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Back to School. Lunch in affordable style. Citizenpip Soup to Nuts Kit (Closed)

August 21, 2010 By Tanya 81 Comments

Tucker starts Junior Kindergarten on Tuesday. He is so excited! I am sad to see my baby go off to school, but excited to see him start this path in his life. Some have asked me what Junior Kindergarten is; so I wanted to explain what it is with this post. Tucker had been in preschool for the last 2 years and he is really excited to be able to attend a school, with all his friends, all day, every day. The first thing that he asked me about when he found out that he was going to Junior Kindergarten was ‘Do I get to take a lunch box??’

We had the much appreciated opportunity to check out a fun lunch set from Citizenpip.

Skull set: Soup to Nuts Kit

I was recently introduced to Citizenpip and once I checked out their website, I fell in love! We have been looking around and pricing lunch sets, so this was a perfect opportunity to put some local lunch boxes and added items side by side with the Soup to Nuts Kit that we received from Citizenpip.

First, before we get to the comparison, I wanted to walk you through who Citizenpip is. They are a company that was inspired by the belief that making small changes in our daily habits, so they ventured off to which has made a huge impact on our lives as well as those that are green. Citizenpip makes a fun line of reusable, muck-free lunch gear.

With the school year about to start for some of us and the school year already begun for others, check out the new fun line of new Fall 2010 line just in time for Back to School. As environmental awareness grows and more schools require kids to bring a waste-free lunch to school, there is increasing demand for practical and stylish waste-free lunch solutions.

MG Details

THE SOUP TO NUTS KIT INCLUDES:

The Soup to Nuts Kit gives you lots of options for packing lunch. With four BPA-free airtight food containers, including one that perfectly fits a sandwich, and an insulated double-wall stainless steel food jar that keeps food hot or cold, it gives you maximum flexibility! PB&J one day and mac n’ cheese the next day? No problem! You can pack pretty much anything your kids want to eat for lunch. Added perks, no squished sandwiches, 1 napkin for each day of the week, and a water bottle that does double-duty as an ice pack. Included is a stainless steel fork and spoon set for spaghetti twirling and soup slurping.

Price for this set: $69.00

What I like about the set that we received is that it contains everything that we need for Tucker’s school year lunch needs. What if you don’t need the entire set? Well, you can pretty much make your own package, around the budget that you have.

Don’t need the entire set? Well, you can start with a starter kit for 42.00:

Need a bit more, but don’t really need the bag? Maybe you have your own lunch box or lunch bag already, but you would love all the components. You can get the BYOB KIT for $59.00

If you already have one of the above lunch sets, or don’t have any of them, but you would like some of the components, but not all of them; you can purchase items individually. In my case, I have a Junior Kindergartner and he may lose pieces, so it’s nice to know that I can replace the items I need without having to buy the whole set again.

  • INSULATED LUNCH BAG $15.00
  • WATER BOTTLE $12.00
  • INSULATED FOOD JAR $15.00
  • AIRTIGHT CONTAINERS $3.00
  • FORK+SPOON SET $5.00
  • 100% COTTON NAPKINS (set of 5) $15.00

MG thoughts

We have been looking around, pricing all sorts of options and I have to say that the local options just don’t appeal to either of us. Sure you can get a comic lunch pail that every other child has, a lunch box that will most likely fall apart in just a few short months, and what about all the things that you need to fill the lunch box? Once you start pricing the lunch box, thermos, insulated food/soup container, containers to store food in, disposable utensils & napkins, this really adds up. I thought about using some of my own plastic containers that I have in my cabinet currently, but then the thought of leakage came to mind, so I would have to buy all those dishes for him to use for his lunches.

Just as I was told, are the things that I love!

