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A weeks worth of simple, healthy school lunch ideas that go beyond the typical PB & J!

A weeks worth of simple, healthy school lunch ideas that go beyond the typical PB&J! I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for quick + healthy school lunch ideas for my kids! Lunches that aren't to complicated to throw together in the morning rush. Lunches that are wholesome, affordable and that my kids will actually eat! Today I'm excited to share a weeks worth of school lunch ideas that are healthy + that your kids are sure to love! They've been tried and tested by my own kiddos, keep reading to see which lunches were their favorites + find out some of my tips for keeping lunch making simple.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the lookout for quick + healthy school lunch ideas for my kids! Lunches that aren’t to complicated to throw together in the morning rush. Lunches that are wholesome, affordable and that my kids will actually eat!

Today I’m excited to share a weeks worth of school lunch ideas that are healthy + that your kids are sure to love! They’ve been tried and tested by my own kiddos, keep reading to see which lunches were their favorites + find out some of my tips for keeping lunch making simple.

For lunch packing I use these 3 compartment containers from Easy Lunchboxes for all my kids. I’ve been using these containers for a few years now and absolutely love them! I love that they’re BPA free + dishwasher safe and  I love how they keep the kids lunches neat and fresh, even when they’re tossed around in their backpacks.

Day 1 | Sandwich Kabobs

The simplest and healthiest foods seem to look a little extra yummy when they’re prepared in a unique way. This was the first time we tried these sandwich kabobs, a slight variation on the plain old sandwich and my kids loved them! Of the five lunches I’m sharing today this was one of the top two. The kids always love it when I add some jell-O to their lunch as well. I make a batch ahead then refrigerate in the Easy Lunchbox containers overnight.

A weeks worth of simple, healthy school lunch ideas that go beyond the typical PB&J!

Day 2 | Meat, cheese and Veggie Wraps

These wraps were definitely a hit with the kids, my son said they were his favorite lunch of the five I’m sharing today! They didn’t all care for the heart-shaped melon, half my kids like melon and half don’t, but you could easily switch that out for another fruit. Inside the wraps I did light mayo, ham, grated cheese, grated carrot and lettuce. If you have a child that doesn’t like carrot sticks I’ve found grating a little into their sandwich is a simple way to sneak those carrots into their lunch.

A weeks worth of simple, healthy school lunch ideas that go beyond the typical PB&J!

Day 3 | Pizza Buns

I’d have to say that these homemade pizza buns take the number one spot for my kids favorite school lunch, ever! I shared this recipe back in March and its one of my most pinned blog posts. I love that these pizza buns can be made ahead and frozen which makes for a quick lunch anytime. I need to whip up another batch to have on hand in my freezer really soon! Read how to prepare these pizza buns and print the recipe here.

A weeks worth of simple, healthy school lunch ideas that go beyond the typical PB&J!

Day 4 | Butterfly Sandwich

Nothing too complicated here, just a simple sandwich cut into the shape of a butterfly. This was one of my preschoolers favorite lunches and it had everything to do with the cute sandwich shape I’m sure! 🙂 She likes nutella sandwhiches, for the other kids I did meat. You can find sandwich cutters all over the place – at your local dollar store or on amazon to name a few.

A weeks worth of simple, healthy school lunch ideas that go beyond the typical PB&J!

Day 5 | Tuna Salad + Crackers

This lunch was my preschoolers favorite which surprised me, she really liked dipping her crackers in the tuna. I used these mini dippers containers to include a little bit of tuna salad, along with crackers + cheese. Add a mini spoon for scooping the tuna and making mini cracker + tuna sandwiches or simply use the tuna for dipping. For a little bit of a variety I cut up watermelon into sticks and the kids thought that was fun.

That concludes a weeks worth of healthy lunch options…I hope there’s a few ideas there that your kids will love too! Lunch making is definitely one of my back to school challenges but by adding these new favorites into the lunch menu mix I think we’re well on our way to a fun + healthy school year!

A weeks worth of simple, healthy school lunch ideas that go beyond the typical PB&J!

Tips for Simple School Lunch Preparation

1. Get things ready the day before. Whatever I can have already prepared ahead of time really cuts down on my morning lunch making time. Have vegetables sliced, jell-O made the night before, etc.

