Ever get that feeling that although you’re super busy, nothing ever seems to get done? Sure, you’ve changed baby’s diaper at least 10 times today (and probably done just as many loads of laundry because of it), sat down for so many feedings you’ve lost count (hey, there’s an app for that), and if you’re lucky you managed to squeeze a shower in there somewhere, but probably not. And now you’re left wondering how it’s already time to make dinner. Whether you’re too busy, too tired, or both, we’re working to take meal planning off your plate. These meals for moms don’t take much prep and will fuel your busy days—from breakfast through dinner.

Breakfast Ideas

Overnight Oats

The trick to this recipe from @cleanplatemama is that you make it ahead of time. Stick it in the fridge before bed and wake up to a filling breakfast that appears like magic.

Perfect Scrambled Eggs

Whip up a simple scrambled egg in under five minutes—@cookwithnabeela will show you how. Once you’ve perfected it, throw in veggies, cheeses, and herbs to flavor them the way you like. Our favorite is with French thyme.

Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookie

Cookies for breakfast? Registered Dietician @preventionrd gives the green light to these that include apples, carrots, and oatmeal. Make a batch to get you through the week (and beyond).

Smashed Avocado & Poached Eggs

Avocado toast is always an easy one for breakfast or lunch, and this version created by @foodandhomesa fits the bill. The frozen peas add a little pop that’s unexpected, and although this recipe includes homemade spinach soda bread, we’re here to tell you it’ll taste just as good on whatever bread you’ve got.

Acai Bowl

The great thing about acai bowls is that you can top them with just about anything you’d like. Bananas, granola, and honey are pretty standard, but feel free to scoop in a nut-butter for extra protein or heap on the fresh fruit when it’s in season. Find out how to make this one @chelseasmessyapron.

Lunch Ideas

Celery Soup

This simple soup from @atasteofmadness1 can be made in under 30 minutes with just six ingredients (we’re betting most are already in your fridge). Our tip? If you’re not into transferring hot liquid into your blender, use an immersion blender instead.

Mango Spinach Smoothie

If you’ve got a blender, you can whip up one of our favorite easy meals for moms—a mango spinach smoothie from @cleanplatemama. It’s loaded with 20 grams of protein and healthy fats (from the avocado) all new moms need to get through the day.

Obsessively Good Avocado Cucumber Salad

A few fresh ingredients and the time to chop them all up is what it takes to make @smittenkitchen‘s avocado cucumber salad (and yes, it’s obsessively good). We love that you can use the leftover avocado to make it for lunch the next day, too.

Spaghetti Salad

Make this tasty salad created by @theveiwfromgreatisland for yourself for lunch and you’ll have plenty leftover for dinner. It combines crave-worthy carbs with tons of fresh veggies—a great excuse to hit the farmer’s market in the summer.

Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese

If you didn’t get too many of these during your pregnancy cravings, you’ll love them on this inventive grilled cheese sandwich @pitchforkfoodie dreamed up. Really, you could top this grilled cheese with just about anything and it would be good.

Dinner Ideas

Beef Lettuce Wraps

What should every mom’s go-to dinner include? Something quick and something healthy. That’s what we love about these beef lettuce wraps from @momsdish. Putting them together is as simple as browning your protein (ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even tofu are simple substitutes to make) and assembling the rest of the ingredients atop a fresh bib lettuce leaf. Roll and enjoy.

Vegetable Pancakes

What’s not to love about this simple way to use up leftover veggies from @tiffy.cooks? Take a deep dive in the fridge (yep, all the way to the back) hunting for half-finished carrots, cabbage, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes—whatever is taking up space. Shred, squeeze, and pan fry them before topping with a tasty sauce.

Greek-Inspired Hump Day Salad

It doesn’t have to be Wednesday to make this Hump Day dish we found @easy_salad_recipes, but it doesn’t hurt. Open a bag of lettuce, toss on the toppings, and you’ve got yourself a healthy meal in minutes. Hint: pickle red onion on your countertop by placing sliced red onions in vinegar, then adding a bit of salt and sugar. They should be ready in about 30 minutes.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Pick up a pack of boneless, skinless chicken breasts from the store (or pull them from the freezer in the morning) to make this meal for moms from @themediterraneandish. Season them, drizzle some olive oil on top, then throw it in the oven. If you’re feeling really fancy, add a bag salad to this meal.

Chipotle Chicken Tostadas

Ground chicken is the base for this easy-to-assemble recipe from @preventionrd, but you can easily sub ground turkey if it’s easier to find. The avocado and pineapple salsa add a little something extra—a tropical flair that’ll make you feel like you’re on vacation.

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili

Who doesn’t love a meal you can start around lunch time and enjoy five hours later for dinner? This simple white chicken chili by @damn_delicious takes about 10 minutes to put together. The rest is up to your crock pot. Note: if you’re nursing or just want to avoid spicy foods, cut down on the green chilies.

