Six Ways To Pack School Lunches Like A Boss

Make your kids the envy of their lunch tables. (Psst: These lunch-packing tips also give kids the fuel for a mean game of recess kickball and afternoon math. That adds up to one good day at school, huh?)

1. Get the gear. Cheap.

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Save recycled deli containers, berry clam shells, coffee shop stir sticks and other packing materials. Check the dollar store and clearance items for divided lunch packs, cookie/sandwich cutters, even plastic Easter eggs.

2. Beyond bread sandwiches.

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Instead of bread, turn to waffles, tortillas, apples sliced the "other" way and mini pancakes, then spread on the goodness like nut-free, gluten-free SunButter.

3. Create your own "lunchables."

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Fresh veggies, fruits, allergy-friendly crackers, protein-rich dip and of course a few cookies.

4. The freezer is your friend.

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Bake extra waffles, pancakes, muffins and other goodies, then freeze some. Pack them into a lunch box in the morning and they'll be thawed and delicious just in time for kids' lunch times.

5. Leftovers rock.

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While you're cleaning up dinner, pack some into containers for tomorrow's lunch. Meatloaf becomes a meatloaf sandwich. Noodles and veggies combine for a cold pasta salad. Roll up veggies with nut-free Asian sauce made with SunButter instead of peanut butter.

6. The best fuel.

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Slip in a note of encouragement to spark kids through any school woes; for emerging readers, draw a colorful, silly picture. Jot your own, or get Lunchbox Love Notes.