This lunchbox product review is a guest post from Kiran...to learn more about Kiran check out our team page!
I've had a pit in my stomach for the past few days. I know that for many moms, back to school is a time to celebrate ... but for me, I love the ease of the days, the lack of schedules, and the absence of homework. Can't summer stay just a bit longer?
Alas, before we know it, school will be back in session. It’s high time to pick out backpacks, to select school supplies and to shop for sneakers or other suitable shoes. But let's not forget the packing of lunches. Since we’ll want to provide our kids with the tools they need to succeed, ensuring that they are equipped with real, nutritious foods tops most of our lists.
To make your job (and mine, as well!) a little bit easier, I’ve scoured the shelves to find lunchboxes … containers that will be crucial in packing for your little ones. I’ve found four that I'm fond of. All have great pluses as well as a few minuses. So without further adieu, here is my review of the latest and greatest when it comes to lunchboxes:
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| Lunch Box | Dishwasher Safe | Hot Foods? | Leak-proof? | # of Compartments | Mom Made? |
| Ziploc Divided Containers | Yes | Yes* | Yes | 3 | No |
| PlanetBox | Yes | No | Yes (with accessory - included) | 3-5 | Yes |
| EasyLunchboxes | Yes | Yes* | No | 3 | Yes |
| LunchBots | Base, yes Lids, no (unless stainless steel model) |
No | No, only leak proof models | 1-4 | Yes |
*See package for details
| Lunch Box |
Ease of Use (Scale of 1 - 5) |
Size | Price | Material |
| Ziploc Divided Containers | 4 | 9" x 6" x 2" | $5.14 for a set of 2 (Amazon.com) | Food safe polypropylene plastic (#5) |
| PlanetBox | 3.5 | 10 x 7.5 x 1.5" OR 10.25 x 7.75 x 2" | $39.99 and up | Food-grade Type 18/8 Stainless Steel |
| EasyLunchboxes | 4 | 9.38" x 6.1" x 2" | $13.95 for set of 4 | Food safe polypropylene plastic (#5) |
| LunchBots | 5 | 6" x 5" x 1.75" - additional sizes available | $14.99 and up | Food-grade Type 18/8 Stainless Steel |
Ziploc Divided Container
History:
A member of the S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. family, Ziploc has been a household name for years and years. A provider of storage solutions, their options don’t just include baggies and such; in recent years, they’ve added numerous options at reasonable price points that are offered in big box stores convenient to most and frequented by many.
The scoop:
Popular brand Ziploc’s take on the bento box in a more affordable, everyday product. Sold in packs of two, the BPA-Free containers consist of three compartments each and a secure fitting lid. The product claims to be freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, though precautionary statements for use are included on the package. Please note that the containers are also disposable and are not intended to last as long as more expensive containers.
Ziploc Containers are readily available at most big-box stores (like Target and Supermarkets) as well as Amazon (online) and perfectly priced.
My take:
I’ve been a personal fan of the Ziploc Divided Containers after Lisa turned me on to them last year. I used them for both of my school-aged girls … and to be honest, I’m not sure who loved them more – me, or them. My personal loves are that there’s only one container to wash, each of the compartments have ample room and I love that each of the compartments are individually sealed and leak-proof. As you can see in my photo, I sent fruit, a sweet potato and oatmeal (my kids don’t seem to mind if foods are warm or cold – lucky for me, right?!) I’ve sent everything from yogurt to homemade applesauce, and nothing has ever leaked to the other side – because believe me, I’d hear about it. For more ideas on what to pack in these lunchboxes check out Lisa's School Lunch Roundup post.
The negatives, in my opinion: the size of the boxes is good for serving sizes but tough to accommodate in many lunch bags. I had to specifically outfit my girls with lunch bags that would fit the product (Lisa uses Lands End soft sided lunch bags to fit both a Ziploc Divided Container and Thermos cup). If you are concerned about using plastic, this product is not for you. And finally, while the price may be right, you may end up buying a few of these which could add up to the cost of one of the stainless steel options.
PlanetBox
History:
Caroline and Robert Miros combined their working knowledge – she, whose talents lie within children's health education and environmental programs, and he, an engineer who has designed consumer and medical products – in creating PlanetBox. The product was designed to provide an innovate solution for making lunch packing enjoyable for kids and adults alike. Their goals: flexibility, durability to withstand years of use, and ease of cleaning. After launching in the summer of 2009, their products sold out within 3 months.
