4 DIY Homemade Lunchables

We are having a blast of a summer vacation and and I am quite happy that we still have around three weeks of summer break till school starts.The only thing left for us to even think about relating to school is the school supply list which we received in the mail, we usually get those supplies a week before school starts. Every year, we get Nikolai's school uniforms, new shoes, backpack, lunchboxes, lunchbags, etc, the first weekend after the school year ends. YES, you read it right, as soon as school gets off, so we can start our summer break without talking or even thinking about back to school till the last minute.

I'll update more about our trips in my future posts. As I was looking at my picture archives today, I found so many lunches which I made towards the end of the school year, and which I've not posted. Most of them are in the same category, when I have a lot of other things going on, I like to pack lunches based on the same category or theme for the entire week. I thought that this lunchables post would be great for some easy lunch packing ideas. I may start out packing lunchables myself when school starts and when I might lose my lunch packing mojo.

Many have found Lunchables tasty and convenient especially for meals away from home, but often it is even better if you make your own DIY Lunchables. By taking just a few minutes you can include the foods you like best or those that meet your particular dietary needs. You are in control, so they can be the freshest, most yummy, and even cheaper than what you could find on the store shelves. In addition, you can take that extra minute to cut them into cute shapes, perhaps add some decoration, and arrange them neatly in the box.

All these lunches were enjoyed by Nikolai months ago and they were packed in his Easylunchboxes containers.

This first lunchables was flower themed. I used my small flower shaped cookie cutter to cut the Colby-Jack cheese, cucumber slices and ham. It also had Ritz crackers, pineapple slices and Trader Joe's yogurt stars. The square shaped silicone cups are some of my favorites, they are practical and great for keeping foods separated.

The second DIY lunchables are Applegate nitrate free pepperoni slices with a panda baran sheet, Annie's organic fruit snacks, whole wheat crackers, Colby-Jack cheese cut into circles, veggie sticks and apple pieces. I used some round silicone cups here as well as my favorite square cup. The small house shaped cup was given to me by my friend who lives in Japan years ago.

The third DIY lunchables include crinkle cut cucumber slices, ham roll ups, whole wheat crackers, a string cheese cut into pieces, all in square shaped silicone cups and also apple slices and veggie sticks.

The fourth DIY lunchables has slices of cheese bread, pepperoni, mangoes, babybel cheese, strawberries and Annie's organic fruit snack.

Pinterest friendly collage.

Here are the supplies that I used to create and pack these lunches.

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5 Homemade Lunchables and DIY Pizza Lunchables

In this post I will continue to share some lunches which Nikolai had enjoyed last school year and didn't get posted then. There are so many brands and varieties of lunchables these days in stores, their popularity can hardly be questioned. I may have mentioned that we have NEVER bought or tried the store brands ones. It is not that I have anything against those sold in stores, but I just can't justify the price for the small amount of food that you'll get. Packing our own is easy, much less expensive, and we can include the foods that we prefer, and choices are always great. I love packing these lunchable style lunches as it's nice to have a little bit of everything. You can find more lunchables ideas in my previous posts here.

The DIY Pizzables shown here is the first time I packed this for Nikolai and he loved the concept.

Bento lunch 1: DIY Pizza lunchables. Main compartment contains whole wheat sandwich thins (you can also use pita if you prefer), nitrate free pepperoni, organic marinara sauce in a leak-proof mini dipper, a spoon and a baran. Top left are shredded mozzarella cheese and top right are organic granola bar cut into half and seedless grapes.

Bento lunch 2: DIY Homemade Lunchables. Main compartment contains whole wheat crackers, round shaped cheddar cheese which I used my small round shaped cookie cutter for the cut out, organic popcorn and nitrate free salami in a square silicone cup. Sides were organic celery sticks, dip in small container and organic apple slices.

Bento lunch 3: Main compartment contains slices of cheddar cheese, nitrate free ham roll ups with a music note food pick and whole wheat crackers. Sides were cucumber slices and watermelon chunks with a smaller music note pick.

