Can you believe it’s already time to send the kids back to school? They go back so early in the South. I’m already thinking about all the lunches I’ll need to pack because you know at the beginning of the year the kids expect beautifully made bento boxes with little faces in them. Of course, by the end of the year, they are luck to eat because you forgot to reload the lunch money.
So I’ve been keeping a collection of fun school lunch ideas in my Back to School Lunch Ideas Foodie collection so that I never run out of ideas. Luckily my daughter likes trying new foods and eats things like salad. I’ll have better luck breaking out of the same old sandwiches from time to time to make things like chicken quesadillas or hot macaroni and cheese.
Here is a look at what I’m packing in our lunchbox.
Some back to school lunchbox essentials!
First you need the Packit Freezable Lunchbag . It is the BEST lunch box because the ice packs are built in. This is a must have. We have a couple of them.
1. YumBox – $29.99
We have one of these and I love the leakproof design. There are a couple of different configurations and more compartments and colors to choose from. See them all here
2. ECOlunchboxes – $27.99
We LOVE this brand. They have the best stainless steel bento boxes as well as accessories like sporks and washable napkins. Their Blue Water Bento set is my favorite which is why it is also #3.
3. Blue Water Bento Lunch Kit
This is a fantastic leak-proof lunchbox without plastic! The silicone lid and the quirky screen-printed lunch bag are a crowd favorite.
$40.00
Buy Now
4. PlanetBox Rover Lunchbox – $79
A little on the pricey side but this lunchbox is very popular with bento box moms.
5. Thermos container – $18
Having a cold lunch can get boring really fast. When the cold months roll around my daughter loves having hot soup and even warm chicken nuggets in her lunch box. This container is amazing!
6. Sandwich Sealer and Decruster – $9
For those picky eaters that always send the crust home. Also great for make ahead sandwiches that can be frozen!
7. Easy Lunchboxes -$14 for a set of 4!
These are great but aren’t built as tough as others are. My husband uses these to bring his left overs to work for lunch.
8. Laptop Lunches – $17
This box keeps everything in place but isn’t leakprook like others. I love all the space it offers though.
9. Mabel’s Labels – Prices vary
If you have a child with allergies, this is a must. I’ve used Mabel’s Labels on everything from clothing, lunchboxes, and containers that go into the dishwasher. They are THE BEST!
Here is another great recipe you can make for lunch.
Turkey-Bacon Tortilla Roll-Ups (from the Back to School Survival Guide PDF)
8 slices bacon
Mayonnaise
1 (8-oz) package store-bought guacamole
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1/2 lb thinly sliced deli turkey
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or any shredded cheese)
1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (optional)
Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp; drain. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and guacamole over each tortilla.
Layer turkey, bacon and cheese on each tortilla.
Add lettuce, if desired. Roll up tortillas, and cut in half.
Makes 4 servings.
Take the guesswork out of planning dinner, lunch or breakfast.
Save 20% with code ‘SCHOOL’ on any eMeals Meal Plan
and receive the Survival Guide Free.
Mini Deep Dish Pizzas from Plain Chicken
Make Sandwich Sushi! Your regular sandwich made more fun.
This wrap looks absolutely delicious, Meghan! My preschooler has become a picky eater, so I’m not sure this is something he would eat, but it’s surely something I could pack for my own lunch. Thanks for posting the recipe.
Great ideas! Don’t know if I can keep up with you though. Glad my kids have low expectations.
Whoa! Lots of great lunch ideas. Most of them I want to have in my own lunchbox. LOL. The Turkey Roll Up and the Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad looks delicious.