Babble Best: Lunch Boxes

Mini Fridge 6 by Fridge-to-go - $14

My husband snatched this one up for his lunches as soon as my test-drive was over. What makes the Mini Fridge 6 unique (and its contents super-cold) are its built-in ice packs. You fold the bag (relatively) flat and store it in your freezer overnight before packing. I was so impressed with the bag's chill factor that my mind started wandering to its possibilities for transporting ice cream on errands (this pregnant mom needs her munchies!). Four color options, a durable shoulder strap and wipe-able interior make this lunch bag a great choice for kids and adults alike. For a smaller version, check out Fridge-to-Go's Lunch Fridge.

Apple score: 15

Chill factor: 6+ hours

Buy it from Fridge-to-go.

Dual Lunch Bag by Thermos - $8

Low cost doesn't have to equal low quality when you're dealing with an established name like Thermos. I like the Cool Camo Dual bag for its two compartments — an upper compartment for edible odds and ends, plus a zippered bottom that comes with its own Tupperware-esque container. Foam insulation kept food cold well past four hours. If camo doesn't suit your luncher, check out the various other styles, including Butterfly Kisses and Batman.

Apple score: 15 (top compartment)

Chill factor: 4-6 hours

Buy it from Thermos.

Gourmet Getaway by Built NY - $19-$25

The idea of wrapping up a school lunch in my surfer husband's neoprene wetsuit never sounded that appealing — that is, until I came across Built NY's line of neoprene insulated bags. My favorite for the middle-school-and-up crowd was the Gourmet Getaway, a roomy, zippered hand-held that will keep food hot or cold for up to four hours. Machine-washable and stain-resistant, this little number lies flat when not in use, but can expand to hold lunch for two. This bag's durability, roominess and style mean that it will survive well past the school year. For those with smaller hands and cuter sentiments, try out the BYO Muncher bags — a line of adorable, packable animal heads designed by Built NY and award-winning children's book illustrator Stephen Savage.

Apple score: 20+ (ran out of apples)

Chill factor: 4-5 hours

Buy it from Built NY.

Buy it from Amazon.

Chalkboard Lunch Box - $20

Organizing gadgets are a weakness of mine, and Stephanie Vozza at The Organized Parent knows how to make me drool. I was intrigued by their Chalkboard Lunch Box, which contains a writeable/wipeable surface on one side. Use the included chalk to write your kid a quick note, label whose bag is whose, play tic-tac-toe while waiting at the doctor's office or jot yourself a reminder note for something that hits you halfway between school and home. I was mildly put off by the quality and style of the yellow, smiley-faced plastic containers the bag comes with, but the packability and chill factor make up for this. Be warned, though — while the surface needs to be wet-wiped clean for an ultimate fresh start, the chalk will partially come off if it rubs against your black skirt or your kid's backpack interior.

Apple score: 15 (without containers)

Chill factor: 4-6 hours

Buy it from The Organized Parent.