With the girls going back to school this week, I am once again faced with the dreaded task of packing lunches every day. Both of my girls are good eaters, but they are also picky and, therefore, do not love the lunches that the school has to offer. And, since they have such a long day at school, I really want them to eat! So, I find myself making packed lunches...day after day after day. Not my favorite activity. Can you relate?
To make this rather mundane chore a bit more palatable, I have learned a few tricks along the way. So, today I thought I'd share a few tips with you:
1. Lunch Box: Yes, this is obvious, but shop around. There are so many cute options out here. My girls always pick out their own lunch boxes and I am happy to say that, after many, many years, we have finally graduated from the "princess" lunch box phase! This year we found some adorable, floral versions at Cath Kidston.
2. Storage Containers: You will need a bunch of little storage containers for sandwiches, snacks, etc... While I must admit that I do resort to using the occasional plastic bag, I do try to use storage containers whenever possible. HomeGoods, Pottery Barn Kids, Target and the Container Store are all good places to find cute storage options. I found these at PBK, Borders Bookstore, and Cath Kidston...
3. Ice Packs: These are obviously necessary for keeping lunch fresh if it won't be refrigerated. I look for ones with pretty, colorful designs. These are from Target - collected over the years.
4. The Details: My favorite part - adding in all the pretty, little details. Colorful napkins are a must. I buy these whenever I find them on sale. HomeGoods has an especially wonderful selection and the prices are always great.
Pretty straws make drinking your milk so much more fun!
And a handi-wipe can't hurt for those sticky fruit leathers and sweet treats!
5. A sweet note: I also always like to include a little note - just something as simple as "I love you" or "eat your veggies" lets the girls know that I am thinking about them...
6. A little Something Special: For special occasions such as birthdays or the first week of school, I like to include a special little treat - just a small trinket - like some stickers, a piece of candy, or a Squinkie (Mini-mini-me's fav at the moment)...
I know this may all sound like a lot of extra work, but it honestly only adds about one or two extra minutes to my lunch-packing process. I just stock up on pretty, fun things when I see them. You can even write out a bunch of notes all in one sitting. Packing a "pretty" lunch makes making lunch so much more enjoyable for me... and I know my kiddies really love all the special touches. :-)
Happy Back-to-school!
XOXO
Jessica
P.S. Yes, we did survive Irene. Thank you so much to everyone who so kindly wrote and expressed their concern for our safety. We were very lucky around here and managed to come out of the whole thing without any injuries to ourselves or damage to our home. Sadly, many others along the East Coast have not been as fortunate and my heart goes out to everyone whose lives have been forever changed...
these are fabulous ideas. I cut my daughters sandwich with cookie butters for an extra surprise... i find she eats the entire thing when i make it fun
Posted by: tabitha | August 31, 2011 at 10:43 AM
I ADORE your blog! These are all such great ideas and finds. Thanks for posting.
Posted by: Kirche Rogers | August 31, 2011 at 10:49 AM
Very cute. I always tried to foof up my kid's lunches...course, that was years ago and not so much available...but I had construction paper!!
Posted by: Ceekay | August 31, 2011 at 11:21 AM
Wishing I had daughters so I could pack a pretty lunch now! I suppose I could practice on my hubby... his co-workers would certainly enjoy it, though I doubt he would. :)
Posted by: Sarah | August 31, 2011 at 11:41 AM
These are such great ideas! I cant wait to try them! I dont know if you have heard of Thirty One Gifts but I am a consultant for them and we have some really pretty lunch thermal totes as well. :)
Posted by: Angela | August 31, 2011 at 01:39 PM
How dear. :) And when they grow up, the lunch boxes will turn into sweet care packages (my mom still sends me). :)
Posted by: Val | August 31, 2011 at 01:53 PM
These are super cute! I've been packing my son's lunch in adorable reusable snack & sandwich bags from reuseit.com. I also found reusable straws and cute water bottles to send to school.
