Wrap-n-Mat: reusable sandwich wrapper and placemat

I was loitering in the offices of Values of n the other day when friend and code wizard David produced from his backpack, with great pomp and flourish, a tidy little fabric packet. He was obviously excited about it, although I had no idea why. Then, he set it on the table and opened up the Velcro, and inside was a perfectly lovely egg salad sandwich.

Turns out he got a Wrap-N-Mat for Christmas and was eager to show it off. This reusable wrapper keeps sandwiches fresh for hours, wipes clean easily, and can be used as a placement. When I think of the hundreds of sandwich baggies I go through each year...

David's very smart wife Julie rightly figured this was a great Parent Hack and had plans to email me, so it was just luck that I happened to be in the office to witness it myself.

The fabric choices are odd (fishing lures? poker chips?) but there are some kid-oriented prints. I like "Fun Bugs" the best. "Spiders on lime" isn't bad either, and there's always the classic red-and-white checker. Could be a great addition to your kid's lunchbox.

Tags: Feeding kids, Lunch, Wrap-n-Mat

Comments

[Jim]

Those are really cool.

I hate plastic bags and they seem like a nice alternative.

[marykz]

check out http://www.laptoplunches.com
they have very cool bento-style lunch kits. They have lots of ideas for reducing lunch-trash. They also have fun lunch ideas for kids. As a grown-up (mostly) I use one of these for myself. my 4.y.o. can't really keep track of all the parts. my friend's older kids LOVE them. (8 and 10).

[Brian (dad to 3)]

We just throw the sandwiches in Gladware. If they don't come home, it's not the end of the world (the containers not the kids) and I'm sure they are way less than $6.50 a pop.

[Sara in Austin]

Where were these when *my* mother was reusing the plastic sandwich bags?

[Cathy]

I have one of these, I forgot to take it out of the washer, and it melted a little in the dryer. I bought it mostly for the pattern, anyway (psst..don't tell). I think I'll make one out of oilcloth.

[Graham]

The Wrap-N-Mat also works great as a wrap for breastshields (the suction part of the breast pump); makes it easy to transport them home for washing.

You can also freeze your sandwiches in the mats. I used to make a week's worth at a time --- take them out of the freezer and they're thawed but not spoiled by lunch time.

[Christian]

Save your money, buy the alternative. Its called Tupperware. Lasts longer, food doesn't get squished, stays fresher.