DealDash’s Easy Lunchbox Ideas Kids Will Actually Eat

Now that we have gotten over the excitement of the first couple of weeks of school, the complaints are starting to roll in…I don’t want that for lunch again, and I want something good for lunch tomorrow.

Packing school lunches can feel like a never-ending task. Some mornings I stare at the fridge and wonder what in the world to put together that is both quick and kid-approved. Over the years, I have learned that the key is variety and simplicity. A balanced mix of familiar favorites with a few fun twists goes a long way in making sure lunch comes home eaten instead of untouched. Keep reading for some yummy and kid-approved lunch ideas and suggestions from DealDash.

Lunchbox Ideas: Power of Mix-and-Match

Instead of stressing over a full meal idea every day, I focus on components. I keep a rotation of proteins, fruits, veggies, and a little treat. For example, turkey roll-ups, apple slices, carrot sticks, and granola bites make an easy combination. The next day, it might be cheese cubes, grapes, cucumber slices, and pretzels. Using bento-style lunch containers helps me keep the portions neat and encourages variety without overpacking.

Lunchbox Ideas for Easy Main Dish Favorites

Kids love finger foods, so I try to build the main dish around something they can eat without too much fuss. Mini sandwiches cut with a cookie cutter always get smiles. A simple pasta salad with cheese and pepperoni holds up well and can be made the night before. Homemade “lunchables” with crackers, ham, and sliced cheese are also big hits and far cheaper than the store-bought versions. When I am in a real hurry, a slice of banana bread or a muffin paired with string cheese works as a main with little effort.

Snacks That Disappear First

The sides are where I like to sneak in a little nutrition. Sliced fruit like strawberries or mandarin oranges rarely come home uneaten. For crunch, I pack veggie straws, popcorn, or even roasted chickpeas if I want to mix it up. A small dip like hummus or ranch helps veggies go down easier. And because I know kids look forward to a little something sweet, I usually include a small cookie or two, some chocolate chips, or even a few mini marshmallows. The balance keeps lunches fun without being overindulgent.

DealDash Has Items to Make Lunchboxes Fun

There are lots of ways that you can make these lunchbox ideas more fun, and DealDash can help with that. For example, kids love to eat with fun utensils and plates. On DealDash you can find an adorable set of utensils paired with a cloud bowl. You can also find other items like lunch bags and even sets of insulated tumblers. If you want your kids to look forward to lunch, be sure to check DealDash first.

Thanks for Reading

School lunches do not have to be complicated or stressful. By keeping a few easy main dishes and mix-and-match sides on hand, it becomes much simpler to pack boxes that kids will actually finish. A little planning makes mornings smoother and helps ensure your kids open their lunchboxes to find something colorful, filling, and fun. Thanks so much for reading, and happy bidding everyone!

This sponsored DealDash blog article was written by Dawn E, a mother of 3 who loves DealDash. Dawn was compensated for writing this article. Check out Dawn and her cats on Instagram! This blog is written by real DealDash customers. The opinions and advice shared here represent our customers’ views and not those of the company.