What’s in my Kids Lunchbox | Lunch Ideas for School | March 2024

[@Jeanette3]

You cut up your babies’ grapes as long as you want! ❤

[@tiffanykilby7560]

Shows you go the extra mile for your kids , more mothers should pay attention.

[@simplycarla08]

Thanks for the great lunch ideas! I also love that you respect your kids' likes and dislikes, as well as what foods they are currently enjoying or striking. I think as adults we often forget that children are people too, just like us. And just like us they have likes and dislikes. You're very sweet and I appreciate you saying "it's okay" if your children don't like something or just choose not to eat a particular food that day. You are definitely setting them up for a healthy relationship with food!

[@lilig4396]

I'm a big kid myself, cause your ideas feed me very well during the week 😂

[@kimwynn8218]

I am an elementary school teacher and eat with my school kids. These lunches are great not only for kids but for me as well. I pack my lunch everyday and have the same amount of time to eat as the kiddos. These are great ideas ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@lauradennis6985]

I love that you consider what your kids actually like. I don’t like hearing people say “they’ll eat what I give them” and don’t care if they will enjoy their food at all. There will be plenty of other battles to be had, and it’s ok to give them an opinion!

[@dpguinee]

my mom used to do this with me and my sisters. my sisters wouldn't eat ham and cheese sandwiches so they would get cheese and butter sandwiches while I would get ham and cheese on those days. generally our lunches were all the same or very similar with small modifications. my mom made lunch every day for the three of us from when I went to kindergarten (2004) until my youngest sister graduated high school (2021). she's the real MVP!!!

[@lauradennis6985]

@@dpguinee Sounds like an awesome mom to me! 🙌🏼

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you! If I were to give my kids something they didn’t like they would rather go hungry than eat it so I don’t agree with it either. I love hearing how much they enjoy their lunches. 🥰

[@itsjustme.7059]

I never force my child to eat what she doesn’t like. Forcing them to eat can cause eating disorders.

[@lauradennis6985]

@@itsjustme.7059 Yes! That and the whole “eat everything on your plate”! My parents used to make me eat a certain number more bites before I could get up (non uncommon back in my day). Just no. And I’m all for re-introducing foods periodically, but food in general should not be a struggle, imo.

[@2010jakem]

The love and care you have for your family is beautiful. These lunches look great. Kudos! 👏💜

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!!

[@SoTired083]

I cut my kids grapes too. They are 11 and 13. 😅 Can't help it, I worry.

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

I appreciate you sharing these. They give me ideas of meals to have my grandchildren try. The oldest grandson is a little picky, but the others aren't.

[@KristinStepp]

❤️

[@cziegle3794]

​@KristinStepp another thing you could do with the Nutella sandwiches is apple slices or thin wedges or something like that. Or you could do Tortilla wraps with half- Nutella and half applesauce - or strawberry flavored applesauce-strawberry sauce, or a fun flavored yogurt that compliments the Nutella, or yogurt and raisins or pretzels or fruit, or even pudding with fruit - chocolate pudding with strawberry slices or vanilla pudding with strawberry jam or preserves, just using the applesauce/yogurt/pudding like any other spread.

[@allisonkores8785]

You are so thoughtful and creative in your lunch box prepping for your kids and your husband! I love these videos.

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! ❤

[@Lisa-qm4cl]

My elderly roommate is very picky and it's difficult to get enough of the foods allowed on the restricted meal plan allowed and I enjoy getting ideas for meals and snacks and you've given me many ideas that he actually enjoys..... and I've also found things i enjoy also.... thank you.....

[@KristinStepp]

@@Lisa-qm4cl Aw I’m so happy to help!

[@ItsKalasLife]

Your videos are my absolute favorite. They’re all pretty easy and realistic recipes/meals that my family would enjoy.

[@Ashley-jr1nm]

Thank you for this video! I was just thinking how I wished you’d do another one because I am running out of ideas. Isn’t it such an amazing feeling when you open the lunchbox and they’ve eaten everything? Sometimes, I get lunchboxes back when nothing was touched except the drink!

[@tracychapman2568]

I don’t have school age children anymore, but I would take all of these things in my lunch to work!

[@ruthlee8339]

These are my favorite videos! I love it when you show what you pack for your kids since I always get ideas:) thank you!

