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Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) - Simon & Schuster book review :
3.71 out of 5 based on 21 reviews.

Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) by bestselling author and screenwriter Delia Ephron.

In Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) Delia Ephron brings her trademark wit and effervescent prose to a series of unforgettable, moving, and provocative essays. The emotional linchpin in this collection is the author’s stirring, eloquent response to the death of Nora Ephron – Delia’s older sister and frequent writing companion. In “Sister,” Ephron deftly captures the love, rivalry, respect, and intimacy that made up her relationship with her sister in a way that is at once deeply personal and comfortingly universal.

Other essays in this collection run the gamut from a hysterical piece about love and the movies – how one romantic comedy completely destroyed her twenties, to the joy of girlfriends and best friendship, the magical madness and miracle of dogs, keen-eyed observations about urban survival, and a serious and affecting memoir of life with her mother – growing up the child of alcoholics. Ephron’s sparkling wit and humanity is present on every emotionally resonant page.

Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc), written by Delia Ephron, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available where all good books are sold in paperback for $22.99  Also available as an ebook for $13.99.

Find out more about Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) here.

 

 


Published 4th November 2013


  • So far so good

    Ok so im only at the start of the book, so far so good, really enjoying it, but don't want too let out oo much at the moment. If i didn't have 3 kids i probably would have read it all by now, can't wait to finish too let you all know how it goes :)
    Did you enjoy this book?
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  • I think it a girly book I love to read them

    I am going to give my book to my friend so she can read it she is a big reader and I think she is going to love this book too.

    the author got it going on .

    I like to get more of her books
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Sister mother husband dog

    The way she writes about her family and the way they have shaped her life. She seems to have become stronger for what life threw at her. Her humour certainly was born out of parents life style and I could almost imagine growing up in that family. Her experiences in life are real ones like the the trouble with buying gifts on the internet. The hassles involved if things go wrong.

    A great read and hard to put down at times, I really enjoyed it. Will be buying my own copy as this one was borrowed.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Very realistic and relatable.

    The bond between the characters is unremarkable. It's an interesting protective on some ones life.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • sister mother husband ect

    i have just finished the book and cant wait to give it to a friend,it was a great book and really made me like about family and the way we are with them. funny and sad but all over a good book
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Interesting but slow in parts.

    After seeing the reviews for this book decided to go buy it myself to read it. I found this book was interesting in some parts yet rambled on in others. Like Delia got side tracked on to something else. Love learning different things about her and how she is not that different from most people who have families that are not completely normal. Feel sorry for her dad and her mother did have an interesting life at times, a pity it did not stay that way.

    If Delia has been honest it must had been hard at times to write some of these and what memories that came with it.

    Would tell my friend and family if looking for a book that can be read a bit at a time this is great as you do not have to read it all unless you really want to know what she got up too.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • A moving but witty read.

    In this memoir Delia Ephron shows us through her unique witty eyes some of her life and the way she has built her relationships. I particularly love the way she talks about her friendships and how they came to be. I think we would all love to have friends like Delia. I love that some of the essays are about inocuous observations that she has made. The chapter about 'Upgrading' many of us could relate to with the fast pace of technolgy and the changes we have to keep adapting too.

    For an light and fun look into the mind of a writer I would recommend this book "Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog (etc)" .
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • enjoying the book, can relate to much of it

    Almost through the book now, funny how i can relate to much of , made me think about my own family relationships as well and what we have been through. have really enjoyed the book.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • I Have Made Up My Mind Now

    I wasn't that sure about this book to start with. I found it was rambling and hard to keep my concentration. I persisted though. Now I am really starting to like it. If you do start to read this book and just can't get into it I recommend you keep going because it does get better. Some of the stories are quite amusing, some emotional and some everyone will be able to relate to. Delia has been honest in the telling of her story. It has been wonderful to be given the opportunity to read this book otherwise I might not have bothered.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • love the short stories