Bento lunch 4: DIY Homemade lunchables, Mickey Mouse themed. I used my Mickey Mouse fondant cutter for the provolone and cheddar cheese slices on top of some crackers, nitrate free salami, Pirate's booty and seedless grapes. I also included a yogurt cup which is not pictured.This was the day when we were low on groceries.

Bento lunch 5: DIY homemade lunchables with nitrate fee honey ham roll ups, cheese stick slices, cheese bread from the store which was so yummy and organic baby carrots in the main compartment. Seedless green grapes and organic apple slices on the top.

All of these easy lunches were packed in our Easylunchboxes container. Easy peasy right?

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DIY Homemade Lunchables : Quick & Easy Tips

While store-bought Lunchables offer taste and convenience on the go, the experience becomes even better when you craft your own. In just a few minutes, personalize your lunchbox with your favorite foods or cater to specific dietary preferences. With complete control, your DIY Lunchables can be the freshest, most delicious, and even more cost-effective than store-bought options. Take an extra minute to cut them into fun shapes, add a touch of decoration, and arrange them neatly in your lunchbox for a meal that's both tasty and visually appealing.

Why DIY Homemade Lunchables?

• Customization: One of the main advantages of making your own lunchables is the freedom to choose what goes into them. Tailor your meal to fit your dietary preferences, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable experience.
• Cost-Effective: Creating your lunchables can be more budget-friendly than purchasing pre-packaged options. Buying ingredients in bulk allows you to save money while also reducing single-use packaging waste.
• Freshness: Enjoy the satisfaction of using fresh and quality ingredients. This not only enhances the taste but also ensures that you are consuming wholesome, nutritious foods.

Ingredients:

Protein: Start with a base of your favorite protein – think deli meats, chicken nuggets, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Cheese: Choose a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss. Cube, slice them or cut into cute shapes for easy snacking. 

Crackers or Bread: Include a selection of crackers, breadsticks, or even mini pitas.

Fresh Vegetables: Add color and crunch with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or baby carrots.

Dips and Spreads: Elevate your lunchable by including hummus, guacamole, or your favorite dip. Small containers or compartments work well for keeping them separate.

Fruits: Incorporate sweetness with fruit slices or berries. Grapes, apple slices, or melon cubes are some choices.

Assembly Tips:

Bento Boxes: Invest in a bento box or compartmentalized container to keep each component separate and visually appealing. Some of our favorite lunchboxes are: Easylunchboxes, Planetbox, Bentgo Kids and more.

Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to create a balanced and satisfying meal.

Variety is Key: Rotate your choices to prevent lunchtime boredom. Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite mix.

Temperature Considerations: If you're packing lunchables for school lunch or work, consider using an insulated lunch bag or adding an ice pack to keep items fresh.

We have packed many DIY Lunchables over the years, and the joy of crafting our personalized meals never gets old. If you're ready to take control of your lunchbox experience, check out more ideas and tips HERE. 

Here's to delicious, customizable lunches that fit your taste, budget, and style! 

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2 Quick and Easy Kids DIY Lunchables

Almost once a week lately, I have been packing a quick and easy lunch for Nikolai so I could have some extra minutes of sleep.
The other day while shopping at one of the grocery stores, I saw pre-made lunchables near the deli section and they were around $5.00. I told Nikolai that if he doesn't finish his lunch, I am going to charge him five bucks or more since his lunchables are cuter than the ones sold in stores.:)

Lunchables in Easylunchboxes

In this lunchables:

• Top left: Fig bar.
• Top right: Whole wheat Ritz crackers
• Bottom section: Organic baby carrots, salami, seedless green grapes, blueberries, mild cheddar and mozzarella cheese slices.

Lunchables in Goodbyn Bynto

In this lunchables:

• Top section: Seedless green grapes and blueberries in a large silicone cup with a cute pick. Organic baby carrots.
• Center: Salami topped with bear shaped mild cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
• Bottom section: Whole wheat Ritz crackers

Here are the supplies or similar that I used to create and pack these lunches.

