10 Easy Lunchbox Ideas That Actually Work
Packing lunchboxes every day can feel like groundhog day, aye? I’m a full-time working mum, and mornings are usually a mad rush — some days I’m organized, other days it’s whatever I can grab from the fridge.
Life has got even busier lately because I’ve picked up a new side habit — building Bong Bong Box. What started as frustration with overpriced “eco” lunchboxes has turned into a project I am pouring my spare time into. With work, kids, and this new adventure, I have had to come up with lunchbox ideas that are quick, easy, and actually get eaten.
So here are my go-to lunchbox ideas — practical, mum-tested, and time-saving.
🥪 1. Little Sandwich Mix-Ups
Instead of one big sandwich that goes soggy, I cut smaller bits with different fillings — ham & cheese, hummus & carrot, chicken & mayo. The variety makes it more exciting, and it fits perfectly in my 5-compartment BentoMax lunchbox.
🥗 2. DIY Salad Bar
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks, cheese cubes, boiled egg. Add a little dip pot (that’s where BentoBuddy comes in handy) for hummus or dressing. Somehow kids are more excited when they get to “make it” themselves at school.
🍝 3. Pasta for the Win
Cold pasta salad is always a hit here. I just use leftover pasta from dinner — throw in corn, peas, tuna, or chicken. Nothing fancy, just last night’s pasta turned into today’s lunch.
🥞 4. Mini Pancake Day
On the weekend, I make a batch of small pancakes and freeze them. In the morning I pull a few out, add fruit or yoghurt, and that’s lunch sorted. Feels like a treat, but it’s actually easy.
🍱 5. Rice Balls > Sushi
I used to try rolling sushi, but honestly… who has time for that at 7am? 😅 Now I just squish rice into little rice balls (onigiri-style), roll them in a bit of crushed seaweed, and stuff in whatever’s handy — scrambled eggs, leftover veges from the fridge, even cheese. Same fun factor for the kids, way less effort for me.
🥕 6. Snack Plate Style
Basically a mini platter — carrot sticks, crackers, cheese, apple slices, and a dip. Kids love grazing, and it’s an easy way to sneak in balance: fiber, protein, and crunch.
🍗 7. Protein Box
Eggs, chicken bites, cheese, edamame — all good fillers. Sometimes I add almonds or mixed nuts for myself too (great protein, just check school rules since many are nut-free). Keeps everyone fuller for longer.
🥝 8. Kiwi Fruit Magic
A true classic. The best part is it makes the lunchbox look like I’ve put in heaps of effort, but really all I did was use a little star cutter on a kiwi slice. It looks great, takes seconds, and the kids love it.
🥯 9. Mini Bagels
Bagels are my “I’m sick of bread” option. Cream cheese & cucumber, peanut butter & banana, or smoked salmon & avo if I’m feeling flash.
🍪 10. A Little Treat
I like to pop in a bliss ball, muffin, or cookie — just something small so they don’t feel left out when their friends bring out a treat. Often I’ll grab snacks from the organic aisle or the low sugar/keto section. That way my little one still gets a treat, but without overloading on sugar.
Switching to a stainless steel bento lunchbox was a game-changer. No more food all squished together, less plastic waste, and way easier to pack variety.
That’s part of why I started Bong Bong Box. I’m just a working mum who wanted safe, durable, affordable lunchboxes that actually worked for my family — and now I get to share them with other Kiwi families too.
If you’re keen to make lunch-packing a bit easier (and a bit greener), check out our range here