Such A Thing As A Cool Lunchbox?

May 17, 2006 10:10 AM

Is there such a thing as a "cool" lunch box or bag? Not cool as in 1970s Godzilla lunch box, but one that you would carry to work and is not a lunch sack or one of the ones you always see? I like a nice design aesthetic (if possible), and I have been unhappy with the ones I have seen. Extra points for insulation and something that can fit in a briefcase if inclined.
posted by gnash to work & money (18 answers total)

How about the neoprene one from Built NY? Not cheap but doubles as a placemat and the colors are nice. I've seen them at, I think, Target.
posted by libraryhead at 10:18 AM on May 17, 2006

Beware of vinyl lunch boxes and bags. They often contain lead. Here are some safer options. I would think the neoprene bags would store away in a small space if needed.
posted by linklog at 10:22 AM on May 17, 2006

Wouldn't the neoprene one make your lunch smell like a mousepad?
posted by JigSawMan at 10:24 AM on May 17, 2006

try clickclack have been useing them for years
posted by baker dave at 10:34 AM on May 17, 2006 [1 favorite]

This looks nice.
posted by kickingtheground at 10:41 AM on May 17, 2006

I don't know what you mean by "cool" (artwork?) but these are the best designed lunchboxes I've seen for western style lunches.

However, I really like these Indian style lunchboxes, too. They are better for carrying around soupy items. I saw a similar style that was insulated but I can't find it online.

There's a huge variety of lunchboxes here.
posted by luneray at 10:44 AM on May 17, 2006

Ah, this is the insulated stacking lunch box.
posted by luneray at 10:46 AM on May 17, 2006

The Indian-style lunchboxes mentioned by luneray are very cool, and from what I've seen around the web, bento boxes are very popular (I'd like to get one myself). Laptop Lunches sells a version of them, though I am not sure what the plastic inserts are actually made of (if you are concerned about that). I can't vouch for their actual quality, but I post the link as an example.
posted by synecdoche at 11:04 AM on May 17, 2006

My style is admittedly retro, but I like this.
posted by Miko at 11:06 AM on May 17, 2006

Tiffin boxes are great, but I love those traditional US miner-style ones (the metal with the domed lid). I've got a superman one, which gets a huge amount of positive comments. No, really. Er.
posted by bonaldi at 11:07 AM on May 17, 2006

The Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless-Steel lined Lunch Jar has intrigued me for a while.
posted by jerryg99 at 11:11 AM on May 17, 2006 [1 favorite]

I have a laptop lunch box and I love it. The containers are on the smallish side, but that helps me with portion control. I also find I eat better since I try to fill all the containers and find myself filling that last one with veggies and the like. It is plastic, but microwaves nicely, and the quality is quite good. The Bento Sleeve would nicely fit in a briefcase; it's not insulated, but the ice pack will keep it cold. To see this lunch box in action, check out the wonderful Vegan Lunch Box. I wish she would make my lunches for me. Everybody in the break room has asked me about my lunch kit, so if you don't want to attract attention this isn't the box for you.
posted by redheadeb at 11:27 AM on May 17, 2006

I'd loooooove a miners lunch pail. The cylinder type. I can't find one anywhere. It probably would help if I knew if they are even produced anymore. Ahhh details....
posted by @homer at 11:58 AM on May 17, 2006

I used a regular o' plastic lunch box in middle school that my mother had modified to turn into a James Joyce lunch box, complete with a Ulysses thermous. Cool, but not Godzilla-cool.
posted by waldo at 12:31 PM on May 17, 2006

I've gotten many compliments on my lunch bag.
posted by zippity at 1:16 PM on May 17, 2006

@homer: Try a search for "miner lunch bucket" (without the quotes) on eBay. There appear to be three or four that fit your description currently.
posted by pmann at 10:32 PM on May 17, 2006

Again completely impressed by all the answers - very helpful to me. I marked as best answer the ones I am considering. My thanks!
posted by gnash at 10:02 AM on May 22, 2006

Here is another cool lunch box to add:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E1RQUC/qid=1145552573/sr=8-4/ref=sr_1_4/104-3289423-2860711?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=3375251
posted by gnash at 5:53 PM on May 22, 2006