There are lots of ways to stock a lunch box full of stuff that is good for your kids, and that they will actually eat. My heart always sinks when I find uneaten, warm carrot sticks stuffed back in the lunch box, ignored. Eeewww. . . and . . . bummer.
1. Start with a cool lunchbox.
There are lots of ways to go here, depending on your needs, and your kids (or your own!) preferences. Here are a few to check out:
I mean, doesn’t that just look pretty? All the food stays where you put it. No mixing, sloshing, or spilling into other compartments. And, it comes with stickers for your little one to decorate. As Ina would say, How Easy Is That? 
Let’s face it, this lunchbox is just adorable. My son would be thrilled to carry this everyday. They are insulated and even have a zippered compartment for cute little love notes from you. 
Lands End ClassMate SmallHaul Lunch Sack
My son used this lunch box for his two years of preschool. It worked wonderfully. It had his name monogrammed on the front, and held (keeping cool) all he needed for his 4 hour day. Enough said!
2. Choose healthy options your kids will actually eat.
There is nothing worse than filling your child’s lunch box with all kinds of healthy fare, and hoping for the best. Just because they’re hungry, doesn’t mean they’ll eat anything. And, even though they behave better (we hope!) for their teacher than they do for you, she is not a miracle worker. If your daughter doesn’t like cottage cheese at home, don’t try it at lunch.
Pack in the protein where you can, and keep sugar to a minimum. Kids need the sustained energy, not just carbs.
I fill a thermos with milk everyday. I do not use juice boxes. My son doesn’t expect it, and he doesn’t miss it. I do not include chips or cookies. I think of lunches as a sum of three parts: protein, whole grains, and fruit/veggies. I make sure I’ve got those areas covered, and get ‘er done!
A few of my favorite lunch/snack ideas are:
graham crackers (or banana bread) with cream cheese
string cheese
hard-boiled eggs
turkey and cream cheese roll ups
fruit or veggies, washed and cut up
yogurt or cottage cheese
Applesauce or Applesauce Crushers from Trader Joe‘s (also come in Apple Carrot and Apple Banana variety)
sandwiches (turkey/cheese, peanut butter and jelly)**
Leftover pasta or homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Homemade “lunchables”
Cheese Quesadillas
**My son’s school is peanut free, so we use Sunflower Seed Butter, found at Trader Joe’s.
3. Add a little “green” and keep it fun!
I have a few different reusable sandwich bags, but I might just have to get some of these this year:
I mean, seriously? Who wouldn’t want to rip open one of these to see what’s inside? They’re totally the new “foil wrapped surprise!”.
I also like to stick a cute note in my son’s lunchbox sometimes. I know, I know, it’s not like he knows how to read yet. But a smiley face, heart, and his name totally get the point across. 🙂
Here’s to hoping your school year gets off to a great start. What do you plan to pack up for your Little Miss or Mr. Man?
grumpysleepyandbashful 