Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids

There’s always so much to do before the kids go back to school! Even if you’re feeling mostly prepared, there’s a shift that happens in August as the first day of school gets closer. You might find the running list of questions in your head changing from, “Do they need new shoes?” to “Do my kids feel ready for their first day?” and “What will our morning routine look like?” 

One thing I feel like we don’t talk about enough is all of the different ways we get our kids — and ourselves — ready for back to school. If July is the time to get your kids physically prepared with new school supplies and clothes, then August is the time to get everyone mentally prepared.

This includes changing your daily routine to include certain tasks that need to get done on time, like packing lunches for school. While getting school supplies and back-to-school books are a one-and-done task, coming up with easy lunch ideas for kids is an everyday job.

Between the planning, grocery shopping, and budgeting, a lot of time and effort goes into packing your kid’s lunch. You might also be dealing with special food considerations while trying to pack healthy options. And of course there’s always the concern of whether your kid will eat their food or not. 

It’s no wonder that so many parents feel stressed before lunch is even made! That’s why I thought this post on easy lunch ideas for kids could help. 

Before we get into school lunch ideas, let’s talk about something just as important — how to choose a kids lunch box and tips for packing school lunches. 

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How to Choose a Kids Lunch Box

Not all lunch boxes are the same, so it’s important to think about what matters most to you — and what’s important to your kid. Here are the main things to consider when shopping for a kids lunch box. 

• Make sure it’s insulated. Choose a soft-sided, insulated lunch box or lunch bag so food can stay cold (or warm) and safe to eat. 

• Consider their age and appetite. Preschoolers will need a lunch box that’s easy to open and carry. As kids get older, their appetites may increase, so they’ll need a bigger lunch box.

• Compare materials and cost. Stainless steel lunch boxes usually cost more, but they last longer and are more eco-friendly. Plastic lunch boxes aren’t as durable, but they’re lighter and cheaper. 

• Look at the compartments. Bento-style lunch boxes have become more popular over the years because they make it easy (and more fun) for parents to pack and for kids to eat from. Look inside to see if your lunch box features compartments that are various sizes or removable. 

• Check to see if it’s leakproof. If you’re packing yogurt, dips, or other spillable foods, make sure they won’t leak out of your kids lunch box. You could also pack them into silicone muffin cups or smaller containers for extra protection.  

• See if it’s dishwasher safe. Lunch boxes need to be cleaned every day, so you might want to choose one that can go into the dishwasher. 

• Have younger kids test out their lunch box before school starts. Knowing how to open and close their lunch box will help kids feel more confident at school. You can even practice with a real packed lunch while at home or on the go. 

Tips for Packing School Lunches

If you’re feeling even a little stressed about school lunches, you’re not alone! Many parents say it’s one of their top back-to-school stressors. Here are ten ways to make this task easier. 

• Use a list of easy lunch ideas for kids. Reducing your mental load is always a good idea. If your kids like a lot of different foods and you want to give them options, make a quick list of easy lunch ideas for kids that you can refer to. 

• Pack lunch the night before. Mornings with kids can be hectic. So give yourself one less thing to do! Putting their lunch in the fridge the night before can also help keep it colder for longer. 

• Involve your kids. Ask your kids what they love most in their lunch and include them in the prep. Kids as young as three can even help pack their own lunches. I cut up fruit but, otherwise, all my kids make their own lunches. 

• Don’t feel guilty about packing the same thing every day. My kids essentially eat the same lunch day in and day out. We switch up the fruit or treat, but they are fine with eating the same thing for lunch (just like I do!). 

• Adjust portion sizes for each kid. My middle schooler eats a lot more than my 8-year-old. Are you kids active with sports? Think about what your child needs to fuel up on. 

• Consider school food restrictions. Our preschool did not allow anything made with nuts, but our school now allows them since they have designated nut-free zones. My kids know not to bring those items if they want to sit with those friends. 

• Use ice packs. Not all ice packs are made the same! You’ll need ice packs that fit inside their lunch bags and will keep food cold until lunch time.

• Use a thermos for hot foods. Does your kid prefer warm food? Pack soup, pasta, pizza, and leftovers into a separate thermos.

