I know some parents hate packing lunch boxes for their kids. There are millions of Pinterest boards dedicated to kids lunch box ideas and 1000s of Instagram accounts focusing on it, and on that note of course I’ll be adding my Kids Lunch Box Ideas to the mix too
But first some truths about packing a school lunchbox.
Stop overthinking lunch box packing!
Personally, I think sometimes we can overthink the school lunch box, making it more of a worry than it needs to be.
Below you will find my 6 tips, don’t panic if you don’t understand my infographic, I explain my thoughts on lunch box packing for kids in a bit more detail below.
6 Tips for Packing Lunch Boxes for Kids
1 | Aim for Balanced
Don’t aim for gorgeous, don’t aim for amazing, just aim for balanced and you will be doing well.
By balanced I mean, try to ensure that most days you are including food items that cover the main food groups
- Vegetables & fruits
- Protein & fats
- Grains & carbohydrates
2 | Reduce expectations
Reduce your expectations, school/preschool/play dates are different to home.
- Kids could be distracted
- Kids could be keen to get to the playing as quickly as possible
- Everything you pack doesn’t have to be eaten for the lunch box to have been a success
- If you have a picky eater, school lunches may not be the time to try unfamiliar foods. Kid food comfort zones don’t have to be tested at every meal. The school lunch box may just not be the best time to get your little one to try new food.
- If you ticked off tip 1 and you have aimed for balance, then lunches can be similar or the same every day. You have covered off variety by providing a variety of food groups. The lunch itself doesn’t have to be different every day. If your kid is happy with it, and you are happy with it then that is fine
- Be realistic
3 | Send what YOU WANT THEM to eat, not what THEY WISH to eat
Always remember you are the parent. Which means you set the standards, you set the boundaries and you are the role model. Keep this in mind when you are packing a lunch box.
Make a list of YES foods. These are foods you are happy for your child to eat and foods you know they will eat. Have a good think about it and create the list thinking about all the food groups. When you are stuck check the list and start filling the box with items from there. You can find more information about the Yes list in my tips for a picky eater article
4 | Keep everything visible and accessible
This is particularly true for younger kids. Make sure your kid can open all containers and any packets you send with them. Also make sure they can open the lunch box itself. Test it at home, make them packed lunches and just observe how they cope with everything in the lunch box.
I really like bento style lunch boxes because once a kid opens the box they can see everything inside, nothing is hidden and nothing needs to be wrapped. A bonus for the environment as well.
So my top tip for this is to choose a lunch box that will suit your specific kid.
5 | Less Can be more
So, your kid is not eating their lunch. Sometimes this makes us go a little crazy, sometimes this can make us worry, and sometimes this can make us worsen the situation by sending more and more food, more and more options, to hopefully tempt said kid.
Try the reverse. If your kid is not eating their lunch. Try sending less, not more. Try fewer options and smaller quantities. If lunches look more manageable and not so overwhelming a kid who before didn’t bother with any of it before, might just give it a shot.
Yes, I am sure the idea of sending your child off to school with a small or even tiny packed lunch might seem to go against everything you should be doing as a parent. But if they were coming home with untouched lunch boxes anyway, then it is worth a whirl. Once they start finishing the fewer items you send, once they get into their ‘eating lunch groove’.. then you can start increasing the quantity and variety again.
6 | One Third, 1/3, 33% Keep this in mind
I look at this from two perspectives.
1. A kids lunch box can account for up to 1/3 of their daily nutrition intake
Therefore it is worth it to revisit tip one. It is worth trying to send a balanced lunch box with most if not all food groups covered.
On the other hand.
2. When is A Third not a Third?
When it’s a school lunch box!
Yes kids can eat up to one third of their nutrition requirements at school. But if you have a non school lunch eater, you don’t have to resort to filling their lunchbox with junk just so they will eat something. There is still ample time in the day for them to catch up. Just give them a great afternoon snack, maybe two, and a great dinner, and all will be fine.
So that’s it. The 6 things I think parents should keep in mind when packing their kid’s lunch box, Now we will get on to my Kids Lunch Box Ideas.
Kids Lunch Box Ideas
95 awesome kids lunch box ideas, these recipes are all easy to make, kid-approved, and perfect for a packed lunch.