    Just recieved the book yesterday,have only just started the book, loving it so far, love the short stories great when you only have short reading time which with 3 kids is pretty much a given. The book is set out well and i look forward to getting into it more. just wanted to make a post saying im looking forward to reading more.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Truthful, honest writing that includes the funny bits too

    I am a sucker for a book of personal essays, I enjoy dipping into people's lives and how they make sense of what happens to them. I related to Delia losing her older sister as I have a bossy older sister too and I am a big fan of Nora Ephron. Her writing is light even though her subject matter isn't. I also love that she writes about her life when there was no technology invading our lives completely - seems like another era! It's light and easy to put down and pick up from where you left off before (so great if you are a busy Mum).
    Did you enjoy this book?
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  • Worth a go

    This was a very slow read & quite hard to get into. It does however bring emotions to the forefront & get you thinking. I was disappointed by the rambling style & in parts I had no idea what Delia was trying to get across. Worth a read if you are familiar with Delia but you really have to persevere.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Interesting but slow in parts.

    After seeing the reviews for this book decided to go buy it myself to read it. I found this book was interesting in some parts yet rambled on in others. Like Delia got side tracked on to something else. Love learning different things about her and how she is not that different from most people who have families that are not completely normal. Feel sorry for her dad and her mother did have an interesting life at times, a pity it did not stay that way.

    If Delia has been honest it must had been hard at times to write some of these and what memories that came with it.

    Would tell my friend and family if looking for a book that can be read a bit at a time this is great as you do not have to read it all unless you really want to know what she got up too.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • A moving but witty read.

    In this memoir Delia Ephron shows us through her unique witty eyes some of her life and the way she has built her relationships. I particularly love the way she talks about her friendships and how they came to be. I think we would all love to have friends like Delia. I love that some of the essays are about inocuous observations that she has made. The chapter about 'Upgrading' many of us could relate to with the fast pace of technolgy and the changes we have to keep adapting too.

    For an light and fun look into the mind of a writer I would recommend this book "Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog (etc)" .
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Bit slow for me

    I have almost finished the book, I must say it has been a battle to keep reading as it is a bit slow. A lot of rambling on about movies and books I've never heard of. I did enjoy moments of the first chapter which did make me think about loved ones and how we don't express our love enough when we have the chance. I really think the ramblings could have been edited down (and it's already a short book) however you can see the meaning in it and I'm glad I gave it a go :-)
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • sister mother husband ect

    i have just finished the book and cant wait to give it to a friend,it was a great book and really made me like about family and the way we are with them. funny and sad but all over a good book
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • enjoying the book, can relate to much of it

    Almost through the book now, funny how i can relate to much of , made me think about my own family relationships as well and what we have been through. have really enjoyed the book.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • I Have Made Up My Mind Now

    I wasn't that sure about this book to start with. I found it was rambling and hard to keep my concentration. I persisted though. Now I am really starting to like it. If you do start to read this book and just can't get into it I recommend you keep going because it does get better. Some of the stories are quite amusing, some emotional and some everyone will be able to relate to. Delia has been honest in the telling of her story. It has been wonderful to be given the opportunity to read this book otherwise I might not have bothered.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • FINAL REVIEW OF SISTER, MOTHER, HUSBAND, DOG ETC.

    Wow this book has been a good read. It is something completely different to the types of books I usually read. It was like a collection of memoures from Delia. Some were very heart felt others were fanatical and some were easily relatable.At the end of the day this book really does get you thinking about your own life. I can see that this book will either be very much liked or not liked at all by the way it is written. I would definitely recommend it to family and friends. I believe there is nothing wrong with different. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book. :)
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Very realistic and relatable.

    The bond between the characters is unremarkable. It's an interesting protective on some ones life.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • sister mother husband ect

    just started reading it only a few pages in but so far so good
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Sister mother husband dog

    I've tried to get into this book but it has been quite slow not some thing I'd recommend to my friends sorry
    Did you enjoy this book?
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  • Haven't made up my mind yet.

