It’s the most wonderful time of the year… The kids are going back to school! Whether you have a preschooler or a high schooler, back to school brings feelings of newness. New clothes, new routines, and new schedules. Just when you have the last school supply bought, it sets in…back to making lunch; for some of us, it’s EVERY day. Start the year off right with some easy lunch ideas for kids from Cute Dapple.
Reality on Lunch
Maybe you are thoughtful and accommodating and want to make sure your kid eats what you’ve packed them. Or, maybe you need convenience: a simple lunch, ready to go. There are things to consider these days too. Food allergies is just one wrench you can be thrown, but its not one to be taken lightly. Whatever your situation, after a few weeks, or months, (or maybe even days) you’re over it. Of course you love your children and you want to give them the best of everything. But making lunch for kids can be a stressful job you take on daily. Especially if you have a very young child, or a child with dietary restrictions.
Plan Lunch Ahead
With some simple planning, you can approach each week armed with delicious food options your children will (hopefully) love. Although I love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this list goes beyond with some yummy kid tested options. So for this article, I’m steering clear of peanut products. You may need to alter these suggestions but this generic list may help you get off on the right foot.
10 Lunch Ideas & the Grocery List
1. Ham & Cheese on bread or wrap – honey mustard, lettuce or baby spinach
2. Lox & cream cheese on potato bread
3. Crackers, cheese, hummus, and fresh cut veggies (whatever their favorites are)
4. Cereal – milk – fruit
5. Meat & cheese roll ups – take a piece of deli cheese and slice it in thirds, roll each portion into one slice of meat (my kids go for ham, chicken or turkey).
*a note about portions – my 6 year old usually eats 4 roll ups, my 3 years old eats 3 roll ups
**I usually serve crackers on the side with this OR a small bag of Chips or popcorn.
THE FOLLOWING ARE CONSIDERED HOT LUNCH ITEMS – there’s a little more detail posted below on keeping these items HOT.
5. Pizza
6. Pasta
7. Mac & Cheese – turkey bacon
8. Chicken nuggets
9. Quesadilla, with salsa or avocado for dipping
10. Grilled cheese and veggie sticks
- Lunch Meat & Cheese
- Mixed greens or Baby Spinach
- Bread (White, Wheat, or Potato)
- Hummus cups (smaller individual ones)
- Ritz or Saltine crackers
- Cereal (Life or Cheerios)
- Chips/popcorn
- Lox – smoked salmon
- Guacamole or Avocado Mash cups
- Wraps – White fold the easiest
- Turkey Bacon (buy it cooked if you can)
- Bag of carrot sticks or mini cucumbers
Consider Hot Lunches
There are food items you can buy and have on hand that will keep in the refrigerator for weeks. With your weekly grocery list, keep in mind the healthier foods your kids like as well as their favorite staples. And, don’t forget about the leftovers they love. I recommend buying a food thermos. These work great to keep leftovers or quick meals hot. If your child will eat leftovers, I can’t think of an easier lunch for kids.
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I love this one, its the MIRA Lunch, Food Jar. This product keeps food hot all day! So heat up any food in the morning, stick it in their lunch box, and the kids can enjoy a fresh, hot lunch. Just remember the utensils 🙂
I hope this list helps ease your mind a bit with back to school. The idea here is to help you with simple choices so there’s less stress. If you have a suggestion or would like to add to this list, please leave a comment below. Good luck getting back into the routine.
How about personalized name labels?
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