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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