Are your kids growing tired of the same old lunch routine? As a parent, it can be overwhelming to come up with new and exciting meal ideas every day. I completely understand the struggle! To help you mix things up and keep your little ones engaged, I’ve put together some creative and healthy lunch box ideas that are sure to delight. Not only will these suggestions save you time and effort, but they’ll also provide a daily dose of nutrients and excitement for your kids. Take a look at what’s in store…
20 Easy recipes to add up to your Kids Lunch Box Ideas:
To add an exciting twist, consider incorporating design utility props like knives and cutters to slice fruits and veggies. This creative approach can turn a simple meal into an engaging experience for kids, making them more enthusiastic about their lunch box contents. With this in mind, you’re now ready to create your child’s lunch box that’s not only super cute but also fun to assemble. The journey begins with the foundation of ‘The Basic Bento Box,’ setting the stage for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Cut Shaped fruits & veggies:
Transform snack time into a fun and creative experience by using your imagination to cut veggies and fruits into various shapes, such as flowers, stars, or animals. If you don’t have any props handy, you can still impress with unique cutting skills. For inspiration, check out Alpha Mom’s adorable Bento box creations, perfect for back-to-school lunches.
Cartoon character:
Why not take your child’s lunchbox game to the next level by incorporating their favorite cartoon characters or emojis? Kids have strong attachments to certain characters, so why not bring them to life in their mealtime companion? For instance, if your little one is obsessed with Mickey Mouse, you can create a fun and creative twist on traditional pancakes by adding colored dough or food coloring. Try baking Mickey-shaped pancakes using a basic pan like Pop by Yaz or even a Mickey waffles maker for an extra special touch. And it’s not just limited to Mickey – any cartoon character can be brought to life with the right ingredients. If you’re still feeling stuck, take inspiration from Derek’s unique and creative lunchbox ideas that are sure to delight.
Rainbow box:
Let’s dive into a world of vibrant hues with a colorful twist on the traditional lunch box. Instead of sticking to the usual suspects, let’s add some colorful fruits and veggies to create a visually stunning meal. This isn’t just about aesthetics, as research suggests that different colors can stimulate various parts of the brain, setting us up for an energetic day. To take it to the next level, incorporate bright colors to amplify the positive vibes. Take inspiration from Go Dairy Free’s rainbow-colored bento box and let your imagination run wild with a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures.
Too much sweetness:
There’s no such thing as too much sweetness when it comes to witnessing the beaming smile on your child’s face! On occasion, you can surprise them with their favorite treats, knowing they’ll be thrilled by the gesture. For a more substantial snack, consider packing a variety of sweet and savory options like bread and jam, muffins, cupcakes, biscuits, cakes, chocolates, and other tasty delights. The Bake Play Smile website offers a treasure trove of creative lunch box ideas featuring healthy and indulgent treats alike.
Wrap or Roll:
The versatility of wrapping snacks is undeniable – simply boil some veggies, add flavor, and roll them up in a sheet for a basic yet satisfying healthy treat. However, the real showstopper is the Easy homemade fruit roll-ups by A mind ‘full’ mom, which requires only three ingredients and a brief amount of time to prepare. This delightful snack is an absolute must-try! The simplicity and cuteness of this recipe make it a standout in the world of healthy snacking.
Learn-with-Bento:
Turn mealtimes into learning experiences with your ‘Love-Lunch Box’! This simple and fun approach allows you to teach your child a new skill every day, using the ingredients in their lunch as educational tools. Get inspired by Kristine Cookie’s creative bento box ideas, which use alphabet letters or numbers to make mealtime more engaging. By making different alphabets or numbers with your ingredients, you can help your kid develop their problem-solving skills and build a strong foundation for future learning.
Supreme snack:
Combine your talents and collect diverse ideas from the previous suggestions to create a Supreme Snack that will delight your child’s palate at any given time. For inspiration, explore genius bento box ideas for kids’ lunchboxes shared by Eat This, Not That!It can be challenging to get kids to engage with healthy meals, as they often opt for colorful and tasty snacks over the veggie component. To make this task easier, consider hiding the veggies and not revealing their presence. A creative approach is to make the outside appealing while packing the veggies with flavorful seasonings, similar to a sandwich. The filling doesn’t need to be confined to a sandwich; it can be rolled, baked, or prepared in any way that feels comfortable for you.Now you know the secret to making mealtime more enjoyable: ‘The Hide & Seek’ approach!
Fruit Cake:
There’s something special about baking with fruit that takes it to the next level. The idea of combining the natural sweetness of fruit with the warmth of the oven is a match made in heaven. When you follow Better Butter Blog’s recipe for an easy fruit cake, you’ll be treated to a delightful experience that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. These sweet treats are not only adorable but also soft, tender, and bursting with juicy flavor. And let’s not forget the added bonus of being packed with nutritious fruits and raisins – a hidden benefit that will make you feel good about serving them up.
Choco-Dip:
Simplify your snacking routine by taking a few straightforward steps: bring your fruit basket and remove the fresh fruits, then cut them into bite-sized slices. Next, take a variety of fruits like apples, strawberries, bananas, cherries, kiwi, and melons, and simply dip them into melted chocolate for an indulgent treat. Don’t be selfish, though – consider adding some of these tasty morsels to your loved ones’ lunchboxes as well. For inspiration, check out The Whoot’s chocolate-dipped strawberry recipe, which can be easily adapted to work with any type of fruit.