    I have really tried to like this book and I will keep reading it but it just seems to go on and on without getting anywhere. I can relate with the story but I find it rambling a bit. I might need to read more during the day instead of late at night to fully comprehend the story. I will keep reading it I have a feeling as I get into it more I will come to enjoy it more.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • A real chicks book

    Not finished yet but find this book very close to personal things that have happened in my own life so feels quite strange reading it but will pass it on to my girl friend for sure. Has touched my heart in so many ways so thanks for the chance on reviewing this book!!
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • I think it a girly book I love to read them

    I am going to give my book to my friend so she can read it she is a big reader and I think she is going to love this book too.

    the author got it going on .

    I like to get more of her books
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Sister mother husband dog

    The way she writes about her family and the way they have shaped her life. She seems to have become stronger for what life threw at her. Her humour certainly was born out of parents life style and I could almost imagine growing up in that family. Her experiences in life are real ones like the the trouble with buying gifts on the internet. The hassles involved if things go wrong.

    A great read and hard to put down at times, I really enjoyed it. Will be buying my own copy as this one was borrowed.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Its only early days...but enjoying it so far

    I started reading straight after the postman delivered it....It is a series of auto-biographical short stories that have so far struck a cord with me and I think it will with many people...the first, a story about the death of Delia's sister and their relationship explored some interesting dynamics and made me look at my own relationships with my sisters.... looking forward to reading on
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • So far so good!

    I'm only a small way through this book & finding it really full on! It got into things really quickly! Looking forward to finding out how the story unfolds!
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog etc.

    I received the book yesterday and I was eager to start reading it. So far from what I have read I am really enjoying it. Emotions are high in this book and I predict some tissue will be needed to get through the whole book. It's a great style of book to read when you have a busy life with kids, school and being a carer to a disabled child. Can't wait to finish this book to see where it takes me. This book really makes you think about things in life.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • love the short stories

    Just recieved the book yesterday,have only just started the book, loving it so far, love the short stories great when you only have short reading time which with 3 kids is pretty much a given. The book is set out well and i look forward to getting into it more. just wanted to make a post saying im looking forward to reading more.
    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?

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The right lunch box helps keep little humans nourished while making life a lot easier for mums and dads! So to help you find the perfect one faster, we’ve put the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia in one handy spot.

Kids’ lunch boxes have come a very long way. No longer just plastic boxes for toting treats, they’re now durable, washable, droppable and best of all, easy for kids to use. There are heaps of different styles to choose from, and if you head to the bottom of this article, you’ll find more information on what to look for, how to choose the right one for your child, and even what to put in it!

Whether you’re after a colourful lunch box to match that new drink bottle, or a machine-washable option that saves you time, there’s something in our shortlist for every type of foodie.

The Star Patrol Mini Lunch Case.
The Star Patrol Mini Lunch Case. Image: The Somewhere Co.

Lunch Box Comparison Table

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to lunch box shopping, check out our comparison table below as a handy guide. (Use the bottom slider to see all brands)

The table below is a guide only. Products are subject to changes by brands.

MontiiCoB.BoxFrank Green Lunch ContainerYumboxSky Gazer Bentgo ModernThe Somewhere Co. MiniEcoCocoonBright Star KidsStuck On YouCountry Road ElysiaOmieBox
StyleBagBentoBoxBentoBagBentoBagBentoBagBentoBagBento
Colour variationsYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
MaterialFabric & aluminium liningPP & siliconeStainless steel & siliconeABS, tritan & siliconeFabric & PEVA liningBPA-free plasticRPET & aluminium foil liningStainless steel & siliconeFabric & insulation liningBPA-free plastic100% cotton canvas & insulation liningStainless steel, plastic & silicone
Start price$42.95$27.95$79.95$49.95$34.99$39.95$38$84.95$39.95$54.95$59.95$89.95
Loved for itsRoomy size & machine washable designCustom divider3-in-1 designPortion-controlled sectionsUnique designsRemovable sandwich dividerShoulder strapDishwasher-safe partsPersonalisationLeak-proof silicone sealInternal name labelStorage for hot and cold food
Mouths Of Mums Kids’ Lunch Boxes Comparison Table. (The products above are featured in our shortlist below.)

