Time to break free from those sandwiches!

Let’s face it, sandwiches can get boring. We’ve all had our kids return home with a single bite missing from their peanut butter and jelly sandwich. For a busy parent, this can be extremely frustrating. But in all reality, do we really blame them? Who wants to eat the same thing, day after day?

Below are ten fun ideas to shake up your child’s school lunch. Some are easy to make in advance and grab from the freezer, and others are simple enough to throw together on the way out the door.

1. Rainbow Veggie Wrap

Veggie wraps are a super quick and simple way to change up your school-aged child’s lunch. The Rainbow Veggie Wrap is no exception. Filled with vegetables and hummus, it is a colorful and healthy addition to the lunchbox. Depending on your child’s age, they can easily help out, choosing their favorite ingredients and assembling them inside the tortilla. When they grow tired of the original recipe, it is simple to swap out the ingredients to make a “new and improved” version.

2. Pepperoni Pizza Muffins

If you are a person who likes to make lunches in advance, this recipe is for you! These tasty muffins are sure to be a hit. They would be the perfect addition to a healthy, bento-style lunch box, or even just as an after-school snack. Just looking at them makes me hungry.

3. Hot Pockets

One way to make a traditionally “unhealthy” meal healthier is to make it yourself. The ingredients in this homemade hot pocket recipe give you the freedom to create the perfect, delicious, and guilt-free treat that children of all ages will enjoy. Yes, this is even applicable to the young at heart. They are perfect to make in advance and store in the freezer. That way, it’s easy to grab one on the way out the door.

4. Vegan Sushi Cups

If you really want to get creative, these sushi cups make a cute addition to your child’s lunchbox. Made in a muffin tin, these are bound to be much easier to prepare than traditional sushi. These adorable, avocado-filled cups are sure to be a hit!

5. Dinosaur Bento Lunch

What kid doesn’t want a dinosaur in their lunch? These dinosaur bento lunches are the perfect, veggie-filled addition to your child’s lunchbox. They can even help cut the cheese and apples into the cutest dinosaur shapes! 

6. Cloud Jellies

Snacks can be healthy too! The gelatin in these jellies is known to promote joint health and improve digestion. They are sure to be a hit with any little one. These are perfect for making in advance, either for the lunchbox or as an after-school snack. 

7. Chocolate (Veggie) Muffins

Are you looking for a fun way to sneak some extra veggies into your child’s lunch? Made with spinach, carrots, banana, and, of course, chocolate, these muffins are perfect  for just that! This recipe is vegetarian and dairy free, but also includes options to make the muffins vegan or gluten-free. 

8. Veggie Nuggets

If your child is anything like mine, they are obsessed with chicken nuggets. These veggie nuggets are a great way to make them both nutrient dense and kid friendly. They store well in the freezer for easy access on those extra busy mornings. 

9. A Meal That Smiles Back

If you’re looking for a unique way to spruce up your child’s sandwiches, why not add a face to them? These are some adorable, yet easy ideas to bring a smile to your little one’s face. You can use healthy options to do this, like protein-filled almonds for the eyes, or slivers of carrots for hair.

10. Broccoli Tots

They may be green, but they are definitely good! Packed full of nutritious broccoli, these “tater” tots pack quite the flavorful punch. Broccoli is known to be full of vitamins K and C, as well as protein and fiber. You can’t go wrong adding these to your little one’s lunch!

If you need any more ideas, we have you covered with our list of 10 School and Lunch Ideas. Of course, these are healthy, delicious, and picky-eater approved. They are also fun and t easy!
Always remember to pack some floss and a toothbrush in those lunch boxes as well. Taking care of those teeth after lunch will help keep your little ones smiling bright! If you would like more tips on how to pack the perfect kid- and dentist-approved lunch, feel free to contact us at our Omaha Dental Office.