The Scoop:
PlanetBoxes are available in two different “systems”: the Rover is for those who prefer a sampling of smaller servings of food, and the Launch is for those who want larger serving sizes. Each come with a colorful magnet set, perfect for personalizing with your current interests (think rockets, flowers, texting, etc.). Add-ons include Dipper sets, which are little compartments for wet/messy foods that can be placed inside the system. A Carry Bag is also an add-on that many people are fond of as the box fits securely within it and offers room for a drink, a pocket for another snack, etc.
The Rover has five compartments and has room for two Dippers. It measures 10” x 7.5” x 1.5” and weighs 20 oz.
The Launch holds 6.5 cups of food, is larger than the Rover, and is designed to hold a 3-course meal. It also comes with a Tall Dipper, which is great for dips/dressings. It’s measurements are 10.25: x 7.75” x 2”; weight is 22 oz.
PlanetBoxes can be ordered on their website.
My Take:
Take one look at the product and it’s clear to see: The PlanetBox is the crème-de-la-crème when it comes to lunchboxes. The most unique of the bunch, the boxes are a sturdy high quality stainless which just gives a great feel. If you’re looking for a solid, unique method for sending lunches, this one’s for you. The quality and durability are obvious; this will last you for years to come, and it even comes with a one-year warranty (see package for details).
A few notes to mention: the carry bag that can be purchased along with the box offers many compartments including a pocket for additional snacks/napkins and even one for a drink. For some, the ease of including the bag is great. Other kids may want to select a different bag (with a character or one that matches their backpack) and for them this may be a turnoff. There are numerous fun colors to choose from, however, and the magnets allow you to personalize it, which still makes it fun. Don’t be turned off by the price tag; if you’re looking for a box that will last for years to come and that is completely plastic-free, this is a unique alternative with lots of bells and whistles. Please note that it is not intended for kids under 3 and it also is the heaviest of the bunch. (Note from Lisa: The smoothie pop molds do not fit in the PlanetBox.)
EasyLunchboxes
History:
Multi-talented Kelly Lester is the owner and creator of EasyLunchboxes. A singer and actress, she added entrepreneurship to her impressive resume when she sought to send her (three) daughters to school with simple, healthy food with little to no extra packaging or ingredients.
The scoop:
The lunch container has three compartments and measures 9.38” x 6.1” x 2”. The large section fits 2.5 cups of food, the smaller ¾ cups and the smallest ½ cup. The containers are microwave, freezer and dishwasher safe and are made from BPA-free, FDA-approved, food-safe polypropylene plastic (#5). The containers are designed to fit into the EasyLunchboxes Lunch Bag (sold separately), a 9” x 6.5” x 6.5” bag that holds up to 3 containers/boxes.
The boxes are not designed to be leak proof, which is why it’s suggested that they be carried upright in the Lunch Bags, which are created to keep the boxes stable (hence not letting the foods spill into other compartments). The lids are not “super tight fitting” so they are easy to open by little hands, as noted on the website.
EasyLunchboxes can be ordered on Amazon.
My take:
In all honesty, I truly had a tough time deciphering the differences between the Ziploc boxes and the EasyLunchboxes initially. However, the differences that I came up with are that the EasyLunchboxes' tops are sturdier and they also come in fun colors. This may be a minor detail to some, but colors can be enticing AND helpful – especially when you are packing lunches for three of your four kids (in my case). No more hoping that you get the “right one”; it’s color-coordinating at its best.
When it comes to durability, everyone uses his or her products differently. I know that I was able to use my two Ziploc boxes for a full year without having them crack or warp, but I also know others who weren’t as lucky. The EasyLunchboxes claim to have a longer durability, but also are not meant to last years. As far as the ease of opening, my kids found both the Ziploc and EasyLunchboxes to be fairly easy to open; if I had to choose one, they favored the Ziploc product but remember that they are used to them and have used them for quite some time. A negative for me personally is that the individual compartments are not sealed and I do often send wet foods (like yogurt, dips, hummus, etc.). On the flip side, I love that this is a mom-created business and always wish to support them!
