I have to accept that in a couple weeks the summer will end and school will begin again. I will miss the summer terribly, as I always do, but also know that the regular routine that the school year brings will be a welcomed pace, eventually.
It also means that our last-minute lunch decisions around home will have to be much more planned. I will have two full day children in school for the first time, which means double the everything for the day, plus double the containers.
Litterless lunches are more than a trend – they are here to stay. Schools are recommending (or requiring) them, access to reusable containers are far easier than they once were (with many cute, fun, kid-friendly options) and many of us recognize the benefit to litterless lunches on the environment. Luckily, with a store like terra20, there is a variety of different options to choose from.
Here are a few of my favourite products to check out for your lunches (and keep reading for a way to win a $100 terra20 gift card!)
Lunch Boxes/Bags
We have had a Beatrix NY lunch bag for my son for three or four years now (I think four?!) and it looks like it’s still in great shape. I can fit his full day worth of snacks in there with some Tetris-style planning. It washes up in the dishwasher and it’s fantastic.
I also have one of these So Young cooler bags for my daughter. I also use it when I need a quick lunch bag. In the past, I’ve only needed it to hold snacks for her, so I’m not sure how much more juggling I need, but the entire line of So Young (which also offers traditional lunch bags) is beautiful and has worn so well you’d think mine was brand new.
Large Containers
You need some containers for sandwiches, wraps, fruit options and more. I love stainless steel options. Look for ones that have multiple places to store goodies like this Onyx 2 level sandwich box. I also like insulated containers for warm options like leftovers.
Small containers
I live for the small containers in the lunch bags. They are handy for dips (look for ones that are leak proof) and small bites of foods. I love the glass Wean Green cubes for apple sauce and yogurt too.
Drink containers
I almost exclusively send water to school for the kids so a great stainless water bottle is a must. I have a few different options at home, but test some out at home to see how leak proof they are. I like the look of this Stephen Joseph bottle with cap and lid. I also have smaller BPA free plastic drink containers for the odd time I send milk or low-sodium vegetable juice.
Snack containers
We have a few reusable snack bags for crackers, rice cakes and other snacks. They are easy to clean (especially with drier snacks) and easy for the kids to open. I love the variety of patterns that are out their now! You can also get them in sandwich size.
Handy Helpers
There are accessories and helpful tools in the lunch box that are litterless and eco friendly too! I use reusable stainless steel straws, reusable spoons, and ice packs for school lunches. I’ve never had trouble with the kids losing them yet, but, they are still young. Maybe this will be the year.
BONUS TIP: Once you buy your lunch containers, have your children practice opening them. We’ve gotten new containers in the pass that simply couldn’t be used because my little ones couldn’t open them by themselves at school. Pack a picnic lunch in them at home and practice away!
ENTER TO WIN
Want to win a $100 terra20 gift card to help furnish your lunch boxes with reusable containers? Comment below and include the following two responses:
1) Let us know what you are looking for in a littlerless lunch product when you are shopping- Easy to clean? A plastic alternative? Easy to open for the kids? Something else?
2) Include a link to a lunch product you love in your litterless lunches right now or that you want to try on the terra20 website!
Include both of the above answers!
**Giveaway is open to Canadian residents, void in Quebec. One name will be drawn at random from eligible entries on August 27th, 2014, 12 pm EST.
easy to clean and easy to use!
I LOVE salad containers that actually have a place to put dressing… it’s on my ‘to buy’ list
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/16528/KlipIt-Chill-It-To-Go-1.3L/
With five kids…litterless = responsibility of epic proportions. 1) I need easy-to-clean, so that my life isn’t spent washing containers! 😉 and, 2) with all of the awesome youngling marketing, my elder boys (15, 18) are oft forgotten…so this would be their one-stop lunch box! – http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/4133/KlipIt-Slimline-Quaddie/
I like having something that is easy to clean and easy for little fingers to open. I have never tried these snack pouches but would like to!
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28609/Colibri-Snack-Large-Super-Girl/
I think the most important part of the litter less lunch is the ease of use & is it easy to store. The one product we have not yet tried are the lunch “sacks” for dry snacks like crackers, I think the monkey design is the best for my 3 monkeys.
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28604/Colibri-Snack-Large-Monkeys/
easy to clean is most important to me – i hate all the little creases in lunchbags where the crumbs accumulate – blech.
