It's a lunch bag! It's a place mat! It's the answer to every germaphobe parent's prayers.

While there are all kinds of kids lunch bags and boxes that I find are really durable and effective, I've long been a fan of the lunch bags from Built NY -- in no small part because the size and styling means I can borrow them from my kids. And now they're out with and extremely smart, innovative lunch bag that I think parents will be happy about. Especially if you're grossed out by the tables and surfaces your kids may be eating off of when you're not around.

Related: 34 of the coolest lunch boxes and bags | Back to School Guide 2016

The convertible placemat lunch bag comes in three fun colors, and is one of those ideas that makes you wonder why no one thought of it sooner. The neoprene lunch bag zips entirely open to lie flat, so it doubles as a cushy placemat. This way, your kids have a clean surface on which to put those apples, goldfish crackers and sandwiches. Well, at least provided you're good about washing out those peanut butter drips and yogurt spills from the inside of the lunch bag every day. That's on you, parents. Find the the Built NY convertible placemat lunch bag from our affiliate Amazon, or learn more at the Built NY website. Thanks to the company for sending one for review consideration. And for more cool lunch boxes and bags for kids, visit our 2016 Back to School Guide