Lunch Box Ideas for Kids

Make those paper bag lunches fun for the kids this year! It’s back to school and here are some great Lunch Box Ideas for kids. Tons of different options to mix up lunch with so they never get tired of what’s in their lunch box.

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Overhead image of lunch boxes filled with options for kids

It’s time to start packing lunches again and it’s so easy to get into a rut and not know what else to pack. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Lunch Box Ideas for Kids.

It’s easy to take a main item, fruit, veggie, side or snack to make it a complete meal.

I’ve made up three example boxes to get ideas with, plus made a list of items in each category for you to grab from.

Better yet? I’ve made a FREE PRINTABLE of all the ideas for lunches. Print it, laminate it and hang it inside your cupboard to look at for inspiration!

How to Make Lunch Boxes Fun!

The main thing I’ve learned is that using cookie cutters to cut out shapes is the best thing ever in a child’s eyes.

It’s a relatively quick and easy thing to do make lunch feel extra special. You can use different shapes for holidays, seasons and special occasion.

Also, don’t forget that treat. Kids love something a little special and sweet at the end of lunch. It doesn’t have to be much, but including a gummy candy, mini oreos or cookies etc. goes a long way!

Lunch box filled with sandwich, cheese, granola bar, cucumbers, tomatoes and more

Lunch Box #1 Ideas!

  • Sandwich with peanut butter and jelly – Cut it into their favorite shape with a cookie cutter!
  • Cheese – Cut it into their favorite shape with a cookie cutter!
  • Fig Newton or Granola bar
  • Sliced Mini Cucumbers
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Circus animal crackers
  • Goldfish
  • Banana
Lunch box with turkey, fruit, apple chips, cheese and more

Lunch Box #2 Ideas

  • Lunch Meat – Pick their favorite kind or switch them out to mix it up!
  • Watermelon – Cut it into their favorite shape with a cookie cutter!
  • Blueberries
  • Grapes
  • Dried apple chips
  • Gummy eggs or Fruit Snacks
  • Cheese – Cut it into their favorite shape with a cookie cutter!
Lunch box with sandwich, fruit, pretzels, cookies and more

Lunch Box #3 Ideas!

  • Sandwich with Lunch Meat – Cut it into their favorite shape with a cookie cutter!
  • Cheese – Cut it into their favorite shape with a cookie cutter!
  • Sliced Strawberries
  • Orange slices or Clementines
  • Pretzels
  • Mini Oreo Cookies
  • Mini crackers with cheese
Three lunch boxes filled with different foods

Below I’ve listed more lunchbox ideas for kids to mix and match from!

Grab your free printable list if you’d like to hang it in your cupboard to inspire your kids and you when it’s time to pick lunches for the week!

Printable list of Lunchbox Ideas

Main Meal Ideas!

  • Sandwich with peanut butter and jelly
  • Lunch Meat
  • Sandwich with Lunch Meat
  • Pita Bread + Hummus
  • Turkey & Cheese Roll Ups
  • Meat & Cheese Kabob
  • Turkey and Cheese Wrap

Fruit Ideas!

  • Banana
  • Watermelon
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Grapes
  • Dried apple chips
  • Orange slices
  • Clementines
  • Raspeberries
  • Melon
  • Applesauce
  • Mangoes

Vegetable Ideas!

  • Sliced Mini Cucumbers
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Mini Carrots
  • Broccoli Florets
  • Snap Peas

Sides and Snacks Ideas!

  • Cheese
  • Granola bar
  • Goldfish
  • Fruit Snacks
  • String cheese
  • Pretzels
  • Mini crackers with cheese
  • Hard Boiled Eggs
  • Chips
  • Yogurt
  • Trail Mix
  • Fruit Leather
  • Popcorn
  • Crackers
  • Chips and Salsa
  • Fruit Cup

Dessert Ideas!

  • Circus animal crackers
  • Dried apple chips
  • Mini Oreo Cookies
  • Pudding Cup
  • Graham Crackers
  • Cookies
  • Rice Krispies Treats

Drink Ideas!

  • Water Bottles
  • 100% Juice Boxes
  • Capri Suns
  • Bolthouse Smoothies
  • Milk – My kids grab it from school!
Lunch Box Ideas Printable Button

More Kids Friendly Recipe Ideas!

  • Quick and easy Chocolate Covered Bananas are the perfect kids treat! Pick your own toppings!
  • Kids think Jell-O Jigglers are so fun to make and eat! Only two ingredients needed.
  • A healthy, delicious snack that kids love is Yogurt Bark! Fresh fruit, granola, mini chocolate chips on a slab of frozen yogurt.

If you take a picture and share these Instagram make sure to #kidsactivityzone or tag us @kidsactivityzoneblog so we can see them!

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Overhead image of lunch boxes filled with options for kids

Lunch Box Ideas for Kids

Easy ideas for kids lunch boxes that they will love!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 lunchbox

Ingredients

Box #1

  • Sandwich with peanut butter and jelly
  • Cheese
  • Granola bar
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Circus animal crackers
  • Goldfish
  • Banana

Box #2

  • Lunch Meat
  • Watermelon
  • Blueberries
  • Grapes
  • Dried apple chips
  • Gummy eggs or fruit snacks
  • Cheese

Box #3

  • Sandwich with Lunch Meat
  • String cheese
  • Strawberries
  • Orange slices
  • Pretzels
  • Mini Oreo Cookies
  • Mini crackers with cheese

Instructions

  • Cut cheese with mini cookie cutters.
  • Cut bread for sandwiches with cookie cutters.
  • Cut fruit and vegetables.
Tried this recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!

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