Are you hanging out on pinterest yet? If you need an invite just send me an email. If you want to check out any of the things below click on the link and it will take you directly to the “pin”. I am linking up with Tina Grey for her pinterest linky – if you are looking for ideas on a random selection of topics go grab a cup of something and browse the other blogs.
With so many of us Australians focused on back to school I thought I would share some lunchbox inspiration for planning lunches and the fun stuff like lunchbox notes and jokes. My kids love when I put these in amongst the meusli bars and bananas!
How I plan lunches
I have compiled a list of food ideas over the years and keep adding to it as we try new foods so thought I would include a School Lunchbox Meal Planner here in case you are looking for new ideas. Click the link to download the printable.
I then use a paper planner to organise the kids lunches in advance (as much as possible) the same way I meal plan dinners. This year I am having them select items themselves each Sunday so I know (hope) things get eaten.
Here are 2 to choose from:
Bianca at A Little delightful created a cute planner where you note the child’s name, date and food choices.
I find monthly meal planning works best for me so am using this monthly planner and seeing how it goes. Then when I bake I can schedule those items and know when I need more baking done
Notes from you to the kiddos
Make and takes has a cute version that includes prompts so you can share memories or special things you love about your kids.
Chickabug also has very cute notes with prompts including for you to tell them why you are proud of them or why they are wonderful.
This “Love in a lunchbox” post is fabulous from Sun Scholars and includes DIY and links to more note sources.
Buttoned up really can do no wrong with printables – their lunch notes are cute and fresh and funny!
I wish metal lunchboxes like this were common here – I loved picking out a new one every year! Adding chalkboard paint to the inside lid is genius! Write notes, reminders or draw a cute picture for your child.
Jokes and Puns to brighten up their day
Kristen Duke is my favourite source for lunchbox jokes and we printed these 2 sets off last year. She also has seasonal ones for holidays.
All for the boys has a page of great jokes and some blanks for you to fill in with your own favourites or a simple note.
If you are a pun lover you will enjoy these cute notes with sayings like “Orange you cute!”
Do you have any great tips for school lunchboxes or a favourite recipe / food to include – share in the comments and help all of us parents who hate lunchboxes (especially those of us with less than easy going eaters)!
Find your simple,
Deb
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Love these printables, Deb. I wrote a blog post the other day about not being so creative with school lunches but I’m inspired to do so now
Thanks for linking up this week x
Tina ~ Tina Gray {dot} Me recently posted..piquing my pinterest / console tables
this kind of creative i can do – bento boxes and smiley faces are never going to happen (and do not entice my kids to eat anyway so why bother?). i bet you will come up with some great jokes for your kids!
Debra Dane recently posted..Cut that out – grateful for doing less
Love the whole lunch boxes idea cute as! I used to always leave notes for my kiddies. The printables are cute too.
Dannie (A Dose of Dannie) recently posted..Piquing my pinterest :- The Blogging addiction
Thanks for sharing Deb! I love idea of the planner. I was thinking about making one today. Meal planning our dinners has taken a lot of hassle out of dinner so it makes sense to plan the school lunches the same way!
Amy @ MahliMoo recently posted..Are you freaking out about lunches yet?
when i stick with planning it i stay saner, i try to wing it regularly and often end up throwing things in willy nilly in a rush. really same as dinner just like you said – it just makes it simpler and less stress
Debra Dane recently posted..The Importance of Values
Thank you for featuring my lunchbox planner Deb!! Loving all the cute lunch box notes too, cute idea!
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xx
Bianca recently posted..summer fun list
This post was really inspiring and interesting
Alissa recently posted..Piquing My Pinterest- Square Shelving
Oh this is fabulous… I am going to revisit it when my little one heads to school next year… although some of it might be handy to put on my work lunches.. lol!!
Java Jane recently posted..Calling out for some Sunshine!!- Piquing for Pinterest
see that is where pinterest comes in – you can pin it to a board that says “for when we start school” LOL
Debra Dane recently posted..The Importance of Values
Those lunch planners are beautiful, love the blackboard lunchbox idea too!
Thanks for the meal planning list, I’ve been looking for a change from ham & cheese
Marissa Roberts recently posted..How to like cleaning
Deb I LOVE all of these ideas. My little 6 year old would LOVE the jokes in his lunch box every day. I am definately off to check a few of these sites out. You always come up with the goods hun xx
What a good idea, my one is still too young for school yet but it wasn’t something I had thought of before. I especially love the chalkboard lunch lid – how cool would that be!
Andie recently posted..Cake Smash Inspiration
What a great collection of ideas to inspire the dreaded lunchbox routine. Thanks for sharing Deb.
PlanningQueen recently posted..Berry Smoothie
Ohhh too cute Deb, I love these!
I used to draw smiley faces and kisses my daughters sandwich wrappers, but I have fallen out of the habit. I have just printed some of these off and I can’t wait to pop them in there packs tomorrow, they are going to be so excited!
This is a fab way to do something creative, without stressing myself out with another ‘task’. love it!
Thank you!