  • waste-free: eliminates waste from disposable food wrappers, baggies, plastic utensils, paper napkins, etc.
  • muck-free: tested by a CPSIA certififed lab to be free of lead, BPA, and phthalates
  • flexible: accommodates other containers and food items. go ahead! throw in that banana or orange!
  • practical: easy to clean, airtight, leakproof, protects food from getting smushed
  • made for kids: fun colors, easy to open and close, perfectly sized for snacks, lightweight and durable

I have to add fun & affordable. I will be bluntly honest here and say that when I saw the price of $69.00 for this set, I thought it was a bit steep – BUT – after comparing what we did just this last week, this set is very affordable!

Here are some comparisons from a local retailer on some similar items that are included in the Nuts to Soup kit that you see above.

  • Insulated Lunch Box: $12.99
  • Water bottle/metal: $9.99-$19.99
  • Soup Thermos: $13.99
  • Containers: $8.99
  • For the Fork & Spoon, I was personally thinking about buying plastic disposables. Box: $3.49 (then you have to keep buying, throw away)
  • Same thing for the napkins: Estimated $2.00/package

This total start up would have been an estimate of $51.45, but this is for a portion of what you would get with the Nuts to Soup set above, which is very well made, nice to look at, and you get a lot of components inside it – so when I broke down the prices, the Citizenpip is very affordable.

While the lunches that are offered at Tucker’s school will be pretty affordable each day, we plan on making his lunch to help save money that we could easily save for the holidays. When I made dinner for the family in the evenings, I always make a little more so that hubby can have lunch at work, but this year Tucker will be able to have some leftovers as well for his lunches as well. Why give your child a sack lunch of PB&J every day when you can Citizenpip-it-up in a fun lunch kit that can help save your family money from not having to pay for school meals – plus, you will know what your child is eating since you packed it.

Overall – love the Citizenpip Soup to Nuts Kit and would definitely recommend this set for any back to school student that is taking their lunches to school this school year!


MG purchasing info

For more information about the Skull set that we reviewed above, or to check out the other fun styles that are available, please visit http://citizenpip.com. Be sure to enter coupon code mommygoggles10 at check out and you will receive a nice 10% off your order!

Mommy Goggles gives this product:
Rating: ★★★★★
Why this rating? This is a star rating (1-5) that is based off our opinion on the product itself, use, wear & tear, price and how it fits in to our family’s lives (at home or on the go).

All opinions in this posting are 100% my own.

Mommy Goggles is FTC Compliant

win it

  • One winner will receive a Citizenpip Starter Kit (in any style)

Includes:

  • insulated lunch bag
  • stainless steel water bottle
  • four airtight containers

MSRP $42

how to enter

  • Go to http://citizenpip.com
  • Come back here and post to me if you pack your child’s lunch, why and/or what you like to do to their lunch to put a smile on their face when they open their lunch.
  • ALSO, post to me what style you would choose from http://citizenpip.com

extra entries

  • Twitter the giveaway (copy & paste text below to Twitter. Leave link on comment entry) -OR- You can click the TWEET THIS button on the top or bottom of this post, it will take you directly to Twitter & it will write your tweet for you. Tweet & bring the link back here! You can tweet daily, but be sure to leave your link here, but you must also have the initial entry as asked above!

    • I just entered the Citizenpip Lunch Starter Kit Giveaway #MommyGoggles! http://tinyurl.com/23gxqov

  • Blog about this giveaway (leave link on comment entry)

details

  • Winner will be chosen at Random and backed up by post content.
  • Winner will be contacted via Email. If no response in 48 hours, another winner will be drawn
  • For more specifics on how winners are drawn, click here
  • Winners are posted here for reference
  • US entries only
  • Contest ends on September, 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm Central Time
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About Tanya
After working professionally in computer information technology, as well as prior work in the telecommunications industry, Tanya Gordon relocated to southwest Iowa in conjunction with her husband’s job. Mommy Goggles launched over 5 years ago, rising to prominence as a national Mom Blogger and highly sought after by brands to work closely with them on their reach to Mom consumers. In addition, Tanya happily parents two wondrous children who despite best efforts still have been known to engage in ongoing sibling squabbles: Tucker, 6, and Kambry, 3 1/2.You can read more about Tanya here.