Squash & Chickpea Moroccan Stew

Dicing the potatoes is probably the heaviest lift in this hearty recipe from @smittenkitchen, but the rest of the ingredients don’t involve too much prep. Serve it over couscous or not—it’s up to you. Either way, you’ll have leftovers to enjoy the next day.

Jennifer Tyler Lee, Bay Area mom and author of The 52 New Foods Challenge, shared with us one of her favorite healthy lunch ideas: Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup. She tells us, “My kids love a hot lunch, and this recipe is an easy way for me to send a cozy meal that I know they’ll enjoy.” Her pro tip? When packing soup, only fill the thermos part way to the top with liquid to avoid spills.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 6

Ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup:

1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup carrots, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 cup dry pasta (macaroni or rotini work best)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken in the mixture until well coated. Spread out on the lined baking sheet as flat as possible and roast 23-25 minutes, until cooked through. When done, remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Then chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Reserve any cooking juices.

Tip: If you’re in a pinch, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip to Step 3. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and then the onions and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onions are translucent. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

4. Add the broth, 1 cup water, and the bay leaf. Cover and bring to a boil. Add the pasta, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked.

5. Add the chicken to the pot and simmer for 2 minutes more.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

 

Reprinted from THE 52 NEW FOODS CHALLENGE: A Family Cooking Adventure for Each Week of the Year, with 150 recipes. Reprinted by arrangement with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2014 by Jennifer Tyler Lee.

Featured image: iStock 

Full disclosure: we’re making the pizza buns for the extras that get left at home

If you want to get ahead of the game when it comes to coming up with creative school lunch ideas for kids, we’re here for it. Get your kids out of the PB&J rut with 30 great recipes that include roll-up recipes, homemade Lunchables, simple bento lunches, and more! Read on for the scrumptious kids’ lunch ideas for school—and expect an empty bento box to come back every time.

Save this list of fun kids’ school lunch ideas on Pinterest by just clicking here!

Apple Cheese Wraps

kids lunch ideas for school from Weelicious
Weelicious

The sweet and savory combo of apples and cheese is complimented by ham or turkey for a unique take on a school lunch idea for kids. We think Honeycrisp apples would be perfect! Get more details from Weelicious

Tortilla Pizza

kids lunch ideas for school from Kristine's Kitchen
Kristine's Kitchen

If your kiddo is pizza crazy, check this out: tortilla pizza from Kristine's Kitchen! It's a more lunchbox-friendly way to pack a pizza pie and pairs great with veggies, too. 

Hummus & Pita Dippers

school lunch ideas for kids from One Lovely Life
One Lovely Life

Have you heard about this hummus lunch idea from One Lovely Life? It's simple: your kiddo's fave hummus, combined with fresh veggies, pretzels, and pita crisps for dunking. No muss, no fuss! 

Ham and Cheddar Pinwheels

school lunch ideas for kids from Chelsea's Messy Apron
Chelsea's Messy Apron

These pinwheels are pretty as a picture and infinitely customizable to boot. Chelsea's Messy Apron has all the deets on this lunch idea, including how you can give it a boost with lunchbox-friendly ranch dip!

Ham and Cheese Freezer Sandwiches

kids lunch ideas for school from A Taste of Madness
A Taste of Madness

Two words: freezer sandwiches. A Taste of Madness has struck make-ahead magic with these ham and cheese creations. Just heat them up in the morning for a quick and easy school lunch that's packed with gooey cheesy goodness.

Sandwich Kabobs 6 Ways

Weelicious

Kids love kabobs, and Weelicious gives you six different ideas for lunch versions. From caprese to BLT to the fancy brunch kabob, there's one for every palate. 

Banana Muffin Lunchbox

Kristine's Kitchen

Boring lunches have nothin' on this muffin lunch. It's the perfect whole wheat and banana combo and pairs great with a hard-boiled egg for an extra dose of protein. Learn more at Kristine's Kitchen.

Mini Corndog Muffins

corn dog muffins
Shutterstock

Got a class clown on your hands? Give their lunch those carnival vibes with this version of a corn dog in muffin form. These bites are good warm or cold and super simple to make!

Homemade Kraft Easy Mac

lunch ideas for kids
Food Fanatic

Mac and cheese is a surefire win for our kids, which is why we love this take on easy mac from Food Fanatic. The best part? It’s made entirely in the microwave and comes together in a flash. 

Go-To Pesto

nut-free basil pesto pasta salad recipe
Jennifer Tyler Lee via 52 New Foods Challenge

Basil, parmesan, and sunflower seeds combine to make this fresh and flavorful nut-free pesto. Mix it up in pasta, use it as a sandwich spread, or make it a yummy dip for veggies. 

Pizza Bites

kids lunch ideas for school from super healthy kids
Super Healthy Kids

Two words: pizza bites. Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have them ready for an easy school lunch idea for kids. Get the recipe at Super Healthy Kids.

