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5 Quick & Easy Lunch Box Ideas Your Kids Will Love

Posted by Caryn Bailey 4 Comments

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I know…you’re probably thinking that it’s way too early to be talking about the school year..or it it? In some states, the school year begins in August, which leaves only about a month or so to get ready. School lunches are a big part of our preparation, and having packed my son’s lunch for a majority of his very first school year, I learned a few things, mainly that by the end of the year, we’re all tired of turkey, ham, and PB&J.

Bento Lunch Box

Last month, I sat down with some of Walmart’s suppliers to discuss creative lunchbox ideas.  The Bento Box is a popular way for parents to pack their children’s lunches and there are so many benefits to approaching lunch from this perspective.  Most importantly, the Bento Box appeals to several of children’s senses. My children love finger foods that they can easily pick up.  They also respond well to colors, shapes, and textures which makes visual presentation so important.  Lastly, I found that in order for my son to actually eat what I have packed him, I need to change it up frequently.  Much like you and I, he tires of eating the same thing over and over again.

Fit & Fresh Container Set

Some other benefits to packing a child’s lunch Bento-style include the reduction in waste.  Rather than separating fruits, veggies, snacks and a sandwich in disposable plastic baggies, Walmart’s Fit & Fresh Container Set (for example) makes it easy to pack several meals and snacks in one space.  Our local Walmart carries several types of containers, but I like this one because it includes a removable ice pack to keep foods cold and fresh for several hours.

The third reason why I love Bento-style lunches is the fact that it inherently promotes healthy eating.  Probably my favorite “rule” for eating comes from food author Michael Pollan: “Don’t eat anything with more than five ingredients, or ingredients you can’t pronounce.”    Children should be eating fresh fruits, veggies, and other healthful snacks rather than packaged, processed foods and this approach supports a fresh perspective on lunches.

Bento Lunch Box

So, you’ve seen the Pinterest boards and books on fancy, elaborate Bento-style school lunches and you’re probably thinking that it’s impractical! I personally don’t have a lot of time in the mornings to prepare lunch, but these 5 lunchbox ideas are so simple, you’ll be able to put them together in just a few minutes.  With each recipe, I’ll also share my favorite brands to help get you started as you shop!

Sandwich On A Stick

1. Sandwich On A Stick

Your child’s favorite sliced meat (ham, turkey, etc.)
Cherry Tomatoes
Sliced Pickles
Cubed cheese
Bamboo Skewers

Alternate protein, cheese and veggies on bamboo skewers and serve with crackers or mini toasts.

Mini Toaster Pizzas

2. Mini Toaster Pizzas

Mini Toasts (Saint-Louis, Walmart)
Tomato or Pizza Sauce (Muir Glen Organic – Walmart)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Precious – Walmart)

Top mini toasts with a small amount of sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Toast for 1 minute.

Nut Butter & Banana Waffle Sandwiches

3.  Sunflower Seed Butter and Banana Open-Faced Sandwiches

Whole Grain Waffles (Van’s)
Sunflower Seed Butter (MaraNatha – Walmart)
Honey (Nature’s Nate – Walmart)
Sliced Bananas

Toast 1 waffle and cut it into 4 pieces. Spread a thin layer of sunflower seed butter and drizzle a small amount of honey.  Top with fresh, sliced bananas.

Nutella and Strawberry Roll-Ups

4.  Nutella and Strawberry Roll-Ups

Flat Bread (Flat Out – Walmart)
Hazelnut Butter/Spread (Nutella or Justin’s – Walmart)
Fresh Sliced Strawberries
Toothpicks

Cut flat bread into thirds.  Spread a thin layer of hazelnut spread and add sliced strawberries.  Roll and place a toothpick through to hold it together.

Fruit and Vegetable Skewers

5.  Fruit and Vegetable Skewers

Your child’s favorite cut-up fruits and vegetables
Bamboo Skewers

Alternate fruits and vegetables on the bamboo skewers.

To show you how quick and easy these lunch box ideas are to put together, I’ve created a short video demonstrating all 5 mini recipes:

 

We’re still happily spending our days sleeping in, soaking in the sun’s warm rays, and cooling off however we can, but I’m keeping these tips in my back pocket for the coming school year.  How do you get creative with your kids’ lunches?  I’d love to hear some of your ideas!

Walmart Moms Disclaimer.2013

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Caryn Bailey
Caryn Bailey
Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.
Caryn Bailey
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4 Responses to 5 Quick & Easy Lunch Box Ideas Your Kids Will Love

  1. Melanie Johnson says

    July 9, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    Such great ideas! And I love your pictures!

    Reply
    • Caryn Bailey says

      July 9, 2013 at 10:38 pm

      Aw thank you so much Melanie! : ) We had fun getting creative with lunch!

  2. susan says

    July 9, 2013 at 11:36 pm

    These are neat ideas. Please keep them coming. I’d love to see more!
    Just curious, what kind of camera did you use?

    Reply
    • Caryn Bailey says

      July 31, 2013 at 10:27 am

      Aw thank you Susan! I shoot with a Nikon D90 : )

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What started out as a way to chronicle my son’s first year of life has evolved into Rockin’ Mama. I am a babywearing, breastfeeding mama, a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night.

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