Laptop Lunchbox: Have You Tried It?
A while back, I happened upon the Laptop Lunch Box concept, and was so excited to find out that it's carried locally at Mirador. However, as I spent 15 minutes agonizing over the cost, the tightwad in me won over and I decided not to throw down $30 for a lunch container when my cupboards were overflowing with plastic containers. Still though, I find myself googling bento sites and ogling the flickr pool for laptop lunches for eye candy (sad, huh?). Have you tried the laptop lunch box? Is it worth the cost? I do worry that the contents will shuffle in transit and end up a big mess by the time I get to the office. Any ideas for easy inspirational lunches besides leftovers and sandwiches?
Yes, yes! I have it for both my kids. And I didn't pay $30, either. Since my kids both carry backpacks anyway, I skipped the carrying case (plus, I knew it would be just one more thing to clean). The actual box is around $20, I think. I got mine at Mirador (there's a coupon in the Chinook book).
I really like the LTLB. It makes making lunch - well, not fun, exactly. Lunchmaking is (now that diapers are done with) one of my least favorite chores of parenthood. But it makes it easier to be creative about it, plus it eliminates keeping track of those pesky little tupperware containers I'd been using.
(Without the carrying case the boxes have never popped open, but I put a rubber band around them just to be safe.
Posted by: Zinemama | April 14, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Also, it's got to be experienced to be believed, but nothing gets shuffled or mixed in transit. You can stick peanuts and raisins in there and every bit will stay in its container. Amazing.
Posted by: Zinemama | April 14, 2008 at 09:46 AM
I switched to the laptop lunch box one day when I scared myself reading about toxins in lunch boxes. It has turned out to be wonderfully easy to pack and clean. My son's preschool teachers have said that it is their preferred lunch box for kids. My only problem has been that the lunchboxes look so uniform, it's easy to accidently grab the wrong child's lunch.
Posted by: Ania | April 14, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Nana picked one up for my daughter when I mentioned wanting one and I have to say, I was not as thoroughly impressed as I thought I would be. We have just the box, not the case and It does not stay closed as well as I would like. I really wish that all of the containers had lids and that they were more interchangeable (like being able to fit two smaller ones in the space for one of the big ones). The lids are also hard for my daughter to take off and put back on, so her lunchbox often comes home a mess that has leaked all over the inside and into the bag that we carry it in. Oh, and then there's the price tag... I far prefer the sectioned bento tupperware you can find at Owigamaya out in Beaverton. The plastic is equally safe, the lids are the snap on kind that create a perfect seal, but my daughter can open and close them with ease, they are easy to clean, most of them fit easily in thermal lunch bags, and they come in a variety of sizes. My daughter likes that they are see-through, so she can sneak a peek at her lunch ahead of time. And they are still no-waste, environmentally friendly options that make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Posted by: e. | April 14, 2008 at 01:17 PM
We have these stackable stainless steel lunchboxes: http://www.reusablebags.com/store/togo-ware®-2tier-stainless-steel-food-carrier-p-669.html and love them. A big salad on the bottom, fruit on top. And they are tall enough that you can put a small tupperware for salad dressing or dipping sause or something inside, too.
Posted by: Ellie | April 14, 2008 at 09:19 PM
Those Crocodile Creek boxes have been getting so stinky ( http://www.urbanmamas.com/urbanmamas/2008/03/how-do-you-clea.html ) that I am thinking that we should do the laptop lunchboxes. And Zinemama says that everything stays in the compartments? Amazing. I have always wondered about that.
Regarding inspiration for lunches, I like to leaf through our two previous posts:
http://www.urbanmamas.com/urbanmamas/2007/09/whats-for-lunch.html
http://urbanmamas.typepad.com/urbanmamas/2006/10/whats_for_lunch.html
I'd make some specific suggestions here, but I'm fresh out of inspiration...
