Its almost that time again… Back to School. Traffic has been going nuts at my Bento Lunch Box site, it always does this time of year. More and more parents want creative ways to get their kids excited about healthy lunches and presentation is half the battle IMO. I know I like to eat on real dishes with a nice tablecloth. The meal would not be the same if I were eating out of a plastic bag and I think kids feel this way too. Actually I KNOW they do (mine anyway), because when I whipped out our stainless steal Tiffins and put their lunch inside them recently, they were so excited they could barely wait to dig in. Same old lunch… presented in a cute lunchbox. It makes a big difference.

I really like Tiffins because they are so easy to pack and they are a non-plastic lunchbox option. We do have plenty of plastic lunchboxes and I am okay with using them provided they are BPA free, but stainless steel is even better. These are so nice looking that the adults can use them too. They are also great for vacations, long car rides, and snacking away from home because they have separate trays.

Our three tray Tiffiin for example is perfect for my three kiddos. When the munchies hit on a long car drive, I can just hand each of them a tray and they can munch away. The two tray Tiffin is great for individual lunches. Both Tiffins have a small container inside for liquids or dips… aka soy sauce, hummus, guacamole.

The only issues I have with these lunchboxes is that they show all the fingerprints on them, so I am constantly wiping them down with  dry towel after handling them. The fingerprints just bother me… this is why I do not have stainless steel appliances. Also, they can get dented or dinged if tossed about. But there are nifty Tiffin covers you can buy that have a carrying handle. The cases even have a pocket for your reusable utensils. The one below is for a two tier Tiffin but they have some for three-tier Tiffins as well.

IMO these lunchboxes are appropriate for adults, teens, and older kids. My ten year old would do fine with this lunchbox but my 6 year old would struggle with the side clasps and it would likely return home in pieces.

They are a beautiful way to make lunch a special and “green” event.

On the menu: Greek Yogurt sprinkled with hemp seeds and raspberries, melon, celery, hummus (not pictured), flax crackers, broccoli, and cheese slices.

BTW the cheese slices were made using these nifty mini cookie cutters. I haven’t tried them on cookies but they are excellent for cheese, meat (if you eat it), and thin sliced veggies like cucumber. My younger kids LOVE them.

See also: Green School Supplies