Back to school time is nearing soon. Are you ready for the shopping frenzy? Don’t sweat it with these simple lunch box tips to help you streamline your schedule!
If you prefer to pack your little one’s lunch, whether it’s for savings purposes or to ensure your child is eating a well-balanced meal, my biggest recommendation is to shop early. The sales are already underway at stores like Walmart, where I shopped today. I found everything from food to school supplies on sale and easily accessible.
Back to School Lunch Box Tips
- Shop early. Don’t wait until last minute (like everyone else) to shop for the supplies you need. Walmart has school shopping lists in a display at the front of the store too. Take advantage of emptier aisles during evening hours, typically after dinner time.
- Buy in bulk. If there’s something you know your child loves to eat. Buy a larger quantity, like Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish Crackers in the 30 oz box.
- Reusables will save you money! I like to buy a variety of shapes and sizes for storing everything from sandwiches to fruit to dips/condiments.
- Label their lunch box. This is especially helpful if your child is just beginning school and isn’t used to having a lunch box. There are options like stickable labels, or old-fashioned permanent marker works too!
- Prep the night before. Chop the fruits and veggies and store them in those handy reusable containers. Pre-make sandwiches too. Set the lunch boxes on the counter, and when morning comes drop them into the boxes.
- Add something fun! I like to create notecards for my boys so they know I’m thinking of them throughout the day. I’ll be sharing a PDF you can use in my next back to school post, so be on the lookout. Try using cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the sandwiches. I typically make the shape with the bread first, then add the sandwich meat or jams.
- Buy a thermos. Leftovers from dinner are great lunch box meals. Just remember to heat it up in the morning before placing it in the thermos.
- Don’t forget wipes! Most kids will not go searching for a napkin in the cafeteria. Have one handy, like Wet Ones® Singles. They fit perfectly in your child’s lunch box and are great for killing germs too!
- Don’t let food spoil. Pack a small freezer pack. I usually place it in a plastic sandwich bag to keep condensation contained.
Snack Ideas
Many times, teachers allow students to have a snack depending on what time of day they eat lunch. Below I’ve listed a few easy snack ideas.
- Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers
- Trail mix
- Yogurt
- Fruit and dip
- Veggies and hummus
Enter the Wet Ones® contest for your chance to win $1,000, plus a year’s supply of Wet Ones® for home or your child’s classroom! Entering is easy. Just snap a fun pic of the lunch box you’ve created and submit it to the contest page.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Wet Ones® + Pepperidge Farm® . The opinions and text are all mine.