Since starting this blog back in 2010, I’ve run an annual fall series, “It Takes a Village to Pack a Lunch,” to share tips and tricks to make the sometimes tiresome task of lunch box-packing easier for all of us. I’m so pleased to kick off this year’s series with a guest blog post from Sally Kuzemchak of Real Mom Nutrition in which she shares her recommendations for the best lunch box gear for kids.
My Favorite Lunch Boxes for Kids
by Sally Kuzemchak of Real Mom Nutrition
I love lunch boxes. Our cupboards are full of them. Some (read: my husband) may accuse me of hoarding them. I’ve tried many different lunch boxes over the years. The bento-style boxes are, hands-down, my favorite way to pack a lunch because they make even a totally random assortment of food look appealing. These four have come out on top as my favorite lunch boxes for kids. Here’s why.
FAVORITE EVERYDAY LUNCH BOX: EASYLUNCHBOXES
What I Like: They’re low-cost and durable, and they hold up well. My first set lasted about two years, used nearly every day of the school year and run through the dishwasher. I love that these come in a set of four, so I always have a clean container to grab. Though they’re not leak-proof, I bought a set of their Mini Dippers containers for sauces and dips. EasyLunchboxes also fit perfectly in the Land’s End soft-sided lunch bags we have. Lids come in a variety of colors.
Approximate Cost: $20 for 4 containers
Find It: EasyLunchboxes
FAVORITE LITTLE KID LUNCH BOX: BENTGO KIDS
What I Like: It’s a great size for younger kids, designed especially for ages 3-8. It’s also leak-proof and very durable, with a two-year warranty and rubber-coated edges to protect it if it’s dropped (it survived going to camp with my seven year old this summer!). The tray lifts out and is dishwasher safe. This box also fits in our soft-sided lunch bags. Comes in purple, blue, or green.
Approximate Cost: $28
FAVORITE SPACE-SAVING LUNCH BOX: LUNCHBOTS TRIO
What I Like: It’s a nice, low-cost stainless steel option–and though it’s tiny, it actually fits a lot of food (larger options are also available). I use reusable silicone muffin cups to divide the compartments even further. You can also buy leak-proof containers for inside. Fits in our soft-sided lunch bags. (For more ideas on packing LunchBots, see this flip book of 180 real-life lunch photos–like the one above!–fromRed, Round or Green)
Approximate Cost: $22
FAVORITE FANCY LUNCHBOX: PLANETBOX ROVER
What I Like: It’s made of sturdy stainless steel–and though it’s the priciest of the bunch, it also has a five-year warranty. The Rover, which comes with two leak-proof “dipper” containers, is their most popular size, but they also make smaller and larger containers. It’s a real beauty (and I love the little “treat” compartment in the center!). The only downside is that it doesn’t fit in our soft-sided lunch boxes, but they sell PlanetBox carry bags and sleeves for $10-14.
Approximate Cost: $50
Find It: PlanetBox
For my favorite water bottle, Thermos & other lunch packing gear, go here.
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Many thanks to Sally for helping to kick off this year’s series! This blog post originally appeared on Real Mom Nutrition and contains Amazon Affiliate links. (If you purchase a product through these links, your cost will be the same but Sally will receive a small commission.) Sally received product samples but no compensation for writing this post and all opinions are her own.
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Sally at Real Mom Nutrition says
Thanks so much for featuring my post. Looking forward to reading the others in this series!