Ultimate Kiddie Cobb Salad

this kiddie cobb salad is a great cold dinner idea
Mom's Kitchen Handbook

Pack a salad loaded with goodies, and add a container of dressing on the side. Try out this kiddie cobb salad from Katie Sullivan Morford of Mom's Kitchen Handbook.

“Nachos” with Black Beans

school lunch ideas for kids from What Lisa Cooks
What Lisa Cooks

How do you turn lunchtime into a real fiesta? With these easy deconstructed nachos, courtesy of What Lisa Cooks. This idea not only skips the mess of traditional nachos but it can also be thrown together in about five minutes. 

Pizza Buns

school lunch ideas for kids from Simple As That
Simple as That

Thanks to Simple As That, you can treat little pizza connoisseurs to a creative school lunch that doesn’t involve foil-wrapped slices. These cheesy buns are simple to whip up (kids can even help with the prep work), and they can be tossed in the freezer for those days when you need a lunch or snack ASAP. 

Peanut Butter & Jelly on a Stick

A Whisk and Two Wands

Okay, so we said there was no PB&J to be seen, but sometimes a home run lunch isn’t about reinventing the wheel. Just take this school lunch idea from A Whisk and Two Wands. Alternate your sandwich bites with healthy fruit, and you’re all set for school. 

Monochrome Lunch

kids lunch ideas for school from The Mom 100
The Mom 100

Sometimes you just need to embrace kid food quirks—like when they get attached to one particular color. This genius idea from The Mom 100 groups great green munchies like pesto pasta, broccoli, and grapes (If your kid is hooked on a different hue, The Mom 100 also has orange and yellow lunches on her blog!).

Carrot and Hummus “Sushi” Sandwiches

Weelicious

We love how this idea from Weelicious incorporates fun flavors and lots of grated carrots. It’s perfect for when you want to amp up your kids’ veggie intake–or when you want to pack a lunch that looks impressive but takes minutes to make.

Homemade Lunchables

homemade lunchables are a fun school lunch idea for kids
Snap. Eat. Run.

Kids love the DIY aspect of Lunchables (go figure), but those unmade lunches can get pricey. Cue Snap. Eat. Run., which outlines how to make your own cheaper and healthier version of pizza Lunchables. You only need a few minutes to get these ready, and you can even make them ahead of time and toss them in a school bag on the way out the door. 

Mini BLT Wraps

Mini BLTS wraps are a fun school lunch idea for kids
The Girl Who Ate Everything

What do you get when you take the classic BLT and give it a school lunch twist? These bite-sized rollups from The Girl Who Ate Everything! These are easy to put together and adaptable too, so feel free to get creative with whole wheat tortillas, hummus, sprouts, sliced chicken, or whatever else is in the crisper drawer. 

Nut-Free Crispy Chicken Tenders

Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

Teacher, foodie, blogger, and supermom Lexi of Lexi’s Clean Kitchen is our hero. She created this paleo-friendly recipe with flaxseed, tapioca flour, and a whole lot of flavor for lunchtime. Pack a little dipping sauce and handi-wipes for the best finger food lunch in the cafeteria!

Applewiches

Add a Pinch

Think beyond bread! Add a Pinch shows how to include savory applewiches in your little one’s lunch. The filling ingredients include cheddar cheese and peanut butter–but if your kids’ school is a peanut-free zone, you can always substitute in other kinds of nut butter. 

Easy Soba Noodles

kids lunch ideas for school from Hippie Foodie Mom
Hip Foodie Mom

Talk about using your noodle! This school lunch idea for kids from Hip Foodie Mom can be whipped up quickly in the morning and features tasty Asian flavors (Think low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, and more.). It’s great for kids who are tired of the ol’ sandwich route and great for those who have mini lunch containers, too. 

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sammy

Weelicious

Catherine McCord always has simple and fun ideas to please even the pickiest eaters. These sandwiches from Weelicious scream tea party and are a total hit when it comes to school lunches. Just make sure to stash a cold pack in those lunch bags so the cream cheese can stay cool all morning!

 

 

 

 

There comes a moment in every tired parent’s life when they suddenly realize: Oh no—I’m going to be stuck making meals for these tiny tyrants forever!

And though it’s not really “forever,” it honestly feels that way: the planning, the buying, the prepping, the serving, the (expected) refusal, the adjusted offering, the clean-up—and when it’s all over, somehow it’s time for the next meal. Sure, there are dinner hacks and creative lunch ideas to expedite the process, but you’re still in charge of making it all happen. And your reward is eating leftover crusts or a few servings of the same three meals your kids will eat—while standing over a sink or trash can. Ask me how I know.

It’s why I did the praise hands emoji IRL upon learning that Club Wyndham was partnering with Take a Chef to offer a complimentary private chef service that parents deserve more than anything in the world. Imagine not doing any of those mind-numbing tasks, and instead, kicking up your feet while a seasoned chef caters to your tastes.

