Ready to upgrade your lunchbox game? School mornings can be hectic, but packing the right lunch doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re prepping a lunch for a picky preschooler or an always-hungry high schooler, it’s easy to get stuck in a lunch-making rut. It’s also a constant challenge to pack a school lunch that kids will actually eat and enjoy. From toddler to teen, here are some school lunch ideas that are tasty, thoughtful and full of love (and a little chocolate!).
Preschoolers (Ages 2–4): Fun and Finger-Friendly
Preschoolers love food they can eat with their fingers — and that looks fun! Think bite-size portions that are colorful, soft in texture and easy to pick up. You want them to be curious about their food and be able to eat it safely.
Lunch Box Ideas
Main Dish:
- Half sandwich cut into shapes (like peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese, sunflower butter and banana)
- Mini pancake stack with a side of syrup for dipping
- Cream cheese or sunflower butter pinwheels on soft tortillas
Sides:
- Sliced fruit (like strawberries, blueberries, halved grapes)
- Cubed cheese or string cheese
- Animal crackers or mini muffins
- Whole-grain crackers
School Snacks:
- Applesauce pouch
- Yogurt tube or pouch
- Baked veggie straws
- Mini rice cakes
Special Dessert & Candy Surprise:
- Chocolate chip cookie or cocoa oatmeal treat
- 2–3 HERSHEY’S KISSES Candies or a HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Snack Size Candy Bar (great for little hands!)
Elementary Schoolers (Ages 5–10): Interactive & Colorful
Elementary kids are intrigued by choices and fun shapes. Keep lunch exciting with variety — especially if it’s fun to eat. It’s almost as if they’re discovering their food as they go. So don’t be afraid to include dips, lots of color and playful arrangements.
Lunch Box Ideas
Main Dish:
- Turkey and cheese sandwich (cut into quarters or fun shapes)
- Taco cups (mini tortillas or chips, meat or beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes)
- Pasta salad with veggies and cheese cubes
- Sandwich kabobs (bread cubes, deli meat, cheese, grape tomatoes)
Sides:
- Apple slices with nut butter or caramel dip
- Cucumber slices, baby carrots or bell pepper strips with dip
- DOT’S HOMESTYLE PRETZELS
- String cheese
School Snacks:
- Trail mix with raisins
- Cheese cubes with crackers
- Yogurt with granola
- SKINNYPOP Original Popcorn
Special Dessert & Candy Surprise:
Middle Schoolers (Ages 11–13): Bold Flavors & Bigger Portions
Middle schoolers want food that tastes grown-up but is still comforting. They’re also growing a lot, so they need a lunch that keeps them full longer. Focus on lots of variety and lots of protein!
Lunch Box Ideas
Main Dish:
- Chicken Caesar wrap or turkey club wrap
- Leftover pizza slice
- Pasta salad
- Grain bowl with chicken, rice and veggies
Sides:
- Sliced melon, pineapple or clementine
- Snap peas or edamame pods
- Whole-grain crackers with hummus or cheese
- DOT’S HOMESTYLE PRETZELS
School Snacks:
- Granola bars or trail mix with seeds
- Seaweed snacks
- Smoothie pouch or shelf-stable protein shake
- String cheese
Special Dessert & Candy Surprise:
High Schoolers (Ages 14–18): Portable & Protein-Packed
Teens need fuel to power long days, which often include sports or after-school activities. That means on-the-go snacks will make it easy to keep up their energy levels. They want food that tastes good but will also keep them going and travel well.
Lunch Box Ideas
Main Dish:
- Turkey and spinach wrap with hummus
- Grain bowl with chicken, rice and veggies
- Leftover stir fry
- Chicken salad with crackers
Sides:
- Fruit cup
- Apple with peanut butter
- Baby carrots or sliced cucumber with hummus
- Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
School Snacks:
- Protein or granola bars
- Trail mix or dried fruit
- Whole-grain chips
- SKINNYPOP Original Popcorn
Special Dessert & Candy Surprise:
Extra Tips for Winning Lunches
- Add a surprise note or sticker on the first day (or every Monday!).
- Use bento boxes or silicone cupcake liners to keep foods fun and separated, especially for preschoolers and elementary schoolers. Cut back on waste with reusable containers that’ll last you all year long.
- Rotate dessert and candy surprises to always keep them guessing.
- Include a trivia question geared toward something they’re learning to get the conversation going at the lunch table. Reveal the answer when they get home from school!
