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    $5 Dinners | Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, Freezer Meals

    Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, Freezer Meals and Cooking Tutorials for the Busy Home Chef

    Join Erin's 5-Ingredient Challenge in 2023

    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas

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    Sign up to receive FREE weekly emails with recipes, coupons and other money saving tips right into your inbox. Become a friend on Facebook too AND/OR join the $5 Meal Plan Family and get meal plans delivered to you each week!

    A great list of school lunch box ideas plus the best lunch box packing essentials that every busy families need to make lunch packing easier!

    school lunchbox ideas

    Welcome to the 31 Days of School Lunch Box Ideas List! 

    I know how busy and intense the transition from lazy summer days at the pool to adjusting back to the 6:30 am wake up calls can be…so I thought I’d help out by sharing a different lunchbox idea each day this month.

    You can get my favorite free printable downloads by filling out the form below!

     

     

     

    The Best Lunchbox Packing Tools

    easy lunchboxes bento system

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    2022 Back to School Essentials

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    EasyLunchboxes - LUNCH "Three"

    3-Compartment Food Containers for School, Work, and Travel, Set of 4. Various colors available.

    EasyLunchboxes - LUNCH "Five"

    5-Compartment Food Containers for School, Work, and Travel, Set of 4. Various colors available.

    EasyLunchboxes - OVAL

    Reusable 4-Compartment Food Containers for Work, Travel and Meal Prep, Set of 4, (Classic)

    EasyLunchboxes - SNACK

    4-Compartment Boxes, set of 4. Various colors available.

    4 Pack Slim Ice Packs, Perfect for Lunchboxes

    Reusable & Long-Lasting, Perfect For Your Kid's Lunch Box, Camping Accessories, Insulated Lunch Bag, Beach Cooler Bag & More, 4PK, Blue

    Bentgo Glass - SALAD

    Leak-Proof Salad Container with Large 61-oz Salad Bowl, 4-Compartment Bento-Style Tray for Toppings, 3-oz Sauce Container for Dressings, and Built-In Reusable Fork (Rose)

    Bentgo - SALAD

    Stackable Lunch Container with Large 54-oz Salad Bowl, 4-Compartment Bento-Style Tray for Toppings, 3-oz Sauce Container for Dressings, Built-In Reusable Fork & BPA-Free (Purple)

    Bentgo - Kids

    Leak-Proof, 5-Compartment Bento-Style Kids Lunch Box - Ideal Portion Sizes for Ages 3 to 7, BPA-Free, Dishwasher Safe, Food-Safe Materials (Green)

    Bentgo - Classic Stackable

    All-in-One Stackable Bento Lunch Box Container - Modern Bento-Style Design Includes 2 Stackable Containers, Built-in Plastic Utensil Set, and Nylon Sealing Strap (Gray)

    THERMOS FUNTAINER - Water Bottle

    12 Ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Kids Straw Bottle, Blue

    Hydro Flask KIDS

    12 OZ Kids Wide Mouth Straw LID and Boot Plumeria

    Contigo Kids Water Bottle

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    Insulated Lunch Bag KIDS

    Genteen Lunch Box Kids Double Zipper Kids Lunch Bag,Durable Soft Bag & Freezable Lunch Bag - Boys Mens Lunch Bag Reusable Lunch Bag for School,Work,Outdoor (Blue)

    Lunch Tote Bag

    BUILT Gourmet Getaway Soft Neoprene Lunch Tote Bag - Lightweight, Insulated and Reusable Black

    2-Pack Euroscrubby: Your New Best Cleaning Friend

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    Grocery List & Meal Plan Notepad

    Say goodbye to that, "What's for dinner?!?" question with this nifty Grocery List & Meal Plan Tearpad!

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    Work & School Lunches: DIGITAL PDF

    With this meal plan... mornings will go more smoothly, your lunches will be homemade, your grocery budget will stay low!

