One of the surefire ways to ensure that you kid or kids get the nutrition they need is to prepare lunchboxes for them to take to school. Unfortunately, kids do tend to swap lunches, especially when the lunch they have is not “cool” enough. Here are some tips to help make your kid’s lunch THE lunch in the school!

Packaging

There is nothing wrong with a brown paper bag. But I suggest a sturdy and temperature-keeping lunchbox is the best way to go. It doesn’t have to be flashy (as fads come and go, buying your kid a cartoon-character themed lunchbox can be rather impractical. As long as it can keep warm food warm, and cold drinks cold, then there is no problem. But try to invest in a durable lunchbox so they can use it repeatedly through the years.

Treats

Write a short, “Have a happy lunch, honey!” on stick-on note then put it on the inside lid of the lunchbox for a personal touch. You can also put a sticker or a small special “goodie” inside to make the lunchbox feel like one of those popular fast-food kid’s meals.

Color

Try to vary the colors of the food in the lunchbox. All whites or all browns can be very boring to a child’s eyes.

Noise Factor

Kids are attracted to noise. Fresh vegetable and fruit sticks or slices with a cup of dip, nuts and cereals, or your home-made cookie can liven up the lunch hour. Another tip, instead of buying potato-chips, why not make him baked fries instead?

Shapes

Cut cookies and sandwiches in different shapes and sizes! Try savory or dessert crepes. Pack the lunchbox with a thin container of crepes and small containers with fillings such as fruit, nuts, syrup, and whipped cream. Let your child assemble it in school! He’ll be the envy of the kids in his class! Don’t forget the fork or spoon!

Soups

A small thermos of hot soup (i.e. vegetable broth with alphabet-shaped noodles) can provide a hearty and enjoyable lunch for your kid, especially during the colder seasons. Some lunchboxes already have a small thermos included in them.

Drinks

Freeze fresh fruit juice and include with cold lunches. This is great for the summer season!