Posted by: olivia | April 14, 2008 at 09:26 PM
I got the laptop box for my preschooler and thought I would use it in addition to the bento boxes we have but now use the laptop exclusively. When opened all the food is visible and accessible -- we used to have problems with her not opening all the boxes and thus not eating a balanced lunch. She does need help opening the box (teachers are very willing) and it has never spilled a thing. I got Mabel's Labels with her name for them -- they stick forever, even in the dishwasher, http://www.mabel.ca/mabel.php
For myself, I have a steel, 3-level tiffin that I love, see http://importfood.com/foodcarrier.html If you search Amazon for "tiffin" you will see all kinds of reusable lunch carriers, some insulated.
Posted by: AmyS | April 15, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I've used zojirushi lunch jars for my husband and myself. I like them a lot, but they aren't the right size if I want to include a sandwich - it's better for rice, soup, veggies, etc, so I've been thinking about the laptop lunchbox for sandwich days. Another plus with the lunchbox -- most bento boxes are not dishwasher or microwave-safe.
If I do get them, however, I'll have to donate an equivalent set of something to make space.
For the lunch jars I bought an extra set of the inner containers directly from the manufacturer. I'll probably do the same for the lunchbox (1 set for the dishwasher, 1 ready to go).
Posted by: Sara | April 15, 2008 at 03:00 PM
We have had the laptop lunchbox for almost two years now. We purchased it from Mirador without the case so it was $20. My son uses it 4 days a week and I only have a few gripes about it but we do like it.
The set only comes with a lid for one of the larger containers & the dip cup. The lid on the dip cup split after only using it a couple of times. Another of the small containers fell in the dishwasher & melted. You can't buy the containers individually, only as a set for $11. Not worth the cost in my opinion.
The outer box has seen better days & looks like we might have to replace it. The seam that holds the two parts together is starting to split.
So if you want long lasting I would go for something that's stainless steel like the tiffins others have suggested.
When ours finally gives up the ghost I will not replace it but look for other options.
Posted by: Samantha | April 15, 2008 at 03:50 PM
I have used the laptop lunchbox for almost a year, and I love it. As long as the containers are not heated, the food should be okay. If I put anything that can become a little messy, I cover the container with tin foil, and nothing will move around much. My son loves the variety, and the portion sizes are perfect. There is hardly any food waste.
As far as ideas, I do everything from pasta salads, to omelettes, quesadilas, quinoa with veggies, rice and lentils, fruit, cheese, cherry tomatoes, couscous, salads, etc. My son is used to eating everything at room temp, so no need to heat and leach the chemicals on the food...
Posted by: Ana Naumoff | April 15, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Along similar lines, does anyone know where to get small (.5, 1 or 1.5 cup) glass or metal containers with lids? We're trying to move away from plastics in general and have found plenty of ceramic/glass/metal options in large sizes, but not the small ones that I use *constantly* for child-size snacks, leftovers, etc.
Posted by: Emily | April 16, 2008 at 02:27 PM
My son's ltlb was stolen at school in December, and I'm still fumbling for a replacement. It was so handy to have small containers that fit in a larger container...I hate trying to find small enough tupperware or whatnot to fit his lunches, try not to crush his sandwiches, and hope he can get the lids back on right so they don't leak all over his current lunchbag. In short, spend the cash! It is a really nice little system. We'll get a new one once he moves on to a class that doesn't leave their lunchbags out in a box in the hallway during class.
Posted by: Lesley | April 16, 2008 at 03:44 PM
I wanted to weigh in and say the laptop lunchbox is well worth the cost. I purchased one for myself (teacher, age 25) and ended up getting another for my best friend (also a teacher). It's sturdy, safe, economical, and very packable. To the commenter who mentioned the split lid on the tiniest container - just email the ladies at laptop lunches and they will replace it for free (there was a batch of ill fitting lids that they were aware of and made note of on the site). ALSO - every once in awhile, they offer individual containers, so I stocked up last Spring! Lastly, thank you to those of you who have mentioned your kids' difficulty with removing the lids. I'm planning on using the boxes I have with my little ones when they're older, so it is a great heads up to know they'll need help opening them. :)
Posted by: Abbey | September 13, 2008 at 10:16 PM
I finally acquired one...my sister passed along her spare. We've used it only for a little over a week, but it is indeed the perfect size for lunch for my son. It also makes the old standby of PB sandwich, carrot (or veggie) sticks, pretzels, and yogurt with frozen berries look somehow more appetizing. Also, I love the fact it's pretty compact and we are limiting the use of plastic baggies.
