School Lunch Box Ideas Kids Can Prepare Themselves

When it comes to kid-friendly school lunches some of the best lunch box meals are the ones kids can make themselves. We have a lunch box rule in our house. At least once a week our children aged 11 and 13 make their own school lunch.

Over the years, their list of easy school lunch favorites has grown to include some really good food selections. Today both children can whip up their lunch box meals at lightening speed and the best part aside from the ease of assembly is that they’re packing something they enjoy.

So in honor of my children and their tried and true school lunch box meals, here are some of their favorites:

Sandwich Roll Ups

Sandwich roll ups can take on many forms. For instance an easy school lunch may include deli rolls made by spreading thin slices of salami with a little mustard. Add a strip of cheese and a pickle spear. Roll up. Secure with a toothpicks. Or spread slices of ham with cream cheese. Roll up and eat as is or slice into 1-inch spirals.

Mini Subs

Another lunch box favorite is to make a miniature submarine sandwich out of a hot dog bun. Use pepperoni slices and other favorite meats. Slice regular sized deli meat into thin strips. Add cheese and shredded lettuce. Pack a small container of salad dressing to pour on top at lunchtime.

Homemade Lunchables

Instead of paying top dollar for a boxed lunch of meat, cheese, crackers, a treat, and a sugar based beverage with little to no nutritional value, be creative and encourage your children make their own.

The best way to interest your child in making his own ‘Lunchables’ is to encourage him to select both the multi-functional container and the ingredients. What kinds of deli meat, cheese and crackers does he prefer? When shopping for groceries ask that your deli meat be sliced thick instead of shaved or regular slices. If your child doesn’t like the idea of square deli meats use a round cookie cutter or thin sided glass to cut out meat and cheese circles.

Encourage your child to pack milk or juice boxes instead of pop or fruit flavored beverages. Maybe you can compromise on the ‘treat’ by offering a dried fruit or cereal mix with a few M& M’s or even purchase some ‘treat size’ chocolate bars and keep them on hand for those special days when homemade ‘Lunchables’ will be on the easy school lunch menu.

Cold Dogs

If your child enjoys cold pizza maybe he would also like to try a cold hot dog. Just put the condiments directly on the bun, add a wiener and wrap up.

Now cold hot dogs aren’t a lunch box meal I encourage often but for those days when planning ahead didn’t quite happen they come in real handy.

Lunchtime Leftovers

Topping my children’s favorite easy school lunch ideas are leftovers. Aside from pizza their favorites include macaroni and cheese, lasagna, and quesadillas. Over the years, they’ve actually asked if I can plan leftovers so they’ll have enough for lunch the next day.

If you want your child to eat up his school lunch look at what he favors at the dinner table. You’d be surprised at what foods he may enjoy cold and if your child’s classroom has a microwave your options are even better.

Consider how your child may be the envy of his classmates when he brings cold spaghetti, tacos, nachos etc.

A good school lunch box idea is as close as your kitchen cupboard. Be creative and suggest some new food combinations, you may be surprised how well they go over!

For more ideas, visit School Lunch Ideas.