This year I am vowing to make the task of making lunches easier. Here’s how I am preparing my kids and myself to make this dreaded job easier and fun!
1. Plan Ahead
Make a menu for the week. Look up ideas on pinterest and have your kids decide what to take for lunch. Giving your kid a say will put an end to any whining you might hear when you tell them what’s in their lunch. They decided on it, so that should diminish any, “I don’t want thaaaat….” This also helps me decide what to make for dinner for the week. If the kids choose to take tacos one day, I know I can make spaghetti the night before and put aside extra meat for the morning. Repurposing dinner leftovers is a great way to save time on making lunches!
2. Get the Right Tools
Check out my post from last year about 6 items to liven up your kids lunch. Having the proper gear will make packing lunch soooo much easier and fun too. Silicone cups, cookie cutters, and reusable containers are a must!
3. Make a Lunch Station
Have all your gear and lunch boxes ready to go in one place. My kids drop their lunch boxes in a basket by the door. We have a lunch drawer that contains all our lunch items and containers. This makes pulling lunches together fast and easy. I love this lunch station from uncommon designs with labeled baskets.
4. Pre-Bag/Package Individual Items
If you have time, cut fruit, cheese, etc. ahead of time and make a stock pile for the week. I love this idea from Real Simple of having a basket in your fridge (for cold) and a basket in the pantry (for dry) of homemade prepackaged snacks ready to throw in your child’s lunch box. This is also a great resource for after school snacks when you need to grab something for them to munch on quickly before you head of to activities.
5. Think Outside the Box
Lunches don’t have to always be sandwiches and fruit. How about make your own tacos or breakfast for lunch!? There are so many great ideas that are out there and easy. A little research on the internet will help you come up with some great ideas to keep lunch exciting for the kids. Check out JMB’s Back to School Pinterest Board for more lunch ideas!
Do you have any tricks to make packing lunch Easier!? What do you like to pack for your kids?
So helpful!!!