Lunch x 3

Sooooo September is creeping up on us. September brings back to school, lunch making and my middle son starting Kindergarten (WHAT?!). I’ve had a bit of jump on the lunches because my boys started day care in mid-July. So I have been packing three lunches three times a week. You may already know that it is a different game than only packing one. I loved having lots of little, cute containers to puzzle piece into Hudson’s lunch and customize as I need to. Up scaling was not fun though, you need so many containers and my dishwasher was a nightmare. It didn’t take long to look for a better solution.

I wrote a bit about this over on Instagram and there was a lot of feedback on your favorites, which I love. First off I was in the market for a bento style solution, a multi-divided container, which I could use to send mostly waste-free lunches.

The features on my wish list:

• Leak proof (between sections and overall)
  
• At least four compartments as my kids like an assortment of finger foods
  
• Affordable (I needed at least three in one shot)
• Able to fit into a standard insulated lunch bag
• Easy to open/close (for our three year old)
  

With all this in mind my first choice was the Planet Box BUT there were a few issues. It mostly came down to affordability.  They do not fit into our existing lunch bags so I would have to purchase the Planet Box and the lunch bags x 3. That was going to be a little over $400 (with shipping and exchange). I know they last forever and they are stainless steel, but holy %*&# that’s a lot of money. I couldn’t do it.

Back to the drawing board, after much reading and consideration I went with the Yumbox Original. It ticks all the boxes on my wish list. After using them for the last few weeks I have discovered a few other things I like and a few I don’t love.

The good stuff first:

• I like that I can fit them in our existing lunch boxes plus there is room for more (a sandwich, Squooshi, utensils, etc.)
• The divided tray is labeled with categories like: fruit, veggies, protein, dairy, grains to help trigger you (when you are overtired/rushed)
  
• I like to pack a variety of foods to keep it interesting , the Yumbox has five compartments plus a dip spot (or for a small treat)
• The boys love them, they are bright and fun
• I ordered them from a great store called The Good Planet Company in Victoria (free shipping on orders over $99)
  
• For all three it was $155 (more realistic)

Found these fork/spoon/knife combos at Coombs.

The less good stuff:

• The tray separates from the outer box for cleaning and has indents where water pools so they take a while to dry
• The Yumbox company does not ship to Canada (but you can order from The Good Planet Company in Victoria)
  
• They probably won’t pack enough food for older children/adults (but there is more room in the lunch bag for additional items and there is a larger option the Yumbox Tapas)

Lunch is served: nitrate-free turkey breast, cheese, yogurt, alphabet pretzels with pistachios and raisons, pepper and carrots with hummus to dip and grapes and blueberries.

So there it is folks, my honest, non-sponsored recommendation. There is still time to get them delivered to your door before school starts.

Stay tuned to my Instagram and Facebook page for school lunch related ideas and give-aways!