The lunch rut is real, right mama?
But add in food allergies and lunch can get even harder.
That’s why I have to liven things up every once in awhile.
And I’ve been doing this for years with my kids.
When the lunch routine starts feeling a little ho-hum…
I remember these easy ideas…
mix things up a bit…
and all is right in the world again.
I think you’ll be inspired!
Here are 7 ways we make lunch fun at our house.
HOW TO MAKE LUNCH FUN FOR KIDS
1. USE MAINSTREAM INSPIRATION
Sometimes my best ideas come when I hone in on something popular and then tweak it for our food allergies.
Thanks to so many new dairy-free companies, this isn’t too hard to do anymore.
For instance, we love making our own version of lunchables.
And how can you go wrong with pizza rolls.
No more missing out on the kinds of lunches our friends get to have.
2. DITCH THE SANDWICH
I think this is every mom’s hang-up at one time or another, the sandwich rut.
But boy do my kids dig it when we make a roll-up with tortillas or flattened bread in a pinch
And wraps can be easily made with a large leaf of lettuce or a tortilla, as well.
3. MAKE SANDWICHES WITHOUT BREAD
If you must make a sandwich, you can still change things up.
Kids love sandwiches made with crackers, bagels, or even pitas.
Just make sure they are safe for your food allergies.
4. LET THE KIDS CREATE
Anytime my kids can build their own pizza or cracker sandwiches they think lunch is 100 times better.
The bonus? I don’t have to work as hard because the kids do the work.
Plus, they can create exactly what they like…the way they like it.
That means they’ll eat it, too! lol
For example, check out this fun lunch board.
I provide the ingredients, the kids build away!
5. MAKE IT ADORABLE
I am always on the lookout for fun food gadgets just because I think we deserve them on this food allergy journey.
I’ve accumulated everything from child chopsticks to colorful IKEA utensils. (affiliate links)
And don’t forget fun sandwich cutters (affiliate link)! Fun shapes make all the difference.
6. ADD A TOUCH OF LOVE
What kid wouldn’t love finding a little surprise in their lunch?
Special notes, stickers, or even small gifts can make lunch a very happy meal.
You can even buy lunch box notes (affiliate link) pre-made.
7. MAKE LUNCH SPECIAL AT HOME
Lunch together at home can be just as fun as at school.
We use lunch trays (affiliate) to get that cool cafeteria feel.
You can also try muffin tin lunch ideas from Pinterest, have a picnic in your yard, or use TV trays in the living room.
Who said lunch with food allergies had to be boring?
Hope these ideas have you and your kiddo(s) set for some fun, new lunch adventures very soon.
blogging
Sunday 18th of September 2016
Those are great tips, Luke! Thanks for sharing. Helping in the kitchen is sooooo good.
Luke
Wednesday 9th of October 2013
These are some great tips! My son has several food allergies, and he is not in school yet. But we get him to help in the kitchen and it makes the lunch experience that much better for him. We also try to tie in what we are eating with what we are talking about that week, so we may make the food items into a shape or something. Thanks for sharing!