Every day it’s something you have to think about when you have kids and what you’re going to send with them to school or even at home too.

Here are some of our favorite lunch box ideas for kids. We’ve gathered our top lunch box idea PINS just for you!

Don’t forget to pin it for ideas all school year long!

School Lunches can become a little boring at times to make for kids. Day by day we take a peek in the fridge and pantry and try to decide what to put into their lunch box that they might actually eat. Having a plan for what you’re packing each day can be one of the keys to success.

Being organized and creative are two elements that will be a big hit with your kids.

Finding ways to get them involved in the kitchen like in making homemade sushi, alphabet soup or even tuna salad without mayo can be a lot of fun.

Top Lunch Box Ideas on Pinterest

Follow The Educators’ Spin On It’s board Help for Packing School Lunches on Pinterest.

Let’s be honest though sometimes it’s hard to come up with new ideas. Pinterest can be such a great source for finding inspiration for kid’s lunches. I thought it might be fun to feature my top kid’s lunch box ideas for you to get ready for back to school time with your family.  

Be sure to FOLLOW our Pinterest board for the latest Lunch Box Ideas!

Top Lunch Box Ideas for Back to School

We’re sharing our top most pinned and favorite lunchbox ideas for back-to-school that have been featured on our boards. Take a peek and see which one inspired you to pin too so that lunchtime can be a little bit easier this year for school.

Using a Printable Magnetic Lunch Chart from Martha Stewart can make meal planning easier. Getting kids involved can encourage better eaters.

Many of us are looking for budget friendly ideas for lunch. Brown Bag School Lunches on a Budget from Snack Picks.com shares her tips for staying on track with lunches.

Sometimes finding one ingredient your child loves is a way to start sneaking in healthy ingredients.  Here are 13 Ways to use Tortilla for Back to School Lunches from Evolving Motherhood.

Encouraging your child to help pack lunches using Simple Solutions for Healthy School Lunches from The Educators’ Spin On It can be a huge time saver. I’ve even included a list of what to shop for to keep in containers for quick access for snack time too.

These cold lunch ideas for kids will make lunchtime as fun as it is yummy. Fifteen different lunch ideas that can be put together ahead of time so packing your child’s lunch will be a breeze every day.

Finding fun ingredients that kids enjoy can be a challenge.  Here are Lunchbox Ideas that Kids Love from Family Fresh Meals.

25 Best Back to School Lunches from Remodelaholic with her favorites for what to include in these adorable Bento Boxes!

One peek in a school cafeteria and you’ll see it’s getting more difficult to expose your child to healthier items.  Here are 100 Healthy, Delicious and Easy Lunchbox Ideas from Family Fresh Cooking to get you started.

Take moment to print off this Printable Lunch Box Idea List. While you’re there check out the 1000+ Bento Lunch Ideas from the Bento Gallery at Wendolonia.

Here’s an easy way to have a whole month of lunch planned with 30 Days of Lunch Boxes from Peanut Blossom.

Finding new ways to make lunch can be so much easier with these 50 Tips and Tricks for Packing School Lunches from Love from the Oven

A month of school lunches already planned from  you makes the job a no brainer, love this Month of School Kid Approved School Lunches from Mom Endeavors.

Many schools have begun to request peanut free foods for the lunchroom.  Here are 15 Peanut Free Lunch Ideas from Smart School House.

Don’t forget about planning for After School Snacks. Here are 20 On the Go Healthy Snack Ideas from Let’s Lasso the Moon.

Tips for Success for Packing School Lunches

Think about it, we need to pack a school lunch for 180 days, trust me we need resources to turn to! That’s not even counting all the other days we’re just home with our kids on the weekends and summertime. 

My biggest tip as a mom of 3 and a teacher for over 10 years is to make healthy choices with your child for their lunches.

• Get Kids Involved– The more you encourage them to be involved the more they are likely to eat what you packed. Have a few things they can help put into their lunches when you’re packing them. Click here for ideas
• Easy Open Containers– Select containers and items that they can open independently. Sometimes that means practicing at home before hands for a few days.
• Label Lunch Box & Containers– It’s the easiest way to ensure all your costly lunch items are returned to their owner if they get left anywhere.
• Pack Healthy Items– Make healthy choices with the items you’re choosing, it’s brain power for your child as they are learning throughout their school day.
• Avoid Peer Pressure– You will hear all sorts of stories about what each student is allowed to bring to school in their lunches.  Go with your instinct and pack what you know is best for your child’s health.  Many prepackaged items are packed with sodium and ingredients that our kids don’t need to consume.
• Pick a Fun Theme– Sometimes it’s fun to pick a theme for lunch.  Cookie cutters, napkins and toothpicks can be the easiest way to add a little fun.

