Can we talk lunch boxes?

[new_mommy25]

What did your DC use last year? Did you love it? Hate it? Would you buy it again?

Last year DS was in preschool and took lunch 5 days a week. He used a lunch box from The Gap. I didn't like it. It was hard to wash and took forever to dry. The inside lining ripped a little bit towards the end of the year. I bought the bag on sale for about $10. I wouldn't pay full price but I would buy it on sale if it were for occasional use. I wouldn't buy the lunch box again if it needed to be used every day.

I'm looking forward to the replies. DS is going to K next year where lunch will be served. I anticipate him buying lunch most days and taking lunch only on the days where he doesn't like what is served. If he chooses to take lunch every day that would be fine too, of course.

I am looking at the Hanna packs because DS likes the compass design and I like the matching back pack and coin purse. Anyone know how they are quality wise. I am wondering if the best thing to do is to just purchase one from LL Bean or Lands End. The designs may not be as cute but they get good reviews so I am guessing they are much more durable. There was one bag that had a seamless inner to make it easier to wipe clean which I liked.

[Pennylane]

I was just coming to post the exact question! My dd and my younger two all need new ones. My older dd has a Hanna one now but I'm not thrilled with it. I have been looking at a few at Lands End:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/DeluxeLun...04__0000000491

http://www.landsend.com/pp/CleanSwee...1&origin=index

Any other ideas??
Ann

[new_mommy25]

Originally Posted by Pennylane

I was just coming to post the exact question! My dd and my younger two all need new ones. My older dd has a Hanna one now but I'm not thrilled with it. I have been looking at a few at Lands End:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/DeluxeLunchSack~173191_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::ZTU&CM_MERC H=IDX_00004__0000000491

http://www.landsend.com/pp/CleanSweepClassMateLunchBox~146380_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::LKB&CM_MERC H=IDX_00004__0000000491&origin=index

Any other ideas??
Ann

The Clean Sweep is the one I was looking at because it looks so easy to clean. I just wish it were cuter. You can add embroidery which will help a little.

[kijip]

For most of the year we used a metal classic style lunchbox that was a giveaway last summer at the Mariners game. After the handle broke off, we switched to a soft sided insulated type bag. I preferred the classic metal one because it was super easy to wash and dry.

[SnuggleBuggles]

Our LLBean had some nooks and crannies to clean but it wasn't hard and it held up great. It was their $12 classic one. I bought the blue gekko maze one and also bought the matching backpack and some other things in that pattern. His teachers thanked me for the coordinated items b/c it made it very easy for them to keep track of the kids' stuff.

Beth

[bubbaray]

Right now I'm using 2 adult ones for my DDs -- because they both have zip-out liners and are SUPER easy to clean! I got them at Costco and I'm hoping to find more there this summer.

[hillview]

What about laptop lunch boxes? I just got them and have taken them for 2 trial runs, work great and can be put in dishwasher.
/hillary

[deannanb]

I love our laptop lunchboxes!
http://www.laptoplunches.com/

I have 3 of them - so I can pack lunches for multiple days in row -

I find it is much easier to make lunches this way -
(another subject about not using plastic baggies...) - but it does take less time to make the lunches - and very easy to wash in the dishwasher.

[bonbon98]

Originally Posted by bubbaray

Right now I'm using 2 adult ones for my DDs -- because they both have zip-out liners and are SUPER easy to clean! I got them at Costco and I'm hoping to find more there this summer.

We just got these for DS & DD - I really like them. It comes with a freezer pak that lasts a really long time and a reusable bottle. It also fits a Laptop Lunch.
It's by California Innovations and it's around $11.

[MMMommy]

I just bought two CI Sport Expandable Lunch Boxes at Costco today for $10.99 each. It's a good deal and includes a Cryofreeze ice/hot pack and 500 ml/16.9 fl. oz. aluminum sports bottle with carabiner clip. The tag says that it is PVC and lead free. The front compartment is expandable and insulated with UltraSafe interior lining. The Microban interior lining supposedly protects against bacteria. It came in a variety of colors--red, orange, dark blue, medium blue (all with gray base). It looks like it will hold quite a bit, and seems like a good deal for what it includes.