Between busy school nights with sports and extra curricular activities and getting back into the routine of alarm blocks and the car pick up line, sometimes deciding what to pack for lunch can be the last thing on our minds. But no more! I’ve gathered 45 easy, back-to-school lunchbox ideas for kids that are simple, will help you to plan ahead and will keep the kids asking for more!
Best Lunchbox Ideas for Kids
This collection is filled with plenty of kids’ lunchbox ideas to get you out of the lunchbox rut! Everyone knows food on a stick is always a hit with little ones, so try the Club Sandwich On A Stick. If your kids love sandwiches, but you want to take it up a notch, try pinwheels. There a few fun varieties in here, including Pepperoni Pinwheels. Grab the thermos for some homemade spaghettios or classic tomato soup. Don’t worry, I remembered side dishes too. Broccoli Grape Salad is perfect for an older kid who doesn’t mind the green stuff and Honey Lime Fruit Salad is a rainbow in a bowl filled with good stuff. Kids love something crunchy like chips, but switch it up with Ranch Pretzels or Taco Chex Mix. Or you can even send them off with easy homemade chips and salsa with my Copycat Chili’s Salsa and Baked Lime Tortilla Chips! Every lunchbox needs a sweet treat too, and the Applesauce Mini Muffins or Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies are sure to make you the most popular parent on the block. But if you’re wanting something a little more healthy for their dessert, the Chia Pudding or Chocolate Fruit Dip is the way to go.
Best Tips For Packing A Great Lunchbox
Over the years I have learned a few things when it comes to packing a successful lunchbox, so it’s time I share that wisdom:
Plan ahead. Packing the night before avoids a morning rush disaster!Get the kids involved. Little ones are much more inclined to eat what they have if they help make it and pack it.If your child loves those deli meat lunch kits—make your own! A plastic sandwich box makes a great holder for crackers, cut up deli meat and cheese. You control the ingredients!Packed lunches are a great use for leftovers, and lets you give the kids stuff you know they already like.That thermos isn’t just for soup! Think mac and cheese, pasta, chili, are great foods to send on a cold day too. You can even buy those single-serving microwave meals, heat them up in the morning and then send them in the thermos. It’s also great for sending cold dishes too! My son loves when I sent cold pasta salad or even a tossed or chef salad. Just be sure to send dressing on the side so it stays crisp.If using the thermos, be sure to “prep” it before adding food. I add boiling water to it and let it sit on the counter, with the lid on 10-15 minutes to heat up. Then add the warm food. (Check your thermos directions for best results.)Plastic silverware is SO helpful, especially for little kids.! No need to worry about bringing home the dirty stuff.When making a sandwich ahead of time, add the condiments between the meat slices or meat and cheese. This helps to avoid mushy bread.No matter how old they get, kids will feel extra loved with a little note from mom and dad in their lunchbox. It’s a great way to offer some encouragement, celebrate a special day or just let them know you’re thinking of them. There are some great printable ones online too!
I could go on and on, but these are the best tips to ensure lunchbox success every single time. Keep it fun. Keep it simple. And try to enjoy the blessing that is lunchbox duty. After all, before long, they will be off to college and you will have no idea what they are eating!