When you book a stay at one of several participating Club Wyndham resort locations (from NYC to Atlanta to the US Virgin Islands) through the end of the year, you and up to four (!) guests will be treated to a farm-to-table meal prepared en-suite by a local private chef. My husband and I begged my in-laws to watch our kids so we could enjoy a weekend away, though you could just as easily make it into a much-deserved friends’ trip.

All you need to do is visit the Extra Holidays Promotion Page to book your stay, after which you’ll receive a special freebie code to use on wyndham.takeachef.com. Then you’ll just answer a couple of quick questions about your preferences (e.g., date, lunch or dinner, number of guests, ideal cuisine). Within a few hours, you’ll receive up to three chef proposals—that’s right, you’ll be fawned over!—and get to choose the top-tier, nugget-free menu that makes your heart sing. There’s even a “Surprise Me!” option if you really want to make zero decisions.

The chef whose rose proposal you accept will take care of everything. We’re talking local farmer’s market shopping for ingredients, meal prep and plating, course pacing, and also… the dishes. And if you end up with leftovers—ones you’d actually want instead of holding onto out of guilt—they’ll pack them up in the fridge, no problem. (Shout-out to Chef Terrell McMullen in NYC, who did just that while my husband and I ate espresso-amaretto mousse in joyful silence.)

Doing absolutely no work is as magical as you think it is. And passing out afterward, sufficiently spoiled, in a hotel bed you haven’t made is the cherry on top.

Editor’s note: This hotel stay was paid for by Club Wyndham, but all opinions belong to the writer.

Get your kids involved in the lunch preparation

When it comes to packing school lunches, sharing is caring. And now that everyone is back at school, there’s no end to needing tips to get us through the year. We asked savvy moms across the web to share how they stay organized, find inspiring lunch ideas, and get their kids to actually eat their entire lunch. Here they reveal their best lunch survival hacks. What tips would you add?

iStock

1. Give them a choice
Bay Area mama, Lisa Jackson of Good on Paper tells us that her son's lunchbox usually comes back empty when she gives him a choice of food.

2. Create a snack bin
Make grabbing snacks as convenient as possible. With a snack bin busy mornings become a bit less hectic says Samantha McBride. Pro tip from Samantha: keep the snack bin out of your kids' reach!

3. Pack ahead
Busy mom Dana Leigh says her method to the lunchtime madness is to pack her kids' lunches the day before. She reveals, "I have found it easiest to pack lunches for the next day the minute my kids walk in the door from school! They empty out and clean their lunch boxes and load them up with the next day's lunch. Our evenings and mornings are hectic so it's nice to take packing lunches out of the equation during the busiest times of the day!"

iStock

4. Teamwork
Getting out the door on time with lunches in hand is a team effort says mom of four, Renee Hill. By asking her girls to pitch in, Renee teaches her family responsibility and as a bonus, she buys herself a few more minutes to sip her morning coffee!

5. Add a little treat
Packing a lunch EVERYSINGLEDAY is probably one of the most challenging parts of the school year. Chelsea Andrews divulges one of her essential tips to streamline lunches for her picky eater. She surprises her kiddo with a treat in her lunchbox, which makes her little scholar's lunches a bit more exciting. 

6. Put your kids to work
Ken Kinzie and April Riehm are all about empowering their kids to make their own lunches. They find that their kids are more likely to eat lunches that they made themselves.

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7. Trust that your kids are capable
We love Marlynn Jayme Schotland's perspective: your kids are more capable than they let on. She gives her kids tasks like washing fruit to picking out juice boxes to help guide their independence and as a bonus, it helps make her family's mornings a bit less hectic.

8. Prepare Everything on Sunday
Kendra Stanton's pro tip: pack the entire week on Sunday. She says this will save you time, energy and may even prevent some fine lines in the future!

9. Let your picky eater make the decisions
Picky eaters happen to the best of us. Sara Olsher's daughter has a long history of picky eating. To help her daughter finish up her lunches, Sara gives C a choice by letting her choose her lunchbox and what goes in it.

Reusable snack bags are greener and definitely cuter

A steady supply of snacks is always a must when you’re on the go with kids, but the waste of one-and-done baggies doesn’t have to be. We know how convenient those plastic zip bags can be. But, believe it or not, never worrying about running out every single time you pack lunch this school year is even easier. If you’re hoping to make snack time a little greener, swap those plastic baggies for one of these functional and reusable snack bags that are both super stylish and eco-friendly.


(re)zip

(re)zip Leakproof Reusable Snack Bags

$20 BUY NOW

There's no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the right (re)zip storage bags. Each one is made out of food safe, FDA-grade PEVA material, is lead-free & BPA-free, offers leakproof double-lock closures, is freezer safe, can nest and compress flat for convenient storage. Oh, and each bag replaces up to 300 disposable bags! You can buy individual bags all the way up to a 10-pack in both flat and stand-up styles.