I have the Juice in the Box – it is really awesome!
what i would like to try the most is: http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/16529/KlipIt-Klipo-Cutlery-Set/
I look for easy to clean/use
I would love to try the Slimline Quaddie
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/4133/KlipIt-Slimline-Quaddie/
Easy for the kids to use is top priority for me. These monkey snack bags would be great to add (easy to find a spot in their lunch kit) http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28604/Colibri-Snack-Large-Monkeys/
I look for a variety of sizes of containers, or a larger container with dividers so that I can pack a variety of snacks for my son. I also want containers that are easy to open, easy for us to clean and alternatives to plastic, as glass isn’t an option for my son right now 🙂
I love the variety of literless lunch options from terra20 and have purchased a lot of sistema products there. What I would really like to try are the snack bags – love the patterns and these would be great for on-the-go snacks! http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28602/Colibri-Snack-Large-Blue-Bikes/
A must for me, is an all in one lunch container. I can’t keep track of a bunch of small containers;)
My favourite lunch system is the Go Green Lunchbox!
http://shop.terra20.com/store/search/brand/Go-Green-Lunch-Box/
I still use the plastic I already have, but when buying anything new, I really look for plastic-free options. Also, something that closes REALLY well, as I worry about things leaking/popping open on the go.
This one looks pretty great: http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/18296/Onyx-Sandwch-Box-SS-Lg-2-Layer/
1) I’ve grown tired of plastic – I want something I can put in the microwave and not worry about harmful chemicals!
2) This cup is GORGEOUS! It’s not from the litterless lunch section of the website, but if I had this at the office it would mean no more to-go cups! http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/25692/TForte-Kati-Cup-Cherry-Blossms/
My girlfriend is an environmentalist – she sent me this way (so shout-out to her). I prefer things that are easy to clean. For a product I like from the website, I pick http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/16618/SY-Cooler-Bag-Sm-Grey-Robot/
It has a robot on it. Who doesn’t love robots?
My husband and I look for plastic alternatives – which we ultimately deem easier to clean because we will put glass (and some stainless steel) products in the dishwasher. We avoid putting plastic products in the dishwasher and microwave. I love these snack bags – a great way to leave the world of ziplock bags behind and ADORABLE prints!
My husband and I look for plastic alternatives – which we ultimately deem easier to clean because we will put glass (and some stainless steel) products in the dishwasher. We avoid putting plastic products in the dishwasher and microwave. I love these snack bags – a great way to leave the world of ziplock bags behind and ADORABLE prints! http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28603/Colibri-Snack-Large-Owls/
I’m looking for something safe for my daughter (and for the rest of the family) and something that’s easy to clean!
I love these snack bags:
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28602/Colibri-Snack-Large-Blue-Bikes/
And I know we’d use them all the time!
I’m always looking for tiny containers and just bought these http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/17687/WGrn-4pk-Carrot-120ml-Wn-Cubes/
I am done with plastic! It doesn’t clean properly, is full of chemicals (I just know it) and doesn’t last as long as glass and steel.
I like these snack and/or sandwich bags because they are easy to clean (washing machine!), take up less space and come in adorable designs. http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28604/Colibri-Snack-Large-Monkeys/
Love to support local!
Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo
When shopping for my children, I want little to none when it comes to plastic. I just purchased an old school metal lunchbox for my daughter. I wanted to keep away from all types of plastics. In the near future, I would love for all 6 of my children to have all stainless steel containers like this one http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/18293/Onyx-Airtight-Div-Food-Storage/ I know they’ll hold up and stay clean. I won’t have to worry about exposing them to chemicals. Hope we win 🙂
Easy to clean, easy to use, and won’t leak!
I really like the bento boxes, and the round stainless steel nesting containers.
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/22869/LLB-Bento-Lunch-Box-Jubilee/
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/2798/KidsK-Nst-Trio-Sky-SS-Contnrs/
The big winner would be easy to clean AND doesn’t stain! I really like the Fuel Green Food-to-Go Container.
1) I love something that is easy to clean and I can just throw
In the dishwasher or washing machine.
2) my favorite thing on the Terra20 website is the ready able lunch bags! If I won I would buy so many of these. http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28602/Colibri-Snack-Large-Blue-Bikes/
No leaky containers
Wean green
Easy to clean for sure but also something that lasts. We have yet to try these but they look like they would work great… http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28604/Colibri-Snack-Large-Monkeys/
I need to make sure my son can open whatever containers I get. As you suggested, we’ve been practicing, but he still had trouble with a few.
I’m going to go pick up a few more of the snack and sandwich bags (he can always get those open), and I’d like to look at http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/18294/Onyx-Sandwch-Box-SS-Blue/
Thanks
I look for BPA free plastics, easy cleaning and a fun element for my girls.
I have been using Laptop Lunches Bento-ware system since my oldest was in grade 1 so about 6 years now. They are still in excellent condition. I love this! I don’t mind paying a higher price for quality. I was looking at these the other day, almost purchase but we do have a couple thermoses that have been kicking around but a smaller size….http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/21002/LLB-SS-17oz-Bento-Jar-Pink/
Thanks for the great give-away! : )
I’m definitely looking for items that are non-plastic, and can go in the dishwasher. I’m loving the Wean Green Carrot Cubes from Terra20!
I’m like you – the kids have to be able to open the containers by themselves! We’ve had to put away containers and water bottles because their little fingers just couldn’t do it. Thankfully they tend to get better as they get older!
