***Use coupon code “xobobox” at PlanetBox to save 10% through Dec 31, 2009!!***
The new company PlanetBox recently sent me one of their lunch boxes to try out–it is now my top choice kids lunchbox to pack! In the month that I have used it, I have been very happy with its ease of use, washability, and lack of lids to keep track of (with the exception of the 2 optional “dipper” containers that use lids…). Here are the highlights of PlanetBox features that I love:
- PlanetBox is a metal lunch box made of high quality 18/8 (300 SS) and 18/10 (400 SS) stainless steel, known for generations to be a safe, non leaching material for food storage. The thickness of the stainless lunch box is such that it feels very durable, but is not so thick that the lunch box is cumbersome or too heavy. The outer carrying bag also contains NO lead, vinyl/PVC, Phthalates, Bisphenol-A(BPA) or other harmful or toxic substances.
- PlanetBox is easy for a young child to open. My 5 year old son has had trouble opening other lunchboxes, but this one has been easy and fun for him to use. There is a single metal clasp that pivots into position to latch the lunchbox closed.
- The inner compartments are of various sizes that can accommodate a wide diversity of lunches. For my son, I typically pack a sandwich in the main compartment, and fill up the others with fruit, crackers, cheese, carrot sticks, etc. There is a small “treat” compartment that is great for placing some chocolate chips or some other yummy treat in the middle of a healthy kids lunch.
- There is an option to buy a Big or Little Dipper, which are sized to fit inside 2 of the inner compartments. These Dippers allow you to pack runny foods such as yogurts or dressing/dips for salad & veggies.
- PlanetBox is easy to clean. I rinse it out daily with soap and water, and once or twice a week I run it through the dishwasher.
For personalization, PlanetBox offers several magnet sets that can be placed on the outside of the metal box.
We chose the Planet Earth design, but there are several others including Rainbows, Rockets, and Under the Sea themes. Though the magnets are cute, I have typically been too lazy to use them and have had no complaints from my son in sending just the shiny metal lunchbox with a yummy lunch inside 
The carrying case comes in 3 colors: red, green, and purple. In time, I imagine the magnet and carrying case options may be expanded as the company grows to meet demands.
I think the main downfall of PlanetBox is the cost. The complete PlanetBox is $59.95 which includes the metal lunch box, 1 set of magnets, 1 Big and 1 Little Dipper and Carry Bag. The metal lunch box alone is $34.95, and the Dippers and magnets can also be purchased separately. Though pricey, I feel with many products you get what you pay for, and with PlanetBox you pay a premium for high quality workmanship and materials. In fact, PlanetBox stands behind their products for a full 5 years from purchase date! So, as long as the lunchbox doesn’t get lost it is cost effective in the sense of lasting through several years of use. The ease of use and convenient design are major benefits, and in my book are worth a significant amount of money for keeping lunch packing more enjoyable. If we become unfortunate enough to lose our PlanetBox, I would be a return customer despite the high initial investment.
To see PlanetBox in action, check out this video on packing a healthy kids lunch using PlanetBox presented by the company founder:
A couple of the kids lunchboxes I have packed using PlanetBox include:
Turkey/mayo Dinosaur Sandwich on 100% whole wheat bread, a tangerine, garbonzo beans, carrots, cheese cubes, and some chocolate covered almonds as a treat in the small center compartment.
Turkey/mayo sandwich on 100% whole wheat bread (ok… so my son is limited in the types of sandwiches he likes!!), cheese cubes, honeydew, pineapple, and candy coated chocolate chips.
If you decide to get a PlanetBox, let me know what you think! I hope you are as pleased as I am with this new eco friendly lunchbox choice!
Remember, use PlanetBox coupon code “xobobox” to save 10% through December 31st, 2009!
I haven’t ever read a poor review of the PlanetBox, the only negative comment I ever see is that it is pricey. It seems like a great product. 
