My EasyLunchbox cooler bags come in vibrant colors, but what if you want to get creative and really jazz them up? We’ve seen some super-swell monogramming, puffy paint, designs applied with fabric glue, and lots of decorative name tags. They’re all featured in my cooler bag gallery.
But here’s a fabulous new idea:
Note Pockets!
Melanie Potock is is a speech language pathologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of feeding disorders. She’s also the founder of My Munch Bug, a resource which offers “tricks of the trade to help your little munch bug learn the joy of food.”
A big fan of my EasyLunchboxes, Melanie sent me an email yesterday, along with a fabulous tutorial on how to make these great note pockets on the EasyLunchbox Cooler bag!
She wrote:
I just got a tutorial for a vinyl pocket to be added to the top and inside of an EasyLunchbox Cooler Bag. This is one strategy that I use to help kids focus in the hustle and bustle of the school cafeteria. It’s great for all kids – you can put a note for the teacher in the pocket on top (or perhaps a reminder to “buy milk”, etc.) and then, when the child unzips the cover, they see a private note just for them. For kids with special needs who have trouble focusing, I might include a few steps for them via short sentences or even pictures, such as:
1. Open your lunch first!
2. Remember to talk to your friends while you eat. :)
3. When you are done, pack up and put lunchbox in bin.
4. Stand quietly in line.
5. Congratulations! You did it!
Or, for all kids, I might include a photo of the family’s dog or from a family vacation inside the cover. It’s a nice way to stimulate conversation between kids. In my experience visiting many school cafeterias, I have learned that a parent’s #1 priority at lunchtime is nutrition. The child’s #1 priority at lunchtime is making friends. EasyLunchboxes makes a nutritious lunch quick and within easy reach so that kids can “grab and gab” while they laugh and giggle with their buddies and have a little down time before heading back to the classroom. Everybody wins!
You do know how much a love note can mean to your child, right? ….
Special thanks to the oh-so-talented Rachel of Eljah*B for creating the tutorial/making the pockets, and to Melanie for sharing this wonderful idea!
How have you decorated YOUR cooler bag?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
This is actually a cool idea- I might try it for myself. Who says I can’t leave myself notes?
The outer note pocket would also be a good place to put a note about an allergy or food sensitivity. When I was younger, our lunchrooms were computerized (we had PIN numbers to pay for food). My account said I was only allowed to have treats on Fridays. The outer pocket would serve the same purpose.
For older kids, the outer pocket could be like those binders with the clear windows in them. I’m sure a number of preteen and teenage girls would love putting pictures of their friends and making a little collage there- and it’s a temporary design, so they can swap pictures over time.
I might try the outer pocket for my new pink lunchbox- or at the very least I’m thinking about different colored round buttons for the design. I love the buttons on this one!
I think this has tons of possibilities too Lissa! The best part is that you can change the design every day if you want just by inserting a new picture. Def would be a hit with teenage girls. You know I’m gonna have to start sewing these on for my two who are still at home (11 and 13).
Unfortunately, I’m not that skilled when it comes to arts and crafts- especially sewing. I can sew decorative buttons onto things, but that’s the extent of my skills.
Lissa Kristine is the cool author of..FtSoLK: Whether I’m Dieting or Not
I totally LOVE this! And I’m so excited there’s a tutorial! AND, this idea actually goes PERFECTLY with the idea I posted today about a lunch box comment card!
http://www.justabunchofmomsense.com/2011/09/lunch-box-round-up-8-and-surprise.html
Now, let’s just hope I can convince my tween that this is actually “cool.” ; )
Thanks for sharing, Kelly & Rachel!
Becka
Becka @ Just a Bunch of Momsense is the cool author of..Lunch box Round Up #8 and a Surprise!
Totally amazing that you posted your wonderful comment card download today too Becka! I’m going to add it to my resources list on my website as well as here: http://www.easylunchboxes.com/blog/lunch-box-note-inspires-a-love-song/ LOVE IT!!!
Awesome, Kelly! Thanks so much!
I know! What a crazy coincidence, huh? ; )
Becka @ Just a Bunch of Momsense is the cool author of..Lunch box Round Up #8 and a Surprise!
I saw this and LOVE the idea, but I do have a question. Since you are sewing all the way through the lunchbox, does it affect keeping things cool, leaking, etc?
Hi Beth – No. It should have no effect on how long the items stay cool in the bag. Generally, with a large ice block and the container(s) full of already chilled food (say from overnight in the fridge), my cooler bag will keep things cool for about 5-6 hours, if NOT left in any kind of heat. Like if you have them inside at room temp.
{ 1 trackback }