LunchBots
History:
Jacqueline Linder is like many other moms: concerned for her children and looking to feed them the best, real food that she can. An ex-Apple exec, she already had years of creating innovative products under her belt. But after her kids were born, she sought healthy containers for healthy foods. Uninterested with plastic sandwich and snack baggies, she knew stainless steel was the ideal material. When she couldn’t find exactly what she wanted, she created it. What began as a company launched in a family garage has turned into a business that is changing lunches everyday.
The scoop:
LunchBots serves up the highest quality (18/8) stainless steel containers in various sizes and styles. Choose from containers that have one, two, three or four compartments. The containers are sized 6” x 5” x 1.75” and weigh 9.6 oz; a larger one-serving unit measures 7” x 5.5” x 2”. Leak-proof containers can be added on for condiments or sauces and can fit snugly within the food containers.
The material eases fears of toxins or linings coming in contact with your food, it's 100% reusable and recyclable and the product is virtually break-free.
LunchBots can be ordered on their website, and they are offering a special offer to readers of 100 Days of Real Food: Through noon PST on August 11, take 10% off of any of the products on www.lunchbots.com with the code 100DAYS. We're so excited to be able to offer the discount as they don't offer coupon codes through their website, so this is a great time to take advantage of it! Please note that shipping is also free in the US and Canada.
My take:
I was introduced to LunchBots a few years ago and was recently anxious to try out their new and improved products. I love the look and feel of the containers. The lid comes on and off with ease; even my 3 ½ year-old can take it on and off. With different products with varying compartments, you can surely find one that fits your needs. I got the Duo, which has two compartments of similar sizes. I also got a Condiment Container, which is super cute and handy.
My concerns on the LunchBots: spillage and size. The Trio would probably work best for my situation (I always pack four things for my kids – three for lunch and one for a snack. It’s funny how they get programmed for this and I get interrogated when there are only three things). With that being said, even with the Trio, I still need to pack one other item. The Quad is not quite big enough for me to get it all in, but I can make it work by including a piece of fruit on the side/etc.
The LunchBots Bento Box Set is something I’d recommend, and I’d also recommend a Leak Proof Set to combat the spillage issue. I often times send hummus/yogurt/homemade applesauce in my kids’ lunches and find these to be a great option. With the add-ons available, the LunchBots are, in my opinion, a great option with a very reasonable price point. I love that they are stainless steel, they’ll last for years and are mom-made.
I'm curious to hear your thoughts. Do you pack your kids lunches each day? And what lunch boxes have been successful for you?
Kristi Goldsberry says
Thanks for the great product info and reviews, this is so relevant for me as I have not had much success in this area and I pack my kids lunches every day!!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
So glad it's timely for you! And kudos for you for packing every day; it's time consuming, I know, but so worth it.
Marta says
I use the Ziplock divided containers and the Lunch on the Go by Fit & Fresh. This year we also got LunchSkins, but we have not used them yet.
Natalie says
We use the Ziplock divided containers & LL Bean lunch bags. My girls love it. The bag is so deep you can literally stack two of the Ziplock containers inside. I use these long thin igloo ice packs & just lay two of those side by side under each container & they are still cold when they come home. They each also have a stainless thermos for hot stuff. Right now they use Camelbak water bottles. My girls have had no issues with anything leaking. If it leaked or was to hard to open, or too many pieces they would complain & likely starve to death rather than fool with it. My kids get very cranky & headachy if they go to long without food & they like to just eat quickly and go with no fuss. At home we only use glass and stainless, so for convenience and affordability for school I don't mind using the plastic containers that get the job done right. I do wash the Ziplock containers by hand so that might also make a difference in the longevity and continued durability of the containers. My husband uses Pyrex glass containers with the special lids that have a tight seal & a vent for microwaving & he's had great luck with those in his lunch box. I wish I could send those to school with my girls but sadly glass isn't allowed.
Charlee says
glass isin't allowed at our school either. But I have found rubbermaid, ziplock and glad to be the best containers by far. I used to use the gladware with the mini cup for salads for myself. With lunch being so short I found what you found it needs to be quick and easily accessable. We live in the desert of So. Cal. so it has to fit well with ice packs as it gets so hot at school. As I type at 7:30am its 89 degrees! Are the camelback bottles good? We got one and have not used it yet for my daughter since they make a small size. The LL Bean waterbottles my son and I have don't come in a smaller size.
