50 Lunch Box Ideas for Kids You’ll Want To Make

Get ready to pack a punch of fun in your little one’s lunchbox! We’ve whipped up 50 delightful and easy lunch ideas that are sure to bring smiles and giggles at lunchtime. From tiny treats to hearty meals, these kid-approved recipes will not only nourish but also add a dash of excitement to their day.

Say goodbye to boring sandwiches and hello to a world of yummy, fun-filled lunches your kids will love to eat and you’ll love to make!

Classic PB&J Sandwich

Pack a classic: Peanut butter and jelly is a favorite for many kids. Choose whole grain bread and natural nut butters for a healthier twist. Include a variety of fruit spreads to switch it up. Your child will love it! Complement the sandwich with crunchy veggies or a side of their choosing.

Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Quick and nutritious, these roll-ups offer variety to your child’s lunchbox. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on a whole wheat tortilla. Place a few slices of turkey and your child’s favorite cheese on top. Add some spinach for extra nutrients. Roll it up, slice into bite-sized pieces, and pack.

Veggie Wraps with Hummus

Packed with nutrients, these wraps are perfect for your child’s lunch box. Use whole-wheat tortillas and generously spread hummus on them. Add a mix of colorful veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Roll it up, and you have a tasty, healthy lunch for your kid!

Mini Pepperoni Pizzas

Delightful mini pepperoni pizzas upgrade your child’s lunch. It’s simple: start with whole-grain English muffins, pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. Add pepperoni for the final touch. Bake, cool, then pack for an extraordinary meal.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Layer a tasty parfait with creamy Greek yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola. Mix and match fruit to keep it interesting. Prepare the night before for an easy morning routine.

Cheese and Crackers Bento Box

Pack a variety of cheese cubes, such as cheddar and mozzarella, in your bento box. Include crackers like wheat or multigrain for a healthy twist. Add veggies like baby carrots or cherry tomatoes for color and crunch. Enjoy this wholesome, quick lunchbox option!

Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Pack a nutritious lunch with chicken salad lettuce wraps. Combine shredded chicken, diced veggies, and Greek yogurt for a protein-packed filling. Use crisp lettuce leaves as your wrap. Perfect for adding variety to your child’s lunchbox!

Veggie Sushi Rolls

Pack a nutritious punch with veggie sushi rolls. Choose brown rice for extra fiber. Add colorful veggies like carrots, cucumber, and avocado. Don’t forget tofu or tempeh for protein. Enjoy these delightful rolls in your lunchbox!

Hard-Boiled Egg and Avocado Toast

Hard-boiled egg and avocado create a tasty, nutritious lunch. Mash avocado, mix with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spread on toast and top with egg slices. It’s healthy, filling, and easy to make for your kids’ lunchboxes. Enjoy this protein-rich, flavorful option.

Fruit and Nut Trail Mix

Pack a colorful, nutritious treat with fruit and nut trail mix. Combine dried fruits, nuts, and seeds for a perfectly balanced snack. Customize it to your child’s preferences:

• Fruits: raisins, cranberries, apricots
• Nuts: almonds, cashews, walnuts
• Seeds: pumpkin, sunflower, chia

Provide a generous serving for lasting energy throughout the day.

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Quick to prepare and delightfully versatile, a tuna salad sandwich is ideal. Combine tuna, mayo, and crunchy veggies. Experiment with celery, pickles, or carrots. Spread on whole-grain bread, and enhance with lettuce or cheese. Make it yours—vary the ingredients as desired. Enjoy a tasty, nutritious lunch!

Macaroni and Cheese Bites

Perfectly portable, these mac and cheese bites delight your kids. Boil macaroni, mix with creamy cheese sauce, and bake in mini muffin trays. Enjoy a delicious burst of cheesy goodness in every bite. Provide your kids a nutritious and satisfying lunch they’ll love.

Homemade Granola Bars

Healthy and tasty, these bars make great lunch additions. To prepare:

1. Mix oats, nuts, and dried fruits
2. Stir in honey and nut butter
3. Press into a pan, refrigerate

Experiment with different flavors and textures. Enjoy your kid’s new favorite snack!

Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Brighten up your child’s lunch with colorful fruit skewers. Quick to assemble, these skewers provide nutritious snacks.

1. Choose various fruits
2. Cut into bite-sized pieces
3. Slide onto skewers
4. Arrange for a vibrant display

A delightful treat adding fun and nutrition to your child’s lunch box.

Mini Meatballs with Dipping Sauce

Bake tasty mini meatballs for a fun lunch. Ingredients:

• Ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
• Seasonings
• Bread crumbs

Prepare dipping sauce of choice (marinara, BBQ, or sweet & sour). Serve in separate compartments of your kid’s lunch box. Enjoy!

Cheese Quesadilla with Salsa

Cheese quesadillas offer a quick lunch option. Use whole-wheat tortillas for added nutrition. Include your child’s favorite cheese and provide salsa for dipping. It’s a tasty, easy, nutritious lunch!

Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich

A tasty treat for kids, combine creamy peanut butter with sliced bananas. Use whole wheat bread for a nutritious option. Keep your child’s lunch fresh and delicious by packing it securely in their favorite lunch box. Your child will enjoy this delightful and nourishing lunch choice.

Veggie-Loaded Pasta Salad

Choose whole-grain pasta for a nutritious base. Mix colorful veggies, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumber. Include protein-rich additions like beans, cheese, or tofu. Toss with a zesty Italian dressing to please your child’s taste buds. Enjoy a balanced and scrumptious lunchbox meal.

Ham and Cheese Croissants

Tasty and easy, these ham and cheese croissants make a fun lunch idea for kids. Just follow these three steps:

1. Slice store-bought croissants in half.
2. Fill with ham and grated cheese of your choice.
3. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Enjoy delicious, warm, and irresistibly tempting croissants for your child’s lunchbox!

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Peel and slice sweet potatoes into fries. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy a nutritious and tasty lunch box addition!

Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Crispy chicken tenders paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. Precook the tenders, then pack separately from the sauce. To serve, you’ll simply dip and enjoy this lunchtime favorite. Don’t forget to include fruit, vegetables, and a small treat for a balanced meal.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwich

A refreshing delight for your kid’s lunchbox! Cucumbers, cream cheese, and soft bread create a mouthwatering sandwich in just a few steps.

1. Lightly spread cream cheese on bread.
2. Add cucumber slices.
3. Assemble and slice.

A simple, nutritious choice your child will love.

Quinoa Veggie Salad

Quinoa is a nutritious base for a veggie salad. Your kids will love this colorful, healthy lunch option. Combine cooked quinoa with chopped veggies such as carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Add a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings to taste.

Fruit Salad with Yogurt Dip

Pack a colorful fruit salad in your kid’s lunchbox. Choose a variety of fruits for flavor and nutrients. A yogurt dip adds protein and taste.

Fruits	Yogurt Dip
Strawberries	Greek
Blueberries	Vanilla
Pineapple	Strawberry

Combine your choice of yogurt with a hint of honey. Enjoy a delicious and nutritious lunch!

Mini Quiches with Spinach

Whip up these delicious mini quiches with spinach for a nutritious and fun lunchbox addition. Combine eggs, cheese, spinach, and seasoning. Pour the mixture into mini muffin tins and bake until fluffy. Your kids will love these bite-sized treats.

Cheese and Veggie Muffins

Quick, savory, and nutritious – the perfect trifecta for your child’s lunchbox. Enjoy the simplicity of whisking together eggs, cheese, and veggies.

• Prepare muffin tin in advance.
• Combine your favorites: carrots, spinach, bell peppers.
• Bake at 350°F until golden.

Voilà! Energy-boosting delights your little ones will adore.

Turkey and Cranberry Wrap

Tasty turkey, flavorful cranberry sauce, and crunchy lettuce make this wrap a hit. To prepare, spread a whole wheat tortilla with cranberry sauce.

1. Add sliced turkey.
2. Lay on fresh lettuce.
3. Roll up firmly.

Serve in a snug container to keep it together. Enjoy!

Baked Veggie Chips

Crisp and tasty, baked veggie chips make a healthy snack for your kids’ lunchbox. Opt for colorful vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or kale. Thinly slice, drizzle with oil, season, and bake to perfection.

Serve with a yogurt-based dip for extra flavor and fun – your children will love this creative, nutritious treat!

Almond Butter and Jelly Roll-Ups

Pack a twist on the classic PB&J with almond butter and jelly roll-ups. Choose whole-grain tortillas for a nutritious base. Spread almond butter and your kid’s favorite jelly in a thin layer. Roll it tightly, slice, and enjoy the delightful, mess-free bites!

• Choose whole-grain tortillas
• Spread almond butter, add jelly
• Roll, slice, serve

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Pack a tasty twist on lunch: a Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Create it quickly with pre-cooked chicken, crisp lettuce, and zesty Caesar dressing. Roll in a soft whole-wheat tortilla. Your kids will savor every bite while getting essential nutrients. A fun and healthy lunch option awaits!

Pita Pocket with Falafel

Pack a tasty, nutritious lunch with falafel-filled pita pockets. Incorporate colorful veggies like cucumber, tomato, and lettuce. Add a savory, protein-rich dip like hummus or tzatziki. Create variety with different dips and veggies. Satisfy their taste buds and keep them energized.

Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese skewers delight with their simplicity. Use cherry tomatoes, bite-sized fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Remember presentation:

• Assemble neatly on skewers
• Drizzle balsamic glaze
• Sprinkle salt and pepper
• Serve chilled

Mini Pancakes with Fruit Topping

Mini pancakes are a delightful, nutritious option for your child’s lunch box. Combine with fruit toppings for a balanced meal. Opt for whole wheat pancakes to boost nutrients. Consider these options:

• Strawberries and blueberries
• Bananas with a dash of cinnamon
• Apples and raisins for a tasty twist

Mix and match to keep it exciting and appetizing!