Posted by: Natalie | August 31, 2011 at 01:55 PM
I'm guessing that if your mind is on lunch boxes you have survived Irene? :)
We don't have lunchboxes, my girls have to have school lunch (which is actually not bad, I have wondered if I could turn up too.) But I rather wish I could have a lunch box - preferably one you made! They are so gorgeous.
Posted by: skybluepinkish | August 31, 2011 at 02:23 PM
american style bentos are a FUN way to be creative and express yourself while making kids lunches! i post about the ones i make for my daughter on my blog:
http://keeleymcguire.blogspot.com
Posted by: Keeley McGuire | August 31, 2011 at 02:30 PM
Such cute ideas :) I can't wait for my daughter to start school (well ok, I CAN wait lol), but i'm excited for cute things like this! I only pack lunches for my hubs right now, and I dunno how he would feel about pink napkins and straws :) what the heck..he would prob love it! :)
Posted by: Ari@ThE DiVa DiSh | August 31, 2011 at 02:49 PM
Hi Jessica,
I visited your blog today. I have a Jessica also. I saw you on Frech, Pink, Poodles, and Pearls. Your blog is so pretty, colorful, and full of life!! I was scrolling down, and I saw all the yummy different foods that are shown. While I was reading, I noticed that me and you have alot of the same interests. I have two beautiful daughters too, and we love photograghy. I see you like Interior Design. Jess is an Interior Designer and has her degree in it. We just started a new blog, and we would love it if you could visit us and follow. I would enjoy coming back to visit with you and seeing all your fabulous ideas. Hope to hear from you, and have a sweet day.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
Posted by: Red Rose Alley | August 31, 2011 at 05:29 PM
Oh, I forgot to mention...Home Goods is a favorite of mine too, and I just went there today. Lots of Fall stuff.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
Posted by: Red Rose Alley | August 31, 2011 at 05:31 PM
I'll say it again, your girls are very lucky. Hope they have a great school year.
Posted by: Spiral Style | August 31, 2011 at 07:51 PM
You are the sweetest mom and I hope one day I can make adorable lunches like this as well for my daughter Elle.
Posted by: Heidi | August 31, 2011 at 08:31 PM
I agree with you about making the lunches pretty and inviting. I have taken to making "wedding cake" sandwiches. This is a favorite of my 10 year old (it's like a tea party in a lunch box). I make sandwiches and cut them into three different sized rounds with cutters - stack them - and insert a heart-shaped cupcake pick in the center to hold them altogether. Then set them in a pretty cupcake paper/liner and into a zippered baggie to retain their freshness. All the girls want one! This was the most requested tea sandwich for Frannie's most recent birthday tea party. If you're interested, you can see a photo of the sandwich here: http://cutestuffinside.blogspot.com/2011/04/partys-over-aka-princess-and-peep-tea.html
Posted by: Marsha | September 01, 2011 at 08:10 AM
Oh Jessica this is the prettiest lunch ever!!!
I hope I have kids someday & I promise
To pack them lunch as cute as u ;) ha!
Posted by: ivyPINK | September 01, 2011 at 11:37 PM
this makes me miss my packed lunch so much! Definitely not as pretty as yours in my new kids on the block lunch box but the sentiment was there. My dad always cut my sandwich into triangles :)
Posted by: paper pastries | September 05, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Love your stash of napkins and straws! Such great colors & designs!
Posted by: Lissa (Bellenza) | September 06, 2011 at 12:16 PM
i want a lunch packed by you! (lol)
reminds me that i need to start doing these little things again like stickers and notes. my boys bought lunch almost every day last year but now they're into packing again.
love the cath stuff. your girls must be the envy of the lunch table!
xo
elyse
Posted by: elyse | September 06, 2011 at 09:56 PM
Oh What a lovely post! My boys never get this sort of interest in their lunch boxes. I'm lucky if I can change the lunch I make for them.. Peanut butter and honey sandwiches. It's a fake peanut butter made with sunflowers because someone might be allergic. And the kindy won't allow and cakes or sweets unless it's a birthday. It's not just me that thinks it's all over the top with lunch restrictions I hope.
Posted by: Glenys | October 16, 2011 at 08:23 AM