How to choose the best lunch box for school

When you’re searching for a kids’ lunch box, take the time to work out what will best suit their needs. If you make the right choice and invest in a quality one, it will last many years.

  • Box, bento or bag? If your child doesn’t like different foods touching, a bento lunch box is a great choice. Also, think about whether they prefer cut-up or whole fruit; a bento is better suited to cut food, while bags and boxes suit whole fruit. Bags are fantastic if you like to pack separate containers, like smaller bento or snack containers.
  • Freshness is a must – An insulated bag or box will keep everything cool and fresh until snack and lunchtime. But you can also get boxes that come with cold and ice packs. Remember, kids’ lunches often sit at room temperature for up to 5 or 6 hours before they’re eaten, so insulation and coolness are important. Check out how to keep school lunches safe in the heat.
  • Easy-to-clean design – Check if the box is dishwasher-safe, or for lunch bags, if they’re machine-washable.
  • Leak-proof – The last thing you want is a soggy mess at lunchtime, so if buying a hard lunch box, look for designs that are leak-proof with proper seals.
  • Child-friendly – Depending on your child’s motor skills and independence, you may need to start with a product that’s simple to open and close.
  • The right size – We tend to pack way too much in our kids’ lunches, so think about how much realistically you’ll need to pack for your child when choosing the size of their lunch box. You may also need to consider the size of their school bags.

12 Best Lunch Boxes For School Kids In Australia

Ready to get back-to-school sorted? From stainless steel gems to beautiful bentos, we’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to. So sit back and enjoy our curated Mom Guide of the best kids’ lunch boxes for school in Australia.

Any included reviews come via the Mouths of Mums Facebook Page.

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags, $42.95

MontiiCo Large Lunch Bags.

These award-winning lunch bags have sold over 200,000 units – and it’s clear to see why. The interior of each large bag measures 29cm x 23.5cm x 7.5cm, making them big enough to fit multiple containers and even many popular bento boxes. Each bag comes with an ice pack for up to eight hours of cooling – and you have a massive range of designs to choose from.

Pros:

  • Interior name label
  • Fabulous large size fits everything!
  • Comes with an ice pack for day-long cooling

“A vote for montii co lunch boxes, lunch bags and freezer bricks (they really do stay frozen all day!!” (Megan)

“Montii lunch bags are the best and the freezer brick can stay frozen for ages I forgot one day and it was still cold after 24hrs” (Sarah)

Where to buy it: MontiiCo, Lime Tree Kids


b.box 2L Kids’ Lunch Box, $27.95

B.box 2L kids bento lunch boxes.

Tired of apples not fitting in hard lunch boxes? b.box has solved this with its flexible ‘whole fruit holder’ that bends around the fruit rather than squashing it – genius! If you’re not keen on cutting up a fruit salad every day, this multi-compartment two-litre lunch box has handy homes for everything. It also comes with a gel cooler pack (a must for Aussie summer!), and it’s freezer-safe. Choose from a range of colours.

Pros:

  • Leak-proof silicone seal
  • Comes with a gel cooler pack
  • The square section is big enough for a regular sandwich

“B-box lunch boxes are the best…all parts come out so you can wash them super easy! So many awesome accessories available for them too!” (Kerrie)

“BBox lunch boxes are great and they fit in the large Montiico lunch bags. As someone has said, the ice brick that comes with it is amazing too” (Tash)

“I really like the B.Box lunch boxes.” (Kendal)

“Bbox is the winner in our community on repeat.” (Mums On A Budget)

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Woolworths, b.box


Frank Green Lunch Container, $79.95

Frank Green coloured lunch containers.

