Timesaving Food Hacks for a Rockin' Lunchbox {Back to School}

DUDE. Lunchbox season is here and I just do not have time to create a bento box full of crocheted spaghetti and carved radishes in the shape of Disney characters. In fact, I barely have time to brush my teeth before shooing the kids into the car. However, I also don’t want to torment my kids with endless PB&J sandwiches and string cheese. I’ve rounded up a few creative food hacks that will mostly SAVE you time while still putting a spin on the traditional back-to-school lunchbox. Which is your favorite?

Timesaving Food Hacks for School Lunches

THE JELLO. How clever! Let it get solid in the compartment of the lunch container. No waste.

(source: Simple As That)

How to send apple slices to school without getting brown– secure them with a rubber band. All kinds of brilliant, right?

(source: Passion For Savings)

Another simple idea that little ones will adore– butterfly snacks created from snack baggies and clothespins.

(source: Craft Gossip)

These sandwich kabobs with fruit elevate the PB&J to the next level.

Rolling up deli meat right in the container is an easy way to make a deconstructed sandwich. My kids love turkey and cheese; they’d go bananas over deli rollups, and this makes it really easy to eat. Plus, those bunny cheeses? Adorbs! Mini-cookie cutters like these should to do the trick.

(source: Meet the Dubiens)

Snack stations make putting together lunch in the morning a breeze. Collect everything you need in one spot and store in either the fridge or counter, depending on the items. Dole out snacks into baggies over the weekend and grab-and-go all week long. Perfect for after school snacks too.

(source: Apartment Therapy)

Another snack station setup from Delightful Order:

These creative ways to cut sandwich bread look easy enough and are so. stinkin’. cute.

(source: Being Creative to Keep My Sanity)

These collapsible food containers with a built-in spork type utensil (similar) are a great way to maximize space and minimize waste.

Frozen obsession aside, what a fun idea to use the alphabet cheez-its to spell out words and names.

(source: Mom Endeavors)

Darn, these Pottery Barn utensil holders are out of stock. But maybe a large toothbrush holder and kid-sized utensils would do the trick? Or if your kids are super responsible, this eco-friendly portable utensil set is pretty fabulous.

Free printable lunchbox jokes and brain teasers from Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke will put a smile on everyone’s face.

With more and more kids being diagnosed with peanut allergies, sending in a peanut-free lunch even if your child doesn’t have an allergy is always appreciated. Here’s a round up with 30+ Peanut Free Lunch Ideas from Smart School House.

Here’s a reusable snack bag pattern from Pretty Prudent to help save money on plastic sandwich bags. And also save the planet. My, you ARE a rockstar!

Silicone cupcake liners make the perfect snack separators! Lightweight, easy to wash, and colorful– they make snacking even more fun if that’s even possible.

(source: Susan Yuen)

Last but not least, here’s how to make heart shaped carrots. I mean, really. I’m not one to fuss over food but once in awhile these sweet orange hearts WILL be making an appearance in our lunchboxes.

(source: Recipe by Photo)

If you liked any of those hacks, I’ve made it easy for you to grab those timesaving goodies online so you’ll be ready when the buses start rolling:

Silicone Muffin Cups for Ba...Shop on Amazon

TO GO WARE Kid's Bamboo Ute...Shop on Amazon

Fox Run Mini Animal Cookie ...Shop on Amazon

Liked this post? Check out these other recent back-to-school ideas:

Free Printable Lunch Ideas List

Favorite Essential Oils for Back to School

How I Dress My Kids (Really Well) for FREE!

Which food hack was your favorite? I loved the Jello and heart carrots, personally. Plus I think the deli roll-ups will be a hit with the kids for sure. Buh-buy, PB&J!