11 Game-Changing Lunch Box Packing Tips
You’re not a regular mom; you’re a cool mom.
What’s the best way to ensure your kids have a great day at school? A brilliant lunch box hack, of course. From our food faves to tips for packing, these ideas will put a smile on your child’s face the minute they zip open their lunch box.
A Warm Lunch > A Cold One
Simply stick any protein (i.e. frozen nuggets, leftover chicken dinner) in the microwave or oven in the morning, and put them in your child’s thermos. They’ll stay warm until lunchtime. Want to score even more brownie points? Pack a smaller thermos with marinara for the ultimate Italian dunking experience.
Crayon Creations
Nothing gives us peace of mind like a restaurant with paper table cloths and crayons (hello, distraction). Why not re-create that magic in your child’s lunch box? Wrap their grub in some paper, pack a few crayons, and let them doodle their way through mealtime one color at a time. Does your kid need a bit more guidance? Try wrapping their food with a page from a coloring book.
Keep Lunch Cold the Cool Way
Not only are frozen grapes delicious (think: fruity ice pops) but they’ll also help you save on room in your child’s lunch box! Freeze them, divide them into sandwich baggies, and use them in place of a traditional ice pack.
A Friendly Face
We love a good craft project, especially one where we can involve the kids! Decorate these baggies in bulk at the beginning of the school year, and send your children off each day with a memento from home.
Find out how to make the goofy goodie bags from I Heart Crafty Things.
PB&J the New Way
Sending your kids to school with the same-old pb&j is a surefire way to bore them to tears. With this healthy upgrade, you won’t only be turning their favorite sandwich on its head, you’ll also be ensuring they eat their fruit.
Get the recipe from Delish.
Soggy Sandwiches, Be Gone!
No one likes a soggy sammie, but you can’t hold the veggies or spreads for the sake of keeping the bread crisp. If you put a bit of butter on both sides of the bread before stacking on the mayo, mustard, tomato and lettuce, your kid’s sandwiches won’t get soft before lunchtime!
Butterfly to the Rescue
We all know the tot who refuses to have their food touch, but not every lunch box has room for a giant bento box. Say hello to your new best friend. These adorable butterfly clips will make snack time fun.
Find out how to make them from Fun Family Crafts.
A Salsa A Day ...
Who says 7-layer dip is only for Super Bowl season? Spend your Sunday evening loading up these plastic tumblers with your kid’s favorite Mexican spreads. You can store them in the freezer to keep them fresh and your mornings moving. Just wrap with tinfoil and add chips!
Get the recipe from The Girl Who Ate Everything.
Muffin Tin Maven
We’re always down for a lunch that can be made-ahead, and these pizza puffs certainly fit the bill. With the help of your muffin tin, you can bake 12 of them on a Sunday and start your week stress free. Did we mention they’re kid-approved?
Get the recipe from Delish.
Sandwich Skewers
Nothing kicks lunch time up a notch like a skewer. From PB&J to turkey and cheese, simply slide the stick between the bread and consider yourself a mid-day superhero.
Bento on a Budget
Your ice cube tray just got a new look. Make your own bento box using a large-sized tray and a plastic container. This brilliant DIY invention won’t only keep your kids satiated, it’ll also keep you stress-free as they can be filled ahead of time.
Read more about this hack at ThatsLife.com.
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