2. Have a designated area in your kitchen where you keep all your lunch making supplies. I store all our plastic containers, disposable utensils, ziploks and insulated lunch bags in one cupboard. The kids know that this is where lunch things belong + as soon as they come home afterschool they clean out their lunch bag and return it to this cupboard so its ready for the next morning.

3. I have four kids and my youngest is still home with me. When I’m preparing the kids lunches I always make one up for her too. Because everything is out already it just makes sense. This really cuts down on the lunch time mess at home + if we ever have to be out running errands over the lunch hour I just grab her lunch and take it with us.

A weeks worth of simple, healthy school lunch ideas that go beyond the typical PB&J!

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Rebecca

Rebecca

Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.
Rebecca
Rebecca

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  7. I love that they are compartmentalized so that I can easily separate foods without having to use multiple containers. I also love all the colors!

    Reply

  21. So funny! We use these same lunch boxes and I knew we needed some extras so I ordered them via your link before I even finished the post and saw it was a giveaway! Well, if I win, we could always use more with 3 boys in school and someone always forgetting their lunch bag at school. I’d love to hear what bag/container you’ve found works best as well as how you add an ice pack. The jello idea is genius—can’t wait to surprise them tomorrow!

    Reply

  44. I’m so glad you posted these ideas — thank you! I love that these containers can separate items, no ziplocs needed and they are dishwasher safe! Oh, and I love the bright set! 🙂

    Reply

  48. I have read many blog posts about Easy Lunchboxes, and they seem like such a great idea since they are durable and cute! Plus you can fit a lot of delicious and pretty lunches in them (:

    Reply

  50. I really like the idea of the easy lunch box containers. And, they are really affordable….4 for only 13.95! That is my favorite thing! I am going to have to get some if I don’t win! 🙂

    Reply

  67. I love that these help keep portion sizes right. Sometimes I think my kids eat just because there is food in front of them. Thanks for the great lunch ideas!

    Reply

  72. I’m going to try those pizza rolls (with dairy-free cheese for my DS) and I’m sure they are going to be a huge hit! I just wonder if they will taste okay cold, especially since I’d be using dairy free cheese….hmmmm

    Reply

  76. My first grader just started school today. I have (had) yet to find a good lunchbox/system for her lunches. I think I’m sold with these! I love the compartments and the coordinating bag! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this prize pack!!

    Reply

  77. Would love too have these for my new kindergartner who is allergic to dairy, gluten and nuts. Maybe this would make her feel like she’s not missing out as much as usual.

    Reply

  88. I was so excited for this post today as my daughter will be eating lunch at school for the first time this year (1st grade!) and I have been slightly freaked out about preparing her meals for school…which is silly since I do it every day at home. I love the creative ideas with the simple food! Great giveaway- fingers crossed :-}

    Reply

  93. First year that I’ll have two littles needing lunces and these would make things all the easier. Love that they’re free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead and vinyl!

    Reply

  96. New favorite blog! I always need new ideas when it comes to school lunches. The kids are so picky! The containers are exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  135. I love these ideas! I am in high school and always run out of time in the morning to pack a lunch so its the vending machine for me. I love how these containers have different compartments!

    Reply

  138. Love the pizza buns idea. My son hates sandwiches so that would be an awesome idea.

    I love the brights colors! And all the little compartments. Would fit so much better inside a lunch box.

    Reply

  147. I would like the book for new ideas. I also liked the Easy Lunchboxes photo gallery. skuskye at yahoo dot come.
    Thanks a bunch, going to try your pizza buns!
    -Sadie

    Reply

  148. Great idea to have everything in one container instead of multiple containers. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner! Love the color options and mini dippers and that it is kid friendly to open.

    Reply

  167. Thank you for the great ideas! I have some of the Easy Lunchboxes & we love them! I would love to add a few more to my stash…we use a lot of them during the summer!

    Reply

  180. I have been eyeing the three-compartment containers, but they don’t fit in the lunch box my son picked out this year! I told my husband that next year, my son is going to have to pick a lunch box based on its ability to hold these containers!

    Reply

  206. I like the divided compartments! I have some other brand of these, but I like how these seem to fit better in an insulated container. Loved their website, the containers are my fav.