Full Circle

Full Circle Zip Tuck Snack Bags

$7 BUY NOW

We can't think of a cuter way to send them off with snacks than these reusable bags from Full Circle. They store flat but feature a gusset bottom with plenty of room, and the air-tight lock top can even hold liquid. They're food-safe, BPA-free, and can easily be washed and used again and again. Full Circle bags have a bunch of cute print options and reusable label you can write on with a dry erase marker and wipe clean.


Fluf Flip resusable snack bag
Fluf

Fluf Flip Snack Bags

$9 BUY NOW

Looking to entice a picky eater? These adorable organic cotton snack sacks will do it. Who can resist the cute panda or the smiling toast that decorates the front of these reusable snack and sandwich bags? With several designs to choose from, the sack features a recycled polyester lining and velcro closure. The whole thing can be tossed in the washer for easy cleaning. Fluf Flip also has an equally cute zip-top version.


PackIt

PackIt Freezable Snack Bag

$15 BUY NOW

How many times have you misplaced those freezable ice packs that help keep everything cool? If the answer is "too many", you’ll love these PackIt Freezable Snack Bags. The reusable bag is made with a non-toxic gel liner that keeps the everything cool (without any extra ice packs). Just freeze it overnight, then pack it and go!


Simple Modern

Simple Modern Reusable Food Pouches

$10 BUY NOW

Love the convenience of those no-mess pouches for your tots? Take those purees on the go without worrying about waste. These colorful reusable food pouches can be refilled again and again, so you’ll always have a handy way to feed your toddler away from home. Plus, school-aged kiddos love applesauce, yogurt, and smoothies, too. Squooshi’s leak-proof, BPA-free pouches come in a pack of ten and are dishwasher and freezer safe.


Etsy/Zippered Zebra

Personalized Reusable Snack Bags

$12 BUY NOW

Looking for a great option for storing snacks and making sure your reusable bag comes home every day? Get your kiddo's name added. 


Bumpkins reusable snack bags
Bumkins

Bumkins Snack Bags

$9 and Up BUY NOW

Bumkins snack bags have a print for everyone! The small size is great for dry snacks, while the bigger size is perfect for sandwiches. Both sizes use a zipper closure, are machine washable, and are eco-friendly.


Stasher

Stasher Reusable Silicone Bags

$10 and Up BUY NOW

These bags by Stasher may seem totally simple, but don’t let that fool you. They're extremely durable, non-toxic and are oven/microwave/freezer/dishwasher safe. They use a simple air-tight pinch-press seal to keep snacks fresh and come in a bunch of different colors and sizes.


Smelly Proof

Smelly Proof Reusable Snack Bags

$10 and Up BUY NOW

Smelly Proof reusable bags take back-to-school lunches to another level. Never worry about stinky foods lingering in that lunchbox! The smell-proof bags come in a variety of sizes and are liquid-, moisture- and puncture-resistant. No mess, no smells!


Russbe

Russbe Snack Bags Set of 4

$9 BUY NOW

Russbe offers a ton of different options when it comes to reusable snack bags, and you'll get an entire set, which is perfect for all kinds of snacks and food.


LunchSkins

LunchSkins

$10 BUY NOW

LunchSkins are resealable, dishwasher-safe, moisture- and grease-proof. They come in a bunch of fun prints and are perfectly sized for sandwiches and snacks.


BooginHead reusable snack bags
BooginHead

BooginHead Pack'Ems

$8 BUY NOW

BooginHead has some of the cutest patterns around. Their Pack’Ems snack bags come in two sizes a pack, are easy to open and close with a Velcro Press-Lok, stand on their own for easy snacking and are dishwasher safe. They’re also environmentally-friendly and totally affordable.


Itzy Ritzy

Itzy Ritzy Snack Bags

$10 BUY NOW

Send your snacks to school in style with these Itzy Ritzy mini reusable snack bags. Made from an FDA-approved food-safe lining, the bags are BPA, lead, and phthalate PVC free. These adorable packs are made with a water-resistant lining and a zipper to keep snacks neat and tidy. Did we mention they're also machine washable?


Trifecta Living Co.

Hunny Bee Beeswax Wraps

$15 BUY NOW

These organic beeswax wraps are made with ethically harvested beeswax and are a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic wrap. With a six-piece set of three different-sized square wraps, you can securely wrap up anything from sandwiches to cut fruits and veggies with a secure, mess-free seal. Each wrap can be cleaned and reused for up to a year. Once they’ve lost their stickiness, you can even extend their lives as kitchen rags.


EcoDitty

EcoDitty Color-Your-Own Snack Bag

$14 BUY NOW

For a budding artist, the EcoDitty Color Your Own Snack Bag is perfect. Each is made with 100% Organic Cotton and comes with three non-toxic permanent fabric markers.

