--- title: "37 Inspiring Lunchbox Ideas for Kids This School Year ..." description: "Leftovers; Just the Favorites; Lots of Fruit; Little Containers; Kid Kabobs; More ..." url: "https://parenting.allwomenstalk.com/inspiring-lunchbox-ideas-for-your-kids-lunch-this-school-year/" category: "parenting" last_updated: "2026-06-02" --- # 37 Inspiring Lunchbox Ideas for Kids This School Year ... If your kids are anything like mine, it can be hard to please them day after day, so lunchbox ideas are something you're always on the hunt for. You want your kids to eat their lunch, but you also want it to be something healthy and satisfying so it will carry them through the afternoon in the classroom. If you're at your wits end, check out these lunchbox ideas and you'll be well on your way to being the mom who packs the best lunches. ## 1. Leftovers ![Leftovers](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/af/dz/lyer0jf8_338x450.jpg) Via [Adult Paleo Lunch Box Sausage ...](http://thatsavagelife.com/2013/12/04/adult-paleo-lunchbox-8/) If you have some nibbles left over from the night before, they are perfect for a flavorful lunch. Leftovers are one of my go-to lunchbox ideas! ## 2. Just the Favorites ![Just the Favorites](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/bv/yo/facn3da8_600x450.jpg) Via [TGIF! Lunch Round-Up for 2/19 ...](https://saucymommy.wordpress.com/2013/02/22/tgif-lunch-round-up-for-219-222/) Tiny amounts of all your kid's favorites are sure to get him gobbling up his lunch. ## 3. Lots of Fruit ![Lots of Fruit](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/r2/ji/zgfi06o0_500x375.jpg) Via [10 Easy, Healthy Lunchbox Ideas](https://www.redbookmag.com/life/mom-kids/advice/g483/healthy-lunchbox-ideas/) Don't skimp on the fruit. It's healthy, satisfying and can get rid of a sugar craving without having to pack a fatty dessert. ## 4. Little Containers ![Little Containers](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/fz/zp/ovuhzxa8_500x375.jpg) Via [Parenting Tips from Real Women ...](https://www.redbookmag.com/life/mom-kids/advice/g483/healthy-lunchbox-ideas/) For kids who don't like their food to touch, this little container is the perfect answer to the problem. ## 5. Kid Kabobs ![Kid Kabobs](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ls/k3/iolhxjoi_600x450.jpg) Via [Day three](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mslil65/1270275342/in/set-72157601755804789/) There's something about food on a stick that totally appeals to kids. Thread their lunch on one and they are much more likely to eat it. ## 6. Notes ![Notes](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/kr/m3/o3n8wic9_385x746.jpg) Via [P.S. Eat Your Vegetables](https://goo.gl/lZCIGy) Include a little note to make your kids smile at lunchtime. ## 7. Out of the Box _ Via Every MOM needs a little... ..._ You might not think of rice with veggies and nuts as lunch, but if that's what your kid is willing to eat, it works perfectly. ## 8. Perfectly Balanced ![Perfectly Balanced](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/by/eq/cb62yhpp_600x450.jpg) Via [2nd day lunch](https://www.flickr.com/photos/mslil65/3857731628/in/set-72157601755804789/) There's something from every food group in this lunch. ## 9. Cheese Shapes ![Cheese Shapes](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/g1/tc/rpjw422h_600x545.jpg) Via [Pumpkin](https://www.flickr.com/photos/susankyuen/6434782277/) Cut your child's cheese into fun shapes to make it more fun to eat. ## 10. Sort of Ethnic ![Sort of Ethnic](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/xu/pr/p7uiupf9_267x201.jpg) Via [Preschool Alphabet: Easy Lunches](http://preschoolalphabet.blogspot.com/2011/10/easy-lunches.html) It might not be the most ethnic food on the planet, but quesadillas are easy and delicious. Add salsa for dipping. ## 11. Pasta Bows ![Pasta Bows](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/dm/fj/nzj97lgg_600x875.jpg) Via [What The Girls Are Having: ...](http://bentoformygirls.blogspot.com/2013/03/day-361.html) Pasta