Strawberry Shortcake Metal Lunch Box With Thermos
Do you remember the days when you used to carry your lunch to school in a metal lunch box with your favorite cartoon character on it? If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, you probably had a Strawberry Shortcake metal lunch box with a matching thermos to keep your drink cool or warm. This iconic lunch box is making a comeback today, not only as a collector's item but also as a practical choice for kids and adults who want to bring their lunch to school or work. In this article, we'll explore the history of the Strawberry Shortcake metal lunch box with thermos, its design and features, and why it's still relevant today.
The History of the Strawberry Shortcake Metal Lunch Box With Thermos
The Strawberry Shortcake metal lunch box with thermos was first introduced in 1980 by Aladdin Industries, a company that specialized in making lunch boxes and other household items. The lunch box featured the popular character of Strawberry Shortcake, a cute and colorful girl with pink hair and a strawberry hat, surrounded by her friends and pets. The thermos had a matching design and was made of metal with a plastic lid and a straw. The lunch box became an instant hit among kids, especially girls who loved the feminine and sweet look of Strawberry Shortcake.
Over the years, Aladdin Industries released several versions of the Strawberry Shortcake lunch box, with different scenes and characters from the cartoon series. The lunch box was made of durable metal, with a carrying handle and a latch to keep it securely closed. Inside, there was enough space for a sandwich, a fruit, a snack, and the thermos, which could hold up to 12 ounces of liquid. The thermos had a vacuum insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for several hours, and a screw-on cap that doubled as a cup.
Unfortunately, the Strawberry Shortcake metal lunch box with thermos was discontinued in the mid-1980s, along with many other metal lunch boxes, due to safety concerns about lead and other hazardous materials in the paint and construction. However, the lunch box remained a beloved item among collectors and nostalgics, and today it's a rare and valuable find.
The Design and Features of the Strawberry Shortcake Metal Lunch Box With Thermos
The Strawberry Shortcake metal lunch box with thermos had a unique and charming design that captured the essence of the cartoon series. The lunch box was rectangular in shape, with rounded edges, and measured about 8 inches in length, 6 inches in width, and 3 inches in height. The front and back sides featured a colorful scene of Strawberry Shortcake and her friends, such as Blueberry Muffin, Lemon Meringue, and Raspberry Tart, engaged in various activities such as baking, gardening, or picnicking. The sides and the lid had smaller illustrations of the characters and their pets, as well as flowers, fruits, and sweets.
The lunch box was made of high-quality metal, with a glossy finish that made the colors and details pop. The carrying handle was made of plastic or metal, depending on the version, and was attached to the lunch box with metal brackets. The latch that kept the lunch box closed was also made of metal, with a spring mechanism that made it easy to open and close. Inside, the lunch box had a metal tray that could be removed for cleaning, and a spacious compartment that could fit most types of food containers.
The thermos had a matching design to the lunch box, with a metal body and a plastic lid and straw. The thermos had a capacity of 12 ounces, which was enough for a small drink or soup. The vacuum insulation kept the liquid hot or cold for several hours, and the screw-on cap doubled as a cup. The thermos was easy to clean and maintain, and could be stored inside the lunch box without taking up too much space.
Why the Strawberry Shortcake Metal Lunch Box With Thermos is Still Relevant Today
Despite its vintage appeal, the Strawberry Shortcake metal lunch box with thermos is still a practical choice for kids and adults who want to bring their lunch to school or work. Here are some reasons why:
- The metal construction makes the lunch box durable and long-lasting, compared to plastic or paper bags that tear or leak easily.
- The spacious compartment can fit a variety of food containers, from sandwiches to salads to snacks, without squishing or spilling.
- The carrying handle and latch make the lunch box easy to transport and secure, without the risk of dropping or losing items.
- The thermos can keep drinks or soups hot or cold for several hours, which is especially useful in the winter or summer.
- The design and color scheme of the lunch box are timeless and versatile, suitable for kids and adults of all ages and tastes.
- The nostalgia factor of the Strawberry Shortcake metal lunch box with thermos can evoke happy memories and spark conversations among friends and colleagues.
If you're looking for a unique and practical lunch box for yourself or your kids, or if you're a collector of vintage items, the Strawberry Shortcake metal lunch box with thermos is definitely worth considering. You can find it online or in specialty stores, and it's sure to bring a smile to your face and a touch of sweetness to your lunch break.