    Work & School Lunches: PDF + BAG HOLDERS

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    Cookbook: 15-Minute Freezer Meals

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    Other Money Saving Back to School Resources on $5 Dinners

    • Ultimate Back to School Freezer Meals List
    • Back to School & Work Lunches Meal Plan
    • Make Ahead Breakfast and Snacks Plan
    • Nut-Free School Snack Ideas

    31 days of school lunchbox ideas

    31 School Lunchbox Ideas

    Here’s the list we shared, with Day 31 at the top, moving down to Day 1 at the bottom. Tap on each one to be inspired and get any recipes.

    (Not all have a recipe, some are just simple ideas and combos.)

    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 31 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Whole Wheat Muffins & Cheese
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 30 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Pizza Pockets
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 29 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Cheesy Hot Dog Wraps
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 28 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Almonds, Cheese, Breakfast Bar
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 27 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Corndog Muffins
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 26 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Whole Wheat Pancakes

    Sloppy Joe Sliders
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 24 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Turkey & Swiss Rollups
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 23 | 5DollarDinners.com
    DIY Uncrustables
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 22 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Spaghetti & Salad

    Tiny Tacos
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 20 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Naan with Tzaziki Sauce
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 19 | 5DollarDinners.com
    BLT Sliders
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 18 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Bagel with Cream Cheese
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 17 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Puzzle Turkey Sandwich
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 16 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Mac 'n Cheese
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 15 | 5DollarDinners.com
    French Toast Sticks

    Bean & Cheese Tostadas
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 13 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Pita Pockets with PB & Bananas
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas Day 12 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Waffles with Syrup
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas Day 11 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Whole Wheat Tortilla with Faijtas & Refried Beans

    Tuna Sandwiches
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 6 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Whole Wheat PB&J Sushi
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 6 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Whole Wheat PB&J
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 7 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Energy Bites & Raspberries
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 6 | 5DollarDinnerscom
    Cheese Quesadillas
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas: Day 5 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Whole Wheat English Muffin with PB & Honey
    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas - Day 4 | 5DollarDinners.com
    Pita Chips & Hummus

    Crackers & Cheese Wedges

    Ham & Cheese Kebabs

    Peaches & Cream Baked Oatmeal

    BEST Back to School Freezer Meal Plans from MyFreezEasy

    31 Days of School Lunchbox Ideas | 5DollarDinners.com

    Free Printable: School Lunchbox Ideas List | 5DollarDinners.com

    Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases. Reviews, opinions are my own.
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    Comments

    1. Kelly Lester (@EasyLunchboxes) says

      August 2, 2014 at 10:44 pm

      Wow – can’t wait to share all these fantastic lunches! Thank you so much for featuring my EasyLunchboxes Erin 🙂 – Kelly

      Reply
    2. Megann says

      August 4, 2014 at 12:03 am

      Super excited about finding this. The hardest part for me is the planning & you’ve taken the guess work out of it! These look just as fun to make as I’m sure they’ll be to eat. can’t hardly wait for the new school year now.

      Reply
    3. Alissa says

      August 4, 2014 at 1:43 pm

      My problem is adjusting for teenagers that eat ALOT. However, thinking of the 3 components helps so much. Thanks again.

      Reply
    4. Kim says

      August 5, 2014 at 3:00 pm

      Hi I love the lunchbox ideas so far! My problem is my Son does not eat cheese nor will he eat lunch meats and Peanut putter is not allowed at school or nuts of any kind. Last year he took whole grain chicken nuggets and grapes everyday, This was his choice. Any way I can switch it up to something a little less boring. any help please. Thanks

      Reply
      • Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom says

        August 8, 2014 at 5:39 pm

        I think you just have to keep trying different things Kim!

        You can use Sunbutter, which is very similar to PB, but made with sunflower seeds!

        Reply
      • Sophia Armstrong says

        August 19, 2014 at 1:15 am

        Almonds are not a nut, they are a seed. I have had students that are allergic to peanuts that are perfectly fine eating almond butter. Look into it. That can open up so many fun snacks.

        Reply
        • AD says

          August 19, 2014 at 11:05 pm

          Almonds are nuts. Nuts are seeds. Some people are only allergic to some tree nuts, but are fine with peanuts and some tree nuts. Some are allergic to only peanuts. Some are allergic to all of them. My child is allergic to all tree nuts but is totally ok with peanuts.

