What’s in my Kids Lunchbox | Lunch Ideas for School | August 2023

Rylee’s Thermos: www.target.com...
Boston’s Thermos: Bentology Stainless Steel... www.amazon.com...
Grape Cutter: OXO Tot Grape Cutter, Navy a.co/d/bykb0jE
Pasta Recipe: pin.it/41RzD9W
Let's be friends!
Instagram- kristinstepp
Tiktok- kristinstepp1
Business Email: [e-mail]
React by LiQWYD / liqwyd
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/3Duj3eX
Music promoted by Audio Library
• React - LiQWYD (No Copyright Music)

[@tonistrickland4983]

One trip I learned when I packed my kids lunches is to freeze the Capri sun or juice boxes, not only do they help keep food cool, they'll be defrosted by lunch & kids have a cold drink

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

That's a good idea. I'll have to share it with my daughter-in-law for my grandchildren.

[@ANGELYOGIRLFORLIFE]

She’s tried that before and they were not unthawed

[@KristinStepp]

I did try that once and the kids said they were still frozen by lunch so I’ve been afraid to try it again. I should experiment at home because I think that’s a great idea!

[@user-mb4ig1bq5p]

*Trick. I suggest you go to school along with your kids for your grammar!

[@mamasheartisfull]

I put ours in the refrigerator. It stays cold longer with the ice pack.

[@compoundwilson]

I love how you show what they eat. So many videos make “perfect” lunches but I wonder what the kids enjoy. Thanks! 😊

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

I ran over here so fast I tripped. Just kidding. I needed some kid friendly lunch ideas for my oldest grandson.

[@KristinStepp]

Haha! I was excited to get this one out, it’s been too long.

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

​@@KristinStepp I understand, friend. I know you've been busy.

[@lifeasthesmjs695]

😂😂😂😂

[@Julzyboo]

I agree with the great value frozen breaded chicken! Tyson has gotten rubbery😂

[@eithiana1602]

I love how realistic this is! Honestly this is great. I love the honesty and just plain reality of what it is to feed a child. As much as we want to pack super healthy meals, the fact is that they just need to eat what they like and mix it up as much as we could.

[@justines8160]

Sorry, don't agree, I try my best to send healthy lunch, sometimes my child will eat everything, sometimes just some, but in my son's ( public school) no chips are allowed, for drinking just water, no sugary things like cookies, muffins, cupcakes. My son usually gets a sandwich, tomatoes or cucumbers on the side, fruit on the side plus yogurt or applesauce. I try to make different sandwiches, with ham and cheese, cream cheese, tuna salad, egg salad. Sometimes he gets spaghetti, or I make burrito for him. Sometimes he gets bagel with strawberry cream cheese.

[@annekenabuurs881]

@justine8160 agree. children decide how much they eat, we decide what they eat.

[@smol-one]

​@@annekenabuurs881 Yea, until they don't eat anything. Rigidity isn't a great way to parent.

[@annekenabuurs881]

@@smol-onenah sorry but there would always one sort of fruit/veggie they would eat. And just don’t start with chips ore other unhealthy stuff. Maybe because I’m from another country, but chips and sweets aren’t aloud at school. So kids don’t see other people eat them. And drinks only: water, milk or thee.

[@suziq4565]

I love watching these. I packed a lunch for my little guy every school day from Kindergarten through freshman year. Last year, as a sophomore, he finally decided he wanted to do school lunch. Of course I like not having to figure out what to do each week, and love the extra time in the mornings….but I really do miss it too. They grow up so fast 😢

[@KristinStepp]

Oh goodness the thought of mine being in high school makes me tear up instantly! It’s already going so fast 😢

[@whatskrakalaken1940]

Aww.

[@tiffanysullivan8778]

They grow up super fast, I was warned about every milestone in a kids life except when they leave home. That was the hardest for me, my youngest is in 5th grade, I can’t believe it…

[@anastasiakranz4526]

You do such a good job with never forcing your kids to eat anything. It is so much better (most of the time, every kid is different) to just offer and model rather than make it a big deal.

