It's hard to believe but it's nearly time for the kids
to head back to school. In addition to stocking up on notebooks,
pencils, and erasers, you likely need to shop for new lunch gear.
Different kids have different needs so there isn't really a
one-size-fits-all lunchbox solution. Thankfully, there are a lot of
options on the market. To help you sort through it all, we checked
out what's available and came up with a list of our favorite
lunch paraphernalia.
Nowadays, I'm happy to experiment with different flavor
combinations, but as a child, I hated when different foods got
mixed together on my plate or in my lunchbox. If only the Made by Oots Lunchbox ($35 for the standard version;
$45 for the deluxe) had been around when I was in school. The
colorful, modular lunchbox holds up to 5 (1 large and 4 small)
microwave- and dishwasher-safe food containers (containers are part
of the deluxe set or can be purchased individually). The lid is
curved to hold a bottle that can be secured under an elastic strap,
plus there is a second strap for carrying the lunchbox. (The bottle
is not included with the lunchbox.)
I must admit that the Wrap-N-Mat is not a new product, but it is my current
obsession. I may not be an elementary school student, but I pack
myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich about three out of five
workdays (I eat it for
breakfast, not lunch). I used to wrap the sandwich in foil then
judiciously clean the foil and cart it home for recycling. While I
love my PB&J, this felt wasteful (both financially and
environmentally), so I was really excited when I stumbled upon an
adorable red and white gingham sandwich mat. The Wrap-N-Mat
($7.99), which comes in a variety of patterns, is a plastic-lined
fabric mat that wraps easily around my beloved peanut butter and
jelly. Plus, it doubles as a place mat so kids (and adults) can
keep their desks clean.
In the last few years, bento box-style lunch sets have been a
popular and practical option as they allow you to easily pack and
carry several different lunch components. These break-resistant,
dishwasher-safe melamine versions from Vivo
($30 to $39) are available in different colors, shapes, and sizes
(I have my eye on this black, brown, dark red, and sand version,
which looks very retro to me) and feature a handle for easy
toting.
The main selling point for these lunch bags, which come in ladybug, cow,
watermelon, apple, and monkey motifs, is their cuteness, but
they're also rather practical. Made of lightweight neoprene
(the material used for wetsuits), these machine-washable bags ($30)
insulate and cushion the sandwich, fruit, and cookies you pack for
your little one. There's also an ice pack pocket if you need to
keep anything extra-cold. Plus, cushioned handles and reinforced
seams mean you won't need to replace the bag a month into the
school year.
This bento-style option ($36), available in pink,
green, gold, or blue, has the added bonus of a freezable lid, which
helps keep your child's tuna salad cool. The two tier and
elastic band set-up allows you to pack smaller (500 ml) or larger
(1 liter) lunches (use the elastic the long way when just using one
tier) and each compartment has a moveable divider. (A similar box
is available with an adorable polar bear decoration.)
Built, which specializes in neoprene bags and carrying cases, makes
lunch bags in several shapes and sizes. The Extra Relish ($30), which is new for 2009,
features a soft grip handle, a convenient shoulder strap, and an
interior pocket. It's available in black, ski patrol red, and a
micro-dot pattern. All of Built's lunch bags insulate food for
up to four hours (depending on the temperature outside) and are
machine washable.
For more on back to school, including quick and easy breakfasts, healthy lunch ideas, recipes, and taste tests, check out our complete Back-to-School Guide.
by Lauren Salkeld
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