          Reply
        • shannon says

          September 2, 2014 at 12:18 am

          Yep, I am sensative to tree nuts, but fine with legumes aka peanuts which are not really a nut at all.

          Reply
        • Shelley says

          October 16, 2014 at 10:30 am

          Almonds are most certainly nuts!!!!!!!!!! Peanuts are legumes, and that’s why it was ok for someone with a peanut allergy to eat almond butter. Please don’t tell people that almonds aren’t nuts!

          Reply
      • Tiffinay says

        August 6, 2015 at 8:54 am

        How did your son heat of the chicken nuggets? Or did you cook them in the morning and put them in a thermos?

        Reply
    5. Danielle @ Mom Inspired Life says

      August 6, 2014 at 11:56 pm

      Love all these ideas!! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    6. Christina Martin says

      August 8, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      Great ideas.. especially for my picky eater!!

      Reply
    7. Brianna Carroll says

      August 16, 2014 at 12:46 am

      This is awesome!

      Reply
    8. Brianna Carroll says

      August 16, 2014 at 12:47 am

      These are awesome!

      Reply
    9. Brianna Carroll says

      August 16, 2014 at 12:48 am

      Awesome!

      Reply
    10. Debbie Carson says

      August 17, 2014 at 5:34 pm

      No kids, but what a great way to spice up my husband’s lunches. Usually he eats leftovers, but with your weekly planner printout, I can write in what was made and also let him know the extras he can take. Very nice! Thanks!

      Reply
    11. Jennifer says

      August 18, 2014 at 12:00 pm

      Hi Erin! I love all of these great ideas! Helps me think outside the cold cuts sandwiches I send everyday. I know this will sound silly but do you just send everything in those ziplock compartment boxes and not worry about temperature? Pretty much just send everything cold? I am assuming, yes? Some things will get yuck, texture wise, if put in a thermos (French toast sticks, etc) but I want to try to change it up so I am going to try several of these ideas and just keep it cold. Just curious! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Jenn K says

        August 18, 2014 at 12:05 pm

        Jennifer, For the typical warm foods, Erin recommends serving them in a thermos. For the purpose of this series and consistency with the photos, we placed everything in the Easy Lunchboxes containers. Hope that helps!

        Reply
        • Lina says

          August 18, 2014 at 9:23 pm

          Can’t wait to try these!

          Reply
        • Jennifer says

          August 18, 2014 at 9:30 pm

          Perfect! Thank you!

          Reply
    12. Dominique Smith says

      August 18, 2014 at 6:03 pm

      This is very helpful! Thanks for sharing ♡

      Reply
    13. Erin says

      August 19, 2014 at 5:43 pm

      Do you have a recommendation for a good thermos that will really keep the food warm until lunch time? I’ve tried one and it didn’t work too well. …just looking for a suggestion.

      Thanks!

      Reply
    14. Nicole Mineau says

      August 19, 2014 at 6:29 pm

      I have a kid who is impossible to feed looking forward to trying these recipes

      Reply
    15. Mrs.Bonsell says

      August 20, 2014 at 3:11 pm

      These are awesome ideas! I just wish my son wasn’t so dang picky 🙁 I’ve been trying to work with him so he will eat more things. But he works himself up so much that he will gag and throw up as soon as the new food touches his tongue. keeping this though, just in case.

      Reply
    16. Nicole says

      August 22, 2014 at 4:24 pm

      This is great. I love finding new ideas. I’d like to add one for you….a PB and apple wrap. This is one of my kids favorites. I would also add as a tip to readers…for warm foods — put boiling water in the thermos to heat it up first, after a few minutes, dump the water (dry if necessary) and then add the food.

      Reply
    17. Adrianne Reid says

      August 23, 2014 at 3:06 pm

      Some interesting ideas, but I really wish that peanut butter was not featured so heavily. Many school boards do not allow any nut products in the school due to nut allergies, I know our schools do not allow them.

      Reply
      • Jenn K says

        August 25, 2014 at 10:30 am

        Adrianne – there are 5 recipes so far with peanut butter out of 24. As Erin states on her posts with peanut butter: For those of you who have peanut free schools, make sure you try Wowbutter! It’s a safe alternative to peanut butter that is made in a 100% Peanut Free, Nut Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Egg Free Facility, and most importantly, tastes just like the real thing!

