I probably shouldn't admit this: but as much as
back-to-school time puts a song in my step, I was dreading
having to pack my daughter's lunch for school. We're committed
to the "lunch from home" thing to make sure she gets something healthy, but
sometimes even I'm bored by what I put in her bag.
Oh gee, look what it is! Another apple/box of raisins/string cheese/turkey on wheat? It's no wonder my husband and I tend to "forget" that it's our turn to make lunch so the other ends up on the hook. We need to liven things up -- for her sake and ours!
I'm committed to actually make this whole school lunch making thing a little more enjoyable. I've started a list of goodies to slip in the lunch bag to brighten her day. Feel free to borrow for your kiddo's lunch!
What do you put in your kids' lunch to cheer them up?
Image by Jeanne Sager
Keychain
My daughter loves to hang these off her backpack, and a new one to sport on the ride home can be a converstation starter with their seatmate on the bus.
Image by Jeanne Sager
Tattoos
Most elementary schools have banned food sharing, but your kiddo can engender a little goodwill at the lunchtable with some of these instead. I have it on good authority (aka my 7-year-old) that the glitter tattoos are especially hot right now.
Image via Images_Of_Money/Flickr
Money for Snacks
Don't pack snacks: surprise them with the chance to buy ice cream one day!
Image by Jeanne Sager
Stickers
Great for sharing, or they can put them on their shirt to show off for the rest of the day.
Image via RichardBowen/Flickr
Drawing
If they brown bag it, put it right on the bag, make a design with safe dyes on their bread, or doodle on their sandwich bag -- the sky's the limit. The dad behind Lunch Bag Art has some incredible ideas to give you inspiration.
Image by Jeanne Sager
A Cute Joke
You might be raising a little chatterbox, but it can never hurt to have something to get the conversation going at the lunch table.
Image via Bustyriffic/Flickr
Fun Napkins
They have to keep their hands clean somehow! But why stick to the same old, same old? My friend Laurie likes to slip a new napkin into the mix every once in awhile; whether she buys them on Etsy or makes them out of cool pieces of fabric.
Image via SqueakyMarmot/Flickr
Whether it's a silly moment with a friend or your family's favorite vacation spot, taping a photo inside the lunchbox will put a smile on their face all day.
so excited
- Cafe AmyS
on Aug. 31, 2012 at 2:05 PM