 

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If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Life doesn’t slow down just because kids need to eat; these toddler lunch ideas can keep up

If you’re trying to meal-plan for your toddler whose social life (or siblings’ sports schedules) translates to lunch in the fast lane, you have a few things going for you. Toddlers don’t eat that much—even on a good day—so you have room to pack a couple of choices. Plus, they tend to be distracted (translation: less picky). The next time you need to pack a quick bite, try one of our favorite healthy (and just plain enticing) toddler lunch ideas.

Savory Toddler Lunch Ideas

  • Quesadilla: Portable, handheld, and generally liked by all, the quesadilla is the king of the
    toddler lunch on the road.
  • Toddler Portion of Leftovers (plus wipes): Forget about being clean. Just get them fed.
  • Hard Boiled Egg & Sesame (provided there’s no allergy) Bagel: For the pickier eaters, try plain instead.
  • Whole Avocados: Just remember to bring a bread knife to cut it in half, then hand the
    unseeded side to your toddler with a kiddie spoon.
  • Kid-cuterie: Guess what you get when you unpack a Ziploc bag with a protein, a dairy,
    fruit, and vegetable onto a paper plate? That’s right. A kid-cuterie. Throw in a small
    container of hummus or ranch and you’ve got two tickets to paradise.
  • Roly-Poly: Cream cheese and turkey rolled into a tortilla.
  • Deconstructed Sandwiches on a Stick: For your older toddlers, skewer rolls of deli meat,
    mini tomatoes, chunks of bagels or whole-grain bread, and cubes of cheese.

Related: 5 Amazing Toddler Charcuterie Board Ideas 

Sweet Options

  • Peanut Butter & Anything: For toddlers who’ve cleared the peanut allergy test, this gold-
    standard of child-rearing nutrition won’t fall apart and packs a protein-filled punch. Instead of jelly, try adding mini marshmallows or sliced bananas to keep it fresh. Or, simply allow a frozen Uncrustable that will thaw in your bag to do the work for you.
  • Apple Sticks Wrapped in Deli Turkey
  • Nutella & Strawberry Roly-Poly
  • Peanut Butter & Banana Roly-Poly: Don’t slice the banana! Spread peanut butter on the
    tortilla and wrap that thing up whole.
  • Yogurt Dip & Graham Crackers with chopped fruit: Freeze this healthy treat and pull it out before you leave. Serve with strawberries, apples, or even bananas.
  • No-Bake Energy Bites: Made with peanut butter, chocolate, old-fashioned oats, and chia seeds, your toddler will get tons of nutrition in one tasty nibble.

Ideas That Sneak in Healthy Foods

  • Cucumber & Cream Cheese Crustless Sandwiches: Your mother had them at her baby
    shower and you can bet your toddler will love the cream cheese paired with the salty
    crunch of the cuke.
  • Garbanzo Beans & Halved Cherry Tomatoes: Squeeze some lemon and sprinkle some
    salt on this easy finger food.
  • Thawed Frozen Veggies & a Cheese Stick
  • Frozen Pre-Made Smoothies: Freeze these in advance and they’ll thaw out just in time for
    lunch on the go.
  • Shelled Edamame & Pasta: Add a splash of soy and sesame oil for the adventurous
    eaters.
  • Hummus & Pretzel Chips: Throw in a few slices of bell pepper for a vitamin C boost.

Related: 31 Super Easy Ideas for Toddler Dinners (That Aren’t Buttered Noodles)

Last-Ditch Toddler Lunch Ideas

  • Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Prep these crowd-pleasers the night before and keep them in
    the fridge for portable possibilities.
  • Frozen Yogurt Tube
  • Dry Cereal & Banana: Because sometimes, it’s the answer.
  • Clif or Any Kind of Protein Bar

 

From squares to cylinders, the traditional grilled cheese sandwich has just been reinvented thanks to My Little Gourmet. And they only take 10 minutes to make! Serve these grilled cheese roll-ups as a snack or accompaniment to some hot tomato soup (we’re sure the roll-up shape makes it more fun for the kids). We’ve got more easy toddler lunch ideas here.

Serving size 2

Grilled Cheese Roll-Ups Ingredients:

4 slices of sandwich bread
4 slices of cheese (recommend gouda)
1 tablespoon butter

Method:

1. Cut the crusts off of the bread.

2. Roll each slice flat with a rolling pin.

3. Place a slice of cheese on each piece of bread and roll up tightly.

4. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.

5. Place the rolls, seam-side down, in the pan and press down so that they don’t unravel.

6. Rotate until golden brown on each side and the cheese is melted.

 

Laura Leer is a mom and writer of My Little Gourmet. She lives in Berlin with her husband and 2-year-old son, Arik, who are the main taste testers of her delicious meals. For more kid-friendly recipes, check out her blog here.

Want to please everyone? Get one of these delicious, DMV-based pizza pies for a kid-friendly dinner!