I’m still trying to wrap my head around just how much food my son will need for full days so I’m not sure what we’ll need and what will work. I do love the reusable snack bags and think my son would like the superboy one: http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28608/Colibri-Snack-Large-Super-Boy/
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
1) Dishwasher safe!
2) I would love this fancy water bottle for mama (because mamas need to have lunch too!) http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/15698/t20-Fruit-Infused-Wtr-Botl-Grn/?utm_source=terra20_Blog&utm_medium=product&utm_campaign=bts_2014
Aren’t those reusable snack bags so great. We just bought a bunch of the superboy prints for back to school and in lieu of loot bags for our son’s 5th bday party! I need to get myself more of those wean green cubes!
I’m always looking for easy to clean and containers that don’t stain or smell. My kids are old enough Sonia like to try these glass containers.
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/17687/WGrn-4pk-Carrot-120ml-Wn-Cubes/
Definitely alternative to plastic and easy to use!
Would love to get this LunchBots thermal for sending pastas to school for the kids. http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/18548/LBots-Insulated-Thermal-White/
I need the actual lunch bag to be easy to clean. Those things get so teeny and icky!
Opps, I put the link in the ‘website part’ eeeeek
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28604/Colibri-Snack-Large-Monkeys/
I am looking for containers that are easy to close, easy to clean but also fun to use.
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/25611/Juice-in-the-Box-Blue/
I’m looking for something that will last a lifetime to minimize the waste! For exemple I would love to try this container:
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/18293/Onyx-Airtight-Div-Food-Storage/
I am looking for easy to open/close, easy to wash, and easy to store. I really like the http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/16810/GYC-4-Way-Transitn-Botl-Sippy/ I love that it is not plastic or glass and wont break or crack if dropped.
1. Esy to clean and no BPA’s
2. love the Colibri Monkeys Small Reusable Snack Bag.
I’m always looking for plastic alternatives for food storage in different sizes.
My go-to for lunch is always my Abeego!
Useful, easy to use & easy to clean are the top 3 things we look into before buying new containers.
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/8939/KlipIt-Micro-Plate-880ml-Med/
I’m looking for a lunch box that’s easy to clean and large enough to hold a thermos and some snack containers and this one looks just perfect: http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/18976/SJ-Lunch-Box-Butterfly/
I want something easy for the kids to deal with and easy for me to wash.
I’ve already bought a few things from Terra for this year but I could use more! I’d love to try out a bento box like this http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28566/LLB-Bento-Lunch-Box-Primary/
Easy clean is a must for me, and I love those reusable snack bags.
I was flipping through items I might use for the boys and eeeep, fell totally in love with this for ME!!! http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/27181/Built-Lunch-Tote-Stripe-No.-10/
I am all about making lunches as easy as possible, even though it’s usually more DH’s job than mine. So easy to clean is high on the list, but easy for little fingers is important, too.
Thanks for the great giveaway! 🙂
For litterless lunch for my son, I am looking for something that is not too heavy since he’ll be the one carrying it and something that will be easy to open with his little hands.
I would love to get my son a reusable snack back like this one: Colibri Superboy Large Reusable Snack Bag
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28608/Colibri-Snack-Large-Super-Boy/
I look for easy to clean and easy for a kindergartener to open!!!
I love the juice in a box! So much less waste! I so need to get one of these!
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/25612/Juice-in-the-Box-Green/
I like having something that is easy to clean and easy for little fingers to open. I’ m looking for the snack pouches to add to my collection
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28609/Colibri-Snack-Large-Super-Girl/
I’m more focused on making it easy for my kids to open! Bonus if it’s not plastic.
I’m totally crushing on the wean green cubes for yogurt snacks.
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/17687/WGrn-4pk-Carrot-120ml-Wn-Cubes/
I am always looking for cute but safe litterless lunch items such as containers and bags. I love the bags here http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28604/Colibri-Snack-Large-Monkeys/. I think my little monkey would love it too!
Easy to clean and flexibility are important for me. My teen and tween kids now go off school property for lunch and even their break sometimes so I like things that they can just grab, stuff in their pockets, and go. No big containers. There bags are terrific for sandwiches and snacks (granola bars, muffins, quick breads, and even fruit and veggies!). http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28595/LSkins-Sandwich-Bag-Navy-Bike/
I look for easy to clean containers
I definitely want these for lunches : http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/17687/WGrn-4pk-Carrot-120ml-Wn-Cubes/
I look for convenient sizes for my littlerless lunch products when I go shopping
Here is a link to a lunch product that I want to try on the terra20 website:
http://shop.terra20.com/store/product/28602/Colibri-Snack-Large-Blue-Bikes/
I need something that is easy to clean and fits in a regular lunchbox. I love stainless.
This would be great Onyx Divided Air Tight Container