Safe dishes for outdoor dining/children

[MyLittleWonders]

I'm looking for ideas for plates/bowls/cups that are safe, environmentally sound, not too expensive, and won't break from usage outside by children. I'm also hoping to get something that will be good when we go camping. What kind of options are there that are non-glass/ceramic/melamine? Any?

[MyLittleWonders]

Anyone?

[momtoNatalee]

:

[artemis33]

I don't have them yet, but some camping supply places have stainless plates, bowls,cups, etc. I haven't shopped around for the best deal, but something like these.

http://www.wisementrading.com/campco.../tableware.htm

[spiderdust]

What about these?

http://www.reusablebags.com/store/to...sil-p-801.html

You may be able to find some for a little less, but I'm thrilled with ours.

[staceychev]

Originally Posted by spiderdust

What about these?

http://www.reusablebags.com/store/to...sil-p-801.html

You may be able to find some for a little less, but I'm thrilled with ours.

We have those too and love them.

I interpreted your question differently and was thinking you were looking for regular plates. How about bamboo? I just did a google search and found the ones that are disposable (ack!) but I know I've seen sturdier ones made for re-use too. Just can't seem to find them right now.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by spiderdust

What about these?

http://www.reusablebags.com/store/togo-ware®-lunch-stainless-steel-carrier-with-bamboo-utensil-p-801.html

You may be able to find some for a little less, but I'm thrilled with ours.

Those look great for camping. I might have to search around for prices.

Originally Posted by staceychev

We have those too and love them.

I interpreted your question differently and was thinking you were looking for regular plates. How about bamboo? I just did a google search and found the ones that are disposable (ack!) but I know I've seen sturdier ones made for re-use too. Just can't seem to find them right now.

Overall, yes, I'm looking for regular plates/bowls/cups that we can use outside for eating, the kids can use when playing outside, etc. We have always used Tupperware bowls/cups, but I'm not sold on the safety of their plastic, and was hoping to find a healthy and enviro-friendly alternative. I saw the disposable bamboo plates on-line too and thought that was interesting. I thought non-disposable ones existed too, but can't find anything.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by artemis33

I don't have them yet, but some camping supply places have stainless plates, bowls,cups, etc. I haven't shopped around for the best deal, but something like these.

http://www.wisementrading.com/campco.../tableware.htm

That's a good idea too ... maybe I'll check the sporting goods store in the camping section and see what they have. Does anyone know if the enamel coating that is sometimes on stainless steel is an issue?

[jessemoon]

What about heavy-duty ceramic restaurantware (either vintage or new)?

My ds (age 4) has been using ours since he was really little and we have tile floors. I think that, outside (unless you are dining on exposed bedrock) it would be really hard to break real restaurantware.

Ours isn't pretty (beige with a maroon stripe), but it is sturdy, and can be replaced at any flea-market or restaurant supply store.

[cuttiebearmom]

Sorry if it's already been mentioned, but I would see if you can find some good wood bowls/plates/etc. We have found them to be amazing!!! I found a walnut set of bowls (6!) on e-bay that are pretty much perfect after lots of use. They occassionally need a little walnut oil on them, that's it! They are very light and indestructible thus far.

Good luck!

[spiderdust]

That reminds me... I've seen inexpensive wooden bowls and plates at Ikea.

[MyLittleWonders]

Originally Posted by spiderdust

That reminds me... I've seen inexpensive wooden bowls and plates at Ikea.

Ooo ... good idea! I hadn't thought of that. I might have to make a trip.

[lovemyfamily6]

We bought these plates last year for my kids to eat outside. We don't camp, so these are just for their picnic table outside. http://www.recycline.com/products/preservetbw.html

[mgilleran@earth-co]

We love our enamel dishes. They were my moms & are about 30 years old. They look great still. They are pretty cheap too. You can find them at camping stores, or even in the outdoor section at WM.

[flowmom]

My kids use stainless steel dishes, stainless steel bowls, and stainless steel cups in our home. Actually, we don't have any glass glasses anymore . We buy them at the dollar store. If you have any Indian household goods stores, they will most likely have these.

[BeckC]

I found these while searching for stainles steel dishes:

[spiderdust]

Originally Posted by BeckC

I found these while searching for stainles steel dishes:

Wow, thanks! I bookmarked that site.