    Reply

  211. We love our ELBs! The containers are the perfect size, they clean easily and they are adaptable to every lunch we have put them through so far! Thanks for the great recipe and I will be making your pizza buns this week!

    Reply

  214. With a 4 and 2 year old, they love to have a variety of foods. I love the 3 sections and that I can just fill it up, and their lunches are packed. Makes it easier on Grandpa (the babysitter)!

    Reply

  221. Great lunch ideas! I’ve been making your pizza buns for a little while, and my sons LOVE them! I keep reading great reviews of these lunch boxes — would love to win some 🙂

    Reply

  239. I love that they have multiple compartments, but all under one lid! It’s so much easier to pack one container, as opposed to a bunch of tiny containers.

    Reply

  240. I love that it is all under one lid and easy to open. My daughter has been having trouble with her sandwich box so I’d love to try something easier for her.

    Reply

  248. I have had these in my cart on Amazon for a month!! Love the Classic colors but mostly love how much we could cut down on our baggie use. Thank you so much for the chance to win!!

    Reply

  255. Thanks so much for these awesome ideas! We have to pack lunch for 3 kids age 5 -7. It gets really tough trying to get them to eat their lunch! I can’t wait to try these ideas you have & would love the containers! Absolutely LOVE!

    Reply

  257. I pretty much love everything about these lunchboxes. My kids love the colors. I love that they’re easy to open. Leak proof would be nice, but I agree that easy for kids to open is the better option if you have to choose one or the other.

    Reply

  265. I love that they are dishwasher safe, that they keep the foods separate, they help with portion control, and that you don’t use so many disposable baggies.

    Reply

  266. I love packing lunch for my kids! That way I know exactly what they’re eating, and with these new ideas I can feel good about sending them to school with a fun lunch!

    Reply

  272. I love that all the lunch ideas come in the same Easy Lunch Boxes. It makes it easier to plan than looking at a hundred different options.

    Reply

  286. I’m a semi-professional organizer and I love that each item can be so compartmentalized! Like a clean room, a clutter-free lunch is so much more appealing. Thanks for the great ideas!

    Reply

  287. Amazingly easy ideas. With 3 kiddos in school, and a full time job as a preschool teacher…time is not something I have a lot of. Love all of the fun you pack into one lunchbox! Thanks for sharing your ideas!!

    Reply

  291. I love that the containers are freezable! I once froze a few containers in hopes of being prepared for the week’s lunches. They cracked and i ended up having to remake all of my lunches 🙁

    Reply

  296. I love easy lunch boxes and I can always use new lunch ideas. Thanks for some good ones. My 6 year old looked at the pizza rolls and shrieked. Apparently, this will be her “back to school” lunch on Tuesday!

    Reply

  297. I love all these ideas – simple ways to mix it up! I’m also loving the simplicity of the Easy Lunchboxes, and that they would be lightweight for the kids. Thanks!

    Reply

  307. I love these ideas!! My daughter is a simple girl and these are things she would mostly eat 🙂 I also realized that I will have to pack lunches for my son (who is in 1/2 day preschool) because he is jealous he doesn’t get a lunch like hers. I didn’t think of it as saving time and mess though! Thanks!!

    Reply

  329. I love that they teamed up with Trader Joe’s to do a lunch cookbook. I have a TJ’s in my area and can’t wait for some new lunch ideas. Thanks!
    ellen(at)myerly(dot)net

    Reply

  332. I absolutly love that u can put them in the dishwasher and the microwave.. i really like that they are kid friendly too since my oldest just started school.

    Reply

  340. Do the crackers and pretzels stay crunchy?? Because the only way I have been able to keep them crunchy is by putting them in a separate zip loc bag. This would be great if U could skip that step and keep it all together.

    Reply

  343. thank you so much, on time for my son’s new year’s party with his friends tomorrow…. your lunch / party idea ease my headache. i showed my son and guess what he LOVES the idea. thank you thank you and thank you so much.

    Reply

  346. Thanks for the great ideas! I have my oldest starting kindergarten next week & we already have the same lunch boxes as you do. I’d never heard of pizza buns but we’re going to try them. What kid doesn’t love pizza? 🙂 And the idea of jello in the box already made never would’ve occurred to me. Thanks!

    Reply

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