Packing lunches is something I do every day. With three kids, I’ve packed over 250 lunches already this school year! I need products I can rely on, and I love using reusable containers because they save me money and help save the earth at the same time. Here’s what I’m using this year:
Back in August 2011, I did a video blog sharing all the reusable containers that I use to pack my kids’ lunches. I wanted to update you on how these products have held up, and I’d love to hear from you about what you’re using successfully.
1) It turns out that Easy Lunchboxes fit in lots of lunchbags–this one is from Children’s Place and was on sale for less than $4 last fall. My son wanted to try a smaller lunchbag that fits better in his backpack, but I find it difficult to fit anything else besides the container.
2) The Easy Lunchboxes Cooler Bag fits a ton–and it’s what I used for the past two years (see #1). My son’s black bag doesn’t show all the stains from leaky drinks and day-to-day use, but the red and green bags the girls use look pretty gross. I think that’s typical of most lunchboxes, though.
3) Our Thermos Funtainer Food Jars are still going strong after four years of use. The pictures on the outside have been scraped off by my son and the dishwasher, but it still seals perfectly and keeps foods hot or cold through lunchtime. I fill this with leftovers often. Note: these cost less at Target/Walmart than at Amazon.
4) Oh, you know I love my Easy Lunchboxes. We use these reusable containers every day for school lunches, and occasionally on the weekends for long car trips, picnics, and more. Last summer, I’d pack them for dinners at swim meets, and they’re still going strong! Learn more about Easy Lunchboxes and enter to win your own set!
5) After searching local stores for FLAT ice packs that work well, I had no luck! I ordered these Fit & Fresh Cool Coolers Ice Packs at Amazon (they’re out of stock right now but being sold by outside vendors) in December 2011, and they’re fantastic. I’ve been so impressed how they’re still partially frozen when my kids empty their lunchboxes after they get home from school.
Not pictured–the Thermos Funtainer bottles that I was using to send the kids to school with water. Maybe I’m expecting too much, but after a year of use, they’re leaking all over our lunches and lunchbags. Since they’re stainless steel, they’re also heavy. Right now, we’ve switched to small plastic water bottles that we reuse, but I need a better solution. Would love to hear from you!
What products for packing lunches are successful for you?
Spending too much making lunches? Read my money-saving strategies for packed lunches.
Don’t forget to feed yourself! Try these quick lunches for busy moms.
Enter to win your own reusable containers: Easy Lunchboxes Giveaway.
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I use those flat ice packs as well. I found them at Meijer in Sept. I love that they are small enough to fit between items that I want to stay cool
We have had the Funtainer drink containers for a few years now with no leaks. But a friend of mine said to never put them in the dishwasher. She found that made them leak. So I wash everything but the straws by hand. So far no leaks
Maybe that’s the problem then. Ours go in the dishwasher every night. How long have you had yours?
Gina recently posted..Packing Lunches: Product Reviews Updated
I replaced the staws for the funtainer. Very inexpensive. I think with thermos company directly. They told me you can boil the straw (like baby bottle/nipples) to keep them clean. Always hand wash my containers and they are going strong for 3 years now. I purchased large packs of storage containers at IKEA. (25-30 pcs) Holding up well. Hand wash and put in dishwasher also. Different sizes which pack easily in any lunch box size.
I found these great reusable plastic (BPA free) water bottles at Walmart. They come in a 5 pack (with cute designs on the outside) and they have screw on lids. We just got them in August but we have used them everyday and I wash them in the dishwasher. They have held up great. No leaks and the design hasn’t scratched off either. I got 1 set for each kiddo. We fill them up once a week at the beginning of the week and throw them in their box each morning. They even have a little stand to help the bottles sit up right in the fridge. I bought each set for $10 or less. They carry them on this website also: http://www.reduceeveryday.com
I hope this helps!
We’ve had our funtainer drink containers for 3+ years, and after repeated drops have never had a leak. I never put the actual thermos in the dishwasher, just the straw pieces. thanks for sharing what has worked for you!
Gina – so appreciate your continued enthusiasm for my products! The best lunch packing system is the one that works for you, and it looks like you’ve found a terrific assortment for all your lunch-packing needs. I def will recommend those ice blocks – thank you for the tip! In case you didn’t know – you can wash my cooler bags in the washing machine when they start to look ucky. Cold water/gentle, non-bleach soap/gentle cycle/air dry. It helps to put them in a mesh laundry bag for the wash if you have one, but if not, that’s OK too.
Kelly Lester (EasyLunchboxes) recently posted..7 school lunch packing tips from a mom of 7
So good to know about washing–I will definitely give it a try!
Gina recently posted..Alternatives to Lunchmeat
I use a variety of lunch containers. I use the Goodbyns the most. I also use some glass containers or Mason jar salads too. I have the Thermos Funtainer and a small thermos drink container too. I had bad luck with a Thermos lunch bag (school bus shaped) that I got this year but Thermos has offered to remedy.
Thanks for your lunch posts.
Hi Gina, I use the easy lunchbox containers and thermos too and love them. For the past two years my daughters’ have used their stainless steel Sigg water bottles. They had a nice sport top and cap on them, so they don’t spill all over their desks at school. And they never leak in their bags. There’s different sized and they’re having a sale right now. They’re kind of pricey, but in my opinion they’re definitely worth. Check them out.
http://www.mysigg.com/category/kids-
~ Catie
Catie @ Catie’s Corner recently posted..Frivolous Fashion Friday – Edition 34