[@kathear15]

The idea of putting the cheese against the bread to keep it from getting soggy is such a smart idea. I make mine like that too.

[@bohemiantwilight7434]

1 tablespoon of lemon juice to one cup of water, let your apple slices soak for 3-5 minutes, then drain and rinse!

[@bonniepwtf]

I enjoy these so much, especially when you show what they actually ate. Where does the time go, seems like summer just started.💟

[@KristinStepp]

So true!

[@finalgirl19]

I always love your videos. Even though I don’t have kiddos, the lunchbox videos (both hubby and the kids) always give me inspiration of what I can take to work. Thanks Kristin!!!

[@stephaniecody8031]

All hail this Queen of Lunches!! That could also be used as quick dinner ideas!!

[@lindawilson290]

Your lunch ideas are amazing, Kristin. I especially appreciate your showing what food the kids come home with. ~ Have a wonderful weekend!

[@cherylzink3612]

Thanks for sharing these lunches with us Kristen! I can use some of these ideas for myself!

[@leahmuniz530]

Soaking the apples in lukewarm water with salt for 10mins will help stop them from browning. You can also do 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to with water instead of salt as well ! Just make sure to dap them dry

[@PixieLovesItAll]

It was such a simple thing but I'm totally gonna try that pasta dish on my nephew! He's such a picky kid from being allowed to only eat junk as a toddler and young kiddo, so we struggle to get him to eat things that will fill him up so he's not constantly just snacking and eating hot dogs and chicken nuggets. He'll occasionally eat canned chicken noodle or buttered noodles (and I've been able to hide an egg in that carbonara style with the pasta water) so this could totally be another option that works out/will get him some more nutrients from a broth that has a good protein count.

[@KristinStepp]

I know the struggle of trying new things! I hope he loves it, it’s really good and pretty similar to canned chicken noodle soup but better! Good for you for trying, he’s lucky. 💙

[@yojs17_]

Love this! I just made my first 2 lunches for my first grade son. Last year we bought lunch the entire year because I told myself it would be easier. But, now I am willing to try it out and I enjoy it. I haven't really figured out what son really enjoys yet but I will keep experimenting. These were great ideas. And your kids seem to love what you fix for them, Thanks for the ideas,

[@moonlit7644]

wow you put so much love in your kid's lunches! they must be so happy with a wonderful mother like you 🩷

[@stephaniepapaleo9001]

Love the packed lunches. It’s cute how they loved your soup/pasta and their favorite snackies! Please let Riley know we see her trash she brings back so we 👀 to see if she eats all that her sweet Mommy packed. ❤

[@kristathehungrymelon]

Before you even showed us, I knew the first day of school lunches were going to be subs and mac! Love that these kiddos don't change (for now!)

[@carriem7832]

Look up how long cooked chicken can be safely kept warm….salmonella ! Freeze juice, yogurt or flavored water as a ice pack in lunch boxes…….cream cheese mixed with veggie powder and spread on a wrap then cut as pin wheels make a good lunch. Veggie, pumpkin,oatmeal muffins with sliced cheese is good. Cold pasta salad with safe dressing on it. Cold pizza was a favorite. When I had my six packing lunches I’d make up names for the less favorites….like “monster mash” for baked oatmeal with honey, “rabbit ribs “ for homemade chicken strips and dip., homemade jello squares were “ slime cubes”….lol those were the fun days. Those dips you put in the apple section….make sure you clean them because they are full of bacteria all over them from how they’re handled…..just a suggestion….

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you for the suggestions! ❤️

[@Peacefulh20]

The district my son was in for k thru 5th also allowed peanut butter. Actually, the entire district allows peanut butter and we are in a larger city . They have a peanut free area in the cafeteria and if there was a peanut allergy in the class, no snacks with peanuts were allowed for parties. The reasoning behind it is because many kids with sensory issues will only eat certain foods so they had to accommodate both. He is home schooled now so he can eat whatever but it was nice to know I could make him a pb&j if he wanted one. Great lunches.

