CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Tupperware lunch products include an insulated bag that displays a photo and colorful containers that fit inside.

Lunch-in-a-box

The lunch box began as a
simple accessory, but my
how it has changed

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By Nancy Arcayna
narcayna@starbulletin.com

Lunch boxes started as recycled tins, but have evolved over 200 years into high-tech specialty items that can cost more than a year's worth of lunches.

The highest price on record paid for a lunch box was $11,999.99, for a 1954 Superman lunch box in mint condition. It was purchased by Jeffery Landes on eBay.

Collectors such as Landes find a taste of their youth in the metal and vinyl lunch boxes they once toted to school. Landes purchased his first Superman lunch box for $7,000 at an antique show. "One side showed Superman doing battle with a robot. The other side showed Superman in several poses."

It's extremely rare to find old lunchboxes in mint condition, Landes said. "Not many were manufactured and those that were sold received hard use."

The purchase enhanced his collection of mechanical tin and celluloid Superman toys, he said. "I decided the price could not stand in the way."

He then went after a matching lunch box, even though the cost was nearly $12,000. "It was like a new set of bookends -- I could display both sides of the box at once now."

Certainly, the lunch box has come a long way since the early 1800s, when people used empty tobacco, cookie and biscuit tins as lunch pails.

Today, we can choose from an array of innovative styles, with technology evolving from tin pails to insulated bags. We even have snazzy containers to carry inside our lunch pouches.

It's an important choice. After all, we are what we carry (or at least youngsters think so).

Here are some options

Tupperware

>> The new Picture Perfect insulated lunch bag features a clear sleeve to hold a 4-by-6-inch photograph or a note, good for youngsters who need some words of encouragement or a peek at a friendly face to get through the day. Mesh side pockets hold a small toy or comfort item. Adjustable straps hook on to a backpack, allowing for hands-free carrying. They come in turquoise/pink or red/black. ($19.95)

>> To keep order inside the lunch box, round sandwich keepers are made for bagels, Kaiser rolls or English muffins and have a separate container for condiments ($14 for two). A Keep 'N' Heat container is shaped for pizza slices ($12). One-piece sandwich keepers have attached lids with easy-open clasps ($10 for two).

>> Lunch sets showcase kid-friendly designs, including Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. They come with a tumbler and sandwich keeper that fit snugly inside ($15).

If you don't know a Tupperware salesperson, visit the company's kiosk at the Ala Moana Center. Tupperware products offer a lifetime warranty. Any piece -- even one that has been discontinued -- will be replaced if it cracks, breaks or chips.

Coleman

>> The Take 6 Cooler is meant to hold canned drinks, but could make a lunch bag for adults or kids. A side pocket is designed to hold a cell phone, and can also be used for utensils. An internal mesh pocket holds ice packs or snacks. Costs around $5 at discount stores.

Rubbermaid

>> Take Alongs are disposable, divided containers for neatly packing lunch. A pack of four costs around $2. A four-pack of 9-ounce bottles is available for $2 at discount stores.

Lunchboxes.com

Traditional to trendy lunch boxes are sold on this Web site for $9.95 to $500 and above:

>> The Mod Lunch Box Backpack by Thermos is available for $17.25. Children's lunch backpacks range from $9.25 to $13.25, and come in a variety of popular designs.

>> Soft plastic boxes are available for $13.25 to $15.35. Matching thermoses are a few dollars more.

>> Collectible lunchboxes are also available on the site. Among the styles, a 1976 Spiderman lunchbox is selling for $410.25; a 1954 Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck goes for $535.25; or an Ozzy Ozbourne box costs $215.25.

Munchkin

This company makes ice packs in designs including Oreo cookies, baseballs, M&M's, football and soccer balls and flowers. At Wal-Mart and other discount stores for about $1.50 per piece.

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