“There is something very satisfactory about being in the middle of something.” ~Marilyn Hacker
Who said bentos are for little kids? My big kids, middle kids, AND little kids love a bento lunch. In fact, my middle schooler packs his OWN bento lunch, and he’s pretty good at it, too!
This week’s bento is an example of what my 6th grader, whom we call Birdie, takes to school in his bento box. Oh, and did I mention that his bento box has a cool factor of infinity?
Seriously…it’s a samurai warrior. Way cool.
The top layer of this bento box is designed just right for rice, noodles, soups, or other microwavable meals. It has an inner lid that keeps things sealed in, and you can transfer the food into his little “rice bowl” helmet. My kids have even taken dry cereal in it and poured the milk in at lunch time. You can purchase this little samurai kokeshi set HERE, at BentoUSA along with many other designs in this same style.
Yakisoba noodles are a great choice because they are not really saucy, so there is no mess coming home in the bento later. Also, they are still yummy when they are room temperature, so there is no need to make a trip to the microwave. We grate carrots into ours and almost always add peas. Sometimes we use cabbage, and sometimes we use chopped fresh spinach.
You can buy yakisoba noodles and sauce at most Asian markets, and sometimes in the Asian/International food aisle of your grocery store.
The bottom layer is filled just like any other of our bentos…with small portions of assorted snacks. The toadstool food picks was purchased HERE, the little leaf pick HERE, and the acorn food pick HERE…all from BentoUSA.
I used a small circle cutter for the cheese. I stacked them up and put the pick through the middle…
Birdie wi currently perfecting his hashi (chopstick) skills…he likes to try to pick EVERYTHING up with his hashi! His Grampa would be very proud of him…
Happy bento-ing, everyone! And don’t forget…bentos aren’t just for “babies!”
Thanks for stopping by!
Arlee, Small Potatoes
Small Potatoes 
I believe that from looking at these. Be Blessed, Mtetar
We started utilizing the bento boxes around our house a couple years ago when my son was a toddler. We love to be outdoors and wind up eating at parks and the like quite a bit. They are perfect for finger foods for the little ones, and now that my son is getting older, I’m finding them great for nearly everything! I must ask though- how long did it take for your son to master chopsticks? We’re still utilizing a set made for kids (the ends are stuck together with a flexible bunny figurine).
We use those same kind for learning! My littlest son has the kitty ones! Birdie is 11, and has been using the adult chopsticks for about a year now.
Love this! Thank you so much for sharing, especially the links on where to purchase these items online!
You are welcome!! Thank YOU for letting me know the links are appreciated! That makes me happy 🙂
LOVE,LOVE,LOVE it!!!! We are so getting Bento excited around here! My Kaden is 6 with Autism, trying to get him to eat is like moving mountains. I made him a little container with a plastic container this morning and he has gobbled it up…… 😀 Happy Dance!!!!! I will post a pic on my blog soon of my “generic” bento box. I was a bit overwhelmed with the bento box website, so much to pick from. Any suggestions for starters? Here is Kaden’s Blog I will post a pic today! http://kadensaspergerworld.blogspot.com/
Woohooo!! Exciting! I love a good success story! If you go back in the What’s in YOUR Bento series, you’ll find the second post is about the secrets behind the bento and the supply basics. It might help you decide which pieces you will want most! Good luck! I look forward to hearing how it goes!!’
the top of your son birdie’s bento is actually a miso soup bowl!!! i personally dont have that bento but i know that you could technically also include a thermos of hot soup in the winter
or somthing …..\
Yes! We use it as a soup bowl very often! Not always miso, but many times for other homemade soups! 🙂