When we got the final call that we’d be able to choose in person learning at our school I suddenly realized, oh yeah – that means packing lunch! I’d been out of that game for about 6 months and quickly got my rear and gear to be ready for Margaret.
We’ve had some of our favorite lunch time supplies for a while now, and have some new finds to add to our list of recommendations as well. Before I share those here are a few general notes about packing lunch.
I chat with Margaret the weekend before to get on the same page about what she wants. The lunches usually have a fruit and veggie (or two fruits) a grain, protein, dairy, a treat, and another snack-type item like Goldfish. She goes bananas for Luncheables, so I decided this year to do those about once a week. She is excited, it is easy for us, and everyone wins. The rest of the time we just do her best. Sometimes I send stickers as her treat or a little bonus. I like to write little notes, but don’t do so every day. I used to send cloth napkins but during COVID I’ve modified that to send disposable napkins and utensils. I might change that as the year goes on but for now that is what we’re doing. We practice opening and closing containers and wrappers so that she can be entirely independent at lunch time. We pack water 90% of the time but sometimes she asks for milk.
Lunch Box: She has a new one from Pottery Barn Kids this year because she is super into neon colors. But we used the Oh Mint one for 3 years and it would’ve been totally fine this year, and for now is still a back up! The ice packs we have are slim and easy to clean.
Bento Box & Containers: We have two of these YumBox containers that we alternate. She hates her food touching so if I have to separate her food further I use silicon baking liners. I haven’t gone to disposable ones yet since this is what I have on hand, but might change that up.
Sanitizing: I have a little hand-sanitizer clipped on to her lunch box as well as sanitizing wipes in a travel sized containers. The school has procedures and protocols in place but I want her to also feel like she has control to clean her hands or eating space again if she wants to.
Water Bottle: Right now our favorite water bottle is the kids Yeti brand one because it is hot as blazes in Florida most of the time and we’re glad Margaret can have truly cold water when she wants it. Catherine has one too and it is easy for her to use as well. We also like the Nalgene bottles for both girls but it doesn’t insulate in the same way.
Special Touches: These are some notes I use that come in a multi-pack on Amazon and I also just ordered this pack of little cards and envelopes that would work great for lunch notes. I also like the little cookie cutter packs to use on anything from cheese, fruits and veggies to sandwiches. Of course fun little pics like this pack are not only cute but practical, because then they can use them like utensils. Not every day is wonder and whimsy in Margaret’s lunchbox but she enjoys the fun little touches and one day won’t care – so until then, we have some fun with it when we can.
