Reddit mentions of Enther Meal Prep Containers Single Lids, Food Storage Bento BPA Free | Stackable | Reusable Lunch Boxes, Microwave/Dishwasher, Freezer Safe,Portion Control (28 oz), 20 Pack 1 Compartment

Not OP, but I believe those are the same containers I use. You can get them here, they're fantastic.

OP confirmed!

Amazon has those.

Enther Meal Prep Containers [20 Pack] Single 1 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Bento Box | BPA Free | Stackable | Reusable Lunch Boxes, Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe,Portion Control (28 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vkFBCbMYGQMEK

The black containers are from Amazon: Enther Meal Prep Containers... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

The red ones are Mama Fu’s take-out containers lol

I buy stacks of reusable containers to freeze things. Just use something else to reheat it in.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_odExCbHMRYNQR

Amazon, Enther Meal Prep Containers [20 Pack] Single 1 Compartment with Lids, Food Storage Bento Box | BPA Free | Stackable | Reusable Lunch Boxes, Microwave/Dishwasher/Freezer Safe,Portion Control (28 oz) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_klQEDb00JRXNT

My hubby and I were both doing our PhDs at the same time at one point so I totally get the having no life thing. :D

• Along the lines of the pocket knife, you can search for items like "everyday carry" or "EDC" items -- this includes flashlights, pocket knives, tactical pens, etc. PhD STEM types tend to like practical things. I've found some cool stuff for my hubs this way.
  
• Another thing is one of these books: http://phdcomics.com/store/ -- they are collections of comic strips but they're hilarious and super relatable to graduate school. They used to release a calendar every year but looks like they stopped. :(
  
• Other non-conventional gifts to consider based on the fact that he's in graduate school and has no time on his hands...
  
  • Buy a pack of these disposable takeout containers and make frozen pre-prepared meals for him. If he's spending THAT much time in the lab, chances are he isn't eating as great as he should be. I cannot tell you enough how much this would've been appreciated by either of us while we were in graduate school. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0742M47V5/
    
  • Depending on your geolocation, there are some services that come pick up your laundry on a specific day of the week, do your laundry for you, and then return it, folded, and everything (Wash & Fold services). For reference to what I am talking about, it's similar to this company: https://www.rinse.com/ If you're near a university, there's an increased chance of you having these services nearby. If you got him something like a couple months of this service, it's another thing that is a hassle to keep up with when you're super busy with work but one of those things that has to get done either way.
    
  • Depending on his eating habits, a grubhub (or similar) gift cert could be good if he orders takeout for either lunches or dinners during the week. https://www.grubhub.com/
    
  • Spotify or Pandora subscription -- depends on if he enjoys music and what kind of lab he is in (i.e., whether he can play music while working). If he does enjoy music, another option is wireless headphones.
    
  • Does he drink tea or coffee? There are lots of nerdy mugs out there and you can pair that with some a nice tea assortment or coffee blend. If he does drink it but doesn't tend to make it himself, is there a coffee shop nearby to campus that offer gift certs?
    
  • If he's working in a wet lab, chances are he can't bring beverages inside with him -- so you might consider a nice new water bottle (https://www.amazon.com/Contigo-AUTOSEAL-Stainless-Bottle-Monaco/dp/B01N7LKY1F/) or a rugged travel mug (https://www.amazon.com/Contigo-AUTOSEAL-Stainless-Steel-Travel/dp/B00HZI5XNO/). The autosealing (hot and cold) ones by Contigo are very popular because they can be used on the go without worrying about leaking. If you have to leave your mug outside of the lab if you don't finish your coffee, you most likely want something that's also covered too.
    
