6 Genius Lunchbox Hacks That Will Save You Time

Does packing your child's school lunch feel like a never-ending battle? Are you always running out of time and ideas? You're not alone. We're sharing 6 genius school lunchbox hacks that will save you time and make lunchtime a breeze. Say goodbye to the lunchbox blues and hello to stress-free mornings!

Get your kids involved

Get your kids involved in the lunch-making process to get them excited about what they're eating. Have them help choose what foods they want to eat and let them assist with packing their lunch. Kids are more likely to eat their lunch if they have a say in what goes into it. 

This will also teach them important life skills such as planning and organisation.

Structure is a must so make it clear each day they must include at least: 

• 2 pieces of fruit 
• 1 vegetable 
• 2 serves of protein 
• 1 serving of bread/pasta/grains  

Create a weekly menu 

Create aweekly lunch menu using our weekly acrylic planners. Use colours to code days or food groups, and get the kids to tick and flick and repeat every week.

Not only does this save time and reduce the morning scramble, but it also allows for more variety in the types of foods you pack. Once you have a menu in place, simply rinse and repeat to streamline the process and save you time. 

Create a grab-and-go snack box

Get a big container and create your easy grab-and-go snack box. It saves so much time and hassle throughout the week. Use beeswax wrap, Tupperware or reusable snap-lock back and fill them with frequently requested snacks. Create one for the fridge and one for the pantry. 

For example: 

• Sliced cucumber and carrot 
• Rice crackers and dip (separate containers!) 
• Sliced apple and sultanas 
• Yogurt with fruit (separate containers) 

Prep lunches the night before

Prepping lunches the night before can be a game-changer for busy parents. And since you’ve already got your menu and grab-and-go snacks prepped, it should be a simple process. 

Get the kids involved in filling water bottles, gathering ingredients and ticking each item off the menu planner. 

Pack leftover dinners for lunch

One of the biggest challenges of packing school lunches is coming up with new and exciting options every day. It can be tempting to rely on pre-packaged snacks and sandwiches, but those can get boring fast. 

That's where leftover dinners come in. Try making extra servings of kid-friendly favourites like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken stir-fry, or pizza. Leftover soups and stews are fab options, especially on cold days.

All you’ll need is a thermos container to keep leftovers warm and you’ve got a waste-free, time-saving lunchbox solution. 

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Invest in a good lunchbox

When it comes to packing your child's lunch, having a quality lunchbox is essential. Not only does it keep their food fresh and safe to eat, but it can also make your life easier. No more dealing with leaks and spills from flimsy containers or struggling to fit everything in a too-small lunchbox.

Don’t forget the extras: 

• Insulated Bag 
• Ice-Packs 
• Utensils 
• Water Bottle 
• Labels!

Yup, they can add up $$$ wise but when it comes to saving your sanity in the AM, they are worth the investment.  

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With these tips and tricks, you'll be a lunchbox pro in no time. Whether you're packing leftovers or pre-packaged snacks, the key is to keep things fun and interesting - without adding to your mental load!