There’s a reason kid’s parties always serve pizza—it’s easy, cheap, and a universal crowd pleaser. In fact, it’s the second most popular fast food in America and a safe bet to turn to when you want to make sure everyone (and we mean, everyone, you picky eaters!) is happy with their meal. The only hurdle? Narrowing down the choices.

Washington, DC’s pizza scene has exploded over the past five years and offers a myriad of choices. From Detroit-style slices at Side Door Pizza to wood-fired Neapolitan pizza at Pupatella, we rounded up the best local pizza parlors and pizzerias for a family meal in the DMV.

We, The Pizza
You’ll find a huge assortment of pies at these pizza shops—14 to be precise—and all flavors are available by the slice. You’ll also find a huge selection of homemade sodas, including Spicy Ginger Mango Sling and Blood Orange Creamsicle Sky. They also make Italian gelato shakes for those who want their soda to float.

4201 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA

2100 Crystal Dr.
Arlington, VA

1301 U St. NW
U. St. Corridor

305 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
Capitol Hill
Online: wethepizza.com

Related: The BEST Pizza in Every State (& DC)

90 Second Pizza
Kids will enjoy watching their pizza spin to perfection in the 90 second oven at this Georgetown pizza joint. You’ll find chewy, Neapolitan-style pizzas that include your choice of up to three toppings. The wait here is never long; this restaurant lives up to its name and serves up fresh, piping-hot pizzas super fast (and their pies are pretty cheap). It’s a great place to grab a quick meal off M St. when strolling through G-town.

1077 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Georgetown
Online: 90secondpizza.us

All Purpose Shaw & All Purpose Pizzeria 
The folks behind Boundary Stone and The Red Hen are the creators of All-Purpose’s artisanal, Jersey-style pizzas that feature foodie toppings like hot honey and truffle oil. You can grab a pie in Shaw or near National’s Park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. This pizzeria also serves up notable brunch with bottomless mimosas and, for the kids, Nutella-topped banana bread.

9 Potomac Ave. SE
Capitol Riverfront

1250 9th St. NW
Shaw
Online: allpurposedc.com

Timber Pizza
Kids will clamor for the two-person swing seat at this rustic pizzeria’s Petworth location. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, but this popular spot can boast a wait. The upside? There is much to see, do, and check out in the neighborhood. Pop into near-by Loyalty Books while you wait. You can also order a pizza to grab-and-go.

Insider Tip: Follow Timber’s mobile schedule to find out when Timber Pizza is available in your neck of the woods. 

4238 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA

809 Upshur St. NW
Petworth
Online: timberpizza.com

Side Door Pizza
This Detroit-style pizzeria features thick crust and sauce-topped cheese. This pizza is strictly to-go, but there is a small picnic table outside the venue for those that need to immediately dive in.

Insider Tip: If you’re having trouble locating the door, look for the red neon sign. 

909 New Jersey Ave. SE
Navy Yard
Online: sidedoorpizza.com

Pupatella
The individual pizzas at this Neapolitan-style pizzeria are generous enough you can share a pie with a little eater. Fresh toppings with unique offerings, like pine nuts, make these pies foodie stand outs. The original Wilson Blvd. location boasts car benches made from a Fiat 500 and rainbow-themed outdoor dining (with fire pits!).

5104 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA

1621 S Walter Reed Dr.
Arlington, VA

1821 Wiehle Ave.
Reston, VA

2980 District Ave.
Fairfax, VA

1801 18th St. NW
Dupont Circle
Online: pupatella.com

Andy’s Pizza
If you’re craving a slice of pizza from the Big Apple head to Andy’s for some NY-inspired pies. Andy’s is the gold-standard in pizza, taking home the World Pizza Champion title last year. There are five convenient locations scattered across the DMV with all but Shaw offering sit-down dining options.

2016 9th St NW
Shaw

2001 International Dr.
McLean, VA

2465 18th St NW
Adams Morgan

51 M St. NE
NOMA

1201 Half St SE
Navy Yard
Online: eatandyspizza.com

Pizzeria Paradiso
Pizzeria Paradiso operates four restaurants in the DMV, but all eyes are on the Georgetown location if you’re dining with kids. Keep the kids occupied while you wait for your food in the game room located in the  basement bar that features skee ball, shuffleboard, pin ball or an arcade game. If you have kids who like to nibble before their meal, you’ll appreciate the olives served while you wait for your wood-fired pizza.

Insider Tip: Patrons are invited to use the game room even when the bar is closed. 

3282 M St. NW
Georgetown

2003 P St. NW
Dupont Circle

124 King St.
Alexandria VA

4800 Rhode Island Ave.
Hyattsville MD
Online: eatyourpizza.com

Comet Ping Pong
This neighborhood gem truly caters to all needs. Everyone will love the pizza (with vegan and gluten-free options), and Mom and Dad (and adventurous tykes) should save room for the wood-roasted spaghetti squash, cauliflower, and beets. Or the Tin Roof Sundae. Or both—we won’t tell.