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DIY Lunchables (2)

I made these DIY lunchables before the school holidays last year and when Nikolai had half days at school. I took a quick glance in the fridge and pantry to see what ingredients I had available, put some on the counter and started assembling a selection of foods he often prefers taking an extra minute or two to cut into cute shapes and arrange them in the box.
DIY Lunchables = Quick, Easy to customize to personal favorites, Yummy and Cheaper compared to store bough ones.

DIY Lunchables in his Easylunchboxes 

In this lunchables:

• Snowflake Ritz crackers, nitrate free pepperoni, cheese and cucumber slices.
• Fig bar and cheddar crackers.
• Seedless grapes and apple slices.

DIY Winter themed Lunchables in a Lock and Lock box.

In this lunchables:

• Ritz snowflakes crackers above nitrate free pepperoni.
• Apple sauce with snowflake shaped sprinkles in leak proof mini dipper.
• Broccoli florets and star shaped carrot slices with a snowflake cupcake ring.
• Colby jack cheese.

Here are the supplies or similar that I used to make and pack these lunches.

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DIY Lunchables and Elephant bento (2)

I have not made lunchables in a long time. Nikolai told me that he saw his classmate's lunchables the other day and wanted me to add a cookie or candy just like what he saw.
Frankly, I am not sure as I have not tried or really looked into lunchables in my whole life! I will have to go to the store later today and check them out. My lunchables inspirations are mostly from my bento friends.
I also made a simple elephant bento last week with our easy to use Lunchpunch.

                   Here is a DIY lunchables packed in our Ecolunchbox solo cube.

In this lunchables:

• Multigrain crackers, turkey slices and mild cheddar slices.
• Edamame topped with a baran.
• Organic red grapes and cotton candy grapes ( I am into them since I love cotton candy).

Elephant bento packed in our Ecolunchbox solo rectangle.

In this bento lunch:

• Elephant shaped sandwich with icing eye and raisin eyes for baby elephant. They are on top of veggie sticks.
• Organic sweet red, yellow and orange bell pepper pieces.
• Elephant shaped and stamped watermelon slices.

Here are the supplies that I used to make and pack these lunches.

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Snowman Ornament Lunch and DIY Lunchables

Snowman...man....man...man, was one of the words that Nikolai uttered when he was a toddler. He loved Snowmen and will get his hands on one whenever he sees them. I still remember finding an odd hand towel in my shopping bag when we got home one day. I usually get a set of towels but this was just one and it was, yes indeed, a Snowman! That little guy must have got his hands on it while sitting in the cart and nicely dropped it with my other items without me noticing. I still have that towel and every year I'll get it out and share this story with him and others.

A couple of year ago he made a snowman ornament at school and it's hanging on our Christmas tree again now. Our cute ornament inspired this lunch.

In this bento lunch:

• I used a circle cookie cutter for Snowman sandwich and topped with a slice of mozzarella cheese. His eyes and mouth are made from raisin bits, carrot nose and the pick to make it like the ornament.
• Top left are organic baby carrots and a cucumber slice cut into ornament shape with my small cookie cutter.
• Top right are some pear pieces in a silicone cup with a snowman cupcake pick. This lunch was packed in an Easylunchboxes container.

Here is a Kids DIY Christmas lunchables. I have some cute cupcake picks, which add a festive feel for this time of year. I used them to spruce up the lunchables.

In this lunchables:

• Ritz crackers, ham slices, holiday edition goldfish crackers, mozzarella cheese slices. 
• Cucumber slices cut into Christmas tree shapes.
• Orange slices and seedless green grapes.
• This lunchables was packed in his Easylunchboxes container.

Here are the supplies that I used to create and pack these lunches.