Comments

  1. 81
    heather c says:
    September 5, 2010 at 11:40 PM

    I do make the lunches, except some Fridays. I like to put a small piece of chocolate or a ginger lemon cookie in the lunch container to make her smile. Sometimes, I write jokes for her to read. I adore the Polkadot Style!!

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    Gianna says:
    September 5, 2010 at 11:25 PM

    I do and I like to pack their favorite treats and notes.
    I like the patchwork.

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    Melanie says:
    September 5, 2010 at 11:10 PM

    Well, I don’t have any children, but Im a college student and I pack my own lunch.
    I like the Patchwork style.

  4. 78
    Sand says:
    September 5, 2010 at 10:40 PM

    I put notes or stickers and the occasional candy treat.

    The soup to nuts kit is my favorite.

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    susan says:
    September 5, 2010 at 8:37 PM

    I pack my daughters lunch every day, and I like to leave little notes to brighten her day with her lunch. suelee1998 @gmail.com

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    Deb K says:
    September 5, 2010 at 8:27 PM

    My kids are all grown now,but I have grandchildren and when I pack their lunch I like to put little notes in there for them to find.And,I also like to put a little extra! ;-)

    And our favorite design is the Patchwork.

  9. 73
    Deb K says:
    September 5, 2010 at 8:26 PM

    My kids are all grown now,but I have grandchildren and when I pack their lunch I like to put little notes in there for them to find.And,I also like to put a little extra! ;-)

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    Stacey M says:
    September 5, 2010 at 7:42 PM

    I sometimes pack my son’s lunch when the school has food that he won’t touch. When packing his lunch, I try to include a piece of his favorite candy to brighten his day.

    I like the skull style for the lunch kit.

  12. 70
    Michelle H. says:
    September 5, 2010 at 7:03 PM

    I have a large family. Some get lunch at school. Others pack their lunches. My kindergartener has to bring hers. I like the patchwork style.

  13. 69
    Jordan B says:
    September 5, 2010 at 10:16 AM

    tweeted! (@Gobronson)

    Jordan B

    oneadem@gmail.com

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    Jordan B says:
    September 5, 2010 at 10:15 AM

    I always pack my son’s lunch because he is such a fuss pot when it comes to eating. I like to know he’s getting a lunch that he’s going to actually eat!

    I like the Skull design!

    Jordan B

    oneadem@Gmail.com

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    Laura Benjamin says:
    September 5, 2010 at 6:56 AM

    I love the Patchwork style.

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    Laura Benjamin says:
    September 5, 2010 at 6:55 AM

    I pack their lunches as the lunch lines are so long and their lunch hour so short that there are times when they do not have time to eat. There is just something nice about packing their lunches every morning. I like to make a happy face on the top slice of their bread in the sandwiches I make. It makes them happy at lunchtime and makes me happy thinking of them smile when they open their lunch.

  18. 64
    Tiffany Christie says:
    September 5, 2010 at 2:29 AM

    http://twitter.com/tiffypixie/status/23041301208 – I tweeted – Tiffypoot @ (aol.com)

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    Tiffany Christie says:
    September 5, 2010 at 2:28 AM

    My daughter is getting a little independent and wants to pack her own lunch now but I’ll slip a note in every once in a awhile telling her I love her. My fav design is the polka dotted one. ….Tiffypoot @ (aol.com)

  20. 62
    katklaw777 says:
    September 5, 2010 at 1:46 AM

    We are a rural community and our lunch program is pretty good.
    The local paper prints the menu the week before and the kids and I write on the calender which days they are buying and which days they are bringing.
    They both luv peanut butter and jelly(actually I use all fruit without sugar) and veggies cut with the crinkle cutter(they taste better I swear!) and dip. They like ants on a log too. We stuff our celery logs with lite cream cheese and the ants are usually dried cranberries.
    Also as a treat cause we don’t have candy often at home, I will put in a small packet of M&M’s or a single wrapped Twizzler.(their favs)
    :good:
    I like the Patchwork lunch tote, thanks.

