I love to send small, unexpected tokens of love off in Immy’s lunch box, not every day, just every now and then. These are by no means extravagant or time consuming, just small acts that I hope will bring a smile to her face and let her know that I am thinking of her while she is busy at school. I would love to hear if you try any (or all) of these 5 fun lunch box surprise ideas.
#1: Cookie Cutters
Cookie cutters are my best friend when it comes to these little surprises. I use them to cut shapes from slices of cheese or fruit. Slices of watermelon, honeydew melon, rockmelon (cantaloupe) and cucumber work particularly well.
I love sandwich cutters for regular sandwiches, and even French toast (or eggy bread) gets the cookie cutter treatment. French toast makes a great alternative to a sandwich, taking only a few minutes to make, and when packed with an ice brick are still good to eat at lunch time.
Check out these Lunch Box Ideas for Kids Who Don’t Like Sandwiches
#2: Sprinkle Sandwich Surprise
Make three quarters of your child’s sandwich with their regular filling of choice and sneak coloured sugar sprinkles (on butter or cream cheese) into the last quarter. With the top slice of bread on, they will have no idea until they get the best ever surprise come lunchtime. I love this one as a birthday surprise.
#3: Bananagram
To send your very own bananagram love note, write your message by scoring the skin of the banana with a toothpick or skewer. Tuck the banana into your child’s lunch box and by lunchtime the secret message will have magically appeared.
#4: Food Safe Markers
Food safe markers write on any firm, dry food surface – bread, wraps, even sliced cheese.
#5: Lunch Box Notes
Finally, add a message of love or support for your child via a lunch box note. You can draw or write your own or check out the fun printable notes here and here (via Picklebums). Or print out these inspirational quotes from Imagination Soup to share with older children.
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
