Bento Lunchboxes
If you’re in the market for a bento lunchbox, I say “Right on, sister!” As you may or may not know, I am a PlanetBox fan, and have not tested all these bentos myself. However, the reviews on Amazon are plentiful, so hopefully you will find one that suits your needs.
These are some of the bento boxes my readers have been buying:
Bentology Lunch Box ($20)
EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box Containers, Set of 4 ($14)
PlanetBox ($70)
Fit and Fresh Kids Bento Lunch Kit with Insulated Bag and Ice Packs ($20)
Yumbox Leakproof Bento Lunch Box Container ($20)
ChefLand 3-Compartment Microwave Safe Food Container with Lid/Divided Plate/Bento Box/Lunch Tray with Cover, Black, 10-Pack
Here’s what I would look for in a bento box:
Ease of cleaning
Is it dishwasher-safe? Because if it’s not, let’s be honest. It’s going to sit in your sink waiting until you can’t stand to look at it any longer. And the last thing you want to do is to have to hand-wash a lunchbox in the morning. Or the evening. Or the afternoon.
Leakproof
Read the reviews and find out if it is really and truly leakproof. In three years, I have never had a problem with my PlanetBoxes leaking (knock on formica.) It’s nice to have the flexibility to pack sauces, fruit that may leak a little juice, or dressings.
Quality materials
Personally, I like metal. It’s durable. It doesn’t “leak” chemicals. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Thankfully many of today’s plastics are free of BPA, phthalates, and other junk that was so prevalent when my kids were babies. Check the product description to make sure. And they are certainly more budget-friendly, which brings me to…
Cost
Thankfully, bento boxes now come in all budget categories. Some are so inexpensive, you don’t have to worry if they fall into the school lost and found vortex, lost amidst dirty socks and moldy water bottles forever. Others are a significant investment, but you’ll use them until your kids go to college.
Cool factor
Make sure your kids like their lunchboxes. If they are embarrassed to have a lunchbox that is different from everyone else, it’s a hard sell. My almost-12 year old is at that point. I told him I like packing my bento boxes, but if he wants to pack his own lunch in a “regular” lunchbox, have at it. Part of the problem is that he doesn’t love the idea of me taking pictures of his lunch and posting them on my Facebook page. Sorry bud. A mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do.
Like what you see? Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter!
If you’re in the market for a bento lunchbox, I say “Right on, sister!” As you may or may not know, I am a PlanetBox fan, and have not tested all these bentos myself. However, the reviews on Amazon are plentiful, so hopefully you will find one that suits your needs.
These are some of the bento boxes my readers have been buying:
Bentology Lunch Box ($20)
EasyLunchboxes 3-Compartment Bento Lunch Box Containers, Set of 4 ($14)
PlanetBox ($70)
Fit and Fresh Kids Bento Lunch Kit with Insulated Bag and Ice Packs ($20)
Yumbox Leakproof Bento Lunch Box Container ($20)
ChefLand 3-Compartment Microwave Safe Food Container with Lid/Divided Plate/Bento Box/Lunch Tray with Cover, Black, 10-Pack
Here’s what I would look for in a bento box:
Ease of cleaning
Is it dishwasher-safe? Because if it’s not, let’s be honest. It’s going to sit in your sink waiting until you can’t stand to look at it any longer. And the last thing you want to do is to have to hand-wash a lunchbox in the morning. Or the evening. Or the afternoon.
Leakproof
Read the reviews and find out if it is really and truly leakproof. In three years, I have never had a problem with my PlanetBoxes leaking (knock on formica.) It’s nice to have the flexibility to pack sauces, fruit that may leak a little juice, or dressings.
Quality materials
Personally, I like metal. It’s durable. It doesn’t “leak” chemicals. It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. Thankfully many of today’s plastics are free of BPA, phthalates, and other junk that was so prevalent when my kids were babies. Check the product description to make sure. And they are certainly more budget-friendly, which brings me to…
Cost
Thankfully, bento boxes now come in all budget categories. Some are so inexpensive, you don’t have to worry if they fall into the school lost and found vortex, lost amidst dirty socks and moldy water bottles forever. Others are a significant investment, but you’ll use them until your kids go to college.
Cool factor
Make sure your kids like their lunchboxes. If they are embarrassed to have a lunchbox that is different from everyone else, it’s a hard sell. My almost-12 year old is at that point. I told him I like packing my bento boxes, but if he wants to pack his own lunch in a “regular” lunchbox, have at it. Part of the problem is that he doesn’t love the idea of me taking pictures of his lunch and posting them on my Facebook page. Sorry bud. A mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do.
Like what you see? Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter!
Posted Saturday, August 1, 2015 in Uncategorized