Hi! I’m Kirsten, Co-founder of Parker Baby Co. and Parker Kids. Today, I’m going to share a few tips on how I pack my kid’s lunches!

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Tip 1: Keep it balanced

I think it is so important that kids get a balanced diet each day, and a big part of that is what I pack in their lunches!

It doesn’t have to be complicated - it’s just important to hit each of the food groups. So I always aim for protein, carbs, healthy fats, fruit, and vegetables (plus a little treat on the side). This could look like a turkey cheese sandwich (which hits protein, carbs, and healthy fats), pretzels (which also hits carbs), grapes (your fruit), carrots (your vegetable), and some cookies (for fun).

Tip 2: Keep it Simple

Don't go overboard! Fun shapes and lunch art are cute for Instagram, but what's most important is packing a nutritious lunch for your child. I don’t spend hours in the kitchen preparing my kids’ lunches - I just put together a healthy meal with what we have and call it good. Keep it simple and stick with what you can manage!

Tip 3: Finger Foods are Easiest

Stick to mess-free lunches that are easy to pack. Finger foods like pretzels, grapes, carrots, sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and berries keep lunch time mess-free and keep it simple for you. If I don’t have to chop up tons of fruits and vegetables for lunch, it’s a win. 

Tip 4: Switch it up

Vary the lunches you pack by changing some details each day. The same food every day can build some resistance to eating lunch, so keep it fun and fresh for your kiddos. This doesn’t have to be complicated! Maybe it looks like serving kiwi and chips as sides for one week, then switching to apples and carrots for the next. Lean into your child’s favorite snacks, fruits, and veggies if you can!

Tip 5: Meal Prep

Pre-cut veggies or fruit for the week to make lunch building simple. If it works better for you, pack lunches for the entire week on Sunday so you don't have to do it every night. Bento boxes make meal prep simple.

Bonus Tip...

Lastly, don’t forget to send your child with a Parker Kids Lunch Box! Our Lunch Boxes are roomy and practical to fit a bento box, snacks, and a juice box inside.

We even included a sleeve to separate their ice pack. And did we mention they feature a soft front panel so your child can customize their lunch box with cute Velcro Patches?

Get your child a lunch box that’s just as practical as it is fun and check out Parker Kids today!