Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Smash Lunch Boxes

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I have been putting off the whole “Back to School” thing until Christmas had passed. It seems I can only deal with one drama at a time. So for the next few weeks expect a few more posts about the woes of back to School time. This is not a paid advertisement but I did recieve a lunch box of choice to test and review.

Today I am sharing with you the new range of Smash lunch boxes.  Apart from the funky new designs the new range of lunch boxes come with an Anti-bacterial lining. Now any parent who has found a lunch box on a Sunday night still filled with Friday’s lunch will appreciate the importance of knowing it’s anti bacterial layer makes it easy to clean out.

This year Smash is launching Blue IQ Antibacterial Lining in all of their insulated lunch bags. It is a smart antimicrobial lining that inhibits the growth of uncontrolled bacteria, mould and mildew that can come through normal cleaning. Its wipe-clean formula helps reduce smells and stains and helps your lunchbox last longer. by Smash

My daughter 9 chose the Dream , Sparkle, Shine Duffle bag. It looks like a handbag so is very cute and practical too. Her existing lunch box does sit sideways in it, but that shouldn’t be an issue unless I send soup (which I don’t). She informed me It also fits nicely on her bike handles but I am not sure where she is biking too with just her lunch bag.

My son 7 went for the bag with spiders Double decker Cold box. This has two separate compartments which means I can allocate his morning tea and lunch in their own compartment so no “special” treats will be eaten before his savory food. Yes, I know he can just open the “treat” side first, but let me believe he is a sensible boy who will do as mummy suggests for his health.

But wait there is more… If you think this range is cute wait till you see the Adults range.

 

All Smash products are high quality, BPA free, feature Blue IQ Antibacterial lining and are tested to meet all European and USDA Food Safety Standards.

Stockists: Smash Lunch Bags are available at Coles, Big W, Woolworths, Officeworks and Target, available for Back to School from January 1 2017. Products, colours and sizes may vary by retailer. Only available while Stocks Last.

Have you read?

Christmas Stick and Stitch Embroidery Pattern – Etsy Review

I am a little bit in love with these kinds of stick and stitch embroidery designs, because they are exactly the sort of project that gets you started straight away instead of sitting in a pile while you overthink thread colours and transfers for three weeks. The Christmas Stick and Stitch Embroidery Pattern from HoopArtStitch is a water-soluble peel-and-stick hand embroidery transfer, not a machine embroidery file, and Etsy lists it under craft supplies with fabric stabilizer and ink as the materials.

What makes this set especially appealing is how approachable it looks. The listing images show a pack of 12 Christmas-themed designs including a tree, ornaments, mug, pudding, reindeer, presents, mittens, mistletoe, bells, a poinsettia, and a car with presents on top, with the motifs shown at around 1.5 to 3 inches. That size feels very manageable, which is often exactly what helps people stay motivated. You can actually finish one, feel clever, and then want to do another instead of burning out halfway through some giant “character building” hoop.

I also think these are a great option for beginners because the hard part of getting the design onto the fabric is already sorted. You just peel, stick, stitch, and wash it away when you are done. That simple setup is a big part of why stick-and-stitch packs are so satisfying. They remove a lot of the fuss, which means you get to the fun part faster, and that alone can make hand embroidery feel much less intimidating. This is an inference based on the product format shown in the listing.

The shop side looks reassuring too. HoopArtStitch is marked as a Star Seller, which Etsy says means the shop consistently earns 5-star reviews, dispatches on time, and replies quickly to messages. The item reviews shown on the page are also very encouraging, with buyers calling it “very easy to apply, good designs for a first timer,” “exactly what I needed and excellent quality,” and “I really love this product.”

Another nice little sign that people are genuinely drawn to it is that the listing was posted on 15 January 2026 and already has 1,585 favourites, which is a pretty good indication that this style of project is resonating with hand stitchers.

Overall, this feels like one of those easy Christmas embroidery projects for beginners that is genuinely motivating rather than aspirational in a stressful way. It is cute, practical, and has that instant-start appeal that makes you actually want to sit down and stitch. And honestly, I completely get why you are in love with them. Sometimes the best craft supplies are the ones that make it easier to begin.