Dadvice Weekly #3 / Lunchbox Wins
Dadvice Weekly - #3
Sticky floors, shouting adults, trays clattering down, and milk cartons popping open. There was always that lunch lady reminding you to sit still and throw your trash away. If you experienced that now as an adult, it’d feel like a nightmare. But back then? It was the highlight of your day.
Some kids bought lunch, but the real winners had the coolest gear: the thermos that actually kept things warm, the sandwich that wasn’t smashed, and the lunchbox with perfectly organized compartments.
Fast forward to today: now you’re the parent. You want to send your kid off with a lunch they’ll actually eat, without draining your wallet or wasting precious time packing it. This issue is all about smart, quality lunch gear that makes your mornings easier, your wallet a little happier, and your kid’s day a bit better.
Kids Bento Boxes
We’ve been relying on these Bentgo kids’ bento boxes not just for school lunches, but especially while traveling. Each compartment seals itself tightly—no leaks, no mess—so we pack one for everyone in the family, newborn included, when we hit the road. They’re airtight, sturdy, and a small upgrade that makes travel days feel a lot more relaxed. –KC
Owala Water Bottles
Most everyone nowadays knows about Owala water bottles, but did you know that they come in kids’ sizes too? Every person in our family has one Owala in their own color (the older kids use Kids Freesip, our 1 year old uses the tumbler), and it’s replaced all of our Contigo and Camelbak bottles. It has become part of our regular exit checklist to make sure we each grab our bottle before leaving the house. It has quietly become a lesson in modeling responsibility for our kids, helping them learn to stay hydrated, stay organized, and care for their belongings. The dual spout design lets you sip or swig with ease, and the locking lid keeps even enthusiastic little drinkers from spilling. –KC
Reusable Ziplocs
As a family of six we go through so. many. ziplocs. And using them always left me feeling bad about our plastic waste. These reusable silicone bags have completely changed that. They’re sturdy, dishwasher safe, and perfect for hauling quick on-the-go snacks or keeping small bits of produce fresh. Each one seals tightly so there’s no mess, and they hold up after months of regular use. Sometimes we even keep a few packed and ready in the fridge for busy days, so grabbing food on the way out the door is one less thing to think about. –KC
GoGo SqueeZ Pouches
As a new father trying to get his daughter to eat solids I am learning that the GoGo SqueeZ is a big hit. I ran some analysis and determined if you buy a 12 pack for $6.98, you are spending a lot on the convenience of these pouches. A friend recently enlightened me that you can buy the pouch and do a DIY method of filling it with apple sauce. I’m not saying our daughter will never have a GoGo squeeZ, but I am saying this is a great method to offset the price of the convenience. A 10 pack for $12 will pay for itself in no time. -SW
How much are you spending on GoGo squeeZ?
Just For Dad: Big Cup Golf Tees
For the last 3 years I have been obsessed with golf. I watch the PGA Tour, YouTube videos on how to stop slicing with my driver, how to break 90, how to hit out of a bunker. You name it and I’ve probably watched a Rick Schiels video on the topic. Something I’ve learned is I can only have 1 and maybe 2 things going through my mind when hitting the ball. If you have any more than that you’re in trouble. I came across these golf tees that have a stopper for when you put them in the ground so you have a consistent tee height. I love them because it gives me one less thing to think about as I’m prepping to hit a drive. I can’t recommend these enough if you’re a golfer who tends to have a racing mind on the tee box. -SW
Dadvice Weekly is written by two friends in their thirties trying to be thoughtful, present dads without losing our minds. It’s our small way of sharing gear, routines, and ideas with other dads who are in the thick of it too.
We publish once a week. No fluff, just useful stuff to help you lead your home with a little more purpose and fun.
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