These savoury muffins are loaded with veggies, healthy, but still loved by kids, absolutely perfect for the lunchbox
Healthy spinach muffins are perfect for the lunchbox, These blender muffins are like a green smoothie in muffin form. Loaded with vegetables and fruit
This hidden veggie pizza bread is a simple and quick recipe which ads a little bit of extra veg into my kids' diet
Known as Carrot oat energy bites or carrot cake bliss balls, these are a healthy no-bake nut-free energy ball for kids and a perfect healthy Christmas treat, (Reindeer Food)
easy no-bake chocolate energy balls a nut-free bliss l recipe for kids
Easy Yoghurt Dough Scrolls, a 2 ingredient scroll dough recipe loaded with leek and cheese, or mix it up with other fillings
Chickpea and oat crackers, healthy snacks made with simple ingredients. Crispy and crunchy and delicious
These super easy ham and cheese scrolls are quick to make and freeze really well.
These ham cheese and mustard scrolls can be ready in 45 minutes and are freezer friendly too.
These Cheeseburger Rollups are a delicious lunch that is easy to make and pack! A tasty finger food with all of your favorite cheeseburger flavors!
Simple lunch box pastries with a filling of vegan pesto and cheese. Kids love them & they are easy enough for them to make.
No Bake Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars packed with rolled oats, flaxseed, and chia seeds make a healthy and filling lunch time treat or snack. Work with sun butter as well!
Such an easy zucchini slice recipe, loaded with healthy zucchini it is the perfect family-friendly meal. Lunch, Dinner or Breakfast, add to a lunch box, Baby Led Weaning. You Can't Go Wrong!
You are going to love the mouthwatering aromatic flavors in these easy Chicken Shawarma Sandwiches. This grilled chicken sandwich will become your new favorite because it’s big on flavor, low on cost, and perfect for lunch boxes or eating on the go
Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Pop Tarts prepared in 30 minutes and that make a comforting lunch on the go for back to school. They are a fun alternative to sandwiches.
A cute easy to make take on sushi that kids love.
Mini whole grain dessert/snack to top off your lunch! The kiddos will love them.
These quinoa pizza bites are the perfect toddler quinoa bites or quinoa appetizer. Filled with greens, tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and cheese, these veggie quinoa bites are the best gluten free pizza bites.
Easy Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas recipe. This simple lunch idea is perfect to make as meal prep on weekends or as a snack on weekdays.
This Tuna Salad is healthy and makes an excellent sandwich filling for a comforting meal or a protein-packed topping on mixed greens or lettuce leaves for a light lunch. It packs up great for school and road trip lunches.
Zucchini picnic muffins are simple Egg Muffins with rice cheese and veggies, a full meal in one muffin, great for kids and lunchboxes
Ready in around 35-minutes, these zucchini muffins with chocolate chips are perfect for school lunches or an on-the-go snack. Did I mention the chocolate chip part?
A cold sandwich that is vegan and easy to make. It keeps well in the fridge so it's great for meal prep and tastes great.
This zucchini banana bread is healthy and delicious, the perfect lunchbox addition.
These Oatmeal Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies are toddler friendly, mom approved cookies that are packed full of nutrition but satisfy a craving for a big soft chocolate chip cookie!
These Chocolate Chip Muffins are soft, fluffy, and the perfect level of sweetness! They’re loaded with chocolate chips, topped with sparkling sugar, and ready in 25 minutes – no mixer required and you can use dairy free or regular butter!
These light and fluffy Cheese and Onion scones are easy to make and can be frozen, making them perfect for lunchboxes!
Homemade raw energy bars, just the way they should be. No unnecessary added junk, just good, whole ingredients with an awesome taste and burst of energy
Falafel Hummus Pita Pocket Sandwiches – my plantiful cooking
These falafel pita sandwiches are really easy to put together and are kid-friendly. They are a great lunchbox meal to have.
Easily make a fancy Turkey salad sandwich or wrap in just minutes! This Turkey salad with grapes is packed with protein and tastes better than the deli!
These cookie dough protein bars taste like dessert but they’re packed with protein and healthy fats. If you love Perfect Bars you’ll love this recipe!
Skip the store bought granola bars and make a batch of healthy granola cookies. They are loaded with hearty oats, bananas, coconut, dried fruit, and nuts and are super easy to make.
These mini apple pies perfectly capture that warm, cozy feeling of a crisp autumn afternoon. They are perfect for packing in your kids' lunches!