Got a Frank Green fan on your hands? This is the lunch box to match their drink bottle. It comes in a gorgeous range of colours suited to all ages and uses 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel and quality silicone lids. Monograms, bumper guards and ice bricks are all available separately.

Pros:

  • Leak-resistant design for mess-free travel
  • Comes with two microwave-safe removable containers
  • Customisable with your choice of bumper, ice brick and monogramming (at an additional cost)

Where to buy it: Frank Green


Yumbox Kids’ Compartment Lunch Boxes, from $49.95 

Yumbox Kids Bento Box shown in pink and purple options.

With the option of four, five or six compartments, it’s easy to see why Yumbox Bento Lunch Boxes are such a hit with Australian kids. They feature handy, pre-measured half-cup serving compartments to help pack a healthy lunch and contain absolutely no BPA or phthalates. Pop it straight into the dishwasher on the top rack for easy cleaning.

Pros:

  • Top rack dishwasher-safe
  • Includes five half-cup sections for portion control
  • Sections are labelled to help parents with a balanced lunch

Where to buy it: Biome, Yumbox


Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bag, from $34.99

Sky Gazer Insulated Lunch Bags.

If your little (or not-so-little) one wants a lunch bag everyone will comment on, this is it. Available in a range of stunning designs, they come with a long and strong handle and easy-use zippers. But good looks aside, what’s winning heart about these is their capacity – they hold up to seven litres of food!

Pros:

  • Water-resistant
  • PEVA internal lining
  • Side pocket for a water bottle

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Sky Gazer


Bentgo Modern Bento Boxes, $39.95

Bentgo Modern Lunch Boxes.

After something a bit more mature? Bentgo’s Modern lunch boxes are a great option. They have a sleek matte finish in a choice of four stylish shades, including Mint Green, Orchid, Dark Grey and Navy. Each is cleverly designed with a removable divider that allows you to choose between using three or four compartments. Even better, they are leak-proof, microwave-safe and fine to pop in the dishwasher.

Pros:

  • Kid-friendly latch
  • Antibacterial silicone seal
  • Includes four large compartments

Where to buy it: Kitchen Warehouse, Amazon


The Somewhere Co Mini Lunch Case, $38

The Somewhere Co. Mini Lunch Bags.

Colourful and easy to carry, these bags are insulated, eco-friendly and secure. It features aluminium foil lining that keeps food fresh all day long, and it comes with top-level carry handles and a shoulder strap, which is brilliant for those days when kids have a lot to tote. Choose from a range of styles.

Pros:

  • Roomy and stylish
  • Shoulder strap makes carrying easy (and great if schoolbags are too full!)
  • Zip-front pocket handy for cold packs or notes from mum

Where to buy it: The Somewhere Co.


EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Bento Lunch Box, $84.95

EcoCocoon Leak-Proof Lunch Box with a bagel and fresh food inside.

Large enough for the hungriest of school kids, this stainless steel wonder has a removable silicone seal in the lid to stop thick liquids from leaking. No more soggy anything! There are five handy compartments to make sure all of the food groups are ticked off, with a large compartment perfect for sandwiches, and smaller ones for snacks.

Pros:

  • Dishwasher-safe
  • Every compartment is leak-proof
  • Easy to open and close (suitable for younger kids)

Where to buy it: Biome, EcoCocoon


Bright Star Kids Personalised Lunch Bags, $39.95

Bright Star Kids insulated lunch bags in a row.

Practical and customisable with your child’s name, these insulated bags tick all the boxes. You have a choice of five bag colours, and from there you get to choose from a huge range of designs and fonts to personalise it! Each comes with a mesh pocket for ice bricks, a top carry handle, a secure zip closure and enough internal space to fit a medium bento box.

Pros:

  • Machine-washable
  • Internal mesh pocket for an ice brick
  • With their name on it, you won’t need to visit lost property!

