Cat And Jack Bento Box

As a parent, packing nutritious and fun lunches for your kids is a top priority. That’s why bento boxes have become such a popular lunchbox option. Bento boxes allow you to pack a variety of foods into neat compartments, while keeping everything portable and leak-proof. The Cat And Jack bento box line is an excellent choice with cute designs, high quality materials, and affordable prices.

I’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you learn all about Cat And Jack bento boxes. We’ll cover where to buy them, cost, key features, reviews, how to use them, and much more. Let’s dive in!

What is a Cat And Jack Bento Box?

Cat And Jack is an exclusive kids brand sold at Target. Their bento box line offers colorful and creatively designed lunchboxes perfect for school lunches or travel.

The bento boxes have multiple compartments to hold entrees, snacks, dips, fruits, and vegetables. They come in fun patterns and themes that kids love, like unicorns, space adventure, and underwater sea creatures.

The bento boxes are available in different sizes, ranging from small portioned toddler boxes up to large boxes for big kid appetites. They are made from food-safe and BPA-free plastic for durable, long-lasting use.

Where To Buy Cat And Jack Bento Boxes

Cat And Jack bento boxes are sold exclusively at Target stores and on Target.com. They offer free order pick up and same day delivery through Shipt in many areas.

The bento boxes can be found in the lunchbox section of the kids department. Target frequently runs sales and deals where you can save up to 25% off Cat And Jack lunchboxes.

You can also find a large selection of Cat And Jack bento boxes any time by shopping online at Target.com. Search for “Cat And Jack bento box” to see all the cute patterns and designs.

How Much Does A Cat And Jack Bento Box Cost?

Cat And Jack bento boxes are very affordable, with prices ranging from $8-$15. The smaller portioned toddler size boxes are on the lower end around $8-$12. The larger big kid boxes with more compartments cost $12-$15.

The unicorn and space themed boxes are often the most expensive, costing $14-$15. But you can frequently find these bento boxes on sale for $2-$5 off regular prices at Target.

Overall, Cat And Jack bento boxes offer fantastic value for the fun designs and good quality. The price is budget-friendly for most families.

Key Features of Cat And Jack Bento Boxes

Here are some of the great features that make Cat And Jack bento boxes a top lunchbox choice:

• Cute patterns and colors: Vibrant images of unicorns, rockets, sharks and more that kids love.
• Multiple compartments: Allows you to pack a variety of foods to make lunch fun.
• Leak-proof lids: Tight sealing lids keep foods and liquids securely inside.
• Durable plastic: Made from BPA-free and food-safe materials to last through daily use.
• Affordable price: Budget-friendly costs ranging from $8-$15.
• Portable sizes: Compact containers are easy for kids to carry.
• Vent holes: Allow airflow to keep food fresh.
• Dividers and utensils: Many boxes come with handy dividers and reusable cutlery.

Are Cat And Jack Bento Boxes Dishwasher Safe?

Yes, you can safely wash Cat And Jack bento boxes on the top rack of the dishwasher. The durable plastic materials hold up well to high heat washing.

Be sure to remove any rubber lid seals before putting the bento box in the dishwasher. The seals can deteriorate over time in high heat. Washing the seals by hand allows them to last longer.

You can also safely hand wash the boxes with warm soapy water. Use a bottle brush to thoroughly clean inside the compartments. Allow to fully air dry before re-use.

What Colors Are Available?

Cat And Jack bento boxes come in a whole spectrum of fun, vibrant colors! Here are some of the most popular color choices:

• Pink and purple unicorn boxes
• Blue space themed boxes with planets and rockets
• Turquoise blue with colorful fish and sharks
• Green dinosaur and jungle prints
• Black and white panda bear motifs
• Red ladybug and white daisy floral patterns

You’re sure to find a color palette that fits your child’s interests and personality. The variety of themes allows kids to show off their unique style at lunchtime.

How To Clean A Cat And Jack Bento Box

Here are some tips for keeping your Cat And Jack bento looking like new:

• Hand wash with warm soapy water after each use. Use a bottle brush for hard-to-reach areas.
• Check for stains inside the lids and compartments. Spot clean any remnants of sauces or foods.
• Sanitize weekly by soaking the bento box in a vinegar and water solution. Rinse thoroughly.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the plastic. Stick to mild dish soaps.
• Inspect for cracks or cloudiness in the plastic which can indicate damage. Replace if needed.
• Allow to air dry fully before packing to prevent bacteria growth.