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Bento Lunch: Lunchables Style Bento

I would say lunchables style lunches are the easiest and quickest to pack. To my readers who are not from the U.S, a typical lunchables meal combination includes small slices of meat, crackers, slices of cheese and some varieties include pizza, nachos, subs, wraps and more. I have to confess that I have never tried any lunchables ever, but I have seen them neatly packed in boxes at grocery stores and the idea seems interesting.
Here is my lunchables style lunch in bear theme :)

In this bento: Clockwise on the top section contains healthy ones deli ham roll ups, seedless green grapes, bear shaped mild cheddar cheese slices and wheat thins. The bottom section contains blanched broccoli florets and bear shaped watermelon. A cute food pick and couple pieces of baran. Packed in Easylunchbox.

Here are the items that I used for this lunch.

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Star Themed Lunches

I try to make at least one star themed lunch for Nikolai towards the end of every school year. It's my way of reminding him that he's our star and we are very proud of his achievements and hard work throughout the entire school year. This year it's slightly different, I made a few star themed lunches, probably because this will be his last year in elementary school. I've combined them in one post as the last week of school will be quite hectic for us with concerts, award ceremony and all.

I'll still be packing lunches till the last day of school for sure, just the last few days will be bento snacks since they only have to attend half days.

In this bento lunch: Main compartment contains a sandwich topped with a couple of smiley stars cut out of Gouda cheese with my small star cutter, STAR lettering and an organic granola bar. Alongside are organic baby carrots, broccoli florets, strawberries, grapes and a sting cheese. This lunch was packed in a Bentology Living Box.

In this bento lunch: Main compartment contains a couple of star shaped sandwiches topped with stars of cheddar and Gouda cheese, a Babybel cheese which I used my small star shape cutter for the cut-out, Trader Joe's yogurt stars and an organic granola bar. Sides are strawberries, organic baby carrots and broccoli florets. This lunch was packed in our Easylunchboxes urban.

Nikolai is quite particular with the number of cheese, crackers and meat whenever I sent lunchables. If it's 8 crackers, he prefers everything else to be 8 so he can stack them. Many times I've sent lunchables without counting and he suggested that I should, LOL. The bento below has 8 of each but one cracker is hidden behind, so you'll only see 7.

In this lunchables: Main compartment contains whole wheat crackers, star shaped cheddar cheese and nitrate free ham roll-ups. Sides are baby carrots, seedless grapes with a star pick, mini chocolate chips, a yogurt star and cheddar popcorn. This lunch was packed in a Planetbox rover.

In this bento lunch: Cheddar cheese star topped on a yummy sandwich. Alongside are kiwi slices and strawberries with a star pick. He also had a snack box and his daily water bottle which is not pictured. This lunch was packed in a Planetbox shuttle.

Here are the supplies that I used to create and pack these lunches.
 

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DIY Winter themed lunchables and Snowflake bento

Happy New Year 2015, and may this be your best year yet! I hope you had a refreshing and relaxing holiday. We had a wonderful time with family and friends as always.

Now that a new year has begun, it's back to basics time, which means back to packing school lunches. But first, I'd like to show some of last years lunches that didn't get posted, I seem to have a lot, so maybe this whole month I'll be posting back log lunches, lol. Here are a couple of lunches which Nikolai had enjoyed.

The first one is this DIY winter themed lunchables, packed in an Easylunchboxes container.

In this lunchables.

• Main compartment: Applegate brand uncured organic Genoa salami, Asiago and cheddar snowflake shaped cheese, snowflake shaped crackers and organic Jammy sammy.
• Top right: Kiwi slices.
• Bottom right: Broccoli florets and grape tomatoes with a mitten cupcake pick.

Here is a Snowflake bento packed in a Fit and Fresh lunchbox.

In this bento lunch:

• Main compartment: Snowflake sandwiches (stacked), snowflakes sprinkles and a marshmallow snowman (his face is a cupcake pick and buttons of food safe marker).
• Top left: Pear and strawberry slices with a winter wonderland cupcake pick.
• Bottom left: Organic baby carrots, a snowflake cupcake ring, snowflake cut-out on babybel cheese.

Here are the supplies that I used to create and pack these lunches.

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