You know what I love? Making my kids' school lunches a little adventure each day! I mean, who wants to see a plain sandwich staring back at them? What if I could turn their lunch into a colorful bento box, filled with fun shapes and tasty bites? It just makes my heart sing when I see their eyes light up as they open their lunchboxes, right? Just the other day, I added a little star-shaped fruit and it was like I’d won a gold medal in their eyes! I can't be the only parent who wants to sprinkle a bit of joy into those lunch breaks, can I?
Items You’ll Need
- Bento box containers
- Silicone cupcake liners
- Food picks (forks, flags, animals)
- Cookie cutters (various shapes)
- Reusable snack bags
- Insulated lunch bag
- Thermos for hot food or drinks
- Plastic or bamboo utensils
- Food safe markers
- Nori sheets for sushi
- Fruit and vegetable cutters
- Squeeze bottles for sauces
- Small containers for dips or sauces
- Small ice packs for freshness
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Equipment
First, I gather all my equipment: Bento box containers, silicone cupcake liners, food picks, cookie cutters, reusable snack bags, insulated lunch bag, thermos, utensils, food safe markers, nori sheets, fruit and vegetable cutters, squeeze bottles, small containers, and ice packs. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and fun!
Step 2: Choose the Main Item
I decide what the main item of the lunch will be. Today, I choose mini sandwiches. I use cookie cutters to make different fun shapes like stars and hearts. This makes the sandwiches look amazing and more appealing for kids.
Step 3: Prepare Fruits and Vegetables
Next, I select a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. I chop up cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers using my fruit and vegetable cutters to create fun shapes. I also slice some strawberries and apples to add sweetness!
Step 4: Add Protein and Snacks
Now, I include some protein. I add a few pieces of cheese and some peanut butter or hummus in small containers for dipping. I also pack some crackers or yogurt-covered raisins for an extra snack!
Step 5: Assemble the Bento Box
I start assembling the bento box! I place the shaped sandwiches in one section, then fill another compartment with the fun-shaped veggies. I add fruits in a silicone cupcake liner to keep them separate. I leave a small spot for the protein and snacks.
Step 6: Decorate with Fun Picks
To make it even more exciting, I use food picks to add some flags or animal shapes into the sandwich or fruit. These tiny decorations make lunch feel like a fun adventure!
Step 7: Include a Sauce
I fill a small container with some ranch dressing or homemade sauce to dip the veggies in. I also put a squeeze bottle of ketchup for the kids who love it!
Step 8: Chill and Pack
Before closing the bento box, I place a small ice pack in the insulated lunch bag to keep everything fresh until lunchtime. I pack the bento box snugly so it doesn’t move around.
Step 9: Add Final Touches
Lastly, I add a little note using a food safe marker, just to tell my kid to have a great day! It's the little things that make it special.
Step 10: Ready to Go!
And there you have it! A colorful and fun bento box filled with healthy goodies ready for the school lunch. My kid is going to love it!