salad pairs well with many other foods and is tasty cold so it makes a great lunchbox addition. Mix and match your kid's favorite ingredients for fun new combinations every day. ## 12. Veggie Love ![Veggie Love](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/fv/aj/g02z8ltp_172x300.jpg) Via [easylunchboxes.smugmug.com](https://easylunchboxes.smugmug.com/The-Best-Lunchbox-System/Lunch-box-easy-lunch-boxes/10136835_SnmBV2) Any kid is going to want to eat these tasty heart shaped carrots! ## 13. Muffin Tin Liners ![Muffin Tin Liners](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/gl/kl/tplfl8ov_600x531.jpg) Via [i should be mopping the ...](https://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2014/03/non-sandwich-lunchbox-ideas.html) These cute silicone cupcake liners are perfect for keeping food from touching. ## 14. Single Serve Packages ![Single Serve Packages](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/y2/ny/guj5b0r3_512x640.jpg) Via [The Two Bite Club: 5 ...](https://www.thetwobiteclub.com/2013/07/5-healthy-lunchbox-ideas-rock-lunchbox.html) Single serving packages are the ultimate in convenience when it comes to packing lunches. ## 15. A Little Treat ![A Little Treat](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/hb/zo/edd3ncha_600x433.jpg) Via [familyfreshmeals.com](https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/09/easy-lunchbox-ideas-family-week-3.html) Those few jellybeans are just right for a lunchtime dessert. ## 16. Dips on the Side ![Dips on the Side](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/p6/ru/oysxie2d_600x775.jpg) Via [Sabra - Timeline Photos | ...](https://www.facebook.com/unsupportedbrowser) Kids love to dip their foods, so try hummus, yogurt, peanut butter or ranch to entice them to eat their veggies and fruits. ## 17. Holiday Themes ![Holiday Themes](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/gk/w8/s2unk8jh_600x900.jpg) Via [St. Patrick’s Day Kids Creative ...](https://www.amomstake.com/) Use the holidays to help you create themed lunches to make your kid happy. ## 18. Little Snacks ![Little Snacks](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ji/dr/i9fy78lb_237x371.jpg) Via [31 Days of School Lunchbox ...](https://www.5dollardinners.com/31-days-of-school-lunchbox-ideas-day-7/) Some little eaters don't want a full meal, so a collection of small snacks is sure to please them. ## 19. Halloween Lunchbox ![Halloween Lunchbox](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/aa/jh/xdx01hwf_424x636.jpg) Via [Fun Halloween Lunchbox Ideas for ...](https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/10/fun-halloween-lunchbox-ideas-kids.html) What kid wouldn't want to find this in their lunchbox on Halloween? ## 20. Sprinkles ![Sprinkles](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/su/h8/knvga2tq_600x900.jpg) Via [familyfreshmeals.com](https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/09/fun-lunch-box-ideas-family-week-4.html) A few sprinkles on peanut butter is a fun treat for any kid at lunchtime. ## 21. Build Your Own ![Build Your Own](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/kk/u3/we7s72g1_450x360.jpg) Via [TRIO Stainless steel lunchbox - ...](https://www.limetreekids.com.au/default.aspx) Your child can pile the ham and cheese on the bagel at lunchtime so it doesn't get soggy in her lunchbox. ## 22. Mummy Lunch ![Mummy Lunch](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/us/cn/jq4rwchd_435x653.jpg) Via [Fun Halloween Lunchbox Ideas for ...](https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/10/fun-halloween-lunchbox-ideas-kids.html) Another fun idea for Halloween, don't you think? ## 23. Appetizer Lunch _ Via Lunchbox Ideas_ My kids love appetizer lunch! Use small toothpicks to make it easy to grab and nibble. ## 24. Breakfast for Lunch ![Breakfast for Lunch](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/qq/a4/tvod1dha_600x800.jpg) Via [Donna Hay - Recipes](https://www.donnahay.com.au/recipes/for-kids/lunchbox/banana-honey-pikelets) Why