Where to buy it: Bright Star Kids


Stuck On You Large Personalised Bento Lunch Box, $54.95

Stuck On You Large Kids' Bento Boxes.

With a leak-proof silicone seal, these colourful lunch companions keep sauces and dips right where they belong. They come with six compartments, which convert to three for easy washing on the top shelf of the dishwasher. They’re free from any nasties and customisation with your child’s name – no more lost property, yay! Choose from box colours of Matte Navy, Pink Lemonade, Dusky Blue or Seafoam Green- if you can!

Pros:

  • BPA and phthalate-free
  • Top rack dishwasher-safe
  • Separates into three parts for easy cleaning

Where to buy it: Stuck On You


Country Road Elysia Lunch Pack, $59.95

Country Road Elysia Lunch Packs in pink and green.

Uber stylish and as roomy as can be, these contemporary bags are perfect for kids of all ages who prefer to pack several separate containers. It has a 100% cotton canvas outer, an insulated lining and comes with a super handy internal name label. Just as great for preschool as they are for high school.

Pros:

  • Easy-carry handle
  • Internal name label
  • Stylish design, great for kids who prefer muted shades

Where to buy it: THE ICONIC, Country Road


OmieBox Hot/Cold Bento Lunch Box V2, $89.95

Omiebox hot and cold kids' lunch boxes in pink and blue styles.

Finally, a kids’ lunch box that stores hot AND cold food in one place! Designed out of necessity by a problem-solving mum, the OmieBox encourages low-waste lunches and ends the need to use multiple clunky containers (which always get lost!). The spill-proof individual compartments mean no mixing of savoury and sweet, and the  280ml double-wall thermos keeps soups and pasta hot for up to six hours!

Pros:

  • Keeps food hot for up to 6 hours
  • Fabulous for ‘nude food’ lunches
  • Awesome carry handle for younger kids

Where to buy it: Biome, Woolworths


What to put in kids’ lunch boxes

Health professionals agree that kids need a good balance of lean protein, grains, fruit and vegetables throughout the school day. Skip the processed food and try to reach for whole foods that pack a punch in the nutrient department. Here are some great ideas:

  • Grilled chicken or turkey wraps with fresh salad
  • Crackers and vegetable sticks with healthy dips like hummus
  • Whole-grain pasta with cherry tomatoes and your choice of cheese
  • Zucchini slice cut into rectangles for easy stacking in an insulated box
  • Almond-meal slice with raspberries or blueberries – or both!
  • Vegetarian sausage rolls – these freeze well and make a great meat-free lunch when cold.

Top image: MontiiCo

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Do your kids hate sandwiches? Check out these 10 sandwich alternatives that dial up the YUM! 

  • That lunchbox comparison table is handy to have. It helped me make a decision on which lunchbox to buy next for my daughter who is starting kindergarten. I needed to upgrade her lunchbox but wasn’t sure which way to go. The table helped me with my decision. I ended up going with the BBOX and have found a cheaper lunch bag from a department store that it fits in.

    Reply

  • I do not know if anyone else has picked up on this or not, but every bag mentioned in the table above is a ‘designer’ brand. There are plenty of more affordable options that aren’t over $40. I have never spent that much on a lunchbox – even from Smiggle. The cheaper brands last just as well too.

    Reply

  • Getting ready for the return to school has started to kick in so this was a timely read. We have the yum box and i love it, it is so easy for my daughter to open and close on her own. I find the lunch cooler bags also a great idea however some days depending on what else needs to go to school, they can be quite bulky to include in the school bag. I need to do some more research this year as i like the idea of being able to watch it in the washing machine, that is a clever idea.

    Reply

  • Along with all of the other back to school products; there is also a good range of lunch boxes available for people to buy. It has been fun to see the wide range of bottles and lunch boxes that are available for the new year for school and for work.