        Reply
        • Jackie says

          September 11, 2014 at 10:41 am

          Even Wowbutter or Sunbutter are usually not allowed as it is so much like the real stuff that it is hard to tell the difference.

          Reply
          • Allison Donaldson says

            August 31, 2015 at 11:41 pm

            Wow butter has stickers that you stick on the container that says what it is.

            Reply
    18. Julia says

      October 18, 2014 at 9:05 pm

      Great website. Thanks!!

      Reply
    19. Lushi says

      March 7, 2015 at 7:24 am

      This is amazing Erin! It’s really helpful because I am on a healthy eating phase and I really need meal planning because I feel so lazy to make food at the last moment.

      I am pinning this right now! Thanks for the amazing post 🙂

      Reply
    20. Andrea says

      March 10, 2015 at 3:45 am

      Wow! This is really great. I’m a working girl and I want to save money by cooking instead of buying and this article really helps me a lot. I can’t wait to try those recipes. It looks really delicious and easy to make. I do not really cook but seeing those pictures keeps me motivated. Thank you so much Erin. 🙂

      Sincerely,
      Andrea

      Reply
    21. Michelle says

      March 11, 2015 at 12:36 pm

      My son is in Kindergarten, so he does not have access to a fridge or a microwave. My biggest issue is figuring out lunches that can be eaten at room tempeture, and some of this have to be reheated, If you have any additional suggestions please send them my way 🙂 I’ll be using as many as I can out of this fantastic list.

      Reply
    22. Heidi says

      March 23, 2015 at 2:12 am

      Are most of these eaten cold? Like the sloppy joe sliders, mini tacos, fajitas and beans… My child doesnt have access to a microwave so I was just wondering…

      Reply
    23. Christi says

      April 14, 2015 at 12:21 am

      These are wonderful ideas and I want to try some of them. I’m wondering the same as some above. Do you put waffles, sloppy joes, Mac n cheese in a thermos? If so, what kind? Will the foods be safe at lunch time?

      Reply
    24. calandra carr says

      August 6, 2015 at 12:58 pm

      Need ideas for picky eater with autism

      Reply
    25. Jo says

      August 6, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      Great ideas will try

      Reply
    26. Tammy says

      August 12, 2015 at 11:21 pm

      I would like to save all 31 days of lunches but not seeing where I can do that. 🙁 Please tell me I am just blind or at least how to do it. Thanks. Need to spice up my daughters lunches.

      Reply
      • BillyRose says

        August 28, 2015 at 3:26 pm

        I agree. What is, I think, supposed to be the link for the lunch ideas on one page, is not blue/clickable. On another page, I can click it, but I still can’t seem to ‘find’ the recipes! 🙁 I have a friend I would like to share these with; she is pregnant and working, and was just asking a couple weeks ago for lunch ideas/recommendations!

        Reply
    27. Tara says

      August 23, 2015 at 1:47 pm

      I don’t see any of the lunch ideas listed?!?!?!

      Reply
    28. Kelyn says

      August 26, 2015 at 1:41 pm

      Thanks so much for this! Really helps as my youngest is going to school this year and he’s picky! I think he will like a lot of what is shown here though!

      Reply
    29. Jenni says

      August 30, 2015 at 10:48 am

      hi, I was wondering about the easy lunchbox system boxes, can you put them sideways and the lid will stay out? I know you can’t do wet foods just wondering how it would work being transported sideways, thanks!

      Reply
    30. Gwen says

      September 7, 2015 at 4:06 pm

      Thanks so much for all of the great ideas and recipes!! One thing I found very helpful so my daughter doesn’t lose her lunch box and knows right away which one is hers is adding a Tagtailz. My daughter loves these accessories and they are so cute for keeping the kids backpacks, dance bag and sports bottles so easy to identify. What a great idea!

      Reply
    31. Nita Chivwara says

      January 11, 2016 at 6:50 am

      send me 31 days of recipes

      Reply

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    I’m Erin Chase…

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    I have a little problem. I cannot make a meal that costs more than $5.
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