Posted by: hau | September 14, 2008 at 04:38 PM
My daughter is in the first grade and the laptop lunch doesn't fit enough food for her. A regular sandwich fills up half the lunch box. She needs food for snack time not just lunch. The water bottle is too small. It would be nice if I could fit a yogurt container inside. What's up with only one lid? Anything slightly liquid, like fruit, spills. Oh, did I mention only one lid?
My daughter is very excited about the styling so I'm trying to work with it. Now she carries 2 lunch boxes so she can carry the laptop. If they just increased the size by 50% it would be a good start. Packing lunch has become a real chore with this.
It's hard to clean. I'm afraid I'll snap the hinge. I wish it worked as well as the other glowing testimonials say. I paid $35.00 for mine, ouch!
Posted by: steve | April 14, 2009 at 09:41 AM
I haven't forked over the $35 to get a laptop lunch box, but one of my daughter's seatmates has one. I agree with the size - it looks too small to fit enough stuff for my 3rd grader's lunch and snack.
We have decided on the Crocodile Creek PVC-free lunch boxes. We collect little bottles & other containers (jam, nut, or olive jars) to use. We can fit 4-5 small containers in the box. She carries her water bottle separately in her backpack.
Posted by: olivia | April 14, 2009 at 11:26 AM
If you want to try the Laptop Lunches, I have a coupon code for 10% off. It is goodbyesugar.
They have two sizes, the Orginal and the 2.0 which is larger.
Posted by: Dana | February 05, 2010 at 04:36 PM
I have 4 laptop lunch sets. 3 of the original and 1 new one. I love the larger size better. The older ones are almost 5 years old and holding up well. Now you can buy replacement containers and extra lids. For the use I have gotten out of them they are a great buy. I just ordered another larger one for my daughter and 2 large inserts. The goodbyesugar code still works and I got 10% off
Posted by: Iris Richardson | April 08, 2011 at 04:17 PM
My kids are on there second year using their Laptop Lunchboxes and I love them. I cannot believe how durable they've been. I've machine washed the zip case numerous times and it has come out great, as well. Uwajimaya has great rice molds, hard boiled egg molds and other great bento stuff to make lunches fun. I cut sandwiches to fit the lidded rectangle and have had no problem. I have never had problem with my kids feeling like they've had too little food in the laptops but I think the format lends itself to nutrient rich, filling foods (grains, proteins, fruits vegetables) and not so much chips, etc; things that take up a lot of space but aren't really nutritionally dense. Uwajimaya also has a great collection on non-plastic containers of various sizes if you're trying to move away from plastic.
Posted by: Anon | April 08, 2011 at 06:04 PM
*Their second year* sorry bad edit : )
Posted by: Anon | April 08, 2011 at 06:05 PM
I sort of want to laugh at the people who say the box isn't enough space for food for their 1st and 2nd grade child. Really? I am an adult and I use a Laptop Lunch - the small one! - and it feeds me just fine. I guess it depends on what you're packing - if you want to pack sandwiches then no, the Laptop Lunch isn't a good choice. If you want to pack small but high fiber/high protein items like brown rice, hummus, mixed veggie salads and so on, then the Laptop Lunch is a good system. I like to use mine because I have always had trouble as an adult eating a variety of nutritious foods and packing it in a box like this pretty much requires I take three or four different things.
The 2.0 box is bigger than the 1.0 box, and if you buy the Bento Buddies along with (or instead of) the regular 2.0 kit, you get a single extra large container you can use instead of the two large containers so you can pack something big like a sandwich, or a big salad.
I have had a problem with juicy items (like apple sauce or pickes) leaking out of the sealed container into the rest of the lunch box but I have never had a problem with food leaking out of the box into my lunch bag.
Posted by: T | May 01, 2011 at 02:36 PM