The holidays are winding down and the school run is almost back - which means it's time to do the lunchbox audit.

Every term we do a reset. We check what's cracked, what's gone missing (cutlery, we're looking at you), and what the kids have outgrown. Term 2 in particular is a good time to get things sorted because the weather starts to cool down and warm lunches become a whole lot more appealing.

Here are the five things we're making sure we have locked in before Term 2 kicks off.

1. Food Jars

Once the weather drops, a cold sandwich just doesn't cut it. Food jars are honestly one of the best lunchbox upgrades you can make - fill them the night before with leftover pasta, soup, rice, or anything from the slow cooker, and it's still warm by lunchtime.

Our MontiiCo insulated food jars come in 200ml and 400ml, so there's a size for every age and appetite. They're double-walled and vacuum insulated, which means food stays warm for hours without any reheating required at school. 

The Oasis food jar is perfect for little hands with the quick release lid.

Top tip: Preheat the jar by filling it with boiling water for a few minutes before adding the food. It makes a noticeable difference to how long things stay hot.

2. Cutlery

It disappears. Every. Single. Term.

We don't know where it goes, but by Week 4 of every term there's always a cutlery crisis. Having a set dedicated to lunchboxes - and keeping it separate from the kitchen drawer - is the move. It sounds simple but it genuinely saves the morning rush.

A reusable cutlery set also means less plastic waste, which is always a win.

3. b.box Original Lunchbox

The b.box original lunchbox is a classic for a reason. It's the lunchbox that just works - good compartments, easy for kids to open themselves, and tough enough to survive the school bag.

Whether your kids are in kindy or upper primary, it holds up. And it fits neatly alongside a food jar, so warm and cold components can travel together without any issues.

4. A Good Lunch Bag

A good lunch bag is the unsung hero of the whole lunchbox setup. It keeps everything together, helps maintain temperature, and means the lunchbox isn't just rolling around loose in the school bag getting bashed.

We stock a range of insulated lunch bags that pair perfectly with b.box lunchboxes and food jars - properly insulated, easy to wipe clean, and sized right for primary school kids.

5. Reusable Yoghurt Pouches

This one is close to our hearts (obviously).

Shop-bought squeezable yoghurt pouches are expensive, full of added sugar, and create a mountain of plastic waste every week. Filling your own reusable pouches at home takes about two minutes and costs a fraction of the price.

Grab a big tub of plain or flavoured yoghurt, fill your Sinchies pouches, and pop them in the freezer. By the time lunch rolls around, they've defrosted to the perfect temperature and act as a little ice pack for the rest of the lunchbox. Two birds, one stone.

Our top-spout reusable pouches are food-grade, BPA/PVC/phthalate-free, and designed to be refilled again and again. They're a genuine lunchbox staple.

Ready for Term 2?

If any part of your lunchbox kit needs refreshing before the school run kicks back in, we've got everything you need in one place.