[@KristinStepp]

❤️❤️❤️

[@gracebry28]

Thank you for sharing these! Always need ideas for my 4 year old’s lunchbox!

[@bonniepwtf]

I felt that comment about there's enough to worry about sending them to school, I don't need to worry about grapes.❤ I remember feeling the same. I always enjoy these videos & look forward to seeing what was a hit & what wasn't. 🍱

[@KristinStepp]

❤️ thank you!! 🥰

[@Crafty_Lar]

To help with the fruit cups, pierce with the Capri sun straw and drink the juice before opening.

[@BTOSHAW309]

I really enjoy your videos I wanted to get ideas for my boyfriend and my lunch packing! You have good ideas my boyfriend is a truck driver also and Im a 3rd shift worker! So thanks for the help! I do plan on getting the lunch bag heater! ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! & I really think you’ll love it!

[@UghUgh1234]

I get sliced pepperoni from the deli and keep a bunch in my freezer. It’s cheaper than the “pizza pepperoni”. I also dice it small so it doesn’t pull off the pizza when they bite it

[@jaynebennett3401]

Macaroni and tomatoes was a staple in our house! Always served with fresh hot cornbread! My Mama added a small spoonful of bacon fat to the Mac and tomatoes for extra flavor! It was the 60’s, we lived!

[@KristinStepp]

Yess! It’s so good with cornbread. My parents usually always serve it with soup beans too. I love it with bacon grease as well. I’m thankful for growing up with those meals.

[@TrudieHagen]

First time I have seen Mac and tomatoes other than our household.Y husband hot yo like it too tx

[@cherylzink3612]

Your videos are always very helpful Kristin! Some of your kids lunch ideas, I use for me and my husband's lunches or if we just have a snack! I buy those Capri Suns for myself now!

[@UghUgh1234]

I love making pizza lunchables with the Nan bread. They love making their own pizzas at lunch :)

[@taybreef5452]

My grandma’s super secret family recipe meal is the same tomato pasta you made, but she adds lots of butter and lots of cheddar cheese to it. We call it “mac-n-tom” and it’s all of us grandkids’ favorite thing she makes!

[@KristinStepp]

That sounds amazing! ❤️

[@purplebutterfly4756]

The noodles with the tomato juice is interesting. It sound pretty good like a spin on tomato soup with pasta. I used to eat macaroni noodles with stewed tomato's, salt and pepper and Italian seasoning when I was a kid. It's really cool how the most simple ingredients put together can make something yummy. Love your video's ❤

[@KristinStepp]

I agree, simple meals are my favorite. Thank you!!

[@user-pf7ht6jl7v]

def would love to see a new what’s in my kids/husband’s lunchbox video!!

[@outroseok]

I know these are for kids but I love watching these to get ideas for what to pack for my work lunch, lately I've been really bad about spending money at work on lunch so I'm trying to get back into the habit of packing my lunches!

[@Bluthgirl76]

You are just the best mama! I love how you make healthy, yummy meals for your family ❤

[@FinalGirlLeslie]

You are such a thoughtful mama and partner!! Love these videos! Thank you for the ideas!!

[@KristinStepp]

Aw thank you!!

[@shannameza1849]

Love this macaroni and tomato recipe cannot wait to use it for my son always looking for hot recipes for my picky eater!!❤ Thanks for sharing your lunches

[@KristinStepp]

❤️❤️

[@joannaazar7396]

I enjoy watching what you give your kids for lunch! Great video 😅

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@kareygarner5819]

Just a tip, if you wrap your Naan bread up and put it in a plastic baggie, then put it in the fridge they will last a few weeks.

[@1honeydragon]

Watching you make macaroni and tomato made me super nostalgic. When my grandmother was still alive, she really liked that. I sometimes make it myself, but with tomato soup instead. Anyways- I guess it's Strawberry season in our area! My dad made a strawberry pie last night. Lots of love for you and yours.

