It’s that time of year again – new backpacks, fresh school supplies and a mix of excitement and nerves for kids and parents alike as their kids head off to a new school year. One of the hot topics this time of year is the back to school lunch. It only takes a few minutes on Pinterest to see dozens of creatively themed ideas that are magazine worthy, albeit unrealistic. However, before you get overwhelmed, keep in mind these 5 simple tips that will make packing lunches for your kids easier, quicker and more enjoyable.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the staple of most kids’ school lunches so if your kids are one of those that never tire of them, this tip can be a huge time saver. One Sunday afternoon, make a few dozen sandwiches and stick them in the freezer. Then you can take them out one at a time and pop them in their lunchboxes in the morning, letting them thaw by lunchtime.
Save time and space in the lunchbox by freezing your kids drinks the night before. This way, they can double as an icepack, keeping lunch fresh while it thaws during the morning.
This tip won’t save you time but it will drastically reduce your stress as you make your kids lunches. Mornings are hectic even when everything goes as planned. Save yourself the hassle of rushing to get lunches packed by making them the night before. Two options are to pack lunches right after dinner while the kitchen is already dirty or after the kids go to bed.
If you want to add a little creativity to your kid’s lunches, cookie cutters are a versatile and easy tool to do it with. You can find great deals on cookie cutters in a variety of shapes and sizes, giving you something each child will like. Then you can use them in countless ways – cut sandwiches, fruit or cheese chunks into fun shapes. It takes almost no time and your kids will love it!
Getting the kids involved to eventually be making their own lunches is a great idea no matter how old your kids are. Even the youngest of students can help pick out snacks and pack all the components into the lunchbox. Older kids can be given the task of packing the entire thing on their own. If you’re worried about what they’ll pack, consider having a list of what must be included (i.e. a fruit, a protein, drink and snack).
Packing lunches doesn’t have to be a stressful part of your day. Especially if your kitchen is prepped with the right tools, it can be a quick and painless activity that gets done without complaint. Make sure you have everything you need on hand – the right ingredients, knives, cutting boards, containers. Wood Cutting Boards can help you get all the essentials you need at affordable pricing. Visit our online store!