Protect kids' lunches with nifty containers from Daiso

Whether it's adorned with Dora, Diego or Superman, a freshly outfitted lunchbox seems to carry special powers. Not only does the pint-sized owner seem extremely organized, but the contents seem extra tasty just because they're held in style.

But buying an easily lost, spiffy new lunchbox a few times a year can get expensive, so if your child is in need of some affordable lunchbox magic, you should check out Japanese dollar-fifty store Daiso, on the lower level of Westlake Center, to find a wealth of cute and functional ways to send his meals to school.

The store itself is a joy, a cross between an old five-and-dime and a Sanrio store. Of course, most of the characters you'll find there are odd knockoffs, but they tend to feature the same big eyes and tiny bodies that are so popular with kids. Almost everything is $1.50, though a handful of items are a bit more. Whether you need to get some new containers for one child or are looking to fill a big picnic basket for the whole family, you can do so on the cheap at Daiso.

Those attracted to the chic look of unadorned stainless steel will love the selection of little metal boxes with plastic lids. They come in a variety of sizes ($1.50 each), all suited to a lunchbox or bag and perfect for packing everything from hummus to mac 'n' cheese.

If your kid is an avid grazer, check out the 6-inch round plastic containers with individual cups nested inside ($1.50); they're a great way to pack a variety of items without dealing with a jillion baggies. They're equally handy for holding dips and a handful of chips -- just leave a couple of the inner cups at home.

A sturdy little nylon lunch bag in olive or pink with a rubbery, leak-proof interior and a snap is a bargain at the standard Daiso price, and the aluminum water bottle with a carabiner and a neoprene cover is a steal at $4, far less than the popular Sigg-brand bottles. Be sure to scoop up tiny individual bottles in fun shapes for packing soy sauce or other dressings. The animal-themed variety pack is especially cute, and at $1.50 for a pack of seven, you'll be able to send a different little friend in your child's lunch each day of the week.

For elevating that lunch to a more formal affair with dishes, the lightweight, break-proof stainless items at Daiso are perfect. On a cold day, a small insulated bowl will keep your child's soup warm but prevent his hands from getting too hot, and a little plate will keep his sandwich off the table. And who can resist the miniature stainless silverware? A four-pack of 6-inch-long spoons or forks allows you to send a real utensil with every lunch without worrying too much if you never see it again.

If your child will lunch on the grass when the weather warms up, pack the sturdy plastic 3-foot-by-4-foot tablecloth (called a "children's leisure sheet" on the package) to keep pants and lunches clean. And for post-meal cleanup, don't forget to pick up several of the little washcloth cases, which each come with one matching, reusable cloth. The damp rags do a bang-up job of removing jelly from little fingers.

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company