After a few weeks of school, I find it hard to get creative when packing lunches for my kids, but with the new school year I’ve vowed to be more organized and pack lunches the night before! I’ve found some great ways to pack a lunch with a little creativity so that the kids don’t always get the same old sandwich. If you’re looking for a slew of new ideas for lunch this year, don’t miss these. The kids will love them!
Mains:
This can typically be the most challenging part of packing a meal, especially when your kids don’t want a sandwich every day. The main has to be filling with nutritional value, and you can’t hover over them to make sure they don’t throw it away, so it’d better be something they like. Y Some protein- and carb-filled alternatives to the traditional PB & J include:
- Pizza with whole wheat crust
- Quesadillas with veggies
- Turkey burgers
- Quinoa mac & cheese cups
- Meatballs
- Oven fried chicken tenders (these are great cold)
- Deconstructed sandwich kebabs
Mini deep dish pizzas via Damned Delicious
Sides:
Side snacks are where you have a lot more wiggle room to give your child a little treat that they usually love to snack on. I always add a healthier snack plus a little dessert option.
- Dried fruit dipped in carob or yogurt
- Caprese skewers
- Pretzels
- Pita bread + hummus
- Cut up granola bars
- Trail mix
- Baked Chips
- Cereal
- Yogurt
- String cheese
- Apple sauce
Fruits & Veggies (& Don’t Forget the Dip!):
This is my favorite part of lunch because I know my daughter is getting her healthy snack in. I usually will pair a snack with a yummy dip if it calls for it, and try to include a veggie and fruit in every lunch.
- Strawberry slices (+ a little sugar)
- Clementine
- Blueberries
- Mini carrots (+ hummus or ranch)
- Celery sticks (+ peanut butter)
- Pineapple chunks
- Fruit cocktail
- Apples (+ Nutella or peanut butter)
- Fruit or veggie skewers
- Broccoli (slightly steamed + ranch)
- Pickles
- Edamame
I hope my go-to favorites help you step up your kid’s lunch box menu this year!
More Kids’ Lunch Ideas:
- 5 Tricks for Packing a School Lunch Your Kids Will Love
- 12 Ways Kindergartners Can Help Make Their Own School Lunches
- 5 Delicious Soups for Your Kid’s Lunch Box
