School days, school days. Ain’t it fun? The morning rush, the after school activities, assignments and school functions keep most calendars packed. But what about the middle of the day? It is our duty as parents and caregivers to make sure our kids are getting fed. Whether that means nutritious school lunches or our own lunch box creations.

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Quick and Easy Idea Starters for your Kids Lunch Box

My favorite way to put a smile on my kid’s face (through food) is to pack her lunch box with fun and colorful foods. Small sizes, totally snackable, and tasty.

We have put together a list of Lunch Box Idea Starters to help you and your precious little angels make their mid day meal more exciting.

Download these  FREE PRINTABLE lunch box notes. Cute little notes to brighten your kid’s day and let them know you care.

 

MAIN COURSE LUNCH BOX MUNCHIES

So what’s your kiddos favorite main thing?  PB&J? Pizza? Sandwiches?

How about this super-easy idea for Ham & Cheese Quesadillas? That’s right, just zap ham and cheese sandwiched between tortillas for a fast lunch the kids will love. Spice it up with salsa, squirt on a little mustard, or leave them plain. (That’s how my youngest likes them.)

More Idea Starters

• Little Vegetarians: Broccoli and Cheese Quesadillas
• No Lactose for the Little Ones: Turkey and Hummus Quesadillas
• Instead of using two tortillas, turn this into a mini wrap.
• Use whole grain bread, make your fave sandwich, and cut them into shapes with large cookie cutters.
• Skip the carbs and make veggie wraps using lettuce.
• Slider sandwiches are a hit, and you can make them ahead for several days worth of lunch.

 

 

 

SNACK ATTACK SIDES FOR THE LUNCH BOX

With any good lunch comes a great crunchy snack. There’s always the usual suspects like chips and crackers. But sometimes you need to mix it up

 

More Idea Starters

• The classics: carrot sticks, sweet pepper strips and all of your children’s fave veggies
• Toss in a serving of their favorite nuts like almonds or cashews (if there are no nut allergies, of course).
• Pretzels with a little mustard for dipping.
• Crunchy dill pickles drive most kids wild.
• Sugar snap peas. Ridiculously snackable and perfectly healthy.

 

 

SOMETHING UNEXPECTED FOR THE LUNCH BOX

So we have covered the main event and the crunchy side snack. But every now and then, make something special and unexpected. These Sweet Pepper Mini Veggie Wraps are just the thing. Just spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a tortilla or spinach wrap then put super-thin strips of sweet peppers and wrap them up. Cut into pieces to make it handy for little hands.

Warning, you are going to want some of these for your own lunch.

More Idea Starters

• Take a piece of celery, and load it up with cream cheese or peanut butter. Top it with small tomatoes for a cute and crazy snack.
• Cucumber Stacks. Layers of cucumbers, cheese, tomato, or other ingredients make colorful and crunchy lunch time surprises.
• Homemade granola energy bites. Stir together peanut butter, oats, and raisins and roll them into balls.
• Fruit Skewers are always a hit

 

 

 

 

 

SWEET TOOTH SAVIORS FOR THE LUNCH BOX

No candy bars here. We are talking about wholesome treats that will satisfy your children’s sweet tooth. Fruits and naturally sweet foods are always better than a pop tart or candy.

Our favorite idea? Crisp apple slices spread with almond butter and sprinkled with dried cranberries. These are a perfect lunch box addition and will make your kid’s day.

More Idea Starters

• Yogurt and granola. Easy!
• Mixed fruit salad using your child’s personal favorites. The little fruit lovers will be so excited.
• Sugar-free applesauce sprinkled with a touch of cinnamon.
• Custom trail mix with only your kids favorites (also works for the unexpected).
• Try our easy  No-Bake Cereal Bars
• Mini pancakes and peanut butter
• Homemade muffins are always a fave.

 

 

 

 

Hope your lunch box gears are turning and this helps you think of fun and creative ways to pack the lunch box. For more ideas, check out this post of 17 Kid Friendly Recipes.

 

 

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