One tenet of healthy (and, let's face it, recessionary) eating is to take your lunch to work. We'll add that it's definitely tastier than the pre-made salad from your office cafeteria. We've rounded up reusable lunch bag options before, but it's time for an upgrade—especially since we stumbled upon a website that has vintage-style lunch boxes galore. Click through for our favorites. The old-school styles from Lunchboxes.com are priceless. We had a hard time choosing just a few to show you. And Mario Batali's new line comes in separate lines for men and women- hm. Any other favorites? Let us know. And enjoy eating something homemade at the office. Instead of, you know, a pack of Bugles.
• To-Go Ware Stainless Steel Lunch Box, $17.95 at Greenfeet.
• Dr. Pepper Lunchbox, $12.95 from Lunchboxes.com
• Ramones Lunchbox, $17.95 from Lunchboxes.com
• Tootsie Pop Lunchbox, $12.95 from Lunchboxes.com
• Mario Batali Persimmon Floral Lunchbag, $27.96 at ebags.com
• Mario Batali Insulated Crew Tote in Black Pepper, $44.99 at ebags.com
• Mario Batali Insulated Satchel in Persimmon, $27.96 at ebags.com
• Built NY Gourmet Getaway, $19.95 at ReusableBags.com
• Mini Lunch Tote, $19.50 from Lands' End
More lunch box coverage on the Kitchn:
Tyvek Lunch Bag
Anti-Theft Lunch Bag
Oilcloth Lunch Bags
Alladin's New Lunch Box
New Lunch Box from Pottery Barn
Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I have the builtNY lunch tote and I have to say it is the most amazing invention. Here is what i like:
It's snazzy color (mine is lime green)
I can fold it or smush it when empty and stuff it into another bag
The stretchy factor - especially when its chock full or challenged by a large piece of tupperware
It keeps things cool - even when I forget my ice pack
Oh, and its machine washable - a quick spin in the washer and it looks like new
view roo's profile
I am a big fan of the sigg aluminum lunch box:
http://www.lunchboxes.com/sigg.html
It is just the right size to slip into my bag. It doesn't have a handles or anything to get caught on stuff.
view yolio's profile
I love the Batali crew bag and jumped at it when I first saw it online (I don't want an eye-catching cute design if I'm taking it to work), but it's HUGE.
view renata's profile
I've got the BuiltNY one too (in bright, bright red), and it really is good. I spilt in it the very first day, and just rinsed it out--poof, all clean. It stretches around all my mismatched containers, and holds plenty. I found mine at Staples, of all places.
view RebeccaCT's profile
I'm a big fan of Zojirushi products - keeps soup hot all day long! I also don't mind the Elle insulated lunch bags - looks like a mini-purse which is nice.
view scotty214's profile
I have the built ny gourmet getaway lunch tote and LOVE it. It has a wide, flat bottom, so can easily put containers in it. it zips closed. its made of insulating neoprene. commenter roo likes it b/c of the bright color, & I like mine b/c I got it in black & it blends well w/ my work stuff. & I like it b/c of the other reasons previous commenters mentioned.
view txdejael's profile
I love the idea of using stainless steel lunch boxes (or Tiffins as there known around the world). (#1 reason: no pasta sauce stained plastic containers!) In addition to Siggs, and Greenfeet's offerings... I also like the variety at Happy Tiffin ( http://www.happytiffin.com ). Their large tower is perfect for a summer picnic (or outdoor concert) to fill with cheese, nuts, salmon, dip, crackers, among other goodies. I also have a two-tiered tiffin, which fits in my bike messenger bag and is perfect for lunch at work.
view TroubleMonkey's profile
I have the BuiltNY lunch tote too. Got it at TJMaxx for about $7 a year ago. I use it alot and also love that when i'm finished it takes up no space in my bag.
I have wanted to get the Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar for stuff like soups but just haven't taken the plunge.
view witchbaby's profile