"Laptop Lunches" bento boxes - anyone use them? Do you like them?

[KateD]

I'm seriously thinking about getting the "Power Lunch System" for each of my 2 boys and one for my husband to pack their lunches. I almost bought them last year, but decided not to because they were more than I wanted to pay. I wasn't happy with the containers I ended up using, though, which made packing lunches pretty frustrating. I'm willing to spend the money to get quality, I'm just not sure how to know if they really are worth it. The plastics are supposedly "safe" - they don't have the "bad chemicals" like BPA and stuff in them. What I'm most concerned about is whether the containers with lids are leak-proof. My boys love bringing yoghurt and canned fruit with their lunches, and I prefer to buy in bulk rather than use individual serving containers to cut down on cost and waste.
So, have you used these bento boxes and what did you think?
BTW, They have a coupon code for 10% off until 8/31 - "'WELLKIDDOS". Makes them a bit more reasonably priced (okay, just a bit).

[g8rbeckie]

never seen them before, sorry! they look very interesting though.

[aggiefamily]

We use Planetbox and LOVE it!

No lids, roomy compartments and easy to clean. I also got the dippers with mine and they are very secure. The only oops we had was when my son didn't put the lid on his dipper full of ranch. It only leaked within that little compartment and not in the whole planetbox.

[AmberK]

I've been looking at these but just haven't wanted to pay the money for them. Not to mention that I would be afraid my kids would accidentally throw some of the containers away and I dont want to waste money. Although I do follow a blog of a lady who uses these and LOVES them. But I dont know about them being water tight or anything like that.

[nikkiARNGwife]

Originally Posted by aggiefamily

We use Planetbox and LOVE it!

No lids, roomy compartments and easy to clean. I also got the dippers with mine and they are very secure. The only oops we had was when my son didn't put the lid on his dipper full of ranch. It only leaked within that little compartment and not in the whole planetbox.

This. LOVE LOVE LOVE DS's planet box.

[Penny Springmann]

We have the pottery barn bags and containers. I've used them now for at least 3 years and they are still going strong. The only time we've had yogurt spill is when the boys don't close the containers completely after eating.

[KateD]

I hadn't seen the PlanetBox or the Pottery Barn lunch kits. I really like the look of the PlanetBox. I like that it's all one piece except for the two dippers. It seems like it would be easier to clean than all the little containers in the laptop lunch box. My only concern with the PlanetBox is that my older son is now 12 and he's starting to eat like a teenager. I'm not sure I could pack enough food into the PlanetBox to satisfy his appetite. At least with the Laptop Lunch box there's plenty of extra room in the insulated carrier to put a couple of apples or some other kind of food.
I'm not too worried about losing containers or lids; I've told the boys to pack all their trash back into their lunch box, so they don't tend to make a trip to the trash can. There isn't usually much trash anyway - maybe a fruit cup container and a string cheese wrapper.
I do like that the PlanetBox is sized for the types of foods the boys like to take - sandwiches and cheesesticks with some fruit and veggies. Plus they usually get a small treat like a cookie or a couple of bite-sized candies.
I'll have to give this some more thought...

[nikkiARNGwife]

The planet box has a cover that has room for extra stuff.

[KateD]

I think I'm pretty much sold on the PlanetBox for my kids. Now I just have to decide what the best option will be for my hubby...

BTW, I had a great time shopping for flatware and water bottles this afternoon - and I got totally sidetracked looking at reusable produce bags and organic cotton shopping bags. I'm hopeless . Seriously, though, I have a ton of non-washable reusable grocery bags and I hate to think about all the germs on them. I'm definitely looking for an alternative that I can sanitize!

[rachaelsscraps]

Originally Posted by aggiefamily

We use Planetbox and LOVE it!

No lids, roomy compartments and easy to clean. I also got the dippers with mine and they are very secure. The only oops we had was when my son didn't put the lid on his dipper full of ranch. It only leaked within that little compartment and not in the whole planetbox.

These look interesting. I might actually order some. But I'm wondering if juice from fruit might leak into the other compartments? I can't imagine the metal not warping over time and leaking eventually? I'll have to look into them more, thanks for mentioning these

[nikkiARNGwife]

Originally Posted by rachaelsscraps

These look interesting. I might actually order some. But I'm wondering if juice from fruit might leak into the other compartments? I can't imagine the metal not warping over time and leaking eventually? I'll have to look into them more, thanks for mentioning these

We've never had any trouble with leaking. It's made of stainless steel and it's VERY sturdy and well made. Honestly I can see him using the same box and only replacing covers for as long as he'll use it.

[Darcy Baldwin]

Originally Posted by KateD

Seriously, though, I have a ton of non-washable reusable grocery bags and I hate to think about all the germs on them. I'm definitely looking for an alternative that I can sanitize!

I use these and absolutely love them. I can just toss them into the washer when they're not being used. I do it with my reusable grocery bags, too (just don't dry either of them).

Granted, I got these almost free in a promo - but I'd buy another batch if I needed them.

I found this on pinterest:


..and am thinking of these out of the boys' old t-shirts now that I am still attached to lol



If we were packing for school lunches, I'd totally go with planet box. I ♥ them.