How to Pack Lunch for Your Toddler (+15 Easy Lunch Box Ideas!)

Coming up with toddler lunch box ideas isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Brainstorming ideas that are healthy and appealing to young eaters might leave you packing the same favorites over and over.

We’re here to help! Here are some tips to making lunch planning less stressful, plus some of our favorite easy lunch box ideas for kids.

How to Pack a Toddler Lunch Box

Here are some toddler lunch box ideas to make packing your little one’s lunch a little less stressful:

• Keep variety in mind, but don’t send foods that are new to your child.
• Aim for as many food groups as possible, like fruits, veggies, whole grains and protein for toddlers.
• Pack foods that are easy to eat. Stick to finger foods for younger toddlers.
• Learn about allergy restrictions at your child’s school or daycare.
• Stick to water or milk to drink.
• Expect your child’s appetite to fluctuate some days.
• Ask for feedback on the toddler lunch box ideas you try!

15 of Our Favorite Toddler Packed Lunch Ideas:

These are some of our go-to easy lunchbox ideas!

1. Snack Box

Think things like whole grain crackers, cheese, fruit, veggies with dip, and Snack Poppers.

2. Roasted Chickpeas

This crunchy snack is a great vegan lunchbox idea to pack in some extra protein and fiber.

3. Taco Salad

Cover all the bases in one meal! Layer lettuce with chicken, ground beef, or beans for protein, and top with veggies and salsa. Don’t forget a few corn chips on the side!

4. DIY Lunchable

Try a pizza “Lunchable” with an english muffin, pizza sauce, cheese and your toddler’s favorite veggies. If you’ve been thinking about trying a kids meal delivery service, definitely try our Perfect Pizza Bagel!

5. Breakfast for Lunch

Those leftover pancakes from the weekend make a super exciting toddler lunch box idea!

6. Build a Parfait

Pack protein-rich Greek yogurt, high-fiber granola, and some fruit as a fun, buildable toddler packed lunch idea.

7. Pita Pocket

This fun twist on a sandwich is easy to eat. Just like our Taco Pocket!

8. Chef Salad

Your toddler will never think salad is boring again after they see all of the filling and delicious toppings on a chef salad.

9. Egg Muffins

This is the perfect toddler lunch box idea for meal prep. It’s even better for picky eaters! Fill egg muffins with veggies, cheese, ham or bacon.

10. Pasta Salad

This is another easy toddler packed lunch idea to meal prep. There are plenty of ways to change up the ingredients to make a pasta salad your toddler loves.

11. Hard Boiled Eggs

Sometimes it’s hard to get toddlers to eat protein foods like meat. Hard boiled eggs are easier for small hands and mouths – and they’re dippable!

12. Hummus

Try packing hummus as a fun, healthy dip for your toddler’s veggies. Or, use it as a spread to add flavor to a sandwich.

13. Quesadilla

This is another fun, hand-held toddler pack lunch idea! Fill your toddler’s quesadilla with their favorite ingredients like meat, beans, cheese or veggies. Then cut it into triangles before you pack it for easy eating.

14. Almond Butter and Banana Roll-Up

Don’t worry if your little one prefers sweet foods! Try packing a roll-up using a whole grain tortilla, almond butter for a little protein, and banana.

15. Turkey Spinach Pinwheels

Pinwheels are a great toddler lunchbox idea because they’re a little easier to pack and easier for small hands. Use a whole-grain tortilla and roll it up with deli meat, cheese and maybe a little cream cheese or thinly sliced veggies! Then, just slice into circles and pack!

Looking for healthy and easy toddler lunch box ideas? Yumble delivers fresh, delicious, fully prepared kids' meals right to your doorstep so you don’t have to worry about preparing lunch for school every day. Simply pick the plan that works best for your family, choose your weekly meals, and Yumble will take care of the rest! No hot oven or stove required!