Lunch Box Series: 7 Back To School Lunch Box Tips

It’s almost time for the 2025 school year to begin - yes, you read that right! After weeks of relaxed routines, late mornings and carefree days, the transition back to school can feel like a bit of a whirlwind - for both kids and parents. One of the biggest challenges? Getting back into the lunch-packing routine.

With a little planning and a few simple hacks, packing healthy, delicious, and exciting lunches can become a seamless part of your morning. Whether your goal is to simplify mornings, add variety, or ensure your kids eat more of what you pack, these tips will help you start the school term off right.

Let’s make this year’s back to school transition smoother and the school days brighter - one lunchbox at a time with these tried and tested tips! PS, don't forget to shop our Back to School sale before it ends this Sunday, 19th Jan!

.01 - Plan a Weekly Lunch Box Menu 

Planning school lunches in advance makes the process smoother and stress-free. Taking some time on Sunday to plan your menu and do a grocery shop ensures a stocked kitchen and eliminates the hassle of last-minute dashes to the store. 

Think about your kids' favourite staples - sandwiches, wraps, fruits, veggies, and snacks - and prepare a balanced list. Having a clear plan not only simplifies busy mornings but also helps create healthy, varied meals they’ll look forward to all week. 

Need some recipe inspiration? Browse through our recent Lunch Box Series here! 

.02 - Get the Kids Involved

Make lunch prep a fun weekend activity and involve your kids in choosing items for their lunch boxes, whether it’s picking out their favourite fruits or helping assemble sandwiches. 

Giving them a say will not only teach them about making healthy choices, but also increases the chance that they’ll actually eat what you pack. Get creative and let them decorate their lunch boxes or add a personal touch like stickers, making lunch time fun again!

.03 - Pantry Organisation 

A well-organised pantry can save precious time during the morning rush. Use labeled containers and bins to keep snacks, bars, nuts, and other lunch fillers in designated spots. 

Group similar items together so you can quickly grab what you need without rummaging through clutter. Clear labels and categorisation also make it easy for older kids to help themselves when packing or snacking on the weekends. 

.04 - Batch Prep = Stress-free Mornings

Batch prep is your secret weapon to stress-free mornings (thank us later!). Dedicate a little time on a Sunday to whip up lunch box staples in bulk and watch your weekdays transform. Think flaky ham & cheese croissants, hearty sandwiches, or tasty wraps - make a big batch, wrap individually in foil to freeze, and simply pull one out each morning to thaw. It’s like having your very own lunch assistant! 

And when it comes to grab-and-go snacks, get creative with other make-ahead options like our Homemade Raspberry and White Chocolate Muffins or Healthy Bliss Balls. These goodies can be frozen too, giving you a variety of readymade treats that make school lunches a breeze.

.05 - Packing Hacks 

Nobody likes opening a lunch box to find soggy sandwiches or wilted veggies (let alone hungry little ones!).  Keeping food fresh is easier than you think with a few simple packing hacks. 

• Sprinkle a little lemon juice on apple slices to keep them looking crisp and fresh for lunchtime. The acidity from the lemon keeps the apple from browning!

• Pack dressings or sauces in separate containers until you’re ready to eat, keeping your salads and wraps deliciously crisp. Our Small Nesting Containers are perfect for this!

• Pack a frozen yogurt pouch - it acts as a makeshift ice brick, keeping the rest of the lunch box cool while thawing throughout the day. Perfect to be enjoyed in time for lunch or an afternoon summer snack!

• Use quality stainless steel Bento-style lunch boxes to help keep lunches chill and crisp! You can check out our range of Bento Lunch Boxes here. 

These small but mighty tricks ensure your kids’ lunches are as appetising at midday as when first packed in the morning. 

.06 - HAVE FUN!

Add a little excitement to your mini’s day! One fun way to do this is by using cookie cutters to shape sandwiches, fruits, or veggies into playful designs like stars, hearts, or animals. These small touches can make lunchtime more enjoyable and even encourage picky eaters to try new foods.

You can also experiment with themed lunches to keep things fresh and exciting. For example, create a rainbow-themed lunch by including a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables like red capsicum, orange carrots, yellow pineapple, green apple slices, and purple grapes.

Not only does this make eating more fun, but it can also foster a positive attitude toward healthy foods and create fond lunchtime memories!

.07 - Invest in Quality Lunch Boxes

Quality lunchware will completely transform your school lunch packing routine. Our popular Bento Boxes and Nesting Containers are best-sellers for a reason!

We recommend x2 of our 800ml Bento Snack Boxes, one each for recess and lunch. These have two leakproof compartments with a removable divider. Alternatively, our 1400ml Bento Lunch Box features 3 fixed compartments, the perfect size for lunch - plus some of our nesting containers for fruit and snacks! 

Our set of x 4 Nesting Containers are ideal for snacking or packing dipping sauces/dressings separately to avoid soggy food. All of these durable lunch boxes are available individually or in a bundle with our Kids Lunch Bags and Arlo Backpacks. You can browse our complete range of lunchware right here.

The new school year is the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button and create habits that work for you and your family. With a little preparation and the right tools, lunchtime can go from stressful to simple.

Here’s to happy kids, stress-free mornings, and lunch boxes that come home empty!