It's September -- and time to take a lunch to school -- again. A wide array of loadable, lockable and recyclable containers in convenient shapes and sizes makes packing food easy, neat and environmentally friendly, too. Sturdy, spillproof, leak-resistant, stackable, resealable, reusable, microwavable, and freezer- and dishwasher-safe, they're also quite economical, so it's not too terribly heart-wrenching if they get lost or left behind in the lunchroom.

Our favourites include Ziploc Snap 'N Seal containers, with seal-tight lids and indented bottoms for easy handling, and the leak-resistant, wide-mouthed Ziploc Twist 'N Loc containers (perfect for soups and stews). Gladware comes in various lunch-targeted shapes and sizes, including the handy 1/2-cup (125 mL) Mini Rounds, available in packages of eight. DixieWare containers are vented to allow steam to escape during microwaving, and feature handy day-of-the-week buttons to date those leftovers. Other durable brands include the guaranteed air- and water-tight Snapware Snap 'N Lock containers, and the Rubbermaid Seal N Saver containers with tight leak- and spill-resistant seals.

For some new ideas for filling up your child's (and your own) lunch box check out Let's do lunch, a collection of inspiring recipes for school, work or home.