Creamy salad:
As the warmer months approach, a refreshing and healthy lunch option is perfect for kids and adults alike. The combination of creamy texture and fresh flavors in a simple salad is sure to be a hit. To create this tasty treat, start by chopping up some crunchy veggies – cucumbers and tomatoes work beautifully together. Then, blend them with a dollop of cream to bring out the best flavors. You can even take inspiration from Spend with Pennies’ Creamy Cucumber and Tomato Salad recipe for added guidance.
Pizza Roll-Ups:
Transform a classic favorite into a fun and healthy appetizer that kids will love. Pizza is typically round and flat, but what if you roll up all the delicious veggies with their flavors, just like a mini pizza? It’s a unique twist that your child won’t forget. Take inspiration from Make Your Meals’ easy-to-make homemade pizza rolls recipe and give it a try! By combining familiar flavors in a new way, you’ll be creating a tasty treat that will leave them wanting more.
Burger man:
Creating a burger that meets the high expectations of kids can be a challenge, especially when they’re used to having their favorite fast food joint satisfy their cravings. Instead of relying on takeout or restaurants, why not try making a healthier version at home? The key is to keep it simple and focus on adding nutritious ingredients like veggies, lean patties, and fresh flavors. Our recipe for an avocado ranch chicken burger is a great example of how easy and healthy it can be. By skipping the cheese and sauce, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also good for you.
Cinnamon roll:
Embracing the indulgent delight of cinnamon rolls, it’s easy to overlook the nutritional value hidden within. The star trio of cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar is a match made in heaven, providing a sweet treat that’s surprisingly good for you too. As you master the art of baking with Bakerlady’s world-renowned recipe, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly healthy ingredients are woven into the sweetness.
Banana Bread:
Creating a scrumptious and nutritious snack is as simple as mashing ripe bananas with your preferred ingredients and baking them to perfection. This sweet treat yields a delightfully moist cake that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. What’s more, Beyond Frosting has crafted an effortless banana bread recipe, making it a breeze for anyone to whip up a batch.
Grilled Sandwich:
Transforming an ordinary sandwich into a mouth-watering delight is just as easy. By now, you’re well-versed in creating a healthy treat by layering nutritious ingredients between grilled bread. Take Bianca Zapatka’s vegan grilled cheese sandwich recipe for instance – it’s a game-changer. When the flavors combine in harmony, people might be enticed to try more, and who knows, they might just become a fan of every single one! The key is to offer a variety of tastes and textures, much like Bianca’s ‘Senses of Taste’ concept that introduces kids to sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and bitter flavors. By presenting 5 small snacks in a single box, you’re encouraging experimentation and exploration – it’s a win-win!
Sweet:
The thrill of sweetness is not limited to desserts alone. This delightful sensation can be achieved by incorporating sugar, honey, jaggery, and cashews into savory dishes as well. One such recipe worth trying is the Instant Pot crispy honey garlic potatoes from Yellow Thyme. Not only will this dish please your kids, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare. To make it even healthier, simply reduce the fat content by boiling the potatoes before frying them, thereby reducing the overall oil intake.
Sour:
The detection of sourness in the taste bud is often accompanied by a tangy sensation, which can be enhanced by incorporating citrus fruits into the mix. Taking it to the next level, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime or orange juice, or even yogurt without added sugar. This unexpected combination may just surprise you with its unique flavor profile. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out Alpha Foodie’s recipe for freshly made healthy orange juice.
Salty:
The versatility of saltiness can be explored through various means, such as pickles or soups. Among these options, a warm bowl of soup stands out as an excellent way to incorporate this essential flavor component. In fact, the ‘Simple and Delicious Vegetable Soup’ recipe from The Cozy Apron is a perfect example of how a nutritious and easy-to-make meal can be elevated by the addition of saltiness. This recipe not only provides a boost to one’s vitamin, mineral, and fiber intake but also has the potential to capture even the most finicky kid’s attention, offering an ‘outside the box’ culinary experience.
Savory:
Elevate the humble art of savory preparation by introducing an exciting twist – making succulent skewers! This innovative approach not only yields a healthy and visually appealing lunch option for your child, but also instills a sense of style and sophistication. Follow the easy-to-follow recipe from The Forked Spoon to create mouthwatering grilled veggie skewers that are sure to delight even the pickiest of eaters.
Bitter:
Bitterness is often considered the most sensitive taste, but don’t worry – it’s easy to incorporate into their meal without overwhelming them. A combination of bitter gourd, olives, and some greens provides a good starting point. However, be mindful not to make it too overpowering, or they might end up ignoring it altogether.
For inspiration, you can try out recipes like the Greeny spinach & avocado pasta from The Indian Veggie Delight. It’s always helpful to have a little creative freedom – feel free to modify, add to, or subtract ingredients to suit their tastes. After all, kids often respond well to cute, fun presentation. Consider using leftovers to decorate your lunch box, just like the ideas above.
The beauty of this approach lies in its flexibility. You can take the basic concepts and run with them, or mix and match different elements to create something entirely new. So why not give it a try? Grab that lunch box and get packing – after all, school is just around the corner!