For as long as I’ve been a photographer/parent, the topic of feeding babies, toddlers, children and teenagers has been a hot one. (If you’ve ever visited me for a Cakesmash session, you’ll know that even given free rein on the cake, some children prefer to take their time rather than dive right in. Some babies won’t eat the cake at all!!. Children go through so many phases, with their tastes changing so frequently that lots of parents prefer to make lunches to take to school when the time comes, so you know your child is being given something that they’ll actually eat.

However, packing school lunches can sometimes feel like a daily challenge, especially if you have more than one child. But fear not, because today, I’m giving you some tips on making packed lunches filled with delicious recipes and some intriguing lunch box fun facts to keep things interesting.

The Lunchbox: A Mini Treasure Chest

Let’s begin with some fascinating fun facts about lunchboxes:

• Lunchboxes date back to the 19th century but became widely popular in the mid-20th century.
• The first metal lunchboxes were introduced in the 1950s, featuring iconic characters like Mickey Mouse
• Lunchboxes now come in various materials, including metal, plastic, and fabric.
• Traditional metal lunchboxes are now collectibles, with vintage designs fetching high prices.
• The largest-ever sandwich, according to Guinness, was a corned-beef sandwich made in 2005. It was made by the staff at Wild Woody’s Chill and Grill in Roseville, Michigan. It tipped the scales at a whopping 5,440 pounds, or more than 2 tons.

Delightful Packed Lunch Ideas

Now, let’s explore some scrumptious and creative packed lunch recipes that will keep your family excited about lunchtime.  You don’t need to focus on sandwiches – I’ve included tons of ideas here to get you out of the rut!

Turkey and Avocado Wraps:

• Spread a tortilla with cream cheese.
• Add slices of turkey, avocado, lettuce, and tomato.
• Roll it up and slice into pinwheels.

Mini Veggie Quiches:

• Mix eggs, milk, grated cheese, and diced veggies.
• Pour the mixture into mini muffin tins.
• Bake until set and golden brown.
• You can make a muffin pan full of these and freeze them until you need them.  This save precious time in the mornings!

Trail Mix:

• Create a mix of seeds, crackers, cereal (such as cheerios), dried fruits, and chocolate chips for a sweet and savoury treat. (Avoid adding nuts as most schools are now nut free).
• Make up a big batch and store it in a glass container in the fridge for freshness.

DIY Bento Box:

• Fill a divided lunch container with bite-sized portions of fruits, veggies, cheese, and crackers.
• Add a fun-shaped sandwich or rice balls for variety.

Pasta Salad:

• Toss cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, sweetcorn, and feta cheese.
• Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette or mayo dressing.
• This is a recipe that can be made up for a couple of days at a time, portioning out as you need it.  Perfect if you have more than one child or are short of time in the mornings.

Fruit Salad:

• Chop up a variety of fruit and berries – make up 3 days worth in advance and keep in a glass jar in the fridge to stop it turning mushy or brown (Remember to always slice grapes lengthways!)
• Serve with a side of yogurt for dipping.

Veggie and Hummus Cups:

• Fill small tupperware/tubs with hummus. 
• Add carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes for dipping.

These lunchbox ideas are not only delicious but also very easily customisable to suit your family’s preferences.  

FREE! 'Animal Facts Lunchbox Cards'

To add a little extra fun and help your little ones spark conversation at the lunch table, I’ve created a fabulous set of 50 'Animal Facts' cards.

You can print these little cards out at home and pop one in their lunchbox each day – your little ones will love the animal facts!

Download my 'Animal Facts Lunchbox Cards' for FREE by completing the form below!

So, there you have it – a guide to making packed lunches more exciting. Lunchtime just got a whole lot more enjoyable!