[@aminaht4565]

This is so fun to watch! You prepare lunches just like I do! Thanks for sharing. Looking to try your pasta recipe, good idea pairing it with the grilled cheese. I will be following for more. ;-) Great job!

[@rosacb5766]

I've missed these!! I ESPECIALLY love the what i pack for my husband's lunch videos. I am a recent subscriber and hope to see those videos come back soon as well ☺ my husband loves his lunchbox ideas (thanks to you) haha

[@KristinStepp]

I will definitely have more husband lunchbox videos! 🥰

[@darcirae83]

You are such a good mama. ❤️ Thank you for these ideas! Much appreciated.

[@NLMakeup]

Love your lunchbox videos!! ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Yay! Thank you! 💗

[@ElizabethDiaz-zr5ki]

Great ideas here! Our district is doing universal free lunch this year, but my daughter says the line is so long that there isn’t enough time to eat. So I’ve been packing her lunch every day. I love your creativity!

[@lovelaughter3119]

My kiddos are past this stage, but I still enjoyed watching. Thank you for sharing! 💗

[@third4life]

I really really enjoy your videos. You keep things real and your personality is so pleasant. As for kid lunch ideas, um, I’ll be trying some of these for myself. They’re good portions and look amazing. ☺️

[@jaynebennett3401]

Kristen, you can pack my lunch anytime, all looked yummy!

[@KristinStepp]

Haha! Thank you!! ❤️

[@HarvestingFaith]

Thanks for this! My kiddos are homeschooled but we get in a rut of eating the same thing all the time. This gave some fresh ideas. 😊

[@stephmomca2193]

Your voice is so calming. ❤️

[@amberthistle2803]

With the chicken sandwich, I wonder if you could cook the patty, then warm up the thermos and lightly fold the patty and stick it in with a paper towel to absorb the moisture. Then they could pull it out and put it on the bun and it would be warm. Or even cut the patty in half and stick it in the thermos.

[@KristinStepp]

It would be worth a try! ❤️

[@amandaspicypanda4015]

We pack such similar things for our kids lunches!! Love all of your videos, thanks for showing these lunch videos!

[@cewe2003]

I teach at a school and peanut butter is totally allowed. But my kids preschool is all nut free. So I think it really varies from school to school. Thanks for another great video!

[@justines8160]

Not everyhere. In my son's school not allowed.

[@cewe2003]

@@justines8160 I said it varies from school to school.

[@MdnightWnd]

Thank you for the ideas! I'm going to have to go back and watch more of your lunchbox videos. My daughter is in 1st grade this year. We switched schools and lunches aren't free so she's going to have to take a lunch most of the time and I need ideas. She's picky so it's going to be a challenge to come up with things she'll actually eat.

[@TheSimpleLifeofHomeschooling]

I really wish I had some bento boxes for my kids. They look so neat..❤️ Thanka for these videos! They give me so many ideas on what I can feed my kids. I homeschool and I’m trying to get better about making them lunches earlier so I can stay present

[@robinriggs4194]

I love all of these ideas! I’m glad you included a lot of stuff with no dyes!!

[@tracywishom9999]

I love all your videos, especially this one where you show what your children are ...Go Mom👏👏💕

[@qfason5836]

You’re such a thoughtful mom

[@amberlowe1458]

You seem so happy the kids are back to school lol more mama free time !! Love it ! And the video ❤🎉😂😊❤

[@KristinStepp]

Yesss lol I can finally get back on a normal schedule with KZbin. Thank you!!

[@hanacharyislost5047]

That baby said the food was so good he didn’t even notice he ate the fork

[@lisanarde4696]

Love Riley’s lunch bag. I love hearts. Thanks for sharing and I hope your kids have a great school year! 😊

[@KristinStepp]

Thanks so much!

