Do you need more packed lunch ideas for kids? I've got you covered with a month of packed lunch ideas (with photos), plus lunchbox recommendations, a lunch packing cheat sheet and nut-free snack ideas if you need them for a nut-free school or daycare.
As a Registered Dietitian and mama of three, I often get asked for lunch ideas for kids. If you're stuck in a lunch packing rut, you need this guide! With over 20 lunchbox ideas, you could use one every school day for a month and still have a couple to spare!
Super Easy Simple Packed Lunches
Easy and simple is the name of the game over here. I am a real-life busy mama who doesn't have the time or energy to pack fancy elaborate lunches for multiple kids every day.
My goal is to share quick and easy packed lunches that are great for kids of a variety of ages. I include pictures to inspire you but also so you can show your kids and get them involved in the process!
Here's what's in your easy packed lunch ideas for kids PDF:
- Product recommendations - I share my favorite lunch boxes.
- Prep ahead tips - A few tips for things you can prep ahead of time in the fridge and freezer to make lunch packing easier.
- School Lunch Packing Cheat Sheet - lunch ideas divided into protein, carbs, vegetables, fruits and snacks so you can mix and match from each category to pack a balanced lunch quickly.
- 24 lunch box photos/healthy packed lunch ideas - full-color photos of bento-style lunch boxes showcasing different lunch item ideas
- Nut-free product recommendations - If your school is nut-free, here are some peanut/tree nut-free snacks you can pack for your kiddos.
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BONUS REAL-LIFE LUNCH BOXES PDF! See below.
Free Bonus - School Lunch Ideas For Kids
As a thank you for purchasing my lunch box guide, you'll also receive a bonus PDF called Real Life Lunches. In it, you'll find actual photos of my first grader's lunch box for the first 30 days of school. You can see EXACTLY what I packed for him (and yes, that includes things like fruit snacks and cookies!) I hope you find it helpful.
Super Easy Packed Lunches - Great For Kids
All of the lunches in my guide are quick and easy to make ahead of time. I almost always pack my lunches the night before so that they're ready to go on a busy morning.
If you want a preview of what some of the lunches in the guide look like, you can check out this post:
Quick and Healthy Cheap School Lunches
If you're looking for some ways to save money while packing lunches, here are a few tips:
- Shop the sales and shop generic. Generic brand is often the exact same as name brand, but cheaper!
- Don't buy individual-sized bag. Buy a large bag and portion on your own into individual portions. Same thing with yougurt- buy the big tub and portion it out. Or buy a big block of cheese and cut your own cheese sticks vs. buying the pre-made kind.
- Consider non-meat protein options - pasta, eggs, beans etc can all add protein.
- Make your own baked goods likes muffins and bars and bulk them up by including inexpensive plant proteins like beans and lentils.
- Consider canned fruit. It's canned at peak ripeness to lock in nutrients but it's also shelf stable and often cheaper than fresh!
"I already used this tonight to pack my daughter’s lunch for tomorrow. She loved being able to look through the pictures and choose what she wanted. I really like the list of different proteins because I tend to get in a rut with protein (especially at lunch). The list of nut free snacks is amazing too- l ordered a couple options for her to try." - Jen
"This is probably my favorite guide I’ve seen! First, I love the image and its diversity! I love the cheat sheet with ideas! It’s so easy to overlook obvious things when you're in a rut. Your images are done well and I love how many you did! My favorite part is the tip section with alternative ideas for that meal, that was so clever. You even went the extra mile to provide links. You literally made this ideal for parents and it feels like such a loving gift!" -Laura
"I've started reviewing the lunch box guide and let me just say- THIS IS YOUR BEST ONE YET! I will use it for planning weekly lunches. You've compiled a great list and the pictures are awesome!" - Lacey
"My oldest is going to kindergarten and I've been dreading packing him a lunch because he can be picky but your guide has made me feel SO much better. I love how you can see every lunch!"
"I have both The Dinner Spark and Snack Spark (amazing, love them) but the Month of Packed Lunches - OVER THE TOP BEST!! I love the variety and EASE of every lunch box. The visuals are fantastic." - Kendall
If you're also struggling in the snack department, you might like The Snack Spark - a comprehensive guide to easy, healthy snacks everyone will love! It includes simple snack pairings, what makes a good snack, homemade and storebought snack ideas, allergy-friendly snacks and more! You can click here for more details on The Snack Spark or grab both as a bundle!
