Lunch Box

[Algarythmnmadness]

OMG there is so much choice for a child’s lunch box. DT’s start nursery (30 hours) in September and they need a packed lunch for the full days.

I’ve just dived into a massive rabbit hole on Amazon looking for one. WTF are yum boxes all about?? They’re £26 each!! If I was stupid enough to buy one that’s would be over £50 for them both. No cutlery no drink bottle included.

I know I there are much cheaper alternatives but which one is the best?

Jesus AIBU or should this be easier. I feel irrationally anxious about picking the right one.

maybe I’m massively projecting my anxiety about them starting nursery onto a bloody lunch box 🤪🤪

I like Sistema bento lunch boxes.

For preschool / nursery I would just buy the ones from a supermarket that are £8 ish. If you’re worried about mess stick a Tupperware type tub in it!

I would second the bento boxes. Easy to wash and cuts down on wrappers as you can just put sandwiches, veggies in directly.

Im looking for one to keep pasta etc cold in hot weather , struggling to find one with good reviews that isn't pounds

Yes you are, but we've all been there with something. I did it with name stickers for the uniform!

Take them to home bargains or asda and let them choose one. Good luck!

You can get much cheaper versions of the yum box ones. I got ours in Home Bargains and they are really good quality. I would have a think about what and how much you are likely to put in each day, then you can decide what configuration will work best.

@worriedatthistime

Get a thermos Funtainer. My dd has been using hers almost every day since she started school at five. She's doing her A levels now.

Just use a plastic tub that can be washed easily. Maybe get a character lunchbox if they have a favourite. There’s plenty of cheap options, they really don’t need an expensive one.

Ice cream tub

Thank you some good suggestions there

one with the compartments would be great as DT1 likes their food separated.

I think I will take them to the supermarket or home bargains and have a bit of a mooch about

I know they’re massively expensive for lunch boxes - but yum boxes are actually one of my favourite things I’ve bought. Sad but true! They make it sooo much easier to make lunches, and really easy for children to be independent when eating from them. And they are basically indestructible so should last through school whereas the cheap ones I bought before broke or the plastic warped. I got mine from a Facebook group that sells ex display ones from a shop that sells them for a lot cheaper.

Just get a food thermos, we have the kids one from the link below and it fits in DDs lunchbox, so in the winter she'll have soup/ravioli/spaghetti hoops or if I have time some chicken nuggets/fish fingers with bread and butter or a wrap so she can make a hot sandwich. In the summer it keeps things like pasta salad nice and cold.

I got it from TK Maxx for less than £10 though.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermos-FUNtainer-Food-Flask-Floral/dp/B007V2G23O/ref=sr116?adgrpid=56082064209&gclid=Cj0KCQjwqPGUBhDwARIsANNwjV5O0Vovy2uLgIfrTN6WGQL4IZRCgwHfKGsrF2XiW47yYbOQF4NCGKMaAsGgEALwwcB&hvadid=259107227646&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1006867&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1188962153455668472&hvtargid=kwd-320123142954&hydadcr=1851551816625&keywords=kids+thermos&qid=1654466278&sr=8-6

My twins have a Yumbox, they are great quality and the seal surrounds each compartment so there is no leakage between the compartments which means you can add yogurt etc. they’ve lasted 3 years and still going strong so value for money. If you have a Twins Trust membership you can get 25% off Yumboxes through EatWell.

Probably not what you want to hear but I bought yum boxes after seeing lots of kids in my class with them and they are on the go now for 3 years for my dc. I have one too .
But I do find the Sistema bento boxes excellent too.

I like the insulated bag type ones. The rigid plastic boxes are a pain in the arse to fit things into.

maybe I’m massively projecting my anxiety about them starting nursery onto a bloody lunch box 🤪🤪
Highly likely!
Old ice-cream tub or a Tupperware with sections would be my top two choices. Good luck with the first day 🙃