Proper cleaning keeps the bento sanitary while extending its lifespan. Be gentle yet thorough for optimal results.

What Materials Are Cat And Jack Bento Boxes Made From?

Cat And Jack bento boxes are constructed from high quality, food-safe plastic materials. The plastic is BPA-free and meets FDA standards for use with food.

Many of the bento boxes feature a silicone seal around the perimeter of the lid. This flexible material allows the lid to clamp down tightly for a leak-resistant seal.

The latches and hinges are made from durable plastic as well. Some of the dividers inside the bento compartments may be constructed from polypropylene plastic.

Overall, the plastics used are kid-friendly, impact resistant, and designed for daily use. The materials hold up well to frequent cleaning and reuse.

Can You Microwave Cat And Jack Bento Boxes?

Cat And Jack bento boxes are designed for packing cold lunches, not for microwave heating. The plastic material is not intended for use in the microwave.

If you want to pack hot foods, it’s recommended to use a thermos in conjunction with the bento box. Fill the thermos with hot soups, pastas, or entrees to keep warm.

You can microwave the foods before packing them into the thermos. This allows you to safely warm the items while keeping the bento box parts intact.

Bento Box Capacity and Size Options

Cat And Jack offers bento boxes in three convenient sizes:

• Small (2 compartments): Holds about 1-2 kid-sized portions. Great for toddlers or light eaters. Typically under 500ml capacity.
• Medium (3-4 compartments): Holds 2-3 kid-sized portions. Ideal for most elementary aged kids. Around 500-700ml capacity.
• Large (5+ compartments): Holds 4+ kid-sized portions. Made for big eaters and high schoolers. Usually over 1000ml capacity.

When shopping, think about your child’s appetite and packable foods to determine the best size. There are also smaller dip containers available to accompany the larger bento boxes.

Reviews of The Cat And Jack Bento Box

The Cat And Jack bento box line receives consistently positive reviews online:

• “My daughter loves her new unicorn bento box. The compartments make it easy to pack a variety of foods she likes.”
• “This bento box is awesome quality. The plastic feels very durable and it seals tightly with no leaks.”
• “I love how affordable these are. Much cheaper than the brand name bento boxes but just as functional.”
• “The portion size of the toddler bento box is perfect for my preschooler. She can finish the whole thing.”
• “We’ve used our space adventure bento all year with no issues. It cleans up great and still looks brand new.”

For cute designs, leak-proof performance, and budget price, Cat And Jack bento boxes tick all the boxes. Most parents are very satisfied with the quality and function.

How Does It Compare To Other Brands?

The main advantages of Cat And Jack bentos compared to bigger brands like Bentgo and PlanetBox are:

• Lower cost – Up to 50% less than big name brands
• Fun colors and prints – Very trendy and youthful aesthetic
• Lightweight – Compact and easy for kids to carry
• Good variety – Many styles and themes to choose from

The tradeoffs are:

• Less compartment options – Usually under 5 compartments
• Not as durable over time – May eventually stain or crack
• Less leak resistance – Gasket seals can wear out

Overall, Cat And Jack provides great value for the cost, with comparable quality to the pricier brands. The fun designs cater well to kids’ preferences.

What Age Groups Are Cat And Jack Bento Boxes For?

Here are the recommended age groups for the different size Cat And Jack bento boxes:

• Toddler size: Best for ages 2-5 years old. The smaller portions are ideal for preschoolers.
• Medium size: Optimal for elementary school kids ages 5-9 years old. Gives them just enough food.
• Large size: Great for big kids ages 8-14. The high school range can handle the larger quantities.

Of course, serve sizes can vary individually. But these age ranges are a helpful guide when choosing a size. Match it to your child’s appetite and nutrition needs.

Are The Lids Leak Proof?

The lids on Cat And Jack bento boxes are designed to provide a very tight, leak-resistant seal. The rim of the lid has a flexible silicone gasket that clamps down onto the base.

When you snap the lid closed, the silicone compresses to prevent spills or leaks. Many parents report the boxes are 100% leak-proof when fully closed.