Egg Salad Sandwich

Egg salad is a nutritious and tasty option for your kid’s lunchbox. Simply mash hard-boiled eggs and blend them with mayonnaise, mustard, and relish. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve on whole-wheat bread with lettuce and tomato. Customize with your child’s favorite toppings, such as pickles or avocado.

Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese and tomato soup create a tasty combo. Enhance with whole wheat bread and cheddar. Make soup from scratch or choose a low-sodium variant. Serve in a thermos for a warm lunch. Your kids will enjoy this classic, nutritious meal.

Bean and Cheese Burrito

Pack a tasty, nutritious lunch with a bean and cheese burrito. Combine beans, cheese, and veggies for a satisfying meal. Use whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber. Enjoy your delicious, energy-boosting lunch.

Fruit Yogurt Smoothie

Fruit yogurt smoothies offer a delicious and nutritious option for your child’s lunchbox. Blend your choice of fruits, yogurt, and a liquid base for a perfect midday treat. Here is a table of popular options:

Fruits	Yogurt	Base
Bananas	Plain	Milk
Strawberries	Vanilla	Juice

Choose your favorite mix and enjoy a healthy, refreshing Fruit Yogurt Smoothie for your child’s lunch.

Rice Cake with Nut Butter

Rice cakes topped with your choice of nut butter make an excellent lunch. It’s tasty, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Add variety with sliced fruit, like banana or apple, for a wholesome meal.

Include toppings such as chia seeds, honey, or granola for an extra treat. Enjoy a playful and delectable lunchbox option.

Carrot and Hummus Dip

Pack your kid’s lunch box with a nutritious carrot and hummus dip. It’s a tasty affair that will keep them satisfied. Don’t forget to include colorful and fresh carrot sticks for an enticing presentation. Your little one will surely enjoy every bite.

Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

Pack a nutritious, delicious lunch with a salmon and cream cheese bagel. Use whole wheat bagels, smoked salmon, and low-fat cream cheese for a balanced meal.

1. Spread cream cheese on both bagel halves
2. Layer smoked salmon

Enjoy your tasty, protein-packed lunch.

Cottage Cheese and Pineapple

Pack a twist on your usual lunch: cottage cheese and pineapple. This combo provides protein and vitamins for energy. Include crackers for added crunch, making a tasty meal.

Ingredients	Amount
Cottage Cheese	1/2 cup
Pineapple Chunks	1/4 cup
Crackers	5-6 pieces

Beef Jerky and Cheese Sticks

Beef jerky and cheese sticks make a winning lunch combo. High in protein and portable, they’re perfect for busy kids. Choose all-natural options for a healthier twist. Mix it up with various flavors and types of cheese to keep things exciting. Your kids will love this tasty duo!

Strawberry and Nutella Sandwich

A delightful treat awaits your child. Combine chopped strawberries and Nutella for a mouthwatering twist. Spread on whole-grain bread for a nutritious touch. Savor the irresistible taste in every bite.

Remember to pack with care for a lunchtime surprise. Enjoy the smiles it brings.

Crispy Chicken Wrap

Prepare a tasty lunch with this Crispy Chicken Wrap. Use a whole wheat tortilla for healthier choice. Fill your wrap with:

• Grilled chicken
• Crisp lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Grated cheese
• Your choice of sauce

Roll tightly to secure. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious lunch option for your kids.

Veggie Fried Rice

Pack a punch with this veggie fried rice. Simple yet flavorful, it’ll make your kids crave more. Follow these steps:

1. Cook rice
2. Add colorful veggies
3. Season & stir-fry

Your child will love this healthy meal in their lunch box.

Apple Slices with Caramel Dip

Apple slices paired with a caramel dip create a delightful treat. To prepare, slice apples and pack them with a small container of caramel. Choose a healthy caramel alternative for a nutritious twist.

This snack offers a sweet yet healthy option, perfect for satisfying your child’s cravings.

Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce

Mozzarella sticks are a kid favorite. Make them at home for a healthier option. Pair with marinara sauce for a delightful twist. Serve cold or reheated in a lunch box. Your kids will love this delicious snack!

Sweet Corn and Peas Salad

Tasty and nutritious, this salad is perfect for your child’s lunchbox. Just mix sweet corn with green peas, add chopped bell peppers and a dash of lemon. Your kids will love the vibrant colors and crunchy textures. A healthy and delicious lunchtime choice that’s easy to make.

Chicken Noodle Soup in a Thermos

Pack a warm lunch with chicken noodle soup in a thermos. Save time by using store-bought or leftover soup. Ensure your thermos stays preheated with hot water before filling. Include sides like:

• Crackers
• Fresh veggies
• Fruit

Your child will enjoy a delicious, nutritious lunch.

Roasted Chickpeas with Seasoning

Roasted chickpeas make a nutritious and tasty addition to your child’s lunchbox. Simply season and bake for a crispy, protein-packed treat. Customize with your kid’s favorite flavors.

Seasoning	Baking Time	Oven Temp
Paprika	30-40 min	400°F
Cinnamon	30-40 min	400°F
Italian	30-40 min	400°F

Remember to cool before packing. Enjoy!