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Home » Best Of

Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids

By Laura Fuentes Updated Aug 8, 2024

5 from 5 votes

Get ready to discover new packed lunch ideas your kids will enjoy at school.

I’ve been packing these school lunches for my kids for more than a decade. They’re quick, healthy, and with the tips in each, they’ll stay fresh for hours!

an image collage of packed lunch ideas for kids

25 Lunch Ideas All Packed in a Lunch Container

Lunch containers with compartments are great for packing lunches fast. These packed lunch ideas use healthy and fresh ingredients or utilize leftovers in new ways that kids love.

Click through to the recipes you like to save them and read the tips for keeping them fresh until lunch.

homemade taco lunchable in a school lunch container
Taco Lunchables
5 from 34 votes
A great way to use up taco night leftovers and recreate this kid-favorite boxed lunch with healthier ingredients.
Pack this Lunch
Chicken Avocado Wrap
5 from 17 votes
Turn chicken leftovers into a healthy, protein-filled meal that's easy to pack in the lunch box.
Pack this Lunch
DIY Lunchable
5 from 27 votes
The classic yellow box gets a healthy remake and more protein!
Pack this Lunch
a chicken nugget being dipped into a sauce cup of Ranch dressing with a lunch container filled with chicken nuggets, veggies, and strawberries, in the background.
Chicken Nuggets Lunchable
4.96 from 24 votes
Another store-bought boxed lunch you can skip buying with this DIY recipe. Use your favorite nuggets or the ones in the post.
Pack this Lunch

If you’re new to packing lunches, watch this quick video with all my tips for keeping them fresh in the lunch bag for hours.

pizza bento box
Mess-Free Pizza Bento
5 from 16 votes
Swap the red sauce for hummus and add your kid's favorite pizza toppings.
Pack this Lunch
Mini Pancakes Lunch Box
5 from 9 votes
Use regular or mini pancakes to make these fun sandwiches. Use leftover pancakes from the weekend or frozen.
Pack this Lunch
greek chicken bento box with veggies, fruit, and tzatziki sauce.
Mediterranean Packed Lunch
5 from 5 votes
Full of protein and super quick to assemble with your favorite Greek-inspired ingredients.
Pack this Lunch
BBQ Chicken Wrap
5 from 19 votes
Learn how to pack an epic, protein-filled BBQ chicken wrap so that it stays fresh until lunch. Use rotisserie to save time.
Pack this Lunch
Salami Bento with Pears
5 from 24 votes
This 5-minute lunch is a kid's favorite! Inspired by those bistro boxes sold at our favorite coffee shops, this is quick, easy, and affordable.
Pack this Lunch
Cheddar & Apple Quesadillas
5 from 16 votes
A savory combo that's epic plus learn how to pack quesadillas in a lunch box for school.
Pack this Lunch
Grapes & Cheese Bento
5 from 28 votes
For the kid that loves to graze this packed lunch is perfect! Add half or a whole sandwich and you're done.
Pack this Lunch
protein lunchable
Protein Lunchable
5 from 15 votes
Read the tips in this post for how to add protein to any lunchable. The yellow box is never enough!
Pack this Lunch
Homemade Pizza Uncrustables
5 from 15 votes
I saw these in the frozen aisle once and decided to make my own. My kids LOVE these!
Pack this Lunch
Rainbow Snack Box
5 from 19 votes
Use this as a blueprint to add nutrition to any packed lunch!
Pack this Lunch
Hummus and Carrots Bento
5 from 20 votes
For the kid that loves to dip, this packed lunch side pairs great with any sandwich or wrap.
Pack this Lunch
Turkey Bacon Bento
5 from 18 votes
The perfect lunch to pack ahead for the kid who enjoys savory foods, dips, and filled with protein.
Pack this Lunch
Tzatziki Dipping Bento
5 from 19 votes
Quick to pack and high in protein this lunch is filled with bite-sized foods kids enjoy while chatting with friends.
Pack this Lunch
ham and cheese mini quiches in a lunchbox
Ham and Cheese Egg Muffins
5 from 18 votes
Egg muffins are the perfect lunchbox builder ingredient you can make ahead and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pack this Lunch
Guacamole & Protein
5 from 32 votes
Filled with a variety of healthy ingredients, this lunch is kid (and mom) approved. Click to learn how to keep it fresh.
Pack this Lunch
Picnic Lunch
5 from 15 votes
My kids love this bento because it feels like you're eating a picnic at school! Learn how to pack this epic lunch.
Pack this Lunch
Dill Pickle Box
5 from 21 votes
This easy and unique idea is the perfect addition to any sandwich and packs great in a lunch box.
Pack this Lunch
Black Bean Taquitos
5 from 16 votes
Make these for dinner and learn how to turn leftovers into a fun, packed lunch idea.
Pack this Lunch
Grilled PB & J
5 from 9 votes
This simple sandwich idea is always a winner and elevates the classic PBJ to the next level! This is one epic school lunch idea!
Pack this Lunch
turkey pesto pinwheels and berries in a lunchbox
Turkey Pesto Pinwheels
5 from 16 votes
Check out how to pack these mess-free pinwheels with pesto and cream cheese. It comes in handy when you need an easy and healthy lunch in 5 minutes.
Pack this Lunch
meatball skewers lunchbox
Meatball Skewers
5 from 9 votes
This indulgent lunch can be enjoyed with three healthy staples: meatballs, tomato sauce, and bread. A 3 ingredient lunch that is absolutely amazing? Yes, please!
Pack this Lunch

Make sure to save and share your favorite lunch-worthy recipes!

by Laura Fuentes
onApril 11, 2024

If you enjoyed the article, please share it with others. Thank you!

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Comments

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  1. Tayler says

    April 12, 2024 at 6:22 pm

    5 stars
    I’m always trying to come up with new ideas for the kids’ lunches. These are all such great ideas and I can’t wait to try them all!

    Reply
  2. Nathan says

    April 12, 2024 at 3:39 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a fantastic collection of lunch ideas! I know they’re “for kids” but I might start using some of these for myself, LOL. The grilled PB&J sounds particularly good!

    Reply
  3. Bobby says

    April 12, 2024 at 1:55 pm

    5 stars
    This is such an awesome resource! Bookmarked!

    Reply
  4. Stephanie says

    April 12, 2024 at 1:29 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for all of these great lunchbox packing ideas! My children also thank you as I’m not very good at coming up with tasty ideas for their packed lunches.

    Reply
  5. Kushi Mallya says

    April 12, 2024 at 12:45 pm

    5 stars
    Some of the best lunch ideas for kids. Thanks a lot for sharing.

    Reply
laura fuentes momables holding a lunch bag and lunch boxes

My name is Laura Fuentes
I’m here to help you simplify school lunches with fresh ideas your kids will actually eat.

Mom of 3. Certified in Integrative Nutrition. 5x Cookbook Author.

school lunch ideas! →

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