Kid Approved Lunch box Ideas

Looking for kid approved lunch box ideas?

Make lunchtime fun and exciting with these creative and nutritious ideas that your kids will love!

First, let’s discuss the lunch box. When my children were younger and starting Preschool, I discovered that the Yumbox was very convenient. They required less food, and it appeared to be easier for their little fingers to open. Now, my kids use a bento box. It’s slightly larger and it helps keep everything organized, allows you to separate messy items from dry foods, and, in my opinion, it is aesthetically more pleasing to look at. I believe it encourages my kids to eat more. While I’m not entirely sure if this is a proven fact, they absolutely enjoy discovering new foods and fun shapes when they open their bento boxes.

I have gathered all my favorite lunch box essentials in my Amazon Storefront. Here are a few items that I use daily throughout the school year.

Okay, back to delicious lunch box ideas your kid will love!

Rainbow Roll Ups

These yummy Rainbow Roll Ups are so easy to make and the kids love them! Use colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and spinach wrapped in a flour tortilla. Add a slice of turkey or hummus for protein.

Ingredients:

• Flour Tortillas– I prefer Mission Tortillas, but any that are fresh will work!
• Cream Cheese of Your Choice
• Turkey Breast
• Carrots– cut into matchsticks
• Lettuce

Supplies:

• Foil

Instructions:

1. Prepare Tortilla. Place your tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Make sure that the tortilla is fresh to prevent it from crumbling while you roll your Rainbow Roll Up.
2. Spread on Cream Cheese. Spread a generous layer of your preferred cream cheese onto the tortilla, make sure it’s thick and even.
3. Layer Ingredients. Layer the turkey slice over the cream cheese spread. Next, add the carrots and lettuce on top of the turkey.
4. Roll Up the Tortilla. Place the rolled-up wrap in foil and refrigerate it overnight to allow it to set.
5. Cut Wrap. Remove the wrap from the refrigerator and slice it into one-inch segments.
6. Place in Lunch Box. Place the cut sections into the lunchbox.
7. Enjoy!

More Lunch Box Ideas

Sweet and Sour Chicken

When I need a quick and easy lunch, I truly love using InnovAsian’s Sweet and Sour Chicken or General Tso’s Chicken. The convenience of having a tasty and satisfying meal ready in just minutes is necessary, especially during those hectic mornings when we’ve all hit the snooze button! Pair the delicious chicken with mandarins and cute star-shaped cucumbers, you have a great lunch your child will be wanting again tomorrow!

Rainbow Roll Ups with a Twist

Here’s a different twist on the Rainbow Roll Up. This variation includes salami or pepperoni, paired with spinach and red peppers. I like to introduce new options in my kids’ lunch boxes to keep them interested and prevent the usual meals from becoming too boring. Adding the food picks that look like leaves to their strawberries and star-shaped cheese adds a touch of fun to their lunch and keeps it interesting.

Lunch Time Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie Board for lunch? Yes please! My kids love the combination of crackers paired with ham and cheese, mini pepperonis, red peppers sprinkled with everything seasoning. Adding in some sweet grapes and a yogurt completes the meal perfectly. This is a fantastic way to keep children energized and satisfied throughout their afternoon at school. My secret to keeping yogurt spill-free is to include a straw in their lunch. Just cut the straw in half, and you’ll have two days’ worth of use from a single straw.

Fish Tuna Salad Sandwiches

I know what you’re thinking right now…Tuna Salad? Yes. Tuna Salad. My kids have always enjoyed tuna salad, maybe it’s the tuna, but it’s probably because of the healthy amount of mayo that I add into the delicious salad. If your child isn’t fond of tuna salad, I completely understand. They might also want to avoid being the target of those stinky lunch jokes, and that’s perfectly valid. Instead, consider swapping it out for chicken salad or egg salad! There are so many tasty choices available in the deli section. Discover your child’s favorite and place it in the center of some celery sticks for fun, bite-sized pieces that provide a great source of protein to keep them satisfied throughout the school day. Paired with some delicious fruits and veggies, this lunch will be a hit!

Fried Rice with Crispy Tofu

I have also enjoyed including Tai Pei Chicken Fried Rice meals in my children’s lunch boxes. Since they adore it for dinner, I thought they would appreciate it for lunch as well! Paired with some edamame, fun-shaped cucumbers, and yogurt with fruit, they always come home asking for seconds!

I also love to make Air fryer tofu to add to the Chicken Fried Rice, it comes out so crispy and flavorful in the air fryer and takes just 10 minutes. Here’s a quick run down of the recipe.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz block of extra-firm or firm tofu
• 2 TBSP low sodium soy sauce
• 1 TBSP rice vinegar
• 1 TSP sesame oil
• 1 TBSP cornstarch

Instructions:

1. Cut and Quick Press the Tofu. If you’re new to cooking with tofu, it’s essential to quick press it to remove any excess moisture. Start by cutting the tofu into small cubes and arranging them evenly on a flat surface. Use a paper towel to press down on the tofu, absorbing the water. Alternatively, you can place a heavy cookie sheet or skillet on top of the tofu for about 15 minutes.
2. Season the Tofu. Place the tofu in a bowl. Drizzle soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil over the tofu. Carefully toss to ensure that all pieces are evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle on Cornstarch. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
4. Cook Tofu in Air Fryer. Arrange the tofu in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces do not touch. You may need to prepare it in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the tofu around the 10-minute mark, giving the pan a gentle shake. Continue cooking until the tofu is golden brown and crispy
5. Enjoy! Add the crispy tofu to your child’s lunch box by including it alongside Chicken Fried Rice or serve it on its own with a side of edamame.

Easy Wafer Cookie Pencils

These delightful Easy Wafer Cookie Pencils are a breeze to make, and children love getting this special treat in their lunch boxes! Discover the steps to create these fun snacks on my blog: Easy Back-to-School Wafer Cookie Pencils.

10-Minute Banana Bread Muffins

This delightful recipe merges the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread with the delightful surprise of chocolate chips, resulting in a perfect treat for your child’s lunchbox. Find the recipe for these 10-Minute Banana Bread Muffins on my website!

Every one of these ideas is not only nutritious but also simple to prepare, ensuring your kids will love each bite while remaining energized throughout the day! If you’re new to packing lunches, I recommend preparing as much as you can the night before. It’s incredibly rewarding to wake up and appreciate something you did for yourself the day before! Start off small and gradually introduce new items as the school year progresses. Of course, if your child doesn’t like red peppers, pick a different veggie they will eat.

Incorporating a note each day may seem easy, but it can become just another task by day 160. That’s why I love including joke cards in my kids’ lunches; they adore them! Plus, it gives me a quick and easy option on those hectic mornings when I forget to prepare lunch the night before!

A fun way to add in some Love

I also enjoy including cheerful, seasonal napkins in my children’s lunchboxes. Every holiday, I pick up a new set from My Mind’s Eye. Each design is adorable, and I believe they bring a smile to the kids’ faces when they discover them. Here are some of my favorites from various celebrations. You can use discount code KRISTEN10 for 10% off your order!