Insider Tip: Table tennis is free, but first come, first served so get there early if you plan to play. 

5037 Connecticut Ave. NW
Friendship Heights
Online: cometpingpong.com

Uno Pizzeria & Grill
The Chicago-inspired deep dish pizza at this joint is a crowd pleaser. If you are dining on site, be sure to ask your waiter for some pizza dough for the kiddos to play with—just like Play-Doh, but not quite as eyebrow-raising if they “accidentally” eat some of that abstract dinosaur sculpture. You can even get pizza dough to go!

Insider Tip: Make-Your-Own options at this chain include table side pizza kits and DIY sundaes for kids. 

Various locations in Virginia, Maryland and at Union Station in DC.
Online: unos.com

Related: 32 Lunch Ideas They Will Actually Eat

Pizzeria Orso 
The same folks behind upscale 2941 operate this casual, Neapolitan-style pizzeria that features wood-fired pies alongside Mediterranean comfort foods like oven-roasted olives and lamb skewers. Inside, kids can ooh and aah as they watch their pizza being fired. There is also an outdoor patio.

400 South Maple Ave.
Falls Church, VA
Online: pizzeriaorso.com

Pete’s New Haven Style Pizza
Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza in Friendship Heights knows how to feed a family. These oversized pizzas are a whopping 18-inches and serve up 12 slices (enough to feed your little army!). Don’t forget to ask for the namesake New Haven white pizza with fresh clams, garlic and EVOO.

4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Friedship Heights
Online: petesapizza.com

&Pizza
Get your hunger pangs in check at this conveyor-belt pizza parlor, with locations across the city. The personal-size craft pizzas are made with fresh local ingredients. A popular choice is the Farmer’s Daughter, which combines a spicy tomato sauce, spinach, fennel sausage, fresh mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano… all topped with red pepper chili oil and a cracked egg. Pickier palates can mix and match crust (there’s even a gluten free option), sauce, cheese and toppings.

1400 K St. NW
Downtown

1118 H St. NE
H St. Cooridor

1005 E St. NW
Downtown

Various additional locations in MD & VA
Online: &pizza.com

Related: ‘Za Best: 15 Pizza Recipes for Family Meals

Wiseguys Pizza
Get ready to dish up supersized slices when you purchase a pie from Wiseguys. There is only one size here, and it’s a whopping 18′.  You can build your own pizza or choose from unique offerings like Korean chicken or paneer tikka.

300 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Chinatown

2121 H St. NW
Foggy Bottom

1735 North Lynn St.
Rosslyn, VA

710 12th St. South
Arlington, VA

202 M St. SE
Canal Park
Online: wiseguypizza.com

Emmy Squared Pizza
For those that love thick-crust pizza, head to this establishment in Shaw that serves  Detroit-style in square-shapes (fun!). You’ll also find their famous burger, Le Big Matt., topping fresh pretzel rolls. Know someone who needs a square pizza in their life? Emmy Squared ships, too.

1924 8th St. NW
Shaw
Online: emmysquaredpizza.com

 

Stellina Pizzeria
Does it get better than a Michelin-rated pizza? Probably not. Inspired by Italian food carts and corner markets, Stellina restaurants feature a bottega in each store so you can buy their ingredients to make your own pizzas at home, too. If you’re dining at the restaurant, be sure to bring your pup; this place welcomes your entire family, fur babies included.

508 K St. NW
Mt. Vernon

2800 S. Randolph St.
Arlington, VA

399 Morse St. NE
Brentwood/Union Market
Online: stellinapizzeria.com

Gone are the days when a PB&J is standard lunch fare. There are a gazillion bento boxes for kids on the market and they are just calling out for some fun school lunches. Scroll through to find some holiday-themed bento box lunches, special tools that kids will love, googly eyes that make your sandwich rolls come to life and tons of other ideas. Pop in a printable lunchbox joke and your student will be the talk of the lunchroom!

Minions Bento Box Lunch

Charlie Brown & Snoopy

Dr. Seuss Bento

Related: 23 Bento Boxes That Make Lunch Time Fun

Earth Day Bento Lunch

Elephant Mother & Child

Googly Eyes FTW

Harry Potter Bento Lunch

Related: 17 Creative Lunch Ideas (That Aren’t Sandwiches)

Use Some Skewers

Space-Themed Lunch

Everybody Loves Rainbow Fruits

Under the Sea

Halloween Creepy Critters

Bugs Away Bento

Dinosaur Bento

Related: Printable Lunchbox Jokes to Brighten Your Student’s Day

Everything You Need to Up Your Bento Box Game

Turn an everyday sandwich into something more with some cookie cutters and sandwich cutters. We especially like: 

Kids love to play with their food and we love these options to encourage that (within reason, right?): 

Or better yet, make it easy for yourself and grab this kit that has everything you'll need