Lunch Box Ideas

The start of school is just around the corner.

The countdown is on!

Uniforms laundered and pressed - ready to go.

Shoes purchased - check.

School supplies purchased.

Lists double checked.

Backpacks filled.

Window decal from our new school proudly displayed.

School calendar and home calendar synced -  whew.

New lunch boxes picked out by younger siblings with much excitement.

But as we organized our back to school items one last time today,

and I saw the lunch boxes, a certain dread came upon me.

Making lunches - four of them....everyday...
I am not ready!!!
It can be the one thing in a full and busy day that puts me over the edge
(first thing in the morning)

So, this year, we set out to come up with a lot of ideas for what to pack.
We agreed on healthy choices with few if any processed items.
Variation - it's so easy to get in a rut!
And its so important to have lunch items be quick and easy.
{there is enough going on in the mornings!}

I found complete inspiration when I stumbled upon
the website for lap top lunches
featuring American style Bento, eco friendly lunch boxes.

Look at these amazing menu ideas for lunches pictured on their website:

leafy salad with strawberries, hard boiled egg, fruit salad, whole grain bread

Avacado sushi roll, orange slices, leafy salad, cookie

Turkey and tomato salad on whole grain bread, yellow & red peppers, dried fruit

whole wheat pancakes, turkey sausage, fruit

Spinach salad with tomatoes & nuts, apple slices, crackers, olives

chicken or tuna salad with vegetables, sliced kiwi, bread

whole wheat pita pieces, cheese cubes, snap peas, tomatoes, spinach dip, grapes

Egg salad on whole wheat bun, broccoli, red peppers, orange slices

Mini rice cakes, peanut butter, strawberries, snap peas, carrots and ranch

Whole wheat crackers, humus, snap peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, blueberries

I am very excited and inspired by these beautiful lunches.
So are my kiddos.

Does packing lunch for your kids stress you out every day?
Any ideas you want to share?