{"id":39215,"date":"2025-07-24T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/?p=39215"},"modified":"2025-07-24T14:28:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T18:28:41","slug":"easy-lunch-box-ideas-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/easy-lunch-box-ideas-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Need easy lunch box ideas for kids for the 2025-2026 school year? Here&#8217;s exactly what a Registered Dietitian mom packed her son for the first month of elementary school, with real life photos.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-lunch-square.png\" alt=\"easy lunch box ideas for kids with photos\" class=\"wp-image-39217\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-lunch-square.png 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-lunch-square-235x200.png 235w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-lunch-square-550x468.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>*Originally published 10\/2021. Updated July 2025*<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-77d7d886db6933da3932142c8510b782\" style=\"color:#fffefe;background-color:#52804d\"><strong>These lunch box ideas for kids are simple, affordable and easy to make. They are healthy and nutritious and can be prepped the night before.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Hi friends!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;m often asked to share healthy lunch box ideas for kids so I put together a guide &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/kids-packed-lunch-ideas\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"38958\"><strong>A Month of Packed Lunches for Kids<\/strong><\/a>. It&#8217;s been a huge hit and given lots of parents quick and easy lunch box ideas for kids. The thing I&#8217;ve heard most frequently is that the pictures are SO helpful. A lot of you are visual people! In the packed lunch guide, there are 24 lunch ideas with photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But I wanted to add more! So, when my oldest was in first grade, I photographed the lunches that I packed for the first month. I wanted to share some of the real-life lunch box examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why You&#8217;ll Love These Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Simple, healthy ideas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy ways to add variety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A mix of homemade and storebought food items<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy, kid-friendly lunches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports all foods fit in moderation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-9743a89c8c401e057deea6eab091e8e0\" style=\"color:#ffffff;background-color:#52804d\"><strong>If you want even more resources with real lunch box photos, check out these posts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/cold-lunch-ideas-for-kids\/\">Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; more real lunches I packed my 1st and 3rd grader<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/sandwich-ideas-for-lunch-boxes\/\">Sandwich Ideas for Lunch Boxes<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; fun sandwich and sandwich alternative ideas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/high-protein-kids-lunch-ideas\/\">High Protein Kids Lunch Ideas<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; high protein lunches with breakdowns showing the grams of protein in each lunch box.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">School lunch and snack ideas:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we start, I do have several posts with snack ideas that can be helpful when packing school lunches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/nut-free-packaged-snacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Peanut and Tree Nut Free Packaged Snacks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/healthy-packaged-snacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/healthy-amazon-snacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Healthy Amazon Snacks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/healthy-snacks-costco\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Healthy Snacks At Costco For The Whole Family<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/best-healthy-walmart-snacks\/\">Best Healthy Walmart Snacks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/best-trader-joes-snacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best Trader Joe\u2019s Snacks<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/healthy-snacks-at-target\/\">Healthy Snacks At Target<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/best-aldi-healthy-snacks\/\">Best ALDI Healthy Snacks<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you need after-school ideas check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/after-school-healthy-snacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Healthy After School Snacks <\/a>here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Pack Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, I was alternating between bentgo box lunch ideas in the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3DglkbF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bentgo Fresh lunch box<\/a> and a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3myrX25\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lunch Bots lunch box<\/a> (aff links) but I now use just the Bentgo. While I like that the Lunch Bots one is stainless steel, it&#8217;s not completely leakproof even with the silicone cup inserts and my son found it a little hard to get open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I pack the Bentgo box every evening and store in the fridge. In the morning, I put it inside this <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3Ogi0EC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arctic Zone insulated lunch bag<\/a> and add an ice pack. My son eats all of the foods I send cold\/room temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even things like quesadillas and tortellini that he&#8217;s used to eating warm at home. So far it hasn&#8217;t been an issue at all for him but some kids don&#8217;t like changes in temperature. In that case, you could invest in a thermos or practice eating things at different temperatures at home so they get used to it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/47ceZha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OmieBox lunch boxes<\/a><\/strong> (aff link) have a built-in thermos and would be a great option to invest in if your kids tend to prefer hot lunches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Get Kids To Pack Their Own Lunches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re thinking packed lunches are great but really want your kids to start packing their own lunches, my friend and fellow RD Sally has you covered:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realmomnutrition.com\/teach-kids-to-pack-lunch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teach Your Kids To Pack Their Own Lunch<\/a>&#8211; free printable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realmomnutrition.com\/kids-pack-own-lunch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How To Get Your Kids To Pack Their Lunch In 5 Days<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.realmomnutrition.com\/100-lunch-box-ideas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">100 Lunch Box Ideas Your Kids Will Love<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Photos of Easy School Lunch Ideas For Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So here are some of the actual lunch boxes I packed. I snapped a photo every day and then just used Pixlr to remove the countertop in the background and make them prettier to look at. A few things to note-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Our school is not nut-free.