  • If he writes or takes notes a lot, don't underestimate the power of a really nice pen. Super useful and randomly just brings great joy to us grad school folks. :D

Very true, I'm going to link some of my equipment that I love feel free to ask questions. The pre cut bags are amazing because my portion size is consistent due to the constant container size that is/was the real game changer


FoodSaver B016C4KK20 Vacuum Sealer GM2050-000 GameSaver Outdoorsman Sealing System, kkkk Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016C4KK20/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DxZWCbEAB17ZX


Enther Meal Prep Containers [20... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742KGQG8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


Enther Meal Prep Containers [20... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

100 Gallon Vacuum Sealer Storage Bags for Food Saver, Seal a Meal Vac Sealers, 11" x 16" Size, BPA Free, Heavy Duty Commercial Grade, Sous Vide Vaccume Safe, Universal Design Pre-Cut Bag Avid Armor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H0WLQA8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HMNWCb5E77H5M

This is what i came to say, make large batches of things now and put them in single or double serving containers and cook/reheat afterwards. Try looking at recipes at once a month cooking . Don't forget you have to wash dishes afterward so make sure you are using dishes that can be cleaned one handed! (as in dishwasher safe or small, no handwash pots and pans etc. Also, if you have someone who can come in once a week to help maybe you could try some weekly meal prep ala budget bytes .

As far as good containers, I like vacuum sealing but if you don't have one or know someone who will borrow you one try these, I've heard good things (not aff) meal prep containers or these for liquids soup container

Also here's a link from once a month meals about single serve freezing that might be helpful!

If you want reusable containers, Mason jars work great, just read the guidelines on how to freeze in them and let them defrost in your fridge before you reheat. Also, if you are planning on a couple of dishes that use the same baking pan, you can line the pan with foil, freeze the dish, take the food plus foil out of the pan and stick it in a Ziploc to store until you are ready!

Don't forget to label!! I promise you will forget what it is or how to cook it by the time you eat it, so it's worth the time, for sure!

Casserole dish - I make a lot of bakes

Stackable meal prep containers

Good lunch bag

Portion controlled peanut butter because peanut butter

Yeah that's what I've been doing too but I think I need to lock it down a bit more to basically make it impossible to ruin things with unplanned snacking.

Are these good, do you think?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0742M47V5/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A1II8MUY6GA55L&psc=1

Amazon Enther Meal Prep Containers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_pP03BbBDYWX0A

I love them, they’re only one chamber but all my food just gets mixed together anyway. I think the same company makes one with more chambers. They’ve been super good for over a year now, packed everyday and put through the dishwasher. No cracks yet!

"Bento Boxes"

I got these when I used to get quick meals at a place called My Fit Foods, the meals came in these containers and I saved them. I have had the lot for 8+ years now and still use them over and over with no warping. I'm sure they come in all kinds of sizes I use mine for individual meals.

Good for you! its not easy but once you start you will feel so much better!

First make a meal plan for the week ie. How many days are you going to have that you can or will cook for the week. plan accordingly that way you can eat leftovers in between cooking days.

Also plan around your staples for the least expensive menu. That being said you can cook a large amount of something such as chili, spaghetti sauce, soups etc... and freeze them in serving sized containers to make an easy meal for lunch or dinner if you find you don't have enough time to cook. the crock pot can take care of a lot of that for you.

Meal prep containers are a great way to freeze and to portion control your food. like these I love these use them all the time

These are great for things like Spaghetti, or lasagna, enchiladas etc...
[16 ounce single compartment]
(https://www.amazon.com/Bolt-Goods-SMALL-Snack-Containers/dp/B01L5P17RS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1519490404&sr=8-2&keywords=meal+prep+containers+single+compartment+small)

these are great for a lean protein such as half a chicken breast, with your vegetables and a small starch.

[28 ounce single compartment]
(https://www.amazon.com/Enther-Containers-Compartment-Stackable-Dishwasher/dp/B0742M47V5/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519490427&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=meal+prep+containers+single+compartment+small)

for soups and stews I love these have been using them for years.

[16 ounce containers]
(https://www.amazon.com/Reditainer-Storage-Containers-16-Ounce-36-Pack/dp/B00M9Z4SXY/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519490803&sr=1-5&keywords=deli+food+storage+containers+with+lids+16+ounce)

These are great for putting enough soup stew spaghetti sauce in the freezer for the two of you or more for dinner

[32 ounce]
(https://www.amazon.com/Reditainer-Storage-Containers-32-Ounce-24-Pack/dp/B00M9Z4SV6/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519490867&sr=1-1&keywords=deli+food+storage+containers+with+lids+32+ounce)

These pens are washable markers says for wine glasses. I use the for my plastic stuff just write what is in it on the lid let it dry and freeze or put it in the fridge.

