Lunch Box Ideas

It's back-to-school time, and that means a return to the stress of seeking daily lunch box ideas. Your kids are already tired of PB&J and you're fresh out of ideas. What's a busy mom to do? Don't worry, we have plenty of ideas to jazz up your kid's lunch and make your life easier.

Presentation is key.

With kids, especially younger kids, it's all about the presentation. Make the lunch look more enticing and your kids just might eat it. This can be as simple as getting creative with your sandwich shapes. Using cookie cutters, cut soft bread into shapes. First, cut the crusts off the bread (use them later in your breakfast recipe) and then cut two slices of bread with the cookie cutters to make shapes -- stars or circles are particularly popular. Place your child's favorite sandwich ingredient between the slices. You can spread jelly, or mayonnaise and cheese, or pimento cheese.

Who says a sandwich has to consist of two pieces of bread? There are lots of options out there, and many are quite kid-friendly. Try these:

• Tortillas with melted cheese - Place cheese on top of a flour tortilla and melt in the microwave. Then add another tortilla on top of the cheese to make a sandwich. Cut the tortillas in half and wrap in cellophane, then place in the lunch box.
• Bagels with peanut butter - Tired of peanut butter and jelly on regular loaf bread? Try placing peanut butter on a plain or cinnamon-raisin bagel. If your child's school has a peanut-free policy, try almond butter or Sun butter.
• Graham crackers with cream cheese - Smother cream cheese between two graham crackers for a healthy treat.
• Flat bread - Use flatbread or wraps for a new twist on sandwiches. Just slather with hummus, mayo, cream cheese, or mustard, and fill with veggies or meat. Roll it up, and you're ready to go.

If your kids are a bit pickier and even star-shaped sandwiches or creative wraps won't work, skip the sandwich. There are plenty of other main dish items you can give your kids. One great idea is a thermos of soup. Hot chicken noodle or vegetable soup will taste delicious, especially on a cold day. Make sure the lid fits tightly but not too tightly so that your child can open it with ease at lunch time. Chili, stew, and other soups work just as well. Remember to include a spoon.

Forget the chips and get more creative with your lunch box side items. You can give your kids much cuter-- and healthier-- options. Try these:

• Fruit cups - These can be purchased at the store or you can slice up fruit and create your own concoctions. If you peel and slice apples, be sure to drizzle them with lemon juice so they won't turn brown.
• Applesauce cups - The store-brand is inexpensive and great for children who enjoy applesauce.
• Cheese cubes - Send cubed cheese to school using cheddar or Colby cheeses.
• Muffins - Make the regular-sized ones or mini muffins. Bake up a bunch using a quick muffin recipe, store them in the freezer, and take out as needed. With so many varieties to choose from, surely you can find a muffin your child likes.
• Frozen yogurt - If you are worried about yogurt spoiling in warmer weather, try sending frozen yogurt with your child in the morning. By lunch time, it should be thawed and will provide a nutritious and delicious treat. Even if it is still a little icy, eating it is fun, just like eating a Popsicle!
• Granola and dried fruit mixture - Take standard granola and add extra fruit. You can also make your own granola.
• Celery and carrot sticks - Cut the veggies and pack them with a dipping sauce of honey mustard, almond butter, hummus, or ranch dressing.
• String cheese - These are just plain yummy.
• Granola and fruit bars - These are store-bought. Buy the store brand or watch for the name brands to go on sale.
• Raisins or dried cranberries - If your kids like these, they are great sources of vitamins. Easy to eat, these fruits are also easy to pack.

While you can put your child's lunch items into Ziploc baggies, you can cut down on costs by purchasing some small Tupperware or Gladware containers. You can easily pack your child's sandwiches and side items in these. Make sure your child knows to bring these home each day so they can be washed and reused. Over the course of a school year, you will save money on reusable wear versus throw-away baggies.

If you live in a warm or hot climate and are afraid of your child's ham sandwich being spoiled during those hours before lunch, consider slipping an ice pack into his lunch box. You can use an ice pack when you send cheese as well. Insulated lunch sacks are also good for keeping certain foods cool.

With these lunch box ideas, you can stock up on staple items each time you make a trip to the grocery store. At the end of the day, ask your children if they liked the soup or tortillas with melted cheese that you packed in their lunch. If they did, make a note of that so you can continue to pack the foods your children particularly enjoy. Some items they may not like, so there is no need to try those again. Sometimes, kids do change their likes and dislikes over the course of a year, so stay on top of their preferences.

These suggestions for lunch box foods need not be for your children only. You may benefit from them when you take your lunch to work as well.

Now that you have some new lunch box ideas, there is no need to get discouraged when it comes time to making lunches.

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