Top Ten Lunchbox Ideas For Kids Easy Healthy Yummy Toddler Food

Lunchbox Ideas for Kids

When packing lunches for the kids or ourselves, these are my go-to packed lunch ideas for easy, delicious meals that work well on the go. There is a range of ideas here to cover a variety of preferences and appetites, so scroll down to see what appeals. Each of these is shown in a kids lunch box, but you could also use a thermos to pack warm foods. Remember to adjust the amount of food for the child you have—make your best guess based on how they usually eat—and pack milk or water as a drink to round out the lunch. And as always, adjust for allergies as needed with allergy-friendly swaps. These are some of our top picks for kid-friendly meals for lunch. And these lunchbox ideas work as toddler lunch ideas for daycare, preschool snacks and lunches, kindergarten lunches, and school lunch ideas, too. And you can pack these lunches for yourself, too.

Mac and Cheese

Whether from leftovers or cooked to pack on purpose, mac and cheese is a great lunchbox idea for kids. You can add peas to a box of mac and cheese or try a homemade option like my Butternut Mac and Cheese. Add easy sides to this pasta lunch idea (such as cucumber, diced fruit, a muffin, or hard-cooked eggs) as you like. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad is an all-time favorite kids lunch recipe since it’s so versatile (you can make it very basic or add tomatoes, white beans, cucumber, or chicken). Use whole-wheat pasta for more whole grains, and enjoy with a side of fruit.

Pizza Muffin

This savory toddler muffin works really well to make ahead and to warm and pack in a thermos as a lunchbox idea for kids. It has carrots right in the mix and pairs nicely with simple sides such as raspberries, blueberries, and a yogurt pouch. You can freeze the muffins and reheat as you need them. (More pizza lunch ideas are here for you, too.)

Turkey Wrap

Pair turkey, cheese, and lettuce with a whole grain tortilla for a super simple wrap lunchbox idea. Add freeze-dried strawberry slices, a banana, sliced apples, or edamame on the side. (You could also do a classic turkey sandwich or a turkey sandwich on a bagel.)

Hummus and Pita

Pack a fast lunch relying on hummus and pita—or hummus and crackers, tortilla, or even pretzels. Add applesauce, raisins, thinly sliced celery, or another favorite lunch snack or side in this easy lunchbox idea for kids.

Snack Lunch

Think “cheese plate” when assembling this lunch and include a mix of food groups to satisfy. Fresh veggies such as snap peas and bell peppers, fruit including diced watermelon and a clementine, cheese, and crackers can be packed together for a range of ages. Add thinly sliced salami or even chicken salad if you like.

Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are great cold or warm and are one of our favorite easy lunchbox options. You can pair with roasted sweet potato, diced kiwi, sliced peaches, diced pineapple, fresh berries, or sliced mango as you prefer.

Sandwich Roll Ups

Change up a classic sandwich lunch idea into these fun roll-ups. To round out this healthy lunchbox idea for kids, add easy sides including cucumber slices, vertically halved grapes (for little kids), cottage cheese, avocado with a little lime juice to prevent browning, and crackers.

Breakfast for Lunch

We love pancakes for dinner and for easy lunchbox ideas, and you can pack them to eat cold or pack in a thermos to eat warm. Add a dip on the side and include milk or another protein option as needed to ensure that the meal is filling.

Grain Salad

A make-ahead grain salad can feed a family at lunchtime throughout the week, and this quinoa salad is our favorite. Add diced ham and corn if you like, omit or add other ingredients as you like, and try packing with a Drinkable Yogurt or a simple container of Flavored Milk.

Best Gear for Packing Lunches

Below are my favorite products for packing lunches for kids and adults of all ages.

Kids Lunch Boxes Baby Lunch Boxes Bento Boxes for Kids Kids Thermoses Insulated Lunch Bags Kids Water Bottles

Lunchbox Ideas for Work

Feed yourself well during the day with these easy, nutritious lunch ideas for work. Each can be made ahead, stashed in the fridge, and eaten whenever you need a meal. And you can share them all with your kids, too.

Lunchbox Ideas for Toddlers

To make any of these ideas work for a one or two year old, simply dice the food up into bite-size pieces to ensure that it’s easy to eat. Cut any grapes or cherry tomatoes vertically into thin pieces. Check out my full list of toddler lunches for more information and ideas.

Lunchbox Ideas for School

When packing lunches for school, my two goals are to pack food that the child usually likes (to ensure that they always have enough to eat) and to pack food that is easy to eat. Yes, they may need some help opening packages, but since lunch periods are short, it can help to try to pack foods the child can eat on their own. Some favorite ideas are in my Kindergarten Lunch and no-cook School Lunch Ideas posts.

Best Tips for Success

Pack cold lunchbox ideas for kids with ice packs in an insulated lunch bag to keep them safely cool. Pack hot lunches in a kids thermos so they stay safely warm. Add milk or water on the side as needed. Ask the kids what they liked or didn’t like in their lunchbox and what was easy or hard to eat. Use their feedback so you can adjust their lunches for them. Recruit them to help you pack their lunch!

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