  21. 61
    kim says:
    September 4, 2010 at 10:48 PM

    I do pack my child’s lunch, but he is older and doesn’t want his friends to know that his mom put a note in it. I liked the poladot kit.

  22. 60
    Viva says:
    September 4, 2010 at 8:56 PM

    I pack lunches every day, it’s much healthier than buying. And I like to draw a smiley face on the napkin. I love the skull style set, thanks! :good:

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    Kimbuckjr says:
    September 4, 2010 at 6:30 PM

    MANDATORY ENTRY: I usually pack my daughter’s lunch. Mainly because I like to know she is eating the right things. I know California has ‘guidelines’ on what can and cannot be served for school lunches, but still, I like to make sure she eats healthy! I also like to put little ‘LOVE’ notes in her lunch, telling her how much I love her and that I hope she has a GREAT day @ school!

    And..the style I would choose is the PatchWork lunch tote. These lunchboxes are adorable! I love ‘em.

    kimbuckjr@yahoo.com

  27. 55
    Adam says:
    September 4, 2010 at 12:24 PM

    I like the Patchwork style and my sister would enjoy these.

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    Michael says:
    September 4, 2010 at 7:59 AM

    We pack our kids’ lunches daily – typically a sandwich, chips and fruit. And on occasion, we’ll sneak in a Reese’s or some other treat to brighten up their day. Also, we prefer the sport style Citizenpip Starter Kit. :)

  30. 52
    corrie says:
    September 3, 2010 at 9:42 PM

    i perfer to pack my kids lunches i always have put a note in thier lunches that says i love you everyday. they love it. :yahoo:

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    Jenn S. says:
    September 3, 2010 at 9:51 AM

    I pack my kids lunches everday. They are picky eaters and the school cafeteria is somewhat lacking in taste (ok, everything tastes like cardboard). I like to put in little notes or have themed lunches every once in awhile with stickers . They love it. jas8929(at)gmail(dot)com

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    Tiffany says:
    August 30, 2010 at 1:27 PM

    My daughter has one more year of preschool but will go to Kindergarten the next school year where I will definitely be packing her lunch! But for know, we take lots of trips to the park and my girls love to pack lunches and have picnic’s at the park. I love the patchwork style best!

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    Peggy Gorman says:
    August 30, 2010 at 6:47 AM

    My DIL packs a lunch for my granddaughter . I know she loves pudding and when she opens her lunch ,I know she is going to have a great day!! Also a note to say “I love you” helps!! :yahoo:

    Peggy Gorman Reply:
    August 30th, 2010 at 6:50 AM

    The soup to nuts Polka dot style is perfect for Cricket!! :yahoo:

  44. 38
    Caramel Cutie says:
    August 28, 2010 at 3:46 PM

    My son likes the Skulls. He is starting Kindergarten and I will be packing his lunch daily.

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    Jennifer M says:
    August 27, 2010 at 3:11 PM

    My husband packs her lunch! I’d choose Skull.

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    Kerrie Mayans says:
    August 27, 2010 at 2:24 PM

    I do pack my kids lunches. With four kids and at $5 a hot lunch, that ends up being, $100 a week. I can feed them much cheaper than that. I sometimes cut their sandwiches with cookie cutters into shapes they like like butter flys or dinos and give them fruit and foods they like.

    I would pick the patchwork starter kit if I won.

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    Jenna @ For The Love of Baby! says:
    August 25, 2010 at 3:57 PM

    I obviously don’t pack a lunch yet but I plan on putting little notes inside when I send the girls off to school :) I like the Patchwork designs!

