Do you struggle with packing your child’s lunch every day? I’ve eliminated the guess-work and created this handy-dandy guide for you. You (or your child) can pick an item from each column. You may want to mix and match your favorite combinations.
You are welcome!
I also have a FREE Printer-Friendly PDF version available for you HERE!
10 Tips to De-Stress Your Lunchbox
- Pack everything they need like napkins or utensils so they do not waste time waiting for assistance.
- Cut up fruit and veggies to make them easier to eat.
- Invest in quality lunch containers.
- Don’t pack too much food.
- Let your child help pack the lunch by giving choices, “pick one item from each column”
- Freeze items that need to be kept cold; they will defrost throughout the day. Use ice packs as needed.
- Prepackage things like sliced veggies or popcorn so they can easily be added to the lunchbox.
- Make sure the meal isn’t too messy. No Build Your Own Pizza on picture day.
- Peanut Butter (or Sunflower seed butter) and jelly is always a good standby.
- Buy rolls or mini loaves of bread to make sub style sandwiches with veggies.
The PDF has a few recommendations as to how to use the Lunchbox Guide as well. I have mine hanging inside my kitchen cupboard door. It’s easy to reference but not visible unless you open the cabinet (that tip is just a freebie).
It’s your turn! What is your best tip to de-stress the lunch time chaos?
Pack as much as you can the night before. If taking water as a beverage, make sure it’s in the fridge.
Joye, we fill our water bottles 1/3 of the way up then stick them in the freezer (at an angel). The next morning we fill it the rest of the way.
I always make large pots of meals, muffins etc. so they last a few days and all I have to do is heat them up or grab from the fridge!
Me too Brandi! It is so much easier to cook a lot one time. I always try to freeze a few muffins too for last minute treats.
I was just working on back to school meal plans and lunch ideas this evening, you have made my day!!
Lisa I am so glad I could help! For years I had a simplified lunch box matrix like this hanging in our cupboard. I may need to do another one as the seasons change (and food prices and temperatures).
I don’t have kids but I’ve dowloaded your PDF to use when packing my lunches for college. And I NEVER would have thought of freezing items that need to be kept cold. Thanks 🙂
We froze PB&JS for years. There is something extra delicious about a frost PB&J. It works for a lot of other foods too.