Lunch Critics

Our friends from Canadian Family are back this month with a great deal for you (hang on, we’ll get there in a second…) and they brought results from their team of real critics – kids who will share with you what lunch boxes are hot on the market now.

Here are a few of our faves from their tried and tested list:

Best Dressed: Fleurville Lunch Pak ($35)
Right For: A sandwich, snacks, bottle
Features: Insulated lining, a hidden name tag, plush straps and padded zipper pulls. Best: the project pocket keeps work clean and dry.
Reviewer: Samual, 4, Markham, Ont.
The Verdict: ‘I like the shape and bottle holder.’
Available at select retailers and online at the Safety Super Store

Best Investment: Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless Lunch Jar ($49)
Right For: A four-course feast or giant mug o’ soup
Features: Stainless-steel construction and vacuum insulation let your gourmand say goodbye cafeteria, hello last night’s takeout. Comes with a shoulder strap and pouch.
Reviewer: Nathan, 13, Toronto
The verdict: ‘I like that you can put so much real food in it. And it’s good for winter.’
Available online at amazon.com

Prettiest Pouch: Mimi the Sardine Lunchbug ($25)
Right for: A sandwich, snacks, juice box
Features: Oh-so-sweet Swedish prints – think fish kisses – stay stellar with an eco-friendly waterproof coating. Plus, it satisfies her purse craving.
Reviewer: Jessica, 4, Caledon, Ont.
The verdict: “I like it a lot. I like the fish. Now I have a show-and-tell bag, too.”
Available on line at mimithesardine.com

Classic Hero: Thermos Superman Deluxe Soft Lunch Kit ($12)
Right for: A sandwich, snacks, bottle
Features: Both the insulated interior and exterior glow in the dark. Includes a plastic sipper bottle.
Reviewer: Jean Marc, 6, Timmins, Ont.
The verdict: “How did she know I love Superman! It’s probably real Kryptonite making it glow like that.”
Widely available at department stores or online at lunchboxes.com

We know it’s what inside that really counts, but they don’t (yet). So get them excited about lunch anyway you can.

OK, OK. Here’s the deal: SavvyMom subscribers are welcome to a special introductory rate of $8.00 (+ GST) for 8 issues of the all-new Canadian Family magazine. That’s right – only a dollar an issue, just for being a SavvyMom. Click here to subscribe for yourself (or another SavvyMom that you know).

Happy Back to Reality Day!