From holiday camp to back to school — Here are 5 lunchbox ideas kids will love

Fun lunchbox ideas for school (and beyond)

Lots of parents say their child is more open to new foods at home, but a lunchbox is actually a great way for kids to try something different, without pressure. There’s something about being around friends that helps; when everyone’s munching away, there’s often less resistance and more curiosity.

And if mealtimes at home can be a bit of a battle, we feel you. Many of us find our child is more open to trying new things at school. Peer influence can work in our favour, and you might be surprised at what they’ll eat when you’re not watching!

We all know it’s hard to focus when we’re hungry, and for little ones, the right food at lunchtime can make a huge difference.

Let’s get into a few of Annabel’s lunchbox tips to make that midday meal count.

1. It’s in the prep

The way you prepare foods can be the difference between a tantrum and a clean plate!

Finger foods are a win, so try slicing up veggies like:

• Carrot

• Cucumber

• Sugar snap peas

• Red pepper

Wrap them in a slightly damp piece of kitchen towel before adding to the lunchbox to keep them crisp.

You could offset the novel veggies by also packing your child’s favourite sandwich and some hummus for dipping.

If you prep vegetables this way, they’ll be far more appealing for your child than being presented with a side of boiled carrots with dinner!

2. Involve your child

On weekends when you have a quieter afternoon, get your little helper to help you prep lunch for the week.

It might get a little messy (okay, maybe very messy), but having your child help out with lunchbox prep can be a fab way to make things more fun.

Why it’s worth it:

• It keeps little hands busy

• It introduces them to new foods in a low-pressure way

• It builds confidence and kitchen skills

• They’re way more likely to eat what they’ve helped make

By making something together from scratch, you’ll probably instil a love of good, healthy food and your child is also far more likely to try something new if they have prepared it themselves.

3. Tell the food’s story

Even if you’re not prepping their lunchbox together, you can still involve your child in the kitchen by telling them about the foods you’re including and where they come from.

You don’t have to go full MasterChef — just talk about what’s in their lunchbox and where it comes from. Kids love a good fact or fun detail!

Try telling them:

• Where the food is from (“Did you know couscous comes from North Africa?”)

• Why it’s good for them (“Carrots help you see in the dark!”)

• Something silly or surprising (“Chickpeas are actually a type of bean!”)

It gives them a little story to share with friends and makes the food way more interesting.

4. Inlcude smarter snacks

Children often find their energy dips mid-afternoon so it can be a good idea to include a delicious homemade savoury muffin to top-up their energy levels during their afternoon break.

Experiment with lots of different veggie fillings such as carrot, courgette or butternut squash – get the kids involved in the mixing so they learn muffins aren’t just filled with chocolate or blueberries!

Or prepare some homemade energy balls and bars; free of refined sugar and packed with oats, seeds, dried fruit and nuts and a perfect snack for that afternoon slump.

Based in the UK? Discover Annabel Karmel’s ready-to-go meals for toddlers and children. Inspired by her famous cookbook recipes, they are low in salt, super balanced, and a tasty way towards their 5 a day.  Find the range in the chilled aisle at Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Ocado.

5. Make it fun!

Make lunchtimes exciting by adding an element of fun to their lunchboxes.

Sometimes all it takes is a little twist to make food more exciting. Kids love variety — and fun shapes aren’t a bad idea either.

Try:

• Pasta or couscous salads

• Mini veggie balls or chicken & apple balls (easy to batch and freeze!)

• Pitta pockets with tuna and sweetcorn

• Sushi-style rolled sandwiches – Want to really win lunch? Throw in a pair of kids’ chopsticks. It’s a small touch that adds big fun.

Going beyond the boundaries of what a sandwich can look like is a perfect way to get children eating fish (if they weren’t so keen before)