Back To School Lunch Ideas for Kids

School starts in about a week here in Petoskey and I am in FULL back to school mode. New shoes and school outfits have been purchased. Backpacks were dug out this last week and deemed ‘good enough’ to use again this year and my husband is about to set up our kid command center near our entrance by the mud room.

I feel ready. Almost. Lunches have my wheels spinning. My kids are super picky and I’m sure I’m not the only mom starting to freak out. Yes, I work from home but really I dread making lunches every morning. You know what my son ate every day for lunch last school year? A salami sandwich on whole wheat with mustard and various munchies on the side. Every. Single. Day. You’d think I’d be happy with that, but come on! First of all, I can’t stand salami. Especially the smell of it at 6:30 am, every. single. morning. Yuck. Somethine needs to change and I’m working toward that!

This year I’m making it my mission to try out those trendy new-ish Bento Box Lunches you see all over Pinterest. Trying being the key word.

Today on the blog, I’m bringing you some fun lunch ideas to help inspire you. Maybe you’re a grandparent, aunt or uncle who would like to try some new lunch ideas for the kids. I tested a few out this weekend and they were a hit! I was kind of surprised but in a good way and I’m excited to try out some new lunch ideas this year!

For my bento inspired lunch picture above I  used – 

• Pepperoni slices
• Cubed block cheese
• Ritz crackers
• Baby carrots with dip
• Juice

My kids loved it. I plan on trying to make a few of these the night before (as shown) and then put a frozen juice on them right from the fridge to keep them cold until lunch time. Just like a lunchable but less expensive and a whole lot healthier!

Here are some more kid-friendly lunch ideas to try and supplies for making them – 

#1. Back To School Lunch Ideas from Very Culinary. This is totally my speed, no fancy schmancy lunch boxes here. I’m cheap and use what you see above. I may upgrade some day but for now my cheapo plastic Rubbermaid containers work great.

#2. 31 Days of School Lunch Box Ideas from 5 Dollar Dinners. This is great and she walks you through the whole 31 days, free printables included.

#3. DIY Pizza Lunch from Momables. Yes!! My 6 year old is obsessed with the Pizza Lunchable. GROSS, right??!! This is totally a keeper and going on my list!

#4. Pancakes for Lunch Idea from One Creative Housewife. I love, love, love the idea of serving mini pancakes with syrup for lunch. Genius! She also give ideas for the rest of the week too.

#5. 14 Hot Lunch Ideas from Jennifer P. Williams.  Great ideas for the cold winter months on what to send with your kiddo.

#6. Homemade Uncrustables from Unsophisticook. Get back to the basics with this homemade sandwich that is less expensive than buying a box of Uncrustables made with who knows what. My kids won’t touch the crust on bread but these, they love!

#7. Corn Dog Nuggets from I Wash You Dry. These are perfect to made a head and throw in as leftovers. My oldest adores corn dogs and these would be perfect for him.

#8. No Peanut Butter Challenge from Mama Belly. Have a little one with peanut allergies? Head over to Mama Belly’s site and check out her week long round-up of No Peanut Butter Lunch Ideas.

#9. Fun supplies for making these kid-friendly lunches from Family Fresh Meals. Yes, I have a ton of cookie cutters and silicone baking cups too. It’s an addiction. Don’t judge.

#10. Get Organized with Passion for Savings FREE printable list of ideas for kid-friendly lunches.