Review and Giveaway! Mimi the Sardine "Lunch Bugs"

I've had the Mouse Lunch Bug from Mimi the Sardine for over two years now and was very excited at the chance to get one of their new organic bags in the fun Pink Flora design for my second gal. They are so popular here in the Bay Area that I didn't think of writing about them until recently when I realized that they aren't as well-known across the rest of the country.

When I looked them up to learn more for my post I realized that they have a whole line of products that are now on my never-ending wish list. Mimi the Sardine is a family-owned Bay Area business whose motto is "Eat, Spill, Be Happy". They offer a range of products for eating, creating, and transporting that promote "safe messiness".

All of their products are made of a water-based acrylic-coated (not PVC) cotton fabric that have colorful, whimsical designs on them. And, starting this year all of their fabric will be organic.Plus, and this is perhaps the most important thing, it's all machine washable!

Click on "Read More" for more about their offerings and my full review of their Lunch Bugs and info. on how you can win one of your own!

Their offering includes:
Splashmats - These are great for placing under the high chair or art projects/areas. They are 36" x 46"...given my 10 month old's range of food launching I'm not sure this would catch everything, but I'd definitely like to give it a try. I totally forgot what a pain in the a@@ this phase is in regards to clean up after every frickin' meal. You've got the kid, the high chair, and the floor to deal with. Fortunately we have laminate floors so wiping those is as easy as a mat but think this would be great for anyone with carpet or sensitive flooring. It's also a lot of fun for placing beneath an easel or in an art area. $35 each.

Aprons - These are so cute with their whimsical designs and are $20 a pop.
They've also got adult sizes for $32.

Tablecloths - They've got a range of sizes in square, rectangle and round. The prices range from $64-$119. This is on top of my list for camping and picnic use because they are so much better than the cheap plastic ones that are hard to clean and re-use and are prone to ripping. It's obviously pricier but will last a looooong time.

Bibs - They have a pocket and velcro closure. My gal tends to rip the velcro bibs right off but they are pretty cute and seem to be large enough for $15.

Backpacks - We have yet to enter pre-school but I don't think that this would be realistic for grade school or up because it's basically one big pocket. But they seem perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers for $38.

Placemats - A set of 2 is $23.

Lunch bugs - This is what I've been using and love. It's got enough room for a sippy cup, bib, spoon, a couple of jars, and some snacks. Not really enough room for two full lunches. We've just been turning ours inside-out and hand-washing it and it's held up incredibly well. These are $24.

And, new lunch sacks - These are the size of standard lunch sacks and are also $24. I think I'll get one of these for my older gal. The only downfall of these and the Bugs is no insulated pocket for hot or cold items.

Now on to the official "review" for the "Lunch Bugs" only - based on a 4-star scale:

Functionality *** - It's been perfect for what we've needed it for, but not great if you need insulation. The durability and material is awesome, the organic Lunch Bugs feel even more durable, AND they are slightly larger which is fantabulous.

Style **** - I love their fun designs. Simple and playful. The new organic designs have the design on the inside and outside, vs. the original bags with just black on the inside.

Price *** - $24 seems a little pricey, but we've used our original Mouse Bug at least three times a week for the past two years and it's still going strong. The fact that they are made of safe, durable, machine-washable materials really make it seem worth it. These are products that will stand the test of time.

Overall Rating *** 1/2 - As I said, it's not going to satisfy everyone's needs re: the insulation. And some people like multiple compartments or pockets and this is just one big pocket. But, it's been a fantastic purchase for us.

Worth noting as well is their Outlet, there are some good deals to be had there.

Mimi has kindly offered to give away one lunchbug of the winner's choice, within the U.S. only. All you have to do is visit the company's site at http://www.mimithesardine.com/and choose one other product the company makes that excites you, and why. Come back here and tell us what it is. Click this link for our giveaway rules. All entries for this givaway must be received prior to midnight on August 19, 2009! Happy hunting!

Mimi has also offered our KidBuy readers the opportunity to get two uncoated organic napkins with a purchase of $50 or more on their website by August 31st. After checking out through Paypal you will receive an email confirmation. You need to forward that confirmation to customerservice@mimithesardine.com. The company will include at no charge two 100% organic uncoated cotton napkins (retail value $12) with your shipment. You can choose one of each, two total; or two of the same pattern; from four styles: Hybrid Cars, Propeller, Blue Flora or Pink Flora.