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A reminder that even if you kids prefer a similar lunch every day, there are ways you can add variety &#8211; try pretzel sticks one day and twists the next. Try peanut butter and jelly on bread one day, then on a sandwich thin or pita the next, etc!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There&#8217;s nothing wrong with hard-boiled egg yolks, my kids just don&#8217;t like them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easy Kids Lunch Box Ideas<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"675\" height=\"468\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"kids lunch box with applesauce, carrots, cheese stick, hard boiled egg and pretzels\" class=\"wp-image-39220\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2lunch-copy.png 675w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2lunch-copy-250x173.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2lunch-copy-550x381.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1 Quick Kids Lunch Box Ideas &#8211; with hard-boiled eggs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Motts Applesauce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carrots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheese stick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hard-boiled eggs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pretzels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-244227befab16f074ae279f771cff640\" style=\"color:#fbfafa;background-color:#52804d\"><strong>Mom hack &#8211; if your kids don&#8217;t like hard boiled egg whites, you&#8217;re not alone. Just serve them without and learn <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/hard-boiled-egg-yolks\/\">what to do with hard boiled egg yolks<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"673\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"kids lunch with granola bar, turkey sandwich, grapes and ants on a log\" class=\"wp-image-39221\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3lunch-copy.png 673w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3lunch-copy-250x170.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3lunch-copy-550x373.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 673px) 100vw, 673px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2 Simple Kids Lunch Box with turkey sandwich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Quaker Reduced Sugar Granola Bar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grapes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turkey &amp; Cheese on Brownberry Sandwich Thin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ants on a log<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"479\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/6lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"kids lunchable with wheat thins, turkey, pepperoni, yogurt and cookie\" class=\"wp-image-39222\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/6lunch-copy.png 672w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/6lunch-copy-250x178.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/6lunch-copy-550x392.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3 Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids &#8211; Homemade Lunchable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wheat Thins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/chewy-gluten-free-chocolate-chip-cookies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GF Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applegate pepperoni<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dietz and Watson Originals Organic Turkey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roasted sweet potatoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chobani less sugar yogurt<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"451\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/8lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"lunch box with muffin, chicken sausage, strawberries, cottage cheese and crackers\" class=\"wp-image-39223\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/8lunch-copy.png 666w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/8lunch-copy-250x169.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/8lunch-copy-550x372.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#4 Nutritious Kids Lunch Ideas &#8211; with Chicken Sausage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Zucchini Apple Muffin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simple Mills Almond crackers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buttered Corn<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Al Fresco Chicken Sausage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strawberries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cottage Cheese<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"664\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/10lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"kids lunch with banana bread, egg wrap, carrots with ranch, sun chips and grapes\" class=\"wp-image-39224\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/10lunch-copy.png 664w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/10lunch-copy-250x167.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/10lunch-copy-550x367.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 664px) 100vw, 664px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#5 Quick and easy lunch box idea for kids with Pepperoni Egg Wrap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Simple Mills Banana Bread<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grapes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sun Chips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pepperoni and Cheese <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/egg-wraps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Egg Wrap<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carrots with ranch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"662\" height=\"433\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/11lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"lunch box for kids with baked beans, turkey cheese roll up, trail mix and dried pears\" class=\"wp-image-39225\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/11lunch-copy.png 662w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/11lunch-copy-250x164.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/11lunch-copy-550x360.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 662px) 100vw, 662px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#6 Quick and easy cold lunch ideas for kids with turkey roll-up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crinkle carrot, carrot ribbon, mini pepper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wheat Thins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dried pears (i get them at Costco)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bush&#8217;s Baked beans<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turkey wrapped mozzarella cheese stick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trail Mix with pepitas, Cheerios, raisins and mini marshmallows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-99ad5b81d86eed4ce5850686d3b5ff82\" style=\"color:#fdfdfd;background-color:#52804d\"><strong>Mom hack &#8211; For most kids, veggies are not an exciting part of lunch. Try adding a little novelty by serving them in new, fun shapes, using a crinkle cutter, etc!