[markers]
(https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_18?url=search-alias%3Dgarden&field-keywords=wine+glass+markers+washable&sprefix=wine+glass+markers%2Cgarden%2C139&crid=13DGDTXU01L7F&rh=n%3A1055398%2Ck%3Awine+glass+markers+washable)

Now a few recipes for you These you can make in the crock pot while you're at work.

[Bigest loser crock pot turkey Chili]
(https://www.copymethat.com/r/87rrsMl/biggest-loser-crock-pot-turkey-chili/)

[homemade crock pot chicken tortilla soup]
(https://www.copymethat.com/r/cPq2HJk/homemade-crock-pot-chicken-tortilla-soup/}

Can't make this one while at work it only takes 4 to 5 hours.

[5 ingredient slow cooker balsamic chicken]
(https://www.copymethat.com/r/TU9lJdi/5-ingredient-slow-cooker-balsamic-chicke/)

Not slow cooker recipes
you can use beef or turkey or meatless crumbles in this it tastes the same. Great recipe

[Semi's Chili]
(https://www.copymethat.com/r/zsm7pJ5/semis-chili/)

[semi's spaghetti sauce]
(https://www.copymethat.com/r/Qp9VFJQ/semis-spaghetti-sauce/)

[Sauteed chicken with dijon white wine sauce]
(Not slow cooker recipes)

[Authentic Mexican Enchilada casserole]
(https://www.copymethat.com/r/CwzxXgp/enchilada-casserole/)

these would also be very easy to make and put straight into your meal prep containers and put into the freezer or in the fridge for then next day or twos lunches. Just skip the foil and heat right in your container.

[foil pack chicken enchiladas]
(https://www.copymethat.com/r/KjYpFms/foil-pack-chicken-enchiladas-kraft/)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0742M47V5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

These are the specific containers

I went with these ones cause you can fit more food in than the ones with 3 compartments

Split up the steps when you have time. Take 5-20 mins to do all the prep work — chopping, marinating, etc., and when you have another window, start the cooking!

What helped me was buying a 25 pack of meal prep containers from Costco (looks like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5/). I had a small window of time the other day between feedings and was able to chop up a bunch of fruit and veggies and store them for salads, juicing, and smoothies. I also was able to marinate some meat and pop them into the freezer for use later. A lot of my time spent when preparing a meal is during the prepping period so having stuff chopped up or already marinated is a huge help.

We generally stick to quick-cooking food. Stir fries and grilled meats and veggies. I have an instant pot I like to use for stews, soups, and braised meats and this helps a lot as well.

But I also took a croissant into the shower the other day (and was done showering before I had finished my croissant) because sometimes there’s just no time.

Good luck, momma!

I recently bought these from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742M47V5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apis_1505019971853

They seal amazingly well. I put water in one and tried to get it to leak out but it stayed inside the container. I will be using them this week for the first time. They are taller when filled than my Walmart ones so I can't stack as many in the fridge but they seem like better boxes. It was supposed to be 20 boxes but there were only 19 in my shipment.

[I got these.] (https://www.amazon.com/Meal-Prep-Containers-Count-Black/dp/B00SWXL61E/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Isobag+meal+prep+containers&qid=1558536088&s=gateway&sr=8-3) I have their bag so I initially got an assortment and have really liked them. They've lasted several years, I just needed more. The plastic can handle the dishwasher, microwave, and the lids stay on nicely and don't leak. My personal favorite is the 28 oz size one. Seems to be the perfect size.

I'll warn you too. I was looking at these too and my coworker has them. Said his have melted in the dishwasher and the lid doesn't stay on all that tight.

These containers are what I’ve used for meal prep. They’re relatively cheap, store easily, and have lasted about a year of frequent use so far.