How to Pack a Lunch Box Tips and Printable Idea List

Learn how to pack a lunch box easily with a free printable list of school lunch ideas and tips that will save you time in the kitchen.

Printable list of lunch box ideas beside a tub with sliced apples, caramel, and cheese cubes with a text overlay that reads "how to pack a lunch box."

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The post was originally published in August 2014. Almost all of these ideas are still lunchbox staples in my house years later. I’ve updated this post to include a newer version of the printable that matches the others on One Mama’s Daily Drama.

Back to school for most families also means back to packing a few lunches every morning. If you dread the idea of packing a lunchbox (or several) every morning, I’ve got a great fail-proof solution for you. Print this list and then mix and match for daily variety.

how to pack a lunchbox printable list with main dishes, side dishes, and sweets

Packing a lunch for school

Packing two lunches every morning for 180 days of school can get boring and tedious fast. There was one year when my son ate nothing but peanut butter and jelly sandwiches every day. (His choice.) My older kid has always been a little pickier.

Over the past several years, I’ve learned quite a bit about what makes a good lunch box meal. Some things hold up better than others.

Keep in mind that your child is probably going to swing that box of carefully placed food over his head on the way into the building, then drop it into his locker without a second thought. It also has to go without refrigeration and most schools don’t have microwaves in the kids’ cafeteria.

Our favorite lunch supplies

Rubbermaid LunchBlox sandwich kit
Rubbermaid LunchBlox entree kit
Small Thermos
Insulated lunch box (with a side pocket for water)
Leak-proof water bottle

Many of my mom friends ask me what I send my kids every day, so I sat down with my kids to make a list of the best easy ideas.

We came up with about a month’s worth of lunch ideas. Just mix and match from our list to make a combination of healthy lunch box meals that don’t require a lot of work.