not pack tiny pancakes with fruit in your child's lunch? My kids love it and I bet yours will too! ## 25. DIY Snowman ![DIY Snowman](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/iy/jb/v9a0r0uz_467x675.jpg) Via [Holiday Lunchbox Ideas - Family ...](https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/12/holiday-lunchbox-ideas.html) Such a fun idea for the wintertime holidays! ## 26. Brunch Lunchbox ![Brunch Lunchbox](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/vv/dd/zz2pxria_360x480.jpg) Via [BentOnBetterLunches: Brunch Bunch](https://goo.gl/E5s0LO) A waffle with cream cheese and fruit is a great base for a lunchtime meal. ## 27. Chips ![Chips](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ge/l1/fdn27sdb_600x397.jpg) Via [5dollardinners.com](https://www.5dollardinners.com/31-days-of-school-lunchbox-ideas-day-2/) Carrot chips instead of carrot sticks make lunch a little bit of fun and a little easier to eat. ## 28. Lots of Hearts ![Lots of Hearts](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/l3/uq/jlrxtpd4_600x633.jpg) Via [Creative Kids Lunch Box Ideas ...](https://www.amomstake.com/) Whether it's Valentine's Day or not, your child will feel the love when he eats this lunch. ## 29. Decorations ![Decorations](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/zy/b5/mkdvaotn_600x507.jpg) Via [this week in bento boxes ...](https://goo.gl/pCI6zU) A few pieces from a Mr. Potato Head set let you add personality to sandwiches. ## 30. Yogurt ![Yogurt](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/xw/k5/jvncytpg_584x400.jpg) Via [5dollardinners.com](https://www.5dollardinners.com/31-days-of-school-lunchbox-ideas-day-1/) Yogurt goes really well with granola and fruit and makes for a nutritious and delicious lunch. ## 31. Crackers, Cheese and Fruit ![Crackers, Cheese and Fruit](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/bh/p5/namnm7zd_575x400.jpg) Via [5dollardinners.com](https://www.5dollardinners.com/31-days-of-school-lunchbox-ideas-day-3/) There's no better combination than crackers, cheese and fruit for your child's lunchbox. ## 32. Lots of Protein ![Lots of Protein](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/e1/wt/h89swjlx_600x400.jpg) Via [5dollardinners.com](https://www.5dollardinners.com/31-days-of-school-lunchbox-ideas-day-5/) Protein is much needed when your child eats lunch, and peanut butter and cottage cheese are both ideal options. ## 33. Yogurt Tube _ Via {Lunchbox Idea} Bite Size Treats ..._ Freeze yogurt tubes and put them in your child's lunch. They will thaw by lunchtime and will help keep the other foods cold. ## 34. The Humble Sandwich ![The Humble Sandwich](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/b2/x5/ltadgoae_600x400.jpg) Via [5dollardinners.com](https://www.5dollardinners.com/31-days-of-school-lunchbox-ideas-day-10/) Don't underestimate how perfect a sandwich is at lunchtime. Every kid has their favorite, so you can be sure to please. ## 35. Here's Looking at You ![Here's Looking at You](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/i6/k1/l5hlcf00_467x700.jpg) Via [familyfreshmeals.com](https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/10/school-lunchbox-ideas.html) These eyes definitely make lunchtime come alive. ## 36. Sectioned Containers ![Sectioned Containers](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/ns/mk/k7w81jna_599x400.jpg) Via [5dollardinners.com](https://www.5dollardinners.com/31-days-of-school-lunchbox-ideas-day-4/) Stock up on these containers when you shop for back to school supplies. ## 37. Pinwheels ![Pinwheels](https://resize.allw.mn/1028x0/filters:format(webp)/filters:quality(70)/content/cc/ul/rnw7lbx9_600x400.jpg) Via [5dollardinners.com](https://www.5dollardinners.com/31-days-of-school-lunchbox-ideas-day-9/) Use tortillas instead of bread to shake things up at lunchtime. What do your kids like in their lunch? I hope this list has given you some new and interesting ideas to keep them happy. 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