Kid’s school lunchbox ideas can range depending on what you have on hand as well as your kids’ tastes. In my house, I try to shop grocery for the week on Sunday afternoon. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are definitely weeks when I just don’t have time to do this. However, on the weeks that I do plan my meals and shop for the week, I always pick up lunchbox items. I am no expert on this, but I do feel like I am able to pack both of my kids a healthy, yummy lunch they will eat in just a matter of minutes.
There are three main food categories I almost always try to fill when packing lunches for my kids. These categories are a main dish, a fruit and a vegetable. To make packing lunches super easy, I use these Ziploc containers.
These containers are great because they can be washed numerous times but will hold up for awhile. However, because they aren’t too expensive, I don’t feel terrible tossing them when they get worn.
Kids’ School Lunchbox Ideas – Food Categories
Main Dish
Homemade “Lunchable”
My younger daughter loves the store-bought version of these. However, I have found that making them at home is almost just as easy. I typically include ham or turkey, pepperoni, and sliced cheese. Also, whatever crackers I will include whatever crackers I have on hand.
Ham or Turkey and Cheese Pinwheels
In our home, we use tortillas for many different dinners including tacos, enchiladas and fajitas. Because of this, we often times have leftover tortillas in the house. One of my kids favorite lunches includes pinwheels made with tortillas, cream cheese, shredded cheese and ham or turkey. These are super easy to make and kids love them!
Pasta
Sometimes kids want a change from the usual cold lunch at school. Thermoses are great for keeping food warm enough to eat after sitting in their lunch box for a few hours at school. One of my daughters’ favorite things to put in their lunches is the frozen Trader Joe’s Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli. It is so delicious and can be heated up in the microwave. Also, it includes the sauce! I got this ravioli the last time I went to Trader Joe’s.
Fruit
My kids just love fruit of any kind. Because we consume so much fruit throughout the week, I always make sure to stock up on fresh fruit at the store on Sunday. Typically, my kids’ lunches will include some kind of berry. They both love strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. They are all extremely healthy as well as sweet (which means I know my kids will eat them)!
Veggies and Dip
Kids school lunchbox ideas would not be complete without talking about some super healthy ideas! I always have baby carrots in the fridge. They are easy and both of my kids will eat them! If we have hummus or single serving containers of ranch dip, I will add one of those to their lunches so they can dip their carrots. Some of the other veggies they love are cut up bell peppers, cucumbers, and baby spinach. The best part is, they are all extremely healthy!
Ok, so we covered the healthy lunch stuff, but lets be honest, kids love to have a small treat in their lunch! I do keep some prepackaged snacks and cookies in the house. If you have one of those, throw it in their lunch; they will thank you! Also, if I make cookies or brownies that week, I will include one of those in there.
These lunches shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to throw together. My intentions before my oldest started Kindergarten were to always prepare lunches the night before. Well, guess what, that didn’t happen! Therefore, having some easy lunchbox ideas to prep the morning before school is a must!