Natalie says
I haven't used the Camelbak bottles myself as I'm currently using a glass bottle & I love it. However, two of my girls & my husband use the Camelbak bottles & they really like them. In the past I've had them try various stainless bottles & they either had to many parts, leaked, the lid broke, was too hard for them to open or it just didn't hold enough water. I still haven't found a stainless bottle that works as well as the Camelbak. I prefer stainless & will continue to be on the lookout but for now this is what works best for my girls. I find them relatively easy to take apart to clean & put back together. So far there have been no reports of leaking, which was a major issue with previous bottles in the backpack.
susan spitzer says
my daughter, who is entering 7th grade, has used a laptop lunch box since kindergarten. I have only had to purchase a replacement container lid because she threw on away in first grade.... I even ran over it with my car! Her younger brother (4th grade) has one as well. We also love the rubbermaid blox.
nuts4knits says
http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-1806231-Lunch-Blox-Sandwich/dp/B0078K416Y
These are the ones I like at the moment. I have 4 and they stack perfectly in my tall cooler.
Charlee says
thats what we have. I got ll bean lunch boxes the zip top ones and its perfect for all the sizes. I even pack my grown up lunch in them!
Tracy says
We used to use the Dr Sears nibbler zak container when the kids were younger and now we use the ziploc containers with an Embark lunchbag from Target. We have gone through so many lunchbags because food leaks and even though we clean the bags thoroughly every night, the odor is overpowering. Does anyone know of a dishwasher safe lunchbox/lunchbag to store the food containers in?
Marta says
I put the lunch bags in the washing machine. Then I hang them to air dry.
Charlee says
I have tossed lunch bags in the washer on cold with a meduim cycle and let it air dry and it comes out just fine I even do this with the large ones we use as a family cooler and shopping bags.
Cheryl Saylor says
I have found the Ziploc containers (2 pack) for $2.69 at Target in the midwest (IA/NE/SD. Thanks for the info on the lunch bag. I was struggling to find something to fit them in. :)
RevAllyson says
I just got these for our kids for this year: http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Planet-3-Compartment-Silicone-Collapsible/dp/B0051XRXRY I got one in pink for our girl twin and one in blue for the boy twin. I've yet to hold it in my hands, but it stores pretty flat, and it pops out to be bigger to put things in. It has its own spork thingie so I don't have to go searching for ones. I liked that I could get each kid their own thing. :)
Holly says
Do you know of any that come with a thermos for hot soups and such. I am only interested in stainless steel options because I don't trust anything plastic coming in contact with my little guys food. Thanks for any help!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Holly,
Check out LunchBots' version:
http://www.lunchbots.com/insulated-containers.html
You can save 10% (just until Sat. at 12 noon EST!) by using 100DAYS as your code.
HTH! :)
Sheril says
I too am extremely leery of plastic anymore. The Kleen Kanteen wide is the next thing I am actually going to try purchasing, most of the things I have checked out that are insulated still have plastics in the lids and some (such as sigg) have scandal in their background from not coming clean over bpa in contact with food in the past.
Kim says
I have used the Easy Lunch Boxes for 2 years for my 3 boys. I wash them by hand. I'm down to my last few as the others have finally cracked. I did like the divided parts but not the lids. I found that the lids only stay on if the container is held horizontally - well that doesn't happen when the kids put the lunch bags (also from ELB) in their backpacks. I took some 1" sewing elastic, measured it around the longest part of the box and stapled it to make a strap" to keep the lids on better. I would likely buy them again, but the shipping to Canada is a killer -even with a coupon code.
I also have the Ziplock containers - which are not available here but my mom bought them when she was in the USA. have not fully tried them out yet - school's a'comin' so we'll start using them then.
Good luck with all the lunches mamas!
Paulette says
Does anyone have a recommendation for water bottles? I have yet to find one that is dishwasher safe and doesn't leak.
Lori B. says
I have used the LifeFactory ones for at least 2 years with both my boys 6 & 12. They are glass wrapped with silicone outside sleeve. They have been dropped, thrown and dishwashed daily for 2 years. I need to get bigger ones now. :)
Melissa says
We use the small, kid-sized Sigg stainless bottle. It has a twist open top, and a flip lid over that. My son was always leaving other water bottles open in his backpack (a huge daily mess). Problem solved when I found the Sigg bottle. The flip lid won't close if the mouth piece isn't twisted all the way shut...love it!