Pinterest can be an amazing source to come up with new ideas for Lunch for Kids with so many parents pinning new ideas they read on sites and also bloggers pinning their own ideas. It’s a WIN WIN for parents.

To find even more ideas be sure to FOLLOW our Helping for Packing School Lunch Pinterest Board at The Educators’ Spin On It. 

Lunch Box Options for Kids

Here are a few of my favorite lunch products to pack lunch with!

Disclosure: Amazon affiliate links for easy shopping for you. 

Wishing you the best as you begin your school year with happy tummies and growing minds!

Click now for more Back to School Resources for Parents

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Best Kids Lunch Boxes for School

It’s time for the kids to go Back to School which means it’s time to take a look at what you’re bringing to school for your lunch box this year. Lunch box companies have started to provide some pretty awesome options, especially when it comes to lunch box containers!

Have you made the switch from plastic bags to eco-friendly containers? We’ve had such a big change in our house since using our Stainless Steel Lunch Boxes. I adore them and find I’m packing healthier food for my kids because of them.

There are a few main points to keep in mind as you choose a school lunch box…

• Size
• Insulation
• Seal
• Durability
• Easy to Open
• Easy to Clean

A lunch box is an essential school supply your kid will use every day, so it’s important to make sure they’re equipped with the right one for them.

Here are our top picks of lunch boxes for kids!

PlanetBox ROVER Classic Stainless Steel Bento Lunch Box with 5 Compartments

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PlanetBox Tutti Frutti Insulated Lunch Bag

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Bentgo Fresh – Leak-Proof, Versatile 4-Compartment Bento-Style Lunch Box

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Bentgo® Kids Stainless Steel Leak-Resistant Lunch Box – Bento-Style Redesigned in 2022 w/Upgraded Latches

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Bentgo® Kids Lunch Bag – Durable, Double Insulated, Water-Resistant Fabric, Interior & Exterior Zippered Pockets, Water Bottle Holder

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How to Choose a Lunch Box for Your Child

• Consider your child’s age and needs. If your child is young, you may want to choose a lunch box with a built-in thermos or insulated pockets to keep food cold or hot. If your child is older, they may prefer a lunch box with more compartments or a cooler backpack.
• Choose a lunch box that is durable and easy to clean. Look for a lunch box that is made from high-quality materials that will last for years. It should also be easy to wipe down or wash in the dishwasher.
• Choose a lunch box that is the right size. Make sure the lunch box is big enough to fit all of your child’s food and drinks. You may also want to consider a lunch box with a separate compartment for snacks.
• Let your child help choose their lunch box. This will help them feel more invested in their lunch and make them more likely to eat it. Choose a lunch box that is fun and stylish. There are many different lunch boxes available, so you can find one that your child will love.
• Choose a lunch box that is affordable. Lunch boxes can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. Choose a lunch box that fits your budget and your child’s needs.

Here are some additional tips:

• Look for a lunch box with a variety of compartments. This will help your child keep their food organized and prevent it from getting soggy.
• Choose a lunch box with a leak-proof seal. This will help prevent spills and keep your child’s food fresh.

LunchBots Large Trio Stainless Steel Lunch Container

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ecozoi Stainless Steel Lunch Box, 3-Tier Leak Proof Stackable Lunch Container

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ecozoi Stainless Steel Lunch Box, 3-in-1 Eco Friendly Stackable Bento Box

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FlowFly Kids Lunch box Insulated 

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Tips for choosing a lunch box for your child that’s eco-friendly…

Consider choosing a lunch box that is made from recycled materials. This is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.

1. Look for a lunch box made from sustainable materials, such as stainless steel, glass, or silicone.
2. Choose a lunch box that is BPA-free and PVC-free.
3. Make sure the lunch box is leak-proof and easy to clean.
4. Consider a lunch box with multiple compartments to keep food separate.
5. Choose a lunch box that is fun and colorful to appeal to your child.

The Best Water Bottles for Kids at School

THERMOS FUNTAINER 12 Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Straw Bottle

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Hydro Flask 12 oz Kids Wide Mouth Straw Lid and Boot

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koodee Kids Water Bottle 2 Pack 12 oz Stainless Steel Double Wall Vacuum Insulated

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Here are some additional tips for packing an eco-friendly lunch:

1. Use reusable utensils and napkins.
2. Pack food in glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic bags.
3. Pack fruits and vegetables that don’t need to be refrigerated.
4. Send your child with a water bottle instead of juice boxes or soda.

By following these tips, you can help your child reduce their environmental impact and eat a healthy lunch at the same time.

Top Picks for Lunch Box Ice Pack Coolers

One thing living that’s a top priority is keeping your child’s lunch food stored at the right temperature. These have been our favorites to pack inside the lunch box to keep their food cold when needed.

