We all know how difficult it can be to come up with different,
healthy and fun lunch box ideas - and that's why we end up packing up the same
lunches over and over again! To help you (and your kids!) avoid packed lunch
boredom, we have collected some simple ideas to spice up your child's lunch box.
Change the Bread:
Just like adults, kids can get bored with sandwiches. Why not try using the same
fillings, but add excitement by changing the bread. You can try pitta bread,
bagels or tortilla wraps. For a real change, try packing crackers or breadsticks
separately from the filling. Your child then assembles the crackers and filling
into sandwiches, or dips the breadsticks in. Great fun!
Try a Salad:
Forget about your typical lettuce and tomato salad - no self-respecting child
would get excited by that! Instead try a pasta salad or potato salad. Cook and
drain the pasta or potatoes and mix with a little mayonnaise or olive oil, the
add some cut up veggies such as corn kernels, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots. If
you like you can also include some sliced turkey, chicken or ham. Pack into a
plastic container.
Make those sandwiches fun:
If you decide to pack a traditional sandwich, try cutting the bread with fun
shapes using a cookie cutter. You'll be amazed at how a boring cheese sandwich
will get gobbled up when shaped into a flower or dinosaur!
Go For Fingers Foods:
Sometimes kids, especially younger ones, don’t like to eat a whole sandwich or
bowl of food. Instead you can try preparing cut up cubes of cheese, grapes, baby
tomatoes, carrot sticks, pretzels, mini crackers, and ham cubes. Finger foods
are really very appealing for all ages! Place in a container with individual
compartments or just a standard one for a fun lunch. You can also try cutting
sandwiches into small rectangles or triangles for easier eating.
Pinwheels Anyone?
Instead of sandwiches try pinwheels. Cut the crust from two slices of bread, and
flatten using a rolling pin. Spread thinly with cream cheese, and add a slice of
ham. Roll each slice into a log shape. Wrap in cling film and place in freezer
for about 30 minutes. Unwrap and cut into pinwheel rounds.
Dip It:
Kids love dipping stuff. For an easy and nutritious lunch snack you can cut
apple wedges and serve with a strawberry or peanut butter dip. Cut up veggies
are brilliant served with a hummus or cream cheese dip. For a more substantial
lunch add pieces of pita bread, breadsticks or crackers.
Lunch Box Notes:
Pack a lunch box note every so often to remind your kids that you are thinking
of them! Older kids will enjoy jokes, trivia and tongue twisters! Our Lunch Box Notes are here.
Be Creative:
Think outside the box! Pack mini pizza slices, mini hamburgers, meatballs or
chicken drumsticks. Add some potato wedges on the side. Or try tortilla chips
with strips of cheese, turkey and sliced tomatoes on the side. Add a sour cream
and/or guacamole dip for instant lunch time nachos, perfect for older children
or teens.
Or how about some baked savoury mini muffins using chopped, cooked bacon and
chives or grated cheese and ham? Sweet fruit mini muffins will be a big hit too.
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