Marie says
The Thermos Foogo/Funtainer ones are good, though the Funtainer image gets dinged up. And they are readily available (Target, Walmart, Toys R Us...)
Kim says
We use the Smart Planet lunch boxes and love them!!! I've not had a problem with leaking, though I've not put something super liquidy in it like soup before. They have a spork-type utensil in the lid so I never worry about forgetting that for my boyo. They also collapse down to about half their size so they're super easy to store.
http://www.smartplanethome.com/Silicone_Eco_Lunch_Box_p/ec-34l.htm
Nadia says
We have used these too because I loved the idea that they collapsed ( and I found them in clearance) but, it was not until this last year (grade 2 ) that my daughter could actually open and close them so, they have been used mostly for family outings. Love the included spork!
Anouk says
We have used gogreenlunchbox for a couple years. Now that my dd is getting older, she wants something with a smaller footprint. We started using the rubbermaid lunchblox system and it's worked well so far this summer. They are hard to find bags for though, although I know rubbermaid sells them on its website. I was just counting on finding them locally.
Jenny says
Target had the Rubbermaid lunch bags right next to the lunch blox.
Amy says
I got this lunch box for my son this year, and it is leak proof as well as adjustable to accommodate different lunch options. The "skin" options for the box were really fun. There are two leak proof bowls that the child can take out for easier use (yogart, dips, etc).
http://www.nudefoodmovers.com.au/Range/
Lori B. says
I TOTALLY saw this today in the lunchroom! There was only one boy who had it and it looked very sturdy and it was large like it could hold a lot of stuff and I really liked the way the lids popped up so you dont loose the lids!
Heather says
We use PlanetBox and love them
Erika says
Lisa quick question about the Lands End lunchboxes...Do you use the EZ wipe soft sided (more square shaped) or the regular soft sided? I want to make sure I ordered the right size to fit the ziploc containers :)
Angie says
I just bought the lands end soft sided lunch box. The ziplock containers fit perfectly, with room inside for a small water bottle and ice pack. There is also an inside pocket with slots for utensils and snack or napkin. There is a large zipper pocket on the outside that would fit snacks too. And a side pocket on the outside for a water bottle. There is not room for both the ziplock AND insulated thermos. Also, the way the handle is at the top and clips to the backpack which is great. The container will be sideways carried this way, so not a good idea of you get the easy lunch box.
Lisa says
This is the exact one I just ordered for my Kindergartner "Kids' ClassMate® Lucky Charm Soft Sided Lunch Box" http://www.landsend.com/pp/kids-classmate-lucky-charm-soft-sided-lunch-box~239722_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::X63&CM_MERCH=IDX_girls-_-backpacks-lunch-boxes-luggage--_-lunch-boxes-food-containers&origin=index and the Ziploc container and Thermos cup both fit!
Amy says
I will be new to "bento" style lunches this year and got the ziplock containers. I just wanted to post that the Amazon price is for 2 sets of 2 lunch boxes or 4 total. I ordered 2 sets and will now have enough for years since I got 8 instead of the 4 I was expecting.
Lori B. says
good catch!
Sara says
Hello,
I was hoping you would share your WW bread recipe? I use Lisa's and like it a lot, but yours looks very fluffy. Mine does not seem to turn out that way even though I do a combo (3 cups WW, 1 1/4 c unbleached white).
Thanks!
Also have a generic question I keep meaning to ask Lisa...if you have a recipe that calls for sugar, banana bread for example, can you substitue honey? And if yes, is it the same amount?
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Hi Sara,
Thanks so much ... the recipe is here: http://sanesahm.com/?p=414
As for the sugar substitute, Lisa will need to confirm - but I've always heard that yes you can substitute honey and to start with half the amount (i.e. if it calls for 1 cup sugar use 1/2 cup honey).
HTH!
Charlee says
I purchased Rubbermaid lunch blocks its a new product. Its individual containers that can fit inside the larger ones if needed or sealed and stacked on top of eachother. I did not get the ones with ice packs. There are 3 of us packing lunches this year I bought a few sets of each size, and they fit in our LL Bean lunch boxes. We have the zip top ones.
