Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Laptop Lunch Alternative or How Target Actually Saved Me $30

I've been hemming and hawing about buying this Laptop Lunchbox. It's a great idea. It would allow me to pack my daughter a variety of foods for lunch. It would seriously reduce the amount of plastic bag waste. See?



But, it would also seriously dent the budget, because the cheapest I can purchase it for would be $40 shipped. A pricey lunchbox, no doubt. And, as I mentioned before, it's substantially bigger than my daughter's current lunch box and there is no clever Disney Princess marketing slapped on the front of it (that reduces the "cool" factor, you see).

So, I popped over to Target this weekend and look at what I was able to find -- a handy-dandy sectioned container that comes with its own reusable silverware:


It allowed me to pack this:

And it all fit neatly into this:



Here's the cost breakdown:
Lunchbox: $7.59
Sectioned Container: $2.99
A totally functional lunchbox that helps cut back on plastic bag trash: Priceless

For more great and useful tips, head on over to Shannon's place.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good idea. Now just think of all the water you'll use when you wash it everyday!!
:)

-From your favorite snarky commenter

Jean said...

Great idea with the lunchbox. I use plastic sealable containers for my daughters' lunches, and put them inside their chosen bag (High School Musical and Hello Kitty). It works well for us, and means I cut right back on the dreaded plastic bags.

I found your blog via a comment you left on Workthatwardrobe, and I'll definitely be checking back again.

Unknown said...

Well heck! That works, too!

mah-meeee said...

that's great! i'm glad that you found an alternative to the bento box from your other post!

CC said...

Dude! I was totally lusting after those expensive bento boxes as well!! Where in Target did you find that? I sooooo need to check it out!!!

Please reply on my blog or email me so that I make sure to see it!

Rachel said...

Awesome!
I thought those laptop lunch boxes looked so neat but there's no way I'd ever pay that much!
Thanks for the heads up about Target

Lizz @ Yes, and So is My Heart said...

That looks like a great solutions. And, you did all of the legwork for me. Thanks and perfect timing. MDO starts next week. I'll be popping into target soon. Did you find the sectioned container in the lunchbox section?

Michelle@Life with Three said...

Hey, y'all -- I found the sectioned container in the aisle with the Rubbermaid/Tupperware type products. It was kind of hard to locate that section in our store. It was hidden at the end of the grocery section.

Jane said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog, I have really enjoyed reading yours!
I keep hearing about Target, it sounds fantastic. We don't have it in the UK.
The lunch looks very healthy.

Anonymous said...

You know what? I just saw this at Target the other day while I was looking to buy smaller containers so I could copy the Laptop Lunch. It never occurred to me to do this! Great idea!!

Windy said...

Just found your blog from Chic Critique and love this container! I will be checking back on you and Target to get those for my kiddos!

Jenny said...

I'm going to head to Target to get one. Great find!

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

I love this idea. When I pack lunches (times 3) every morning, I shake my head at how much plastic/paper waste is in each box. I already bought new lunch boxes, but I bet I can start using re-usable containers/silverware. Great post, thanks!

Peggy said...

Is the container air tight? My husband works in a prison and has to have clear containers to get through security...and it looks like that container is clear enough...but he needs air tight containers so there is no leakage.

Chel said...

I'm SO going to have to go find one of those! I have to pack lunches for my overly allergic 10-year-old every day & I'll take any help I can get.