like on Amazon. Thanks for all your inspiration Lisa!!
http://www.amazon.com/Sistema-Klip-Lunch-Container-48-Ounce/dp/B002B4S75I/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1397007190&sr=8-13&keywords=sistema
Hi. Not sure. We use the Lands End soft sided bags. ~Amy
Do the ziplock containers fit into Pottery Barn lunch bags?
Hello :)
I’m finding myself shaken in the wake of the newest findings re: BPA free plastics.
My son and daughter will be 2 and 4 this September. Do you
have any suggestions for drink ware that isn’t plastic and budget friendly?
They are both capable of drinking from glasses but in an effort to encourage them
to drink more water, I let them wander around the house with their cups. (We are currently
using tommy Tippee sippy cups).
Also, will you be changing your lunch containers? They’re so convenient but again, this new
plastic scare is a bit overwhelming.
Thank you!
Sarah
Hi there. Lisa does have some really great stainless steel containers that she recommends: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/09/product-review-lunchboxes/. ~Amy
My kids have LOVED the lunches. We don’t stick to the plan exactly because of dislikes, but they are getting a much better variety and don’t even want to buy lunch anymore.
My one question is with the popsicle molds. I have used them twice (the ones you recommended) and both times they have spilled all over the lunch box. Granted my 9 year old didn’t finish the popsicle and may not have put the lid on tightly, but the 2nd time he insisted he did and it still spilled an icky gross smoothie all over the place. Also, my daughter had an issue with it and it spilled all over herself while opening it. I don’t know if I should give it a 3rd try? Do you have any advice on how to make these great ideas work better?
Hi Kara. Lisa has a very specific way of packing them: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/19/real-food-tips-4-hints-for-using-freezie-pop-molds/. Hope this helps. ~Amy
Hi!! I cannot seem to find any links to purchase the metal looking divided containers. We already have the plastic ones. Could you please point me in the right direction? Thank you!! You have inspired me!
There are two stainless steel ones that are reviewed in the lunchboxes post.
http://www.planetbox.com
http://www.lunchbots tom.
Are these products made in the USA?
Hi Kristin. Some are and some are not. ~Amy
Anyone from the UK have any luck with leakproof divided containers? I’m still searching for the perfect one.
I love sugarbooger divided lunch boxes. Cute designs, perfect for lunches, EASY TO OPEN. Perfect size for 100 Days Real Food lunches! And, at affordable price:
•polypropylene
•Divided 3 compartment lunch container keeps food separated
•Kid friendly, easy open lid
•Made of food safe, non toxic, lead free, pic free and phthalate free polypropylene
•Dishwasher safe, do not microwave
•Measures 8″ by 55″ by 25″
Here’s a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Sugarbooger-Good-Lunch-Divided-Container/dp/B00BHW7L52/ref=sr_1_1_m?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1390837319&sr=1-1&keywords=sugarbooger+lunch+box+divided
Hi Amy! I just purchased the kids lunch guide and am starting to order my supplies, but I had a question about the silicone ice pop molds you recommend. Some of the Amazon reviews say they have a chemical smell either when they arrive or after using them for a while. Have you had any experience with this or any recommendations to remove the smell if it occurs? I was going to order 12 of them but don’t want to have a smell issue. Thanks for your help! :)
Hi Danna. The ones that we have and have used do not have a chemical smell. We are not sure why some people have had that experience. We all really love ours. ~Amy
Where do you find the circle, flexible things you put in the lunchbox? In this picture, the cheese was in it. Also, what brand of thermos do you use?
Hi Jennifer. You can find links to both items in the above post. ~Amy
I have a question about the lunchboxes. I would prefer to use the planetbox lunch box, but am wondering if anyone knows whether the Rover would fit in the LandsEnd lunch bag that you have? The dimensions for the lunch bag are 1/2″ larger than the lunch box, but that can be deceiving… Thanks for any tips!!
Hi Jolene. They do not fit in the Land’s End bag. :( ~Amy
We use these as ice packs/ water bottles in our girls lunch boxes. We have the LL Bean insulated lunch bags and use the ziplock divided containers. They are dishwasher and freezer safe and they are made in the USA.
http://www.amazon.com/Vapur-Litres-Anti-Bottle-True-Green/dp/B004Q567IO/ref=sr_1_2?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1389122992&sr=1-2&keywords=vapur
Do you re-use your wexy bags? I’m curious because I ordered some and think they are too cute to throw away after one use..lol so I was wondering what you do, thanks!!
Hi Christy. I always reuse the ones that are easy to rinse out..not so much the ones that get covered in peanut butter. :) ~Amy