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/14lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"kids lunch box idea - chicken nuggets, yogurt tube, cheese and crackers and fruit\" class=\"wp-image-39228\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/14lunch-copy.png 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/14lunch-copy-250x181.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/14lunch-copy-550x399.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#7 Kiddies lunch box ideas with chicken nuggets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cheese and Triscuit thins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Canned pineapple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kidfresh Foods Chicken Nuggets with ketchup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stonyfield yogurt tube<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"419\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/16lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"easy kids lunch - quesadilla, chips and guacamole, hard boiled egg, clementine and fruit snacks\" class=\"wp-image-39229\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/16lunch-copy.png 679w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/16lunch-copy-250x154.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/16lunch-copy-550x339.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#8 Simple lunchbox ideas for kids &#8211; Quesadilla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tortilla chips with Good Foods avocado mash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheese quesadilla<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hard-boiled egg<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced sugar fruit snacks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clementine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-630f1b90429851748815f06651244893\" style=\"color:#fdfdfd;background-color:#52804d\"><strong>Mom hack &#8211; To expand beyond cheese quesadillas, try adding very finely chopped pieces of chicken or mash some beans to spread on the tortilla before adding cheese. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"460\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/18lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"kids lunch box with peanut butter and jelly bagel, fruit salad, banana bread and cookie\" class=\"wp-image-39230\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/18lunch-copy.png 679w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/18lunch-copy-250x169.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/18lunch-copy-550x373.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#9 Good lunch box ideas for kids &#8211; PBJ Mini bagel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Peanut butter and jelly mini bagel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cookie<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chomps beef stick + cheese stick + cherry tomatoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fruit salad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banana bread<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"679\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/19lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"elementary lunch box with lentil banana muffin, turkey roll up, dates with peanut butter and graham crackers\" class=\"wp-image-39231\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/19lunch-copy.png 679w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/19lunch-copy-250x177.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/19lunch-copy-550x389.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#10 Kids bento box ideas &#8211; turkey pickle wrap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/lentil-banana-muffins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lentil Banana Muffin<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graham cracker<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turkey pepperoni pickle roll-up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roasted broccoli<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dates with peanut butter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"680\" height=\"440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/22lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"breakfast for lunch box with pancakes, egg waffle, banana carrot muffin and strawberries\" class=\"wp-image-39232\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/22lunch-copy.png 680w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/22lunch-copy-250x162.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/22lunch-copy-550x356.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#11 &#8211; Healthy lunch box ideas for kids &#8211; egg waffle and mini pancakes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Kodiak Cakes mini pancakes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strawberries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/egg-waffles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Egg Waffle<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/banana-carrot-muffins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Carrot Banana muffin<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-c62851ae4761a3a7c606099d59e20dae\" style=\"color:#fefefe;background-color:#52804d\"><strong>Mom hack &#8211; Don&#8217;t forget about breakfast foods as an option for lunch. Most kids love traditional breakfast foods and there&#8217;s no reason you can&#8217;t serve them for lunch!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"472\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/23lunch-copy.png\" alt=\"grade school lunch box with pizza, ants on a log, wheat thins and kiwi\" class=\"wp-image-39233\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/23lunch-copy.png 614w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/23lunch-copy-250x192.png 250w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/23lunch-copy-550x423.png 550w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#12- Easy lunch box ideas for kids &#8211; mini pizza<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ants on a log<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Golden kiwi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/frozen-english-muffin-mini-pizzas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">English muffin mini pizza<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wheat Thins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>So there you go &#8211; There are 12 of the first 30 lunch boxes I packed for my son. Want to see the other 18? Check out my Month of Packed Lunches for Kids guide!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/download.theleangreenbean.com\/products\/lunchbox\">GRAB YOUR COPY HERE!<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Fun Cold Lunch Ideas for Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/packed-lunch-long.png\" alt=\"A month of packed lunch ideas for kids, including 24 lunch box photos, tips for adding variety and nut-free ideas!