Just Bento

A quick note to let you know that the top 20 finalists in the Bento&co Contest 2011 (announced here previously) has started! Check out the entries on their blog. continue reading...

In April, I had the opportunity to pay a visit to one of my favorite Japanese bento box makers, Hakoya. Here’s my report, with lots of eye candy for bento box lovers! continue reading...

News about a great bento accessories giveaway by All Things For Sale. continue reading...

With the kids (or yourself) not in school and the lazy days of summer stretching before you, are you feeling the need for a little bento inspiration? Then the big 2011 Bento Contest sponsored by our friends over at Bento&co is for you! continue reading...

Some news from the great bento suppliers who help to keep this site going, plus a reminder to keep your food safe during the summer months. continue reading...

Welcome to the 3rd and final part of the 2010 Holiday Gift Guide for bento fans! In Part 1 we covered under-$10 gifts, and in Part 2 we looked at gifts in the $10-50 range. Now it’s time to look at gifts for that really special bento person in your life - including yourself!

I had a bit of a hard time putting together this list actually (which is why it took some time to post). At first I was going to recommend some bento-friendly appliances, such as a nice rice cooker. But I did that kind of thing in my original Holiday Gift Guide 3 years ago. So, this time I am going to concentrate on the pure indulgences - high end bento boxes, sets and other stuff. I know, I have said time and time again on these pages that you can do bentos with inexpensive, practical plastic containers - and you can, and should start out with those until you’re sure bento-ing is for you. But just as you might want to indulge in a beautiful dinnerware set from Wedgewood or Royal Copenhagen or something, you might want to splurge on one special bento box. After all, a special bento box is something a lot more intimate than a for-company-only dinnerware. Or how about this; think of a special bento box as a treat for yourself (or your favorite bento person), like a set of really nice silk lingerie instead everyday cotton underpants. continue reading...

Welcome to part 2 of the 2010 Holiday Gift Guide for bento fans! In Part 1 we covered $10-and-under stocking stuffers.

This time, we get the the price range where you can pick up a serious, high quality bento box and more. Selecting individual bento boxes is really a matter of individual taste, so I’ve selected a few that caught my eye for various reasons.

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I haven’t done a Holiday Gift Guide since the year JustBento was born, way back in 2007 (yes, JustBento is 3 years old and a raving toddler!) The guide back then focused on the practical side of bento-ing, but this time I’m going to go all over the place and pick out items that are just fun, weird or cute as well as practical. I’ve picked up some items from around the internets that might appeal to bento lovers of all ages and tastes, and arranged them by price range (excluding shipping).

Things have changed quite a bit for bento gear fans in the past 3 years. Back then, you had to This year, I found so many great things available that I’ve divided this guide into parts based on price. First up: $10 (US) and under stocking stuffers! It’s a bit hard to find good quality bento boxes in this price range, unless you go for something plain and practical. But there are lots of gift-appropriate accessories that would appeal to bento fans. continue reading...