Let’s get real…putting lunches together every day can become a dreaded chore, and throwing the same sandwich together over and over can leave the lunch receiver a little bored. There are lots of ideas out there, but we’ve put together some special lunchbox suggestions that will appeal to anyone hungry for a delicious lunch…kids and grownups alike! These are not complicated or too time consuming. They are just what a busy parent needs to spice up the lunch boxes and keep the family eating well and enjoying their lunch break every day. 

Roll-Ups

Roll up slices of deli meat by itself, with a slice of cheese, or around a string cheese. Add a favorite dipping sauce on the side. 

Quesadillas

Who doesn’t love this easy-to-make and easier-to-eat food? There are so many options with different cheeses, meats and veggies. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, and add dipping sauce to complete this lunch treat. 

Food on Sticks

Think chicken satay, beef skewers or sausage kebabs, packed on lunchbox-sized sticks. Because isn’t everything more fun on a stick?

Hummus and Pita Plate

Give lunch a Greek flair with a container of hummus, some cut up pita bread, olives, carrots and sliced cucumbers. Make it personal and add whatever else you think your lunch boxer will love.

Leftover Picnic Lunch

If you’d eat it for lunch on the weekend, why not pack it in a lunch box? Because nothing beats a cold chicken leg on a Monday. Add salad and veggie chips, and you have a delicious lunchbox meal. 

Pizza Wraps

This recipe features the flavors of your favorite pizza but only takes a few minutes to make. Spread any jarred pasta sauce over a tortilla, add pepperoni, cheese and any other toppings you prefer. Roll each tortilla up and, with the seams facing down, slice the rolls into one-inch sections. Pack them close together to keep them from coming unrolled.

Fruity Peanut Butter Pitas

In a small bowl, blend the peanut butter, allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread inside pita bread halves; fill with apple and banana slices. Delicious and nutritious for everyone. 

Mini Grilled Cheese

If you’re looking for a fantastic make-ahead snack, try these miniature grilled cheese sandwiches. They’re nice to have in the freezer for lunch with soup or a salad. Make grilled cheese sandwiches on the stove using butter and, when cooled, cut into triangles or sticks. Add to the lunchbox with tomato sauce for dipping. 

DIY Lunchables 

Cut meat and cheese into small squares and pack along with crackers and some yummy sides like pretzels and fruit.

Pasta Salad in a Jar

You can make this pasta a day or two ahead. When ready to send, you can tie a plastic fork on the jar. Cook penne, rotini or other small pasta and set aside to cool. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, diced fresh mozzarella cheese, black olives and Italian dressing to coat. You can change the ingredients up according to your preference. Add salami or pepperoni if you wish or different vegetables. Make it your own. 

BLT Tortillas

A simple classic transformed into a lunchbox-friendly favorite. You will need flour tortillas (eight inches), cooked bacon strips, shredded lettuce and cut and seeded tomatoes. Add mayonnaise or ranch dressing to your tortilla. Mix bacon, lettuce and tomato, spread onto tortillas and roll up.

Additional Items for Lunchbox Meals

Frozen smoothies in squeeze pouches

Applesauce pouches

Dried fruit, such as raisins

Frozen fruit (thawed by lunchtime)

Freeze-dried fruit

Fruit leather

Sweet bell peppers

Edamame

Grape tomatoes

Pickles

Side salad

Chips & salsa

Popcorn

Trail mix

Jerky

Individual cups of guacamole

Homemade muffins

Granola bars

Boxes of chocolate or vanilla milk

Yogurt covered raisins

Graham crackers

Handwritten note

Handwritten joke

Silly drawing

There’s nothing better than opening a lunchbox when you’re hungry or hangry and tired, to find a delicious, thoughtful meal awaiting you. Because the most important lunches are not only packed with the lunchbox eater’s favorite foods…they’re also packed with warmth and love you can feel.