Yes there are bento boxes. You can package both cold and hot in the same thermo.
http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SL-NCE09-Bento-Stainless-Steel-Vacuum/dp/B0016S7MJM/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1418649669&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Mrs+bento

Anonymous wrote:I have found that boiling water to heat the thermos plus boiling whatsoever's going in the thermos is the best combo. Chances are that yout ice pack is not cooling your thermos - the stuff in the thermos just isn't hot enough.

+1

I have found that boiling water to heat the thermos plus boiling whatsoever's going in the thermos is the best combo. Chances are that yout ice pack is not cooling your thermos - the stuff in the thermos just isn't hot enough.

Anonymous wrote:Make sure you have a GOOD quality thermos, shouldn't be a problem. I got a couple at Kmart a few years ago on major clearance, the Thermos brand--they are awesome

Agree with this. Heat the hot food to boiling. While doing that run hot water from the tap into the thermos to heat it up. Dry out, immediately fill (to top), seal tight. Will stay extremely warm for four hours and comfortably warm for five. I pack my own lunches this way too.

Make sure you have a GOOD quality thermos, shouldn't be a problem. I got a couple at Kmart a few years ago on major clearance, the Thermos brand--they are awesome

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thermos and then an ice pack for cold items.

This. Been doing it for years. No problems.

I tried that, but my kid says the stuff in the thermos isn't warm then.

Anonymous wrote:Thermos and then an ice pack for cold items.

This. Been doing it for years. No problems.

Anonymous wrote:Thermos and then an ice pack for cold items.

+1

Anonymous wrote:You do know that most things including dairy can be room temp

You do know that tone wasn't necessary

You do know that most things including dairy can be room temp

Thermos and then an ice pack for cold items.

I only pack a hot thermos. I never send anything that needs to stay that cold--fresh fruit can be room temp. I'll send gogurts, but freeze them first so they are perfectly thawed by lunch

There's a combo type thermos:
http://www.black-blum.com/products/lunch-pot/

I have just been packing sandwiches, friut cups and a snack but thats getting boring. Is it possible to pack two thermos in my childs lunchbox? One for hot food and one for cold, like fresh fruit? Or does that totally defeat the purpose and neither will be at the right temp to eat?