[@melissamclaughlin4383]

Hello,so great to see you,I love these lunches 💕 so yummy for the kiddos and grown-ups too.i see how much love you put into them.wlso love how you give them what they'll eat.wich to me the most important thing.😊I hope you all are doing great, staying safe, happy and healthy ❤️🙏😇😊😊always look forward to your videos ❤️ hv a great day everybody 💚😊

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!!

[@thehickomhouse3263]

Just wanted to say that I love your videos and that I think you’re such a thoughtful mama and wife with the effort you go to to make sure your family enjoys their meals. Hope their school year is blessed 🤍

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@quallssr]

An electric teapot will change your lunchmaking life. It boils water in 3 minutes to prime the thermos with.

[@itsjustme.7059]

I was going to say the same. We constantly use our electric teapot. I definitely use it to put hot water in my daughter’s thermos to make it hot. It’s so fast.

[@lmaree200886]

More commonly that is called an electric kettle 😁

[@Lifeasjayy_]

I LOVE watching your videos , I’ve been watching for years! I get so many ideas from your channel 🥰

[@dianeziembicki2918]

We are allowed peanut butter at our school. It’s also one of the lunch choices.There is a separate table for the allergic kids. The lunches look great! I’m going to have to look for a thermos funnel. Last year was spill roulette! Lol. 6am is too early. But the bus comes at 7. Have a great week!

[@KristinStepp]

I would make the worst messes before the funnel lol. Thank you, you too! ❤️

[@POINTYPOINTYPOINTYPIN]

Haha imagine if someone was allergic to peanut butter and didn’t know someone was gonna bring peanut butter lol 💀💀

[@jillgott6567]

😍 love that kids in your area get free breakfast and lunch! That is the way it should be in America. Irregardless of family status or economics because there are families that look " wealthy" but do not actually have money they just have things bought with debt. Stoll others whose parents do not care, do not have time to worry about what their kids are eating. Food in schools should not be a matter of controversy , ridicule but for all ! Kudos to your county school system or state

[@Krisarooooo]

We start school in 2 weeks! I love making my son's lunches...thanks for sharing... these are my favorite videos!❤

[@KristinStepp]

❤️❤️❤️

[@amydaisy933]

I don't have kids but I always love seeing your videos! I work at a school and I know that the dye free drinks are the best for your kids. Years ago when I first started working for the schools, the kids would sometimes spill the drinks on the lunchroom tables and they would be permanently stained because of the dyes in the drinks! I always thought, oh my goodness, if those drinks do that to the tables, what are they doing to their little bodies!😳😬

[@angelahenning3467]

Such great ideas! My kids are in 5th and 2nd this year and they usually want to eat the lunch served at school these days! But I love these for lunch ideas when they're home as well. Sometimes I'm still stumped on coming up with new quick kid friendly lunches. Also, we live in a smallish town in Missouri and we have never had any issues bringing peanut butter either. They also serve uncrustables at their school. 🤷‍♀️

[@POINTYPOINTYPOINTYPIN]

Don’t ask why but I’m in 4th. Just getting ideas lol .w.

[@POINTYPOINTYPOINTYPIN]

°W°

[@LandonYarborough]

What a creative mama! These look delish

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! 💗

[@aprilok440]

Great idea on getting the bread from subway. I’ll need to see if mine will do the same

[@OneWeighorAnother]

You can make your own black and white popcorn :) it’s just almond bark (baking aisle) melted and drizzled over plain pop corn

[@Nicolew8911]

This was great! Thank you for the ideas I really needed this.

[@KristinStepp]

You are so welcome!

[@mrsmanion31210]

My oldest just started kindergarten and this was so helpful!!! Thank you so much❤

[@ginacarr1067]

A tip for juices, sauces, and broths that you don't use up or use frequently. We freeze them in ice trays or silicone molds, once frozen I put them in a labled zip lock bag. I add them too smoothies and soups. So on days you slice apples you could pop an apple juice cube out!!!

