Shinzi Katoh bento boxes get me more excited to pack my kids' lunches. And that's saying something.

I know every week lately, one of us shows up here saying OMG I found the cutest lunchbox EVER, but I think I may have just topped them all with the Shinzi Katoh Japanese bento boxes for kids. Spotted at the adorable e-boutique My Sweet M…

Shinzi Katoh bento boxes get me more excited to pack my kids' lunches. And that's saying something.
I know every week lately, one of us shows up here saying OMG I found the cutest lunchbox EVER, but I think I may have just topped them all with the Shinzi Katoh Japanese bento boxes for kids.

Spotted at the adorable e-boutique My Sweet Muffin, each bento box features absolutely charming designs from the popular Japanese artist, featuring birds, bunnies, or his interpretation of characters like Pinnochio or "Princess Mermaid." Guaranteed, they will make you happy.

The small, snack-size single box with two small compartments side by side is a snap for even my preschooler to open and close by herself and would be a great alternative to baggies when you're toting Goldfish and Cheerios in the diaper bag. You can slide the middle divider side to side or take it out completely. Then the double-decker bento box with two trays is perfect for complete if small meals (no Dagwood sandwiches) and is still compact enough for a toddler sized backpack. You can even pair it with a matching toddler fork.

Suddenly, I'm not dreading packing my daughter's lunches this year. In fact, it's going to be fun figuring out what to do with all those little compartments. -Liz

Find bento boxes for children from Shinzi Katoh at My Sweet Muffin

More in KidsView all picks →

shannon hale princess in black book and author

Q&A with children’s book author Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is the bestselling author behind The Princess in Black series. It's a favorite early chapter book series for kids ages 5–8 and boys love it as much as girls do. Her newest book, Princess in Black and the Trick or Treating Trouble, comes out just in time for Halloween. We talked with her about it as part of our Q&A author series and asked about a few of her favorite things too.

Explore Build-a-Bear

Some Not-So-Spooky Fun this Halloween

How can Build-A-Bear be used for Halloween costumes? Let kids create a spooky Build-A-Bear sidekick to incorporate into their costume, which can help the costume be enjoyed beyond Halloween.

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Cool Mom Picks readers, we are so excited to launch a new series for you. We are obsessed book lovers over here at the CMP headquarters, and we have a particular soft spot for children's books (even though we're moving our kids into coll…