• Meal prep on Sundays. If you want to save even more time during the week, try batch cooking meals (or protein, like chicken) and prepping veggies and fruits on Sundays.

• Use ready-to-go food. Don’t have time to meal prep? Buy pre-cut fruits and veggies, pre-cooked chicken, or frozen meals that are easy to heat up and use as leftovers. 

How to Save on School Lunches 

Another stressor for parents is the financial impact of school lunches. Packed lunches can be cheaper than buying a school lunch, but they also require more planning. While ready-to-go options will save you time, they’re also more costly. 

Here are a few ways to make easy lunches for kids that are more affordable.

• Buy in bulk. Buy fruits in season and freeze portions, get cheese blocks instead of cheese slices or shredded cheese, and buy bigger boxes or bags of crackers, chips, and granola bars. 

• Make your own lunchables. While lunchables are convenient, it’s a lot cheaper to make your own version! You can even prep them for the week ahead so they’re ready to pack into your kids lunch box.

• Cut pizza into squares. I love to make my own pizza (it’s super easy!) and cut smaller pieces for my kids’ lunches. This is something your kids can help with, too. 

• Prep veggies once a week. Pre-cut veggies are more convenient, but buying them whole or in bulk will save you a lot more money. Pick one day a week, like Sunday, to slice up your veggies and store them in the fridge.

• Use reusable containers. Reusable bags and containers that you can stick in the dishwasher means you don’t have to keep spending money on plastic bags that end up in the garbage.  
  

Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids

Charcuterie Lunch

This lunch is perfect for kids who aren’t into sandwiches — and it’s simple to switch up. A lunchbox with separate compartments is an easy way to pack a charcuterie-style lunch with deli meat, cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, and more.  

Pinwheel Sandwiches (or Wraps)

I love pinwheel sandwiches because you can easily vary the spreads and fillings to create different flavor combinations. Just spread out the tortilla, add your fillings, roll it up tightly, and then slice it with the seam side down. 

Here are a few tasty options:

• Nut butter and sliced bananas

• Shredded chicken, cheese, and avocado

• Hummus and sliced veggies

Tip: I found that tortillas composed of half flour and half corn roll the best. 

Quesadillas 

Use white or whole wheat tortillas and shredded cheese to make a simple quesadilla. If your kids love fillings, add pepperoni or shredded chicken, veggies, or black beans.

Pasta

You can keep this super simple by adding pesto or red sauce to their favorite kinds of pasta. For protein, add some cut-up chicken. Then balance it out with some fruit and veggies. 

Pizza 

Make small pizzas using mini naan, mini bagels, or English muffins. All you need is pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and your kids’ favorite toppings. Then pop them into the oven at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes.    

Muffins  

I love muffins as a lunch option because you can make them sweet or savory. You can also batch cook them ahead of time, freeze them, and then pop one into your kids lunch box.

Leftovers

Dinner leftovers can make great lunches — and they save you time from making something new. If your kid prefers hot food, just pack it into a separate thermos to keep it warm. 

Seasonal Lunch Ideas

Fall/Winter Lunch Ideas

• Warm soup in thermos (tomato, chicken noodle)

• Hot mac and cheese portions

• Warm cinnamon apples

• Holiday-themed shapes (use cookie cutters for sandwiches)

Spring/Summer Options

• Cold pasta salads

• Fresh berry combinations

• Frozen grapes as natural "ice packs"

• Gazpacho in thermos

• Pool party themed lunches

Holiday Themed Lunch Ideas

• September: Back-to-school favorites

• October: Pumpkin-themed foods

• February: Heart-shaped foods for Valentine's

• March: Green foods for St. Patrick's Day

Lunch Boxes & Lunch Bags 

• Bentgo Kids Lunch Box: This is a great lunchbox for kids 3-7. It has five compartments to keep food separate, a leak-proof lid, and easy-to-open latches. 

• Packit Freezable Lunch Box: No need for separate ice packs! Keep this lunch box in the freezer and pack it in the morning. 

• Stackable Bento Lunch Box: Perfect for older kids who want to pack bigger lunches — and it comes with its own utensil set. 

