From bento boxes to international flavors, there's something for everyone in Upwards’ top 10 lunch and snack ideas to help parents plan out meals each day.

10 Fun and Creative Ideas for Packing Your Child’s School Lunch and Snacks

Packing a lunch for your child can be a daunting task, especially if you’re trying to come up with new and exciting ideas every day.

Here are the top 10 ideas for packing your child’s school lunch and snacks that are both tasty and fun:

  1. Make a bento box: Bento boxes are a great way to pack a variety of different foods in an attractive and organized way. You can include sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and even a little something sweet.
  2. Go for the classics: Sometimes, the old-fashioned favorites are still the best. Pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a bag of chips, and a juice box for a tried-and-true lunch.
  3. Try some international flavors: Mix things up by packing a lunch with flavors from different cultures. For example, you could pack a hummus and pita pocket, a Greek salad, and a baklava for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
  4. Make it a DIY affair: Give your child the option to customize their own lunch by packing individual ingredients that they can mix and match. For example, you could pack a variety of meats, cheeses, and breads for them to make their own sandwiches.
  5. Pack a wrap: Wraps are a great alternative to sandwiches and are easy to customize with a variety of fillings. You could try a turkey and avocado wrap, a chicken Caesar wrap, or a veggie wrap with hummus.
  6. Don’t forget about the snacks: Pack a few healthy snacks to tide your child over until lunchtime. Some good options include apples and peanut butter, trail mix, or a yogurt parfait.
  7. Make it a picnic: Pack a lunch that’s easy to eat on the go. Sandwiches, cut-up fruit and vegetables, and a thermos of soup or stew are all great options.
  8. Get creative with leftovers: Don’t let those leftovers go to waste! Pack up last night’s pasta, a slice of quiche, or even a slice of pizza for a lunch that’s a little out of the ordinary.
  9. Make it fun: Cut sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters, pack a surprise treat, or include a fun note or joke to brighten your child’s day.
  10. Involve your child in the process: Let your child help plan and pack their own lunch. Not only will this give them a sense of ownership and independence, but it’s also a great opportunity for them to try new foods and get creative with their lunch choices.

Packing a school lunch doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little creativity and some help from your child, you can come up with a variety of tasty and fun lunches that will keep them satisfied and energized throughout the day.

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