Zippers and latches are usually fixable in 10 minutes

Broken lunch box zippers and latches are almost always fixable with pliers, a paperclip, or a cheap replacement part.

If the zipper separates or gets stuck, 90% of the time it’s the slider, not the teeth. Squeeze the slider gently with pliers and run it up and down a few times. That re-engages the teeth. If the slider is actually cracked, get a replacement zipper slider from a craft store — measure the width of the zipper tape and match the tooth size. Open the stitching at the bottom end, slide the old one off, slide the new one on, and sew a couple of stitches to lock it. If the pull tab broke off, a key ring or paperclip through the slider hole works forever.

Latch problems are even simpler. If the hook isn’t catching, bend it slightly toward the box with pliers. If the plastic is cracked, a velcro strap wrapped around the lunch box is the honest fix. If a magnet fell out, glue it back with epoxy. If a spring or wire piece is missing, a bent paperclip or a small binder clip can usually replace it.

That lunch box still has years of life. Give it the ten minutes instead of the $25.