How to Save Money by Packing Your Kid's Lunches

If you're looking for an easy way to save money, packing your children's lunches are the way to go. A lot of us parents worry about our children getting the right nutrition. School lunches don't always provide what we'd like our children to be eating. By packing your children's lunches you will not only save lots of money, but you will have the peace of mind knowing exactly what your child is eating.

First things first. You will need to get your child a reusable, waterproof lunch bag. Try not to buy a lunch bag that has a certain character on it. Children change their mind a lot and be really into Hello Kitty one year, but wouldn't be caught dead with it next year. Instead, get a lunch bag in your child's favorite color. I also do not recommend lunch boxes. They typically do not last very long as they break very easily.

You'll also need to get a pack of plastic utensils. These are great because you can buy a box of spoons and forks for only $1.00. Ask your child not to throw them away and you can rewash them when they come home from school. If they accidentally throw one out or one breaks, it's not such a big loss compared to your real silverware! Your child will need something to drink with their lunch, so a water bottle or thermos works great. Don't pack anything that can spoil. You can put a small ice pack in if you like to send drinks such as apple or orange juice.

Sometimes you can just wrap items in foil, seran wrap or waxed paper. Some food items need to be put into small containers. Reusable plastic containers work great. Stick with those that aren't too expensive and it's not too much of a loss if they get thrown away. Zip lock bags are great! You can rewash them as well!

If you're going to pack lunches, don't waste money on convenience food items such as Lunchables or juice boxes. These cost a lot of money and often leaves your child hungry or thirsty. Here are some ideas to put in their lunches to eat and drink:

Peanut butter and jelly

Peanut butter and bananas sandwich

Lunch meat and cheese (fat free brands or turkey breast is best)

Cheese sandwich

Hummus sandwich

Meat and cheese roll ups

Cubes of cheese and bologna

Cheese and crackers

Soup put into a thermos

Carrot and celery sticks with salad dressing for dip

Chips and salsa

Vanilla yogurt with "mix in's" such as: granola, blueberries, raisins, etc

Jello (prepared at home from a mix and put in containers)

A piece of fruit: banana, apple, pear, peach, plum

Grapes, blueberries and strawberries in a container

Muffins

Pretzels

Crackers

Canned fruit in a container

Water

Sugar free kool aid

Crystal Light

The possibilities are endless, just keep in mind that you're trying to save money and pack what's good for your children. Something you might not of though of are leftovers! My son has no problem eating cold macaroni and cheese, hot dogs or hamburgers leftover from the night before. If your child starts to get bored with their lunches, you can easily make them more fun just by changing a few things. You can replace bread with a tortilla wrap or a small bagel. To make the same old good interesting again, take cookie cutters and cut out shapes from their sandwiches! Kids like fun unusual colors, so put a few dabs of blue food coloring in their yogurt or get a blue gelatin mix! Just get creative!

It's always good to add a treat now and then. Homemade cookies or a small brownie can make all the difference! On a special day a little note tucked in their lunch bag if always a nice touch and will bring a smile to their face!

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