This is a nut-free snack bar that tastes as good as the store-bought granola bars, without all the junk. Try this simple granola bar recipe for school lunches this year!
These Muffin Tin Sushi Cups are super easy to make, so adorable and full of healthy goodness! Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Bored of sandwiches for lunch? Try these grab-and-go savoury cheese muffins to change things up a bit. They’re not only delicious but quick to make and healthy too
This EASY onigiri recipe is flavoured with delicious Japanese seasonings and wrapped in nori, perfect for a quick snack or a tasty lunchbox treat. Read on for tips, tricks and our handy step by step guide.
These cottage cheese egg muffins are such a great make-ahead meal. They're easy to put together, packed with protein and totally portable. You can meal prep them over the weekend and eat them during the week.
Change up lunches by adding some fun finger foods like these Sammy's On A Stick!
Ranch Pretzels are so easy to make with only a few ingredients and are so yummy! They are the perfect snack for school, work, game day, luncheons, parties, road trips, or a post-dinner nibble!
Mini Peanut Butter Banana Muffins - Delicious HEALTHY bite-size snack!
Mini Peanut Butter Banana Muffins are not only adorable but absolutely delicious. Sweet, flavorful and loaded with chocolate chips, these tiny beauties are the perfect snack.
Mini Meatball Subs - Perfect Size for Little Hands and Lunch Boxes
These mini meatball subs are the perfect weeknight dinner and meal for the lunch box. Think outside the sandwich and pack a delicious, savory meal for your kids for their school lunch.
Simple Egg Muffins with Cauliflower and Cheese. Egg cups are perfect for kids and baby led weaning. A Healthy breakfast or snack, packed with veggies picky eaters will never notice
Pizza Roll Ups are like a piece of pizza all rolled up in a delicious little bundle. They are full of tomato sauce, ooey-gooey cheese, and, in my recipe, turkey pepperoni.
These Cheddar and Spinach Muffins make a delicious savoury baked goods that can be served as an appetiser or enjoyed as a snack. These savoury cheese and vegetable muffins are also a great lunchbox meal idea for your kids,
These hummus sandwiches are my kids’ #1 lunch request. They pack really well in a lunchbox and don’t get soggy!
4 ingredient blueberry pinwheels a healthy no added sugar snack for kids
Peanut Butter Chicken Salad Sandwich, perfect sandwich idea for kids, fun, healthy, yummy
Macaroni and cheese muffins are loaded with cheese and pasta like you would expect but are way more fun than the casserole version. They make a fun finger food for lunchboxes or an exciting side dish for dinner.
Mini broccoli cheese muffins make a healthy breakfast snack or a savoury muffin for kids or toddlers. Lots of flavour in a tiny bite!
These nut-free granola bars pack well and are perfect for the lunchbox (or purse!). They can also be made gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan and don’t require any special ingredients.
Turn a chicken and rice dinner into these lunchbox-friendly Chicken and Rice Muffins! Make a big batch at the start of the week for easy snacks and school lunches.
A pan of these No Bake M&M Granola Bars can be on your counter in minutes. These homemade granola bars are so easy to make, and you can use different mix-ins every time you make them.
With just few ingredients, these addictive protein loaded sausage cheese balls pack well!
Kids absolutely flip for these fun cucumber and cream cheese roll ups! Easy to make, too!
This creamy vegetable sandwich is an easy back to school recipe that also makes an excellent, quick dinner option. It's creamy, cheesy, loaded with veggies, and super delicious!
Soft Tapioca Wraps | your new favorite grain free flatbread
These easy, cheesy soft tapioca wraps are made with simple pantry ingredients—plus they stay flexible even when they’re cold and freeze beautifully. Perfect for school lunches!
This sandwich sushi roll is a fun way to surprise your kids and switch up your daily packed lunch routine.
Nut free and no added sugar these Apple Pie Bliss Balls are just perfect for school lunches. They are so simple to prepare and fantastic for little hands to eat quickly!
A super simple one bowl, no mixer applesauce muffin that is perfect for baby led weaning and toddlers
Loaded with oats, but due to a little trick they are still light and fluffy, sustained energy perfect for a lunch box.
An easy oat slice recipe, made with rolled oats, and simple pantry ingredients, my kids' favourite slice!
These healthy flapjacks are free from refined sugar and nuts and are perfect for lunch boxes
Crispy, compact and full of flavour, these mini pizza muffins are super simple to make and perfect for a healthy breakfast, lunchbox treats or snacking on the run!