    Reply

  • Lunch boxes have come such a long way since my eldest was a kid, he’s now 26! There’s really a solution to everything from food heating, cooling, dividers, pockets etc etc. Lunch boxes are a real fashion accessory and so on-trend these days. I personally love the Bento lunch boxes. They save on plastic and separate different foods.

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  • I am such a huge fan of Bento lunch boxes and Bento. Food should be so many wonderful things; including delicious, fun, colourful and nutritious too. Lunch is a favourite meal because the body is ready for some more calories and a boost of energy. Food looks so good in Bento lunch boxes.

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  • So so many fantastic options! We use the montii co ones for our kdis and swear by it. Its lasted 3 years so far and still standing strong, like new since the first day using it. They are so durable and i find cleaning them to be the easiest for us.

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  • There are so many great lunch box option out there indeed ! I’ve always liked the Bento style lunch boxes for my kids. It reduces the use of plastic lunch bags and packaged food which aren’t very good for the environment and it encourages to present a good variety of foods (which is not only better nutrition wise but lao to prevent our kids from getting bored with same foods all the time.

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  • There are some really fabulous options here. So many variations of colour, shape and size. I love the bento style lunch boxes, so handy to keep food separate and eliminate the use of plastic packaging. The machine washable bags are a great idea too. They can get grubby so fast, this would be so much easier to maintain

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  • This has gotten much easier since my kids hit high school – they have strong opinions about their lunch boxes, so I don’t have to think about it so much anymore! However, I am strongly in favor of bento style boxes regardless of their age. They’re easy to clean, easy to pack, and invite appropriate sized portions.

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  • Great article! Our kids are so lucky, when it comes to lunchboxes, they really are spoilt for choice. There are so many to pick from. Regarding sandwiches, my eldest son, used to hate sandwiches for school lunches. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered that he’d throw out his sandwiches in the playground bins. My son’s an adult now and he still hates sandwiches. He only likes “hot” lunches. So glad he lives on his own now and can make his own “hot” lunches just the way he likes them.

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  • This is an extremely useful article!! 2 schppl going kids and third starting kinder soon means we are always on the lookout for lunch ideas and lunch boxes. This is a great list with features and prices listed to make the search easier and help with decision making for purchasing of the lunch boxes

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  • This is super useful article and thank you. I can see so variety of lunch boxes from every store. Always wonder which one would be more convenient to use by little hands. I love some of these lunchboxes to give it a try for this year. And then decide to go with suitable ones

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  • Wow, lunch boxes have really come such a long way from when I was taking a lunch box to school. Feel old, like “back in my day”, but we were lucky to have options like are available now. While I like some of these designs, I feel like they aren’t super practical.

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  • These lunchboxes are beautiful but are they really worth the expensive price tag? I have been through so many lunch boxes and bags over the years and found the best it to use an insulated lunchbox bag with ice brick and use small containers to keep individual items fresh and assessable.

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  • I love the bbox lunch boxes. They are so reliable and tough when kids throw their bags around. Easy to wash and store. I have used the we can be tiny snackies at home too. The boys love choosing a certain animal shape. They wash well, are durable and great quality.

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  • My kids are old enough now to pack their own lunches and I am so happy to see the great choices they are making. They take left over meals, cook food in the morning to take and now I am confident they aren’t throwing away sandwiches! I do have the chilly bags for them, I find they fit better into bags

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  • Love our bento b.boxes. So easy to pack. I do however worry that they’re made of plastic, not metal….

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  • My daughter uses a bento box now for work and sometimes an insulated bag in summer, but when she was at school it was a rectangular lunch box with no compartments. It was very easy to wash each day, just the box and lid, and it could still be filled with rolls/sandwiches and snacks.

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  • Lunchboxes are so important these days. Back in my day it was a brown paper bag or the exact same lunch box that everyone else had and there were three compartments. Today its such a fashion statement and as much as the lunchbox itself is judged so are the contents.

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