Back to School: Lunchbox Ideas Printable + Tips

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We’re sharing the best lunchbox tips PLUS a free download for easy lunchtime meal ideas that kids will actually love to eat and we’ve included the shopping list! Tips like making lunch food fun with kid sushi, creating DIY lunches for your littles to build something they can be proud of, and crafting sandwiches without the bread.

My Go-To Lunchbox Tips

Batch prep ingredients on weekends to save time during busy weekdays.
Use silicone cupcake liners or small containers to separate foods and create appealing bento-style lunches.
I like to involve my kids in meal planning and prep to increase their interest in the food.
I try to balance the lunch with protein, complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables for sustained energy.
Include a small treat or surprise note to brighten your child’s day. Check out our post with free note printables.

Lunch Box Tips and Free Download with Shopping List

Invest in reusable containers to reduce waste and save money long-term.
Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for sandwiches, fruits, and vegetables.
Freeze drinks or yogurt tubes to act as ice packs that will thaw by lunchtime.
Create themed lunches based on holidays, seasons, or your child’s current interests.
Teach kids about food groups and nutrition by packing a rainbow of colors.

Click Here for the Free Lunchbox Printable

One of the best compliments I’ve received in relation to my kids and their lunches was from my son’s preschool teacher who let me know one day that everyone always had so much fun with Brayden’s lunchbox. “It’s like a rainbow!” she said through a large grin.

Packed with a colorful mix of food to give the highest vitamin pack for each punch of a bite and then stored in an array of multi-colored containers, it gave all the kids at the lunch table something to talk about. “We have fun naming and practicing our colors based on his lunches,” she told me and I couldn’t have been more proud. Also happy that he ate his food and gobbled it down so well.

You can find a few more of the lunchbox tips right here on this post as well.

Creating fun, nutritious lunches for your children doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little planning and creativity, you can pack meals that nourish both body and mind. Remember, lunchtime is more than just eating – it’s an opportunity for learning, social interaction, and joy. By implementing a few of these tips and using our lunchbox ideas printable, you’ll be well on your way to crafting lunches that your kids will look forward to every day.

Who knows? Your child’s lunchbox might just become the talk of the cafeteria, sparking curiosity, conversation, and healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

Happy packing friends!