[@michellelee9483]

I absolutely love your lunch videos (and all of the others tbh!)

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@amandawarner5928]

Thank you so much for these lunchbox ideas!

[@amandawarner5928]

I have a teen and tween who both still love mama to pack their lunches, and we’ve had the same thermoses for years too! They are both into those Campbells Chunky soups, even on these hot Georgia days! 😅😂❤

[@TVeach100]

Woo HOO! I love your videos! I wait all week for them

[@KristinStepp]

Aw thank you!! ❤️

[@karengraves3900]

Great ideas - for kids and adults!!

[@lisa2550]

Hi! You did a great job with the lunches and you gave me some great ideas!! Thank you!

[@morganmunn2232]

The brand Pack It makes a lunchbox that is basically a big ice pack. You put it in the freezer night before and the lunch box freezes and keeps everything cold. Or, don't freeze it and it's a normal lunch box. That, along with the thermos was my game changing items.

[@kristianball5598]

We live in West Virginia (howdy neighbor) and my youngest is in 1st grade. His Elementary school does lunch in their classrooms, so if there are no classroom peanut allergies (or allergies in general) then peanut butter, etc. is fine and encouraged. I’ve sent peanut butter every year so far for him with no issues. My daughter also attended the same school and I only recall one year that peanut butter was not allowed due to a child having a nut allergy. I think it varies from school to school and even from each county and state. Love your vlogs ❤

[@nellielingerfelt4878]

So happy for these videos! I've been doing these for my sons lunches at school and hes gotten alot of compliments. So thank you so much for your videos and ideas ❤️

[@hollytherese753]

I love how you make these videos! And I love the tips! I’m definitely going to try the great value chicken pattie’s now!

[@tjiarrikapayne2251]

Love these kid lunch box videos you make ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@elizabethrobinson4390]

Kirsten will you a grocery haul soon good on the What's for dinner and lunchbox ideas good luckon the blackstone smash burgers recipe is a good idea ❤

[@angelamorehouse5315]

you have such great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

[@misterbg123]

Thank you for some more ideas for lunches for my daughter !

[@jaxtonsmomma]

Girl! Invest in an electric tea kettle. It’s amazing and takes less than a minute to minute to be done. I use mine almost daily for my babies lunches.❤️

[@lmaree200886]

Americans are so behind with not having electric kettles as a common kitchen item! They've been a big thing overseas for over 100 years

[@catherinebottrelltomerlin9669]

I watch these to get ideas for my lunch! ❤

[@MomminwithSabrina]

Ive been waiting for these videos to be back! Yay thank you! I will definitely be using some of your ideas 😊

[@davidalanakirkman1883]

I don't even have kids going to school and I can't get enough of these!!😂

[@vivian1096]

Love love these videos ❤ Thank you for sharing these ideas!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! 💗

[@TheLimi]

Sprinkle lime or lemon juice and that prevents the apple from turning brown. You can also sprinkle a little bit of salt on the apple as well.

[@Coco_Demi_Gymnastics]

Oh my kids would love that pasta! Thank you for the inspiration 😊

[@maroulakaragiannis9086]

Get the lunchboxes from Pottery Barn during Black Friday (or sometimes just before Black Friday- sales are better) I got my daughter’s for just over $10 a couple years ago.

[@KristinStepp]

Oh wow! I’ve never thought to look there on Black Friday so I definitely will this year, thanks for the suggestion!!

[@Jasbeenitt]

I wasn’t surprised to see the mac and cheese for Boston 😂😂

[@KristinStepp]

😅❤️

[@brunildapema1271]

Great ideas for lunches!Thank you!

