Back to School Packed Lunches – Simple, Healthy & Fun

The start of a new school term always feels like a fresh start, new shoes, new routines… and the return of packed lunch planning! If you’re anything like us, it can sometimes feel tricky to keep coming up with healthy ideas that your child will actually eat. Variety is the hardest part. We all fall into the sandwich trap, and while sandwiches are quick and easy, they don’t always have to be the star of the lunchbox.

The main part of your child’s lunch could be as simple as a savoury muffin, a little tub of pasta, or even a slice of homemade frittata. By mixing things up from time to time, you’ll keep lunchboxes interesting without needing endless new recipes.

Packed lunches are also a brilliant way for children to practise real-life cooking skills. Even the simplest jobs give them independence and pride in what they’ve made. Depending on their age, children can:

●      Chop softer foods like cucumber, strawberries or cheese with a child-safe knife.

●      Grate vegetables or cheese for pasta pots, muffins or wraps.

●      Mix and stir fillings like tuna mayo or egg.

●      Spoon and scoop fruit, yoghurt or dips into little pots.

●      Pack and organise their lunchbox, deciding which items go where.

…Children are often more enthusiastic about eating lunch when they’ve had a hand in making it. With just a little planning, lunchboxes can become a space for creativity, variety, and independence — not just another daily chore.

If you’d like a bit of extra inspiration, we’ve put together a Lunchbox Recipe Pack filled with colourful, easy-to-follow ideas that children can make themselves. It’s a simple way to keep lunches fun, balanced, and stress-free all term long. You can find it in our shop for just £4.50.

Below is an example template of how our recipes look!

Example Recipe Template