For ice packs I have an unusual source. My husband has Multiple Sclerosis(MS)so his medication comes to us each month with these super ice packs they use for medical shipping. We get 3-4 each month. When the plastic looks like its getting broken down I toss it and have tons more to use and I am always getting replacements. So its free school lunch ice packs that last all day most days even in 100+ weather of August in the desert of So. Cal it comes home 1/3 frozen.
We use thermos funtainers for hot stuff and for drinks when we make our own drinks. My son and I both have a bean canteen with our names on them for water and my daughter has a smaller camelback container(bean canteen's are too big for her)I have useed the britta bottles and they work but are expensive to replace filters, and are easily stolen! We had 2 go missing since they are so common I need a better way to mark items hence the engraved water bottles and embroidered names on lunch boxes.(we are in public school)I also sometimes pack and extra water in his bag so he can refill his big one when its over 90 degrees. I hate drinking fountains they are so gross!
My son is great about bringing home all the containers and sealing them back up he is very responsible at 7.
Jennifer says
Great review! My son is in pre-school and we use the Dr Sears nibble tray for his snack. It has 6 compartments and then a 3 part dip container. It's perfect to send a variety of foods and is just the right size for a young child. Also the dip part has a cooler pack built in under it to keep dips cool. No leaks and you can just toss it in the dishwasher. I will definitely be investing in some good bento style boxes when he gets to kindergarden and needs an actual lunch.
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Sears-Nibble-Yellow-Months/dp/B002V92XRQ
Laura says
If you have a Thirty-One Gifts Consultant near you, their thermals (thermal totes and lunch to go) hold the divided containers. You have to place them on their side but they zip easily with room to spare. The totes are big enough to put a Sigg bottle in it and still zip closed. The thermals keep food hot or cold, which is nice.
Megan says
Hi Kiran! Thanks for the review! I love the ziplock containers but they don't fit in the kids' Pottery Barn lunch boxes. We use the Klip-It Lunch Cubes from The Container Store. Really cute, compartments and they fit! Hope you are doing well! I am obsessed with this blog and was so happy to see you do reviews for her!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Thank you so much, Megan! Glad to see you here, too! :)
Jody says
We have "Balanced Days" at our schools which makes lunch time a little different. i.e. I have to pack TWO lunches!! Instead of the traditional 1 lunch, 2 recesses, we have 2 extended lunch and recess times. They find that the kids' energy lasts right to the end of the day much to the surprise of everyone! My oldest has an insulated lunch bag divided into 2 compartments. My second is going to school this fall and I think I may use the Ziploc Containers and split his lunch between two containers. I typically do 1/2 sandwich, veggies and dairy in the first lunch and 1/2 sandwich, fruit and healthy baked good in the second. They also get their water bottle and the odd 100% fruit juice box.
Heather Reeher says
I love the ziplock boxes! I use them to pack lunch and snacks for myself for an 8 hour work day. The main compartment is 'lunch' plus two fifteen minute break 'snacks.'
If you have a Target nearby, don't pay the amazon price...I think they are around $3.00 for two at Target.
Lori B. says
I just did lunch duty at my son's school. I saw all of these lunchboxes except the EasyLunchBoxes... they just leak all over. Lots of the metal tiffin box styles. The most popular was the Ziploc containers & Thermos warm food containers. As a volunteer I can tell you that it is sooo much easier for your kids to start eating and clean up when you are NOT putting everything into tiny little containers and/or baggies. Also I saw that kids with larger lunchboxes like the EasyLunchBox BAG that you can get on Amazon for like $8.00 made everything so easy. If you are having to tight "tetris" style pack your kids lunch, how do you think he is going to get all those little boxes back in there?!?!? They get frustrated and I would do it for them. Also, send large thermoses with water or watered down juice in them. Those juice boxes kids would suck down in 3 seconds after I took 5 min getting those straws to cut through the top. Lastly, those prepackage fruit cups are a complete disaster with nasty syrup that spills everywhere. Dont send those.