• Athleta Girl Lunch Bag: All three of my girls have this lunch bag! It’s big enough to fit a Bentgo lunch box, ice packs, and more.  

Ice Packs & Containers

• Reusable Ice Packs: These ice packs are our favorite for keeping lunch chilled for hours. And they come in lots of fun designs! Choose from unicorns, dinosaurs, and more. 

• Reusable Silicone Muffin Cups: I use these for dividing up snacks or small bites inside a larger lunch box container.

• Dressing to Go Containers: These leak-proof containers are great for packing dips, dressings, hummus, and more. 

• Reusable Snack Bags: Perfect for bigger lunchboxes with just one open space

• Thermos FUNtainer: A classic for a reason! It’s kid-sized, lightweight, and keeps food warm for up to five hours.

Water Bottles

A good water bottle is just as important as a good lunch box, especially if you want your kids to stay hydrated all day. There is never enough water for my kids! Whether they’re running around at recess, playing sports after school, or just need a sip during class, the right bottle makes a big difference.

Here are our family favorites:

• Stanley IceFlow: My kids love this one because it keeps their water cold until the last bell. It’s leakproof when closed, has a built-in straw, and fits perfectly in most lunch bags or backpacks. It's great for little kids, too!

• Hydro Flask Kids Water Bottle: This is a great size for younger kids, with an easy-to-carry handle and a leak-resistant straw lid. It’s also dishwasher safe, which makes my life easier.

• Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler: This is my tween’s top pick. The 30oz size means she doesn’t have to refill during the day, and it keeps her water ice-cold for hours (plus, she feels very “big kid” carrying it).

Ali-Approved Tip: Whichever water bottle you choose, make sure your child can open, close, and carry it comfortably. If your school allows it, fill the bottle with ice in the morning so the water stays refreshing throughout the day.

Lunch Extras That Make Life Easier

Sometimes it’s the little things that make packing school lunches less stressful. Here are a few small but mighty lunch essentials we use every year:

• Reusable Utensils: Invest in a few sets of reusable forks, spoons, and kid-safe knives. I keep extras so I’m not panicking when one disappears.

• Napkins: Kids are messy, and this helps them clean up without needing to hunt down a sink.

• Lunch Notes: I love slipping in a silly joke, fun fact, or sweet note for my kids. It’s such an easy way to brighten their day. You can read my entire guide to writing fun and encouraging lunch box notes for kids here. 

• Freezable Snack Bags: I send my kids to school with freezable snack bags so that their string cheese or applesauce stays cool until they need it. I also pack fruit, trail mix, or granola bars in these small bags too.

FAQ for Packing School Lunches

What should I pack in my kids lunch box?

Pack the foods you know they’ll eat! School lunches are probably not the time to test out new kinds of food — especially if your kid is more on the picky side. Remember, the goal is easy lunch ideas for kids, so make it simple on yourself. 

Should I include more healthy options in my kids lunch?

Nutritious lunches can positively impact your kid’s overall health and how they perform in school. That being said, all kids have different needs, and some may have more specific eating habits. Getting some food in their system is more important than making sure every item is healthy. 

How can I offer a more balanced school lunch?

If you’re looking for more balanced school lunch ideas, make a list of “main” meals, veggies, fruits, proteins, and fats. Then try to include one item from each list. Having a list you can look at will also help you come up with easy lunch ideas for kids. 

What should I do if my kid isn’t eating much of their lunch?

Lunch can be a tricky time! Having a set amount of time to eat may not work for some kids, especially when they also want to socialize. Try involving them in their lunch prep, offering a variety of foods, or switching up how the food is presented. You can also see if they’ll eat more of their lunch after school — or bring a snack in the car for the ride home. 

How can I cut down on waste?

Use a Bento-style lunch box so you don’t have to pack individual items. Or use reusable sandwich bags and snack bags. You can also ask kids to leave whatever lunch they don’t eat

How do I pack a lunch for a picky eater? 

Start with foods you know they'll eat, introduce new items alongside familiar ones, use fun shapes and colors, and involve them in the preparation process.