This $1.25 Dollar Tree Find Is So Great I Bought 3

If you've ever tried to divvy up a bag of Goldfish between two kids without starting a war, I see you, and I'm here for you. We are in the thick of parenting. As an example, my son has this thing about wanting his "own" everything—his own cup, his own plate, and especially his own snacks.

It doesn't matter if he's getting the same snack as his sister—if it's not from his own container, it's a no-go. There's no denying how trying this phase can be. But I know it's all part of him learning to be more independent. I've been through this before, and my eldest is the definition of a "good sharer."

So, when I came across Dollar Tree's plastic lock-top containers, I knew they were just the thing to help support his need for independence. They're small, easy to open and close, double-sided, and keep any food securely inside. At $1.25 for a three-pack (that’s just 42 cents per container), they're also affordable. I originally bought two packs, but I quickly went back for more.

Why I Love Dollar Tree's Lock-Top Containers

They're perfect for helping my kids develop more autonomy. Because of the snap-lock tabs, my almost-four-year-old can open them on his own (complete with the proud "I did it myself!" dance), but they stay closed even when tossed into a backpack or, inevitably, onto the floor of the car.

They've also been great for getting my eight-year-old involved in lunch prep, and the divided slots make her role super clear: Fill each side with healthy snacks. It's a small thing, but she's so much more excited to eat her lunch (she packed it, after all!), and it gives me peace of mind knowing she's well-fed for the day.

I found them so helpful that when I went back, I bought a third set and a couple of the larger containers, as well. I keep a couple in the pantry to store random bouillon cubes and half-used spice packets. And one is relegated to my glove box filled with shelf-stable snacks, such as fig bars, for those long-haul errand days and emergency hunger attacks.

How I Use Dollar Tree's Lock-Top Containers

Something I've gotten really into (and am decidedly very good at) is keeping an ever-changing bag of fun, portable, parent-friendly, kid-focused activities that we take with us whenever we travel, go out for dinner, hang out with other adults, or visit places that don't have designated child entertainment. The larger containers are ideal for storing portable Lego sets, holding tangram puzzles, and accommodating family-favorite card games like Uno and Go Fish.

I've also read via the online reviews that the larger ones can perfectly hold an entire package of crayons, which deeply resonated with me because two of my parenting pet peeves are ugly, ripped packaging (which always happens with crayon boxes) and rogue, broken crayon pieces. I'll definitely be trying this hack shortly.

Look, I know they're just plastic containers. But in this season of life, they're helping me solve real problems—and that's more than I can say for half the stuff in my junk drawer.

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