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    Monique Rizzo says:
    August 24, 2010 at 1:41 PM

    We have treat day! Once a week my daughter will find a small candy bar or goodie in her lunchbag. She never knows which day. She loves it!
    Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

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    evelyn says:
    August 24, 2010 at 10:12 AM

    I’d llike the red

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    kimbuckjr says:
    August 24, 2010 at 5:18 AM

    MANDATORY ENTRY: ‘IF’ I win (oh my gosh, I really need to win, my daughter has been talking about this lunch system ever since I showed it to her. Oh sheesh, I really hope LUCK is on my side…if you know what I mean!) I would pick the ‘PATCHWORK’ lunch system. What an adorable design!!! “Mommy likey!” Hee-hee-hee!

    Also, to get my daughter to smile when she opens her lunch box/container (I ALWAYS pack her lunch) I usually put a silly drawings that I draw of our pets or of her dad! They are quite imaginative and hilarious if I do say so myself. hee-hee-hee! ;-)

    And to my surprise, when she gets home and hands me her lunch box/container to clean out and pack up for the next day, she will usually place a test or assignment in the container with an A or A+ and that ALWAYS makes me smile!

    Thank you for this totally awesome opportunity to win a great prize! I really hope I win! Really!!!

    kimbuckjr@yahoo.com :yahoo:

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    Tabathia B says:
    August 23, 2010 at 8:16 PM

    I pack her lunch maybe 2-3 days a week and I like the patchwork style
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

  64. 18
    Mary-Frances C. says:
    August 23, 2010 at 4:41 PM

    My daughter would love the Patchwork pattern. This would make her smile because she (along with my other daughters) love eating things out of little containers. The reusable cloth napkins are perfect too!
    mommieseatsoggycereal at gmail dot com

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    phxbne says:
    August 23, 2010 at 3:03 PM

    I pack lunches every day – I like the patchwork kit

  67. 15
    Christine W says:
    August 23, 2010 at 12:47 PM

    Follow on twitter and tweeted at http://twitter.com/justicecw/status/21931200597

  68. 14
    Christine says:
    August 23, 2010 at 12:46 PM

    I usually pack my son’s lunch and I like to put little notes inside sometimes to make him smile! I like the polkadot pattern best. Thanks for the chance.

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    Thao says:
    August 23, 2010 at 12:27 AM

    My boys go to daycare but Friday’s are sack lunch so we pack a sandwich, fruit and crackers. Sometimes I put a cookie treat in there too.

    I like the Sport design

    member(dot)thao(at)gmail.com

  71. 11
    Richard T. says:
    August 22, 2010 at 10:05 PM

    I pack up the kids lunches every day. I like to add a fruit or snack food with each lunch. I like the Sports style.

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    Denise B. says:
    August 22, 2010 at 3:27 PM

    We homeschool, so there are no lunches to pack. I usually cook something for lunch.

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    Tari Lawson says:
    August 22, 2010 at 2:46 PM

    I pack my youngest son’s lunch. I usually put in ham, cheese, fruit snacks and juice. To bring a smile to his face I will throw in a surprise like black olives. If I win, I would choose the skeleton bag.

  74. 8
    Linda Kish says:
    August 22, 2010 at 8:50 AM

    I always packed my son’s lunch when he was small. Occasionally I added a little note.

    I like the polka dots lunch box.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  75. 7
    sandra says:
    August 22, 2010 at 6:45 AM

    to make their lunches more fun, i’d add little notes of encouragement. i’d pick out the sport style

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    hollowsins says:
    August 22, 2010 at 3:41 AM

    :good: This is my boys first year in public school.I will be packing their lunches-they are picky.I would get the skull set as well for my son (we just bought a green camo and skulls lunchbag for him Wednesday)

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    SANDY says:
    August 22, 2010 at 12:16 AM

    polkadot- yes they take their own-

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    Paula says:
    August 21, 2010 at 8:31 PM

    I love the skull one for my boys and poka dot one from my girls soooo adorable

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    Paula says:
    August 21, 2010 at 8:29 PM

    I pack my kids there own lunch on days they don’t like the hot lunch @ school