It is the task I hate the most when school starts. Coming up with things for my kids lunches. And then having to pack it. And what annoys me more, is when the lunchbox comes home with half of the things I packed….wasted. I’ve changed up the lunch making routine this year. They get to pack their lunches. It was a brilliant idea. Under my supervision, we all pile in the kitchen after dinner, and make lunches. My kids have loved getting to choose what to eat, and the bonus is most of it doesn’t make it back home. But the same ole PB&J can get super old so it’s time to get creative. Here is a list of some of my kid’s favorites that you can pack in your child’s lunch that will get you out of the school lunch rut.
- Hard boiled eggs
- Crackers, cheese, and pepperoni
- Apple slices, cheese, and sliced ham
- Pretzels and peanut butter
- Yogurt and granola
- Sandwich on a dinner roll or bagel
- Tortilla and cheese ( if your child’s school has a microwave it’s instant quesadilla!)
- Tortilla rolled with refried beans for a quick bean burrito
- Leftover pancakes cut into bite sizes and a container of syrup
- Wraps
- Smoothies
- Soup
Now let’s talk presentation. I’m not one to go overboard, but I agree that presentation can make or break something. Especially with food. Here are some things you can do to serve your run of the mill lunch that just might make it more interesting.
- Skewer it. Cut your sandwich into small squares and stick it on a skewer. (Maybe cut off those sharp ends so a lunchtime sword fight doesn’t ensue)
- Cookie cutter it. Cookie cutters can be used for more, that cookies! Who knew?!?!?! It will create sandwich envy at the lunch table and will have your child eating the entire thing.
- Bento box it. You might ask what that is. Well, if you ask me it’s a fancy name for a plastic container with divided compartments. No matter what you call it, it’s always fun to just pop the lid and have your whole meal organized right in front of you.
- Name it. Leave a note telling your child what the “theme” of his/her lunch is for the day. For example : “Frozen”. Frozen fruit, all things blue, or if you’re creative make an Olaf sandwich.
- Put a note in it. This is my favorite. Sneak a note in their lunch. It can put a surprise smile on their face, give them much needed encouragement if something big is happening that day, or just remind them how much you love them! And I may or may not do this to embarrass my middle schooler (who secretly loves it, I’m sure).
Here’s to the hundreds of lunches you (or your children) will make in the next school year. Glass raised. Clink!