[@austinsmom2924]

Hello from Canada..this video just came up in my feed. Perfect timing! We go back to school next week..and packing lunches for my almost 9 yr old son is a challenge!! He is very picky and will like something one day, and the next day it's a 'no'..lol. I will try some of these ideas..thank you!!😊

[@amybell5181]

Great video! So very helpful for us moms of picky kids🙂

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@ravengrady278]

Thank you for sharing, I greatly appreciate it…I have a 2nd grader who is picky…definitely going to try some of these lunch ideas! I also spotted your WV Heiners bread :) 💙💛

[@KristinStepp]

You are so welcome! & that’s our favorite bread ❤️

[@jenniferfrakes5211]

I am excited to see this video. These are my favorite videos that you post and I've been patiently waiting for 1 to come out but PS I do love all your videos though

[@KristinStepp]

Aw thank you!! ❤️

[@karlanorris5512]

Lunches look great! I would love to know about your nails? I get so excited when I see you have a new video.

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! For the blue nails I picked up the nail polish at Kroger, it’s the OPI brand in their new barbie line. I love it!!

[@A2thaLO]

Amen on the water bottles. My daughter went through 6 of them last year. I no longer waste money on expensive bottles anymore because their just gonna be lost. 😮‍💨

[@leahgreene8569]

Love your lunchbox vidoes!! Thanks for another video❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@beckyholbrook7395]

Didn’t know you could buy bread at Subway. How much normally…when not free?

[@aheartysliceofmommylife4949]

In preschool we weren’t allowed peanut butter but our elementary school allows it. They are aware of kids who have allergies. I make the waffle sandwiches a lot and sometimes for breakfast. I’m going to try pinwheel sandwiches for my kids this year too!

[@POINTYPOINTYPOINTYPIN]

Person who allergic to peanut butter and in that school: im dead guys 😘😍

[@rilessmiles6590]

​@@POINTYPOINTYPOINTYPINI'm in my late 20s and schools definitely did not limit peanut butter or peanuts being brought to school when I was a kid. I have an anaphylactic allergy and I was always okay; that's why epipens are so necessary though.

[@neshamariaNOLABBY]

Rylee bring eveything back even the trash 😂😂😂😂 I love it

[@KathytheMama777]

We are also allowed to bring peanut butter and I live in a very big city in Texas. You just cannot bring any nuts to school or any popcorn. There’s kids allergic to those two things. Also, if you’re looking for some really great kids lunch bags, Lands End for kids online has them on sale really cheap. They are super high-quality and they last forever.❤

[@KristinStepp]

I’ve never heard of that brand, thanks for the suggestion!

[@nahidalam6426]

Such a helpful video!!! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@marylabruzzi8369]

I love these lunch ideas please make more

[@samu6874]

Love the choices you have. We are not allowed to send in anything sweet or unhealthy like popcorn, chips, cracker, capri sun, cookies, fruit bars, granol bars, juice, soda, jam, nutella, waffles, muffins. But nuts in any variety are fine here :)

[@nkabir5003]

I love your lunch ideas because they are so realistic!

[@oprahwilliams8752]

It's gonna be my first time packing lunch boxes for my son. For reasons known only to him he will not eat from anyone but me or his father and refuses the school food. He was very picky but we spent the summer introducing new foods (with vitamins and a tonic)and he's put on weight. So now schools starting and I have to figure out meals so he's not snacking all day. I have the bento box and food thermos. I just need more ideas because he can't eat spaghetti every day. Thanks!

[@cindyfuller6394]

My (31 yr old w/ autisim & adhd) goes to a day program. Takes a daily lunch. I have to give him a 👍. He always brings back any containers I send in his lunch. But I just send a Capri sun & 2 bottles of water. Just plain throw away bottles from Costco or grocery store.

[@marissadeleon9755]

Such good ideas! Thanks girl!

[@lillyrochlin3517]

I feel like you're teaching your kids to have such a good relationship with food and intuitive eating!

[@brittanypowell5993]

I was wondering if Riley was leaving the trash for you to film it. Lol She's so considerate! ❤️

[@KristinStepp]

She really is! 🥹