The Best Kids School Lunch Ideas

All around the country kids are heading back into the classroom and parents are hanging their heads wondering what food is good for a school lunch? Let me tell you, the possibilities are endless! I am excited to share a collection of kids school lunch ideas to help you make packing lunches fun. Really!

Kids school lunch ideas

Easy Lunch Box Ideas – Vanessa at Maple & Mango shares a great formula for packing school lunches as well as a comprehensive list of ideas for things to include.

You may not really have to go much further than 120 Easy Easy Kid Friendly Lunch Ideas for School. Annie shares a comprehensive LIST (printable) of lunch combos and ideas that will make assembling kids lunches a breeze!

Kids tend to love those prepackaged lunches from the store, but they can be cost prohibitive, small portions and not super healthy. Laura shares how to make your own Healthy Homemade Lunchables and gives lots of ideas for what to put inside them.

For years I remember my friend lamenting the fact that her daughter would NOT EAT SANDWICHES! These Easy No Sandwich Lunch Ideas from Christina would have been so useful to her and I hope they are to you as well.

Great Bento Box options

We personally love bento style lunch boxes. They come in a variety of colors, styles and configurations. The “technology” seems to get better and better so there is less leaking and more options for warm/ cold compartments. Here are some of our favorites.

What can I put in my school lunch aside from a sandwich?

Chicken Muffins – Yes, you read correctly. Bea developed this great recipe that is gluten free, Paleo and a celever way to use leftover chicken AND feed your child(ren) a healthy meal.

Skip the preservatives in those pre-made lunches and whip up Carlee’s yummy and easy Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas. Kids will love them and they keep well in fridge or freezer making them great to batch prepare for future lunches.

Carlee also shared her recipe for these Macaroni & Cheese Muffins which are perfect for school lunches.

If you know me, you know I LOVE Hello Kitty (and all cute things) so I think this Hello Kitty Lunch Box Idea is the CUTEST! I know I would love to find this in my school lunch.

Up the Lunch Box Appeal

We all know that some kids need to be coaxed to eat. Making lunch fun and appealing with these reusable accessories that can be used to add interest to the lunch box.

These Spinach Pinwheels with Cheese and Basil are perfect for kids on vegetarian diets. They look tasty enough for any kid! Kylie’s blog is called KIDgredients and she has tons of creative and yummy recipes for feeding kiddos.

I love this Kid-Friendly Pasta Salad that Diana shared. It is colorful and fun and would be a great addition to your lunch rotation.

I envy people whose kids love salad! My child is not a fan but he loves chicken so I think this Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad with Fresh Rosemary might be right up his alley. If your child doesn’t like sandwiches this would be perfect with crackers or even veggie slices.

Hot Lunches

When the weather gets cooler, I love to fill the thermos with warm foods to keep my son going and help warm him up. Here are some great ideas to send to school that are different from traditional soup.

This recipe for Homemade Spaghetti O’s leaves out the “weird” ingredients, excess sodium and makes allowances for dietary concerns. It is gluten free, allergy free and Vegan.

Meesha shared a recipe for Vegan Chinese Tofu “Egg” Protein Fried Rice. I love this idea for cold days and you could easily swap out ingredients to add things your kids love.

Keep Hot Foods Hot

Here are some great options for packing hot items in kids lunches. They are portable, durable and keep the hot food hot!

Sweet Treats for the Lunch Box

How delicious looking are these Chewy Homemade Granola Bars that Kids Love? They come to us from the ladies at Easy Budget Recipes and cost just .36 a serving! A huge savings over store bought.

Liz shared her Oatmeal Cream Pie – Classic Sandwich Cookie recipe and I’ll be honest. I want them for ME! They’re a riff on the classic Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pies but probably better for you and better tasting!

These Nut Free Chocolate Bliss Balls are a sweet treat that is great to send to schools that have a nut-free policy. Kids love the sweetness and moms love the ease and the fact that they can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months (if they don’t get eaten first!)

Here’s another easy recipe for Homemade Granola Bars. These are gluten-free, paleo, vegetarian and easy to make. Lyne says her kids love to help out in the kitchen when she makes a batch.

Little Extras

I love sending my son off with a little treat or note tucked into his school lunch sometimes. They let him know we’re thinking of him even when we’re away from each other and are a particularly nice pick-me-up when your child is going through a rough time. Awhile back I shared School Lunch Ideas for Tired Moms along with some cute printable lunch box notes. I hope your child will love them as much as ours does.

Jamie also shared some Free printable lunch box notes that are perfect for back to school lunches.

Give your kiddo a laugh with these Free Printable Lunch Box Jokes shared by Marie at Elle Marie Home. They’d make a great ice breaker for the kids around the lunch table.

Here are some fun and colorful Free Emojis Lunch Box Cards Printables that your kids would be delighted to find tucked in with their lunches.

Thanks so much for visiting today! I know that parents both worry and rejoice when its back to school time and I am pleased to provide tips that help ease the way. Be sure to save this pin for when you need lunch ideas!

Pin this to your school or meal ideas Pinterest board!