Pinwheels are loved by everyone and are super simple to make for any picnic, gathering, party or just for the family. They work perfect in a lunchbox too!
These easy vegan oat bars are made with just a handful of simple and wholesome ingredients and naturally gluten-free. Kids and adults alike love this meal prep-friendly recipe!
Easy & high protein vegan bean burritos! We love this quick and healthy Mexican veggie burrito, it's perfect for meal prep or a to-go lunch. Easily customizable, this kid-friendly wholesome comfort meal is so filling, rich in fiber and a true family favorite.
These mini skewers are easy to make and pack in a school lunch. Plus, they’re colorful and nutritious, made with just a few ingredients.
Chocolatey milo balls are a fab high energy lunch box treat
So pretty in pink, these strawberry bliss balls are nut-free and go great in a lunch box, throw them in frozen and they will defrost in the box.
This recipe makes a lovely soft apple pie flavoured granola bar kids love in thier lunch box.
This Deconstructed Turkey Sandwich Bento Box is perfect as either a midday snack or as a meal!
Mini broccoli quesadillas are the perfect size to pack for a school lunch, easy to make, and eat!
Homemade Gluten-Free + Vegan Goldfish (Allergy-Free, Grain-Free)
Nothing says childhood more than Goldfish crackers! Now you can make your own Homemade Gluten-Free & Vegan Goldfish that are top 8 allergy-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and secretly protein-packed! A healthy snack recipe mom's and kids will love!
If you want to add a tasty treat to your child's lunchbox, try making these baked apple cinnamon donuts. They are easy to add to lunch boxes and kids love them.
Vegetable wraps are one best and ideal school packed lunches for kids. Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients and efforts. Great way to add colorful veggies to make it more appealing for kids.
These super easy, 5-ingredient Avocado and Smashed Chickpea Wraps are a breeze to make. Kids and adults alike will love them and they are perfect for meal prep and on-the-go lunches.
These veg-packed tuna pinwheels, perfect for school lunchboxes! They're made with canned tuna, canned chickpeas, cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and cream cheese, all rolled up in a tasty tortilla wrap and cut in…
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The perfect on-the-go snack - these Vegan Granola Bars are hearty, healthy and completely satisfying. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and you don't even have to bake them!
These dairy-free avocado muffins are low in sugar and full of healthy fats.
This is a super simple recipe for the best blueberry muffins ever!
Take a can of chickpeas and turn it into a delicious high fibre healthy chocolate chip cookie!
A refined sugar free homemade fruit gummy recipe, rich in gelatin which may promote a healthy gut
A wholemeal cinnamon muffin studded with delicious sweet pieces of juicy pears.
Make your own crispy crunchy rice crackers for lunch boxes using left over rice from dinner.
Looking for lunchbox ideas beyond sandwiches? Try this Spanish Omelette packed full of veggies. It’s delicious hot or cold!
Broccoli & Cheese Frittata Fingers - My Fussy Eater | Easy Kids Recipes
These frittata fingers make the best finger food for baby led weaning and toddlers and of course in lunchboxes
An easy rice salad recipe that would make a great alternative to sandwiches
These mini crustless quiches are great for breakfast, brunch or for adding to the lunchbox. They freeze well making them perfect for meal prepping.
Roasted Peas are a delicious and crunchy snack, perfect for on the go. Pop them into lunchboxes or use them to top salads for added texture.
These Savoury Waffles are a great way to get your kids pleading for more vegetables, they pack well in lunchboxes too!
These delicious fudgy gluten-free muffins are refined sugar-free and with the added bonus of some hidden vegetables, so all though they look like chocolatey goodness, they are great for lunch boxes too.
Easy crunchy roasted chickpeas, a healthy vegan protein-rich savoury snack flavoured with garlic, great for school lunchboxes and kids
A healthy wholemeal waffle recipe that will fuel them for a school day.
What got my attention the most was how you said that when it comes to packing lunch for kids, it’s best to remember that as a parent, I’m the one who should set the standards of what they’re supposed to eat. The only problem is that I’m not very confident in my ability to pack the best and healthiest lunch for my little prince. I think I’ll settle for hiring someone to do the lunch packing thing for me and just try to figure it out later. Thank you for sharing though.
Thank you for all of the tips and ideas! This is very helpful!