However, it is important to inspect the gasket regularly for wear and tear. Over time, the seal can degrade, increasing chances of leaks. Avoid overstuffing the box, which can break the seal.

How To Pack A Cat And Jack Bento Box

Here are some tips for packing balanced, delicious lunches in a Cat And Jack bento:

• Fill larger compartments with entrees like sandwiches, grain bowls, or pasta. Use dividers to separate.
• Place fruits and veggies in smaller compartments – cherry tomatoes, apple slices, snap peas work great.
• Add small dips or dressings like hummus, salsa, yogurt dip with pretzels or crackers.
• Toss in fun finger foods like cheese, nuts, turkey meat rolls.
• Get creative with shapes using cookie cutters on fruits, veggies, sandwiches.
• Write encouraging notes on napkins or pack cute jokes to make them smile!

With multiple compartments, you can provide nutrition, variety, and fun in one portable box.

Unique Cat And Jack Bento Box Designs

Beyond the colorful prints, Cat And Jack offers some bento boxes with unique shapes and features:

• Two tiered boxes with stacking trays for extra space
• Silicone cups that attach onto lids for dips or dressings
• Bento kits with reusable utensils like forks and spoons
• Interlocking shape boxes that connect together
• Heart-shaped and star-shaped bentos for holidays
• Themed boxes with ** decorated scenes** inside like unicorn forests or rocket ships

Kids will love the different shapes and built-in features that make lunchtime more interactive. The designs encourage healthy eating in a fun way.

Where Are Cat And Jack Bento Boxes Manufactured?

Cat And Jack bento boxes are designed in-house by Target product developers. However, the actual manufacturing is outsourced to factories overseas.

According to the packaging labels, most Cat And Jack bento boxes originate from China. A few boxes indicate origins in Thailand as well.

The bento boxes are imported to the United States after production. Target maintains ethical sourcing standards for all their children’s products and conducts factory audits.

However, exact manufacturing details are not transparent or disclosed to consumers. The low prices reflect the overseas sourcing and production methods.

Do They Come With Utensils?

While the basic Cat And Jack bento boxes do not include utensils, you can purchase them as a set:

• The 3-piece bento kit comes with a plastic spoon, fork, and chopsticks.
• The utensils fit into their own removable storage tray or pouch inside the bento.
• The kits are available in popular themes like unicorns, space, and underwater creatures.
• Prices for the 3-piece kit range from $10-12 depending on the theme.
• Target frequently includes the utensils kit for free with the purchase of a large bento box.

Having reusable cutlery packed right inside makes for easy eating anywhere. No more plastic sporks from the cafeteria!

How To Replace Parts of a Cat And Jack Bento Box

With repeated use over time, certain components of a Cat And Jack bento may wear out or get lost. Here are some tips for replacing parts:

• Silicone gaskets: Purchase replacement lids (around $5) for a fresh leak-proof seal.
• Plastic latches or hinges: Use super glue to re-attach any broken pieces.
• Dividers: Cut homemade dividers from plastic sheets or purchase silicone dividers.
• Utensils: Order missing fork, spoon etc individually or buy a full utensil set.
• Lids: Buy just a new lid or tray piece instead of the entire box.
• Contact Target support: They may send free replacement parts if under warranty.

DIY repairs using glue or generic pieces can fix most issues inexpensively.

Finding Deals on Cat And Jack Bento Boxes

Here are some tips to save money on Cat And Jack bento boxes:

• Shop sales in August/September for back to school deals. Bento boxes are often 50% off.
• Check Target clearance sections in-store and online for discounts on old stock.
• Sign up for Target’s kids registry. You’ll get a completion coupon for 15-20% off a future order.
• Buy Target gift cards at a discount on sites like Raise or CardCash to save 5% or more.
• Purchase open box/returned bentos online at steep discounts. Inspect carefully upon arrival.
• Stack coupons, promo codes and Target Circle offers for maximum savings.

With flexible options from sales to secondhand, you can easily buy these bento boxes on a budget.

Conclusion

From portion sizes to patterns and materials to price points, this guide covers everything you need to select the perfect Cat And Jack bento box. Their colorful, creative lunchboxes make packing nutritious meals fun. Kids are sure to love showing off their new unicorn or shark bento at school. With a little planning, you can assemble balanced bento box lunches they’ll look forward to each day.