Back-to-school lunch ideas that won't break the bank
Lunchbox ideas don't have to be stressful, we've some ideas for you.
People are struggling to afford all their January expenses this year and the most significant stress might be back-to-school costs.
The costs, from stationery to uniforms and extracurricular activities, are not child's play. People have to be able to come up with money fast, and that can be stressful.
In addition to preparing for your kid's return to the classroom, there's the day-to-day running of equipping them for their school days, aka nourishing them with delicious lunches. Figuring out what to send for lunch can be a frustrating task for many parents because of the cost and the time-consuming act of coming up with meal ideas they will actually eat.
We have some fresh ideas for 2025 back-to-school lunch, and we hope you consider them.
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1. Grilled cheese waffles
Add a smear of butter, some grated cheese, and another slice of bread to a waffle maker and set it to waffle mode. The bread crisps up with the cheese, and this is just another way of making a toasted cheese sandwich, but in the shape of a waffle.
2. Sliced fruit
Fruit is a vital component to include in your kid's lunch box. The best way to ensure you save with fruit is to buy in bulk so you have some for the entire week.
For younger kids, rinse and cut the fruit. For fruits that turn colour when cut, like apples, soak them in salt water or lemon water for a few minutes before adding them to your child's lunch box.
3. Vegetables
Including a great source of fibre in your child's diet is essential, but it's never ideal when you have to battle to get them to eat their veggies.
So, instead of setting yourself up for disappointment, ask them what veggies they would like for lunch. You could also try cutting the vegetables into cute shapes and presenting them differently, making them more appealing. Or even better, make a skewer.
4. Pinwheel sandwiches
By adding your choice of filling to bread or a wrap, you could make pinwheels, which are always a hit with kids. The video below shows three great options for pinwheel sandwiches.
Courtesy of YouTube.
5. Egg muffins
These are a great way to ensure your kids eat protein and veggies. You can make these by adding scrambled eggs into a muffin tray with veggies and cheese. Some good options include spinach, tomatoes, and baby marrow. You can also add a cold meat.
Bake them in the oven until cooked, so roughly between 15 to 20 minutes, cool and pack.
These are some basic options to add to your child's lunchboxes as they return to school. You can add the relevant quantities depending on the length of their school day.
Remember to pack a water bottle and a snack—yoghurt or a homemade oat bar are great options.
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