Lori B. says
I used to use laptop lunches. They become worthless when you kid looses any of the pieces, some of the containers dont even have tops & the bag cannot hold a drink or a thermos. Bigger bags are just the way to go. Kids just LOVED their peppers, cucumbers, & carrots cut out in hearts & flowers. They were passing them around and sharing with friends!! Also tone down the volume of bread that you send. so many kids pulled off the large sandwich bread/rolls and just ate the meat inside. All grade levels did that from K-5. The tortilla wraps were perfect. Even the pita bread if not cut in half was a bit much for them. Those Ziploc containers cost me $2.50 for 2 at Target. I can fit one + hot thermos + snack + water thermos + ice block with plenty of room in the EasyLunchBox Bag and it kept the foot flat and did not have to be turned on the side.
Alethea says
The small, flat top Kleen kanteen fits in with the laptop bento bag.. We love them. Very durable. We've had them since preschool and my oldest is going into 4th grade. And the bags clean in/out very well also. I've tried ziplock containers, they are ok, but I find there isn't enough room...but that may be bcuz I'm use to laptop lunchbox.
Denise says
I saw on the Easy Lunch Boxes site to put a piece of cling wrap or press n seal over the compartment with wet food and it keeps it all in one place. Works perfectly for us!
Sophia says
I used Laptop Lunch boxes when I packed lunches for my husband and I when we worked in an office. http://www.laptoplunches.com/ Very durable and fun colors.
Debbie says
My kids use Laptop Lunches and love them. We do use a small Thermos for hot foods but it works well for them. I am about to get them the newest version which will allow them to have more food in them, those dang kids are growing and need more food for lunch! ;)
http://www.laptoplunches.com/
Tara says
I have used my current set of Ziplock containers for two years--going on third year this year. I love them! I have always washed them by hand which may be why they have lasted for so long. My three kids and my husband take them to school and work every day and I think they work great.
piper says
we also use a goodbyn lunchbox, and we love it! i bought my 21-month old the full size box when she was around 13 months old, and i still think it's a bit large (probably should have gone with the bento box option), but leaves ample room for lots of different tastes and snacks for her, since she eats 2 snacks + lunch while at school. goodbyn is also made from recycled plastic and is recyclable, so i feel slightly better about using plastic. oh! and there is a built-in handle and it comes with a drink container inside the box, so it's all self-contained (really ideal for my little one, since she's still so little).
Melissa says
We have been using the ziploc containers for 2+ years and they are great. In my local stores they are usually closer to $3-4 before coupons and sales for a set of two.
Carrie says
Honestly, I just pack stuff in whatever containers it fits in, and put them in the lunchbox. We have Lands' End lunchboxes, and various icepacks. I just bought some cool 'cube' ones (actually a large pack divided into squares so it's flexible) from the baby section at target.
I just ordered these today: http://www.landsend.com/pp/kids-konserve-food-container-set~243335_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::OCE&CM_MERCH=IDX_luggage-_-backpacks-lunch-boxes-_-lunch-boxes-food-containers&origin=index
We'll see how they work. I also bought some Thermos insulated containers to send hot things in.
I did not send lunch everyday with my son last year, but this year I plan to be more structured about it since my youngest is picky and loves food that's not good for him. :) I need to steer him clear of school lunch as much and as long as possible! Being a single mom, packing lunch daily will be more work, but I plan to incorporate it into our Sunday meal prep day (lunch for them and me!) so I hope it will work out just fine.
Amanda says
As an adult who packed a lunch for several years, I LOVE my PlanetBox!! I used to grab frozen meals for lunch (the "lean" varieties to be healthy!), but once I got my PlanetBox, I was able to put together my own combinations of healthy, REAL food lunches. I'm a new stay at home mom, and I still sometimes pack my lunch in a PlanetBox the night before...it keeps me eating well while chasing my little guy!!
If you're concerned about the price tag, it's well worth it!!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
What a great idea, I love it. I agree - it's well worth the price tag!
Sarah El Guerrab says
I have tried both the easy lunchboxes, and the ziplock. I personally like the ziplock so much better. I found the ziplock has held up so much better. The easylunchboxes lids tend to fall off, and just don't work as well. I like the flexibility of the ziplock lids. I have been drooling over the planetbox ones. But, I'm so scared of the price. I'm afraid that my kids will forget them at school, and will never been seen again. But, I really do want those. I hate putting my kids lunches in plastic. I have been looking at ECOlunchbox Three-in-One. I better decide soon!!! Thanks for your review! You might have pushed me to get the lunch box I really want!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Thank you, Sarah!
