For a cheaper stainless steel option, we like this one:


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WQR81J/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_11QJS3JAECF3NTMW0TTJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We used to have the Rubbermaid Lunchblox system, but after a few years, the plastic parts started oozing and be covered in an oily film that won’t wash off. We still have the insulated bag (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078K40KG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_8YG2DYRSW2FSCG9CE6EE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) and ice packs from that system, and this box fits into the bottom of it sandwiched between two ice packs.

My rising 4th grader still uses the Bentgo lunch box we got for K. That thing is fabulous.

PP 12;36 here. We used the Rover lunchbox.

Anonymous wrote:Planetbox with their insulated bag. It’s the best.

+1 Here's the link. https://www.planetbox.com/

We bought the first one when our eldest was 18 months old. He's now 12 and has had the same stainless steel Planet Box bento ever since. We've replaced the insulated bag once, mainly because he wanted a more grown-up looking color. We started out with the rocket and jungle theme magnets. By 9, he was too cool for those, and he now just wants the plain bento.

It allows all of the food to be displayed so the kids actually eat it. They don't have to deal with opening a bunch of different containers. Also, it's pretty adaptable. You can get a soup container to put in the box for example. We also got one of the little stainless steel containers for ketchup.

It is a little pricier than most lunchboxes, but it more than pays for itself over time.

This is what I bought
Omie Insulated Bento Lunch Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074BDW6D6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XH886ZGFN92NRK3PPZ19?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The long slot on the left can fit a plastic fork and spoon along with a small yogurt bottle.
I like it bc there is a hot food section. If you want to use the closed container for hot foods, I recommend soaking the metal container it in hot water for a couple of minutes first.
I hand wash this bento box. You have to be careful removing the seal as it can rip (although the rip I made is small and it still seals tightly). I’ve had the same one for my kid for 3 years now, so it does last.

We got bentgo. But everyone is eating the free lunch and we can’t stop our kid too. Not one kid in her whole class brought a lunch sadly.

Anonymous wrote:I find out my will be kindergartener will have free breakfast and lunch provided at public school ( MCPS) in the coming fall, so no lunchbox/lunchbag is needed.

Seriously? Do you know how unhealthy the school lunches are? I would never let my child eat them daily!

Planetbox with their insulated bag. It’s the best.

Anonymous wrote:I find out my will be kindergartener will have free breakfast and lunch provided at public school ( MCPS) in the coming fall, so no lunchbox/lunchbag is needed.

Then why did you comment?

Following. My kid is a grazer and I do not do county lunches. This is perfect. I need to see measurements of the round top PBK lunch box.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks! Will make sure kid can open it. My kid is offered free lunch, but, from pre-K, I know she didn’t love school lunch.

A lot of kids use the Bentgo kids and can open them easily. Most put it inside a lunchbox with an ice pack so it stays cold. Some kids have trouble with the Pottery Barn kids version as the latch is smaller.

Thanks! Will make sure kid can open it. My kid is offered free lunch, but, from pre-K, I know she didn’t love school lunch.

I find out my will be kindergartener will have free breakfast and lunch provided at public school ( MCPS) in the coming fall, so no lunchbox/lunchbag is needed.

Regardless of what you purchase, please make sure they can open the box and can take it in and out of the lunchbox.

Here’s what I want:

-Easy to clean
-stainless steal preferred over plastic
-don’t want tons of separate containers—i already hate the chaos of our Tupperware drawer!

One more question: Do most little kids put the lunchbox into the backpack or carry a separate insulated bag for the lunchbox?

Would love brands/links!