Fit & Fresh XL Cool Coolers Freezer Slim Ice Pack for Lunch Box, Set of 4

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Fit & Fresh, Penguins Cool Coolers Lunch Ice Packs, Set of 4, Multicolored

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The best school lunch box is the one that you use easily. I hope you’ve found the recommendations helpful as you decide which is best for your child.

Let me know if you have any questions, I’ve been packing a school lunch for 30 years for my kids. Yeap I have 3 kids and their ages are spread way far apart, plus I’ve been packing my lunch for school as a teacher too. Wishing you the best of luck as your child heads back to school.

PS: If it’s their very first day of school with a lunch box, be sure to do this magic dust poem with them.

You may also find these guides helpful for your child…

• 100+ Lunch Box Ideas for Kids
• Kindergarten Supply List
• Teaching Kids How to Be Responsible for Their Backpack
• Ways to Keep Kids Hydrated
• Effective Morning Routines for School
• How to Stop Losing Things at School

Disclosure: This is a sponsored campaign with Glad®

I’ve discovered a little secret…

When I let my daughter pack her lunch she eats it all at school and comes home with empty containers and a full tummy!

I know you’re thinking that’s easier said that done, she’s only 6. How could she pack her own lunch and make all healthy choices?  It’s simple.

Solutions for Healthy School Lunches with Kids

We’ve found an easy solution. We use the Glad® Food Storage containers to hold each food group for her side items and her sandwich. She selects them each morning to put in her lunch box. 

We’ve been working on food groups & nutrition with our Little Hands that Cook with Books Series so she’s learning quite a lot about which belongs in each group. When we’re making a list or shopping we’re always looking to build our rainbow of choices too! 

At the beginning of the week once we’ve done our shopping we fill up the containers together and store them.

Items to keep on hand for Lunch Boxes and After School Snacks

Here are some yummy items we add to our containers.

Fruits ~ strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, watermelon, mandarin oranges, & dried fruit

Vegetables ~ baby carrots, celery, edamame, cucumbers, cauliflower, grape tomatoes, & tossed salad

Dairy ~ String cheese, cubed cheese, yogurt fruit & veggie dips, & yogurt parfaits

Protein ~ rolled meat and cheese, beef jerky, bean salad, & chicken salad

Grains ~ pasta Salad, rice cakes, Goldfish , Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, Pretzels, Crackers, homemade granola bars trail mix

Easy Snack Time Solution

When After School Time arrives, she’s looking for a snack. We’ve got it all set. She has a spot in the refrigerator and in the pantry to store her snack choices. That has already been created on the weekends with me and just the right portions.

Now half the fun is making things together that inspire her to eat her food all gone. Here’s our recipe for making our own version of Heart Healthy Energy Bars, which are a big hit at our house and at afterschool playdates.  Here are few more helpful go to recipes to make your own snacks together. Put the recipes onto recipe cards and allow your child to choose one or two each week to make with you. 

You’ll treasure that cooking time together and they will be more interested in eating it if they’ve made it!

Here are some delicious recipes we add to our containers

Recipes to Make Together for Special Snacks

• How to Make Homemade Lara Bars
• Homemade Larabar
• No Bake Energy Bites
• Cheerio Treats
• Banana Nut Granola
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Pretzel Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
• Homemade Granola Bars
• Healthy Homemade Granola Bars
• Banana Nut Cheerio Energy Bars
• Homemade Trail Mixes
• Popcorn Trail Mix
• Kids Trail Mix

Breakfast Solutions with Kids 

• Jumbo Breakfast Cookie from Cheerios
• Place cut fruit or dried fruit the night before in a container to put on yogurt or oatmeal in the morning
• Holds yogurt from larger containers to save money and plastic.
• Keep fresh cut fruit in containers

Of course, we can always use our containers to store playdough, paint, crayons, and beads for some after school fun too! You get the idea, the options are limitless. I’m so glad Glad® sent us our storage containers to test out. It’s made our school lunch and snack planning so much easier on our family of 5.

I have partnered with The Glad Products Company through DailyBuzz Moms to help promote their Food Storage products. I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments. Thank you GLAD!

Lunchbox Ideas for Kids Pinterest Board

We’re always looking for fun things to cook with our children, inspiration for school lunches and recipes to try out.  We invite you to check out our pinterest boards.  Let us do to work for you so you don’t have to spend much time online and be able to spend more time with your family. 

Follow Us as we pin ideas from some of our favorite kid food bloggers on these 3 Food Boards!

What are your favorite back to school healthy school lunches recipes?

You can share your own Back to School recipes, tips and ideas within the “Mom Made” promotion on Glad’s Facebook page!

Don’t forget to include a LUNCH NOTE! Here’s our free printable.

Click now for more ideas for Back to School Lunches