The Planetboxes really are a unique option that I think is worth the money. If you get the bag that it goes in, you can keep it all together.
I truly like the LunchBots also if you are looking for a lower price point; both are worth it in my opinion - I also love that they are made of stainless steel.
Keep us posted! :)
Amy says
Timely post. I was just checking out the divided containers by Sistema that are on sale on Zulily starting today. Anyone have experience with them?
Tiffany says
We use the Sistema Klip It lunch cube and love it! I've not had a problem with anything leaking thus far. I do send dressings and such in a small container with lid just to keep it from getting everywhere. And I'll use a paper cupcake liner to keep things tidy if needed. We have other products from them as well and have had good luck.
Michelle says
We just saw the Sistema boxes at Old Navy today. They had several different types, including bowls to keep salad fixins separate. If we hadn't already bought our lunch stuff for this year, I would have picked them up. We've been using the Ziploc boxes since I saw them on here last year, and we love them. Even my son, who is pretty hard on things, uses them. They fit perfectly into the Arctic Zone Ultra bags that were on sale at Costco earlier this summer, too! I'll keep using the Ziploc containers because they're cheap, easy to find, and they hold those pop molds perfectly, which is important, since my daughter has one in her lunch almost every day.
Chrissy says
I have bought several sistema products at old navy, and those lunch cube work out great for my 3 year old in day care!! They fit in various bags and they are the perfect size. I was worried about the "hinge" area breaking due to use, but I've been rotating 3 of these 5 days a week for over a year and they hold up great. For the price, highly recommended! :)
Nadia says
We've used systema too, some designs are a bit hard to work with but, they have so many options. I personally prefer their simple two compartment boxes. They work great, don't leak and are quite durable. ( a friend of mine road through the first half of elementary with four kids on these with only minor damage)
Grazia @ South Main Avenue says
I purchased the Pottery Barn Bento box last year because of the compartments, but I don't love it. My son likes to open the door for his secret surprise, which is usually a homemade sugar free baked goodie.
It is OK and we will use until it doesn't work anymore.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Grazia,
I found the PBK boxes hard to open and close which is not good for kids (IMO)! I had not problems opening and closing the four mentioned above, nor did my kids. HTH!
Amy says
I also love the Ziplock containers for my kids' lunches. I need to buy new insulated bags this year, and have had some trouble finding a good fit. I also send water in a small Kleen Kanteen, and fitting that with the box and an ice pack is challenging. I am considering ordering one of the bags from Easy Lunch Boxes, since the dimensions of her product are similar to those of the Ziplock container.
Kim says
I spent a lot of time trying to find divided plates when my daughter started kindergarten. I love the tupperware divided plates, but they are expensive and hard to find. I found these (http://www.noodlesoup.com/divided3-sectionplates-1.aspx) and I've been using them for 2 years and love them. They fit in most lunchboxes and wash easily.
Venia says
We LOVE our PlanetBoxes! And, while the smoothie pop molds don't fit in the box itself. I've packed them in the bag, where the icepack goes...along side our icepack, and it works great. We have the LunchBots, too...another great product line. <3
Tiffany says
We use a Goodbyn lunch box (www.goodbyn.com). As soon as school starts, we'll be on our 3rd year with this box. I love it!
Meredith says
Do your kids have any problems resealing the Goodbyns? My son loved his when it arrived (had a blast decorating it!) but couldn't get the lid to stay fastened after he finished lunch. It was an embarrassing mess for him and so disappointing because I thought I had found the best lunch box out there!
Val says
Tell me how does this travel to school. We just got Goodbyn and it won't fit in their previous lunch carriers with a freezer pack to keep the cheese, yogurt, etc cold until lunch. Help?
Nadia says
We Have used a Goodbin with our daughter for over 3 years now and it is still in perfect shape. She too had a hard time closing it though, originally it was a strength issue but, now it's just inattention. We used to pack the bin in a heavy but pretty plastic bag until we found a small laminated fabric backpack that fit it perfectly. For cooling we generally froze whatever beverage we were sending with her and stuck it in the middle compartment which worked great. I'm looking for a non-plastic alternative now though the bin would probably last us many more years.