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It’s back to school season, and like Mums all over the world, I’ve been in search of some easy lunchbox ideas to add to my repertoire. I often find myself falling back into the same tired old pattern when I’m in a hurry in the mornings – throwing together a vegemite sandwich, an apple, and a muesli bar or packet snack, and calling it a day. Can anyone relate? I knew I wanted to shake things up and add a wider variety of fresh whole foods to the kids’ lunches, but I also knew it would be important to keep it simple or I’m not going to stick with it.
This is the system I came up with.
Basically, it’s mix-and-match. At the end of this post, you’ll find a FREE printable with five lunchbox categories: sandwich fillings or sandwich alternatives, fruits, vegetables, and snacks (with an emphasis on healthy whole foods.) Each day I choose something from each category. There are endless possible combinations to keep things fresh and interesting.
I use a Tupperware sandwich keeper plus, which is a great visual reminder to choose a variety of colourful and attractive foods. It’s convenient having the sandwich-sized compartment in there, but I also like having other little snack compartments to fill – it forces me to be a bit more creative than I usually would be.
I also love any of these cute bento-box style options:
Here are some of my lunchbox combinations.
- Peanut butter and honey on wholemeal
- Carrot and celery sticks
- Hardboiled egg
- Crackers and baby cheese
TIP: Use a small star cutter to reveal the filling inside the sandwich.
- Lettuce burger with chicken & veggie patty and a slice of cheese
- Orange wedges
- Red grapes
- Coconut jam drops
- Ham sandwich on wholemeal
- Berry mix – strawberries, blueberries and raspberries
- Green beans and carrot sticks
- Mini gingerbread men
- Crispy baked chicken drumstick in a lettuce cup
- Strawberries
- Green beans
- Cheese cubes
- Wholegrain salad wrap
- Home-made muesli (granola) bars
- Apple wedges
- Mandarin segments
- Pasta salad with steamed broccoli, shredded ham and cheese. Toss with a little melted butter, salt and pepper.
- Black grapes and mandarin segments
- Crackers and baby cheese
- Snow peas
- Tuna sandwich
- Pineapple and kiwi fruit
- Popcorn
- Strawberries
TIP: Cut a fish shape from a slice of cheese to tempt your kiddos with what’s inside!
- Chicken and mayo sandwich
- Black grapes and strawberries
- Corn cob
- Cupcake
- Cherry tomato, ham and feta frittata
- Pineapple and strawberries
- Green beans
- Sliced sausages
- Watermelon and strawberries
- Home-made chocolate custard
- Chicken schnitzel, ham, avocado and cucumber
- Cheese cubes
- Snow peas
I hope these lunch combinations give you some ideas. I’ve printed out my mix-and-match lunchbox chart and have it inside the pantry door so inspiration is always at hand. I also make sure I have a good stock of healthy whole-food snacks and nibblies in the pantry, so that filling up the lunchbox is quick and easy every day.
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love the rest of my back to school series!
Back to school series
DIY School bag storage station
The simple lunchbox prep that will makeover your mornings
Your FREE printable lunchbox planner
Lunchbox love notes (Free printable)
Happy lunch-making, Mummies! I’d love to hear your ideas for filling your kids’ lunch-boxes.
Your lunch boxes look great. Thanks for so many ideas to try!
You’re very welcome, Sophie! Thanks for stopping by!
You’re so welcome, Sophie! Thanks for stopping by! xo
What container are you using with these segments?
Hi Melanie! It’s the Tupperware Sandwich Keeper Plus. xo
Thanks for the list! I just shared with my colleague. She was panicking and your list is perfect!
Awesome, so glad it’s a help! ?
This looks really doable! Thanks for the article.
You’re so welcome, lovely! xo
These are great lunch ideas!! Easy, not overcomplicated, and normal food that my kids will eat!
Yay, so glad it’s helpful, Amy! xo