\" class=\"wp-image-38972\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/packed-lunch-long.png 600w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/packed-lunch-long-80x200.png 80w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/packed-lunch-long-220x550.png 220w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HERE&#8217;S WHAT&#8217;S IN YOUR BEST PACKED LUNCH IDEAS FOR KIDS PDF:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Product recommendations<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; I share my favorite lunch boxes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prep ahead tips<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; A few tips for things you can prep ahead of time in the fridge and freezer to make lunch packing easier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lunch Packing Cheat Sheet<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>24 lunch box photos<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; full-color photos of bento-style lunch boxes showcasing different lunch item ideas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nut-free product recommendations<\/strong>&nbsp;&#8211; If your school is nut-free, here are some peanut\/tree nut-free snacks you can pack for your kiddos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>BONUS REAL-LIFE LUNCH BOXES PDF! (Where I share the other 18 real-life lunch boxes!<\/strong>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-green-cyan-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/download.theleangreenbean.com\/products\/lunchbox\">GRAB YOUR COPY HERE! Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids Guide<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meal Prep Tips For Easy Lunch Box Ideas For Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chop fruits and vegetables ahead of time to make it easy to add them to lunchboxes. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cook a batch of taco meat or shredded chicken to use to make sandwiches, quesadillas and tacos for lunches. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prep a batch of hard boiled eggs or egg wraps for a quick protein source at lunch time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do a food prep session of things like pancakes and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/category\/healthy-muffins-bars\/\">healthy muffins and bars<\/a> to add to lunch boxes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easy Kids Lunch Box Ideas FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should a kid have for lunch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When I put together lunches for my kids I always focus on protein first. I make sure to always include a protein source and then build around that. While I don&#8217;t serve my kids vegetables for lunch every day, I do try to always include fruit. If your kids are more selective eaters, make sure to include 1-2 safe foods they love, no matter what else you&#8217;re serving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Added bonus points for including something with some fiber and\/or healthy fats to help keep them full a bit longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ideas for quick lunch ideas for kids at home? Best home lunch ideas?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If my kids are home for lunch, especially during the school year when most days they eat a cold lunch, I always try to mix in hot lunches for variety. I try to keep my freezer well stocked with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/healthy-snacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthy freezer snacks<\/a> that can double as lunch on occasions like this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of my kids favorite warm lunches include mini pizzas, pancakes or waffles, nachos, oatmeal and omelets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smoothies are another great option for home lunches because they can be tricky to send to school.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do you give kids for lunch that don&#8217;t like sandwiches? How do I get my kids to eat sandwiches?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not liking sandwiches is very common among kids and can take some work on your end to get them to accept and eat them. Sometimes a sandwich can seem large and overwhelming, especially to smaller kids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can start by getting them used to eating toast with toppings or an open-faced sandwich. Or try things like build your own mini sandwiches on crackers to get them used to foods being stacked on top of one another. Thinner breads like sandwich thins or tortillas can also be helpful!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are there any foods parents should not pack in a lunch box?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to follow any allergy restrictions for your school. In addition, make sure to invest in a good lunchbox with leak-proof containers so you don&#8217;t end up with a mess of soggy food, as well has good ice packs and an insulated lunch box to help keep food at a safe temperature until lunch time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Bento Box Lunch Ideas For Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"595\" height=\"1290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-lunches-long.png\" alt=\"Need easy lunch box ideas for kids? Here&#039;s exactly what a Registered Dietitian mom packed her son for the first month of elementary school, with real life photos.\" class=\"wp-image-39234\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-lunches-long.png 595w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-lunches-long-92x200.png 92w, https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/real-lunches-long-254x550.png 254w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>These easy lunch box ideas for kids are simple, healthy and affordable. Perfect for busy moms who want to feed their kids healthy, nutritious lunches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy!<br>&#8211;Lindsay&#8211;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Need easy lunch box ideas for kids for the 2025-2026 school year? Here&#8217;s exactly what a Registered Dietitian mom packed her son for the first month of elementary school, with real life photos. *Originally published 10\/2021. Updated July 2025* These lunch box ideas for kids are simple, affordable and easy to make. They are healthy [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39217,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[244,75],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-39215","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-round-ups","8":"category-lunch","9":"entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39215","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39215"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39215\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":73917,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39215\/revisions\/73917"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39217"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39215"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39215"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.theleangreenbean.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39215"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}