Bradshaw Mini-Storage Boxes- nice size and shape

These mini-containers hold about 1/3 cup each and are handy for a variety of uses that dont require a tight seal.

A couple of years ago I bought one set of these containers, and weve used them so much that I bought another set because my husband wanted some.

These are one of those grocery store items that hang in front of the shelves; little gimmicks that you think you dont need that they are trying to sell you.But we sure like these little guys!

The boxes are cubes with rounded corners.Their widest point across each side is where the sill for the seal is, at 2 1/2 inches.With the cover on, each box is 3 inches tall.I really prefer squared containers to round ones because they are a better use of the space, so these are nice.They stack all right, but it would be an improvement if the foot of the upper one would fit into the inset square of the lid below it to help keep the stack together.

The lids are not made to provide a water-tight seal.If you store a liquid in these boxes and it tips over they will leak.Each lid has one little corner flap that sticks out to help you remove the lid.Although Ive not had one of these flaps tear off yet, they arent easy to get a hold of, and sometimes its harder than you would like it to be to remove a lid.(Like when you are in the car, juggling the maps and the lunch, and trying to open one for the kid in the carseat!)

They go through the dishwasher (top rack) just fine, although the lids are small enough to fall through the rack.I usually slip them inside one of those plastic mesh bags that oranges or onions come in before I put them in the dishwasher to keep them contained.

They are the perfect size to store small portions of snacks to protect them from being crushed.The color coded lids make them easy to identify... one color for each child, or each flavor, etc.The package also suggests using them for craft storage, and although I havent used them for this, I think that would be a good idea.

Update On Jul 13, 2009: These have held up much better than I expected for a cheap container.My husband uses them every single day to hold a snack on his paper route.They are badly stained by the ink from the papers, but have no cracks or broken lids.