Back to School: Tips & Tricks for Packing School Lunches
It is that time of year. Back to the grind of lunch-making! I will admit, it is not my favorite thing ever. I have found that organization and packing lunch the night before instead of in the morning helps it to be less stressful! Having the right accessories to get it packed certainly helps as well. I am sharing some of my favorite products to help you get a nutritious lunch packed for you and your child.
These bento boxes with the frozen insert are perfect for kid lunches since they stay cold for hours. I use these for my son, and they have held up so well. They are dishwasher safe, and ketchup does not even stain them.
Bentgo® Kids Chill Lunch Box
This larger version doesn’t include a freezer pack but will hold more food for an adult or older child who brings a bigger lunch.
Bentgo® Classic
These four-compartment boxes are perfect for making your own “Lunchables” or packing snacks! I recently bought these and plan to do both with them.
Bento Snack Boxes
The perfect lunchbox for kids! It comes in so many adorable prints for boys and girls. There is also plenty of room to pack their lunch comfortably.
Bentgo® Kids Prints Lunch Bag
If you want a heavily insulated lunchbox, then this one from Hydroflask would be great. They come in various solid colors and are highly rated.
Hydro Flask Insulated Lunch Box
Looking for a more stylish way to bring your lunch? This lunchbox does not even look like it is one! Such a cute and functional choice.
TOURIT Lunch Bag
Make sure your child stays hydrated with a stainless steel water bottle. These ramblers keep water cold all day. My son loves this water bottle, but adults could also use them. They can be engraved with names or initials too.
YETI Rambler Jr.
A great option for teens or adults is this tumbler with a handle! I have one and love how cold it keeps my ice water all day.
Waterproof/Dishwasher Safe Labels
As a teacher, I can tell you that kids often misplace their things at school…especially lunchboxes and water bottles. I love these waterproof and dishwasher-safe labels you can personalize. Add them to all their belongings to help them keep up with them!
Lunch Box Notes for Kids
Of course, you could write a note on their napkin or a cute card, but if you want something easier, then a printable note is the way to go! There are so many cute ones on Etsy. This is just an extra little touch to put a smile on your child’s face in the middle of the school day! Not a must, but I do think it is sweet.
OTHER TIPS AND TRICKS...
- Pick up your groceries on the weekend and have your child add anything specific they would like in their lunch that week ahead of time.
- Use any spare time before the week begins to make a lunch menu of what they will have each day and prep fruits/vegetables ahead of time. I have found that making multiple lunches at once while you have everything out is really helpful to knock more out all at one time.
- When it comes time to pack the lunches, enlist your child's help if they are old enough to assist.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022-2023 school year!
