The coolest lunchbox around!

My son loves everything Thomas. This was especially a big hit because of it's durability and style. I love the fact that it comes with everything! The sandwich container has a double decker compartment, and is perfect for a sandwich (or chicken nuggets, etc.), and the other compartment, which is like an extra plate inside the container is perfect for sides of veggies. The pop-up canteen is spillproof, and my son does love to drink out of it. And unlike other pop-up straws, this straw is short and hard, so it won't hamper speech development (otherwise they will just be sucking on it like a pacifier). It is also roomy enough to include other essentials like napkins, and cutlery, or a small toy. The only drawback is that the artwork in the canteen is falling apart, but I thought that was because it has been handwashed several times with a harsh detergent when we went to India for a month. Now I use the dishwasher and it has stopped the deterioration of the artwork. And also, my three-year old tends to fumble when opening or closing the hatch. On the other hand, he will be developing his fine-motor skills! With or without lunch, he loves toting it around and storing his toys on it. Plus, we get a lot of praise whenever other kids or moms see it, and they always asks us where we bought it!

straw cup comments

One reviewer mentioned the straw cup being a major pain to clean. It doesn't have to be that way.I bought pipe cleaners, and when I clean it, I use those for the straw -- no need to disassemble. Also, if I really want to be careful, I'll run it through the microwave in a sterilizer with my baby bottles when I do those. Never have to worry. the cup is the main reason I love this product. I have a two year old, and the cup is great for travel, never spills, and she drinks a lot of water when she uses it.

You do have to replace the water fairly frequently because it takes on a plastic taste (indicates chemicals leaching from the plastic that you DO NOT want your child to inject) over the course of the day.

Not Dishwasher Safe

I purchased both this lunch box, and a similar one offered by the same company, (apparently no longer available,) at the same time, and put both into use on the same day.

We put the sandwich cases and bottles in the dishwasher at least 3 to 4 times a week. As of November 1st, the art on both Thomas products (bottle and sandwich case) is badly scarred and faded, with many areas showing no paint at all. (The white areas were the first to go.) The markings (ballet slippers) on the other lunch box set are unmarred and unchanged. This was disappointing, to say the least. However, it may be our fault, though I do not recall any warnings that these were not dishwasher safe.

However, the lunch box as a whole is rugged and works well. Our children enjoy using them. Just be aware: should you purchase this item, I suggest it be hand-washed only to preserve the art.