[@FlowerGemsGirl]

Has your son ever tried a Shaved chicken sandwich?? It’s crazy but my sister had one today and I tried it, it was delicious! The place we went to would take grilled chicken (whit and dark meat) and once it was cold the place would use a deli meat slicer and shave the chicken real thin, then put it on the bread with cheese and condiments. You could get it heated or cold. The chicken was amazing, it was like pulled chicken only not all stringy, it had the consistency of deli meat just looking at it. They didn’t slice it thick like chicken strips, i think it sliced do nicely cause it was cold. My sister had hers on bread and then they toasted the sandwich so it was like a grilled cheese. He may like this instead of deli meat chicken or the thicker sliced Carving Board chicken in packages. That pasta/tomato sauce reminded me of the American goulash my mom would make when I was a kid! TFS these ideas!

[@InHimAlone]

My grandma had two similar dishes that everyone loves and I still make for my kids. One was spaghetti noodles with tomato juice, so very close to yours. She would always add in a ton of butter and we would top it with sliced colby cheese. The other was the macaroni noodles with tomato juice, but with added ground hamburger (seasoned with Lawry's, can't leave it out!) and topped with the sliced cheese again. That was finished in an electric skillet so the result was more like a homemade hamburger helper.

[@amberpowell3423]

Kristin, thank you for so many kid lunch ideas so customizable and I was in such a runt with feeling like I always did the same few lunches over and over so I love your videos pleas keep making these I've looked at so many other kids lunch ideas and my kids would not eat some of those it's just too much going on and your ideas are pretty simple and simple ingredients and a variety of foods I am so thankful I found your videos 😊

[@Jamhands9]

I just got the mango ones for my son too. He hasn’t tried them yet though. My son is 11 and I just put the fruit cup into another container. He’s not a super careful kid so he always makes a mess when he opens them. I do love them when fruit isn’t in season (Wisconsin so longer cold season here)

[@Kymom776]

One thing my kids love when they take nuggets to lunch is we save all of our extra sauce from chick fil an and they take a cup of that with them. My kids also love pepperoni & cheese in a tortilla.

[@susanhoward5046]

Great lunch planning ideas for the children !! 🩷💙

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!

[@MarthaHoward-x4i]

You are genuine and smart.

[@Samantha-xj9jy]

You are so awesome and have the best ideas! I’ve watched a lot of your videos and see that you have a lot of different container options for kids and adults. Would you be willing to post a video of all the containers, cups, bottles, etc. that you have?

[@FearlessDreamer4025]

Can we get a "full day in my life' type video? Im curious to see how you manage your time and get all this (breakfast?, kids' lunches, Josh's lunch, your lunch and dinner) completed. I'm sure you're completely drained by the end of the day 🙂

[@melissamclaughlin4383]

Fantastic lunches momma😊thank you so much Kristin 😍 i hope you're all doing great, staying safe happy and healthy ❤️❤️❤️❤️😊😊😊

[@juliewood6513]

What a beautiful mom you are. Love your videos.

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you so much!

[@Chaos_and_Cuddles]

That grape cutter is probably one of my all time most used purchases as a parent. I use it for little tomatoes too

[@alejandrapamelanila4154]

I love these ideas, for both, your husband and your kids!!

[@FaithfulFinds2024]

Such a good Momma❤. Always such good ideas

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

Just an idea: We make mini pizzas with Hawaiian rolls or leftover hamburger buns. These all looked delicious. Can't wait to have my grandchildren try them.

[@KristinStepp]

That sounds so good!

[@MrsAlmaTrumble]

​@@KristinStepp they are. We like them as a simple lunch or dinner.

[@catherinebottrelltomerlin9669]

I love these videos! I get ideas for my work lunch.❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@Lildevil49706]

The pasta & tom juice is how we start our goulash...but add ground burger & onion with little bit of sugar & have had it since i was a kid...my nana made it that way...love it!!! Have always used home canned tom juice!!! I still to this day cann tomatoes!!! Nothin like fresh tasting tomato products in the middle of a snowy freezing cold winter day!!!

[@shawnbrock85]

Love seeing macaroni and tomatoes! My mamaw made this for us all the time when we were growing up, shes gone now so that brought back so many good memories. She always used her canned garden tomatoes and added a little bacon grease to her macaroni as it was cooking!

[@KellyJelly9976]

I love these kids lunchbox videos!! I myself tried those costco chicken nuggets a few days ago - pretty good.

[@Curiouscat5980]

Thank you for sharing. Enjoyed your videos. 😁

[@jillgott6567]

I don't have kids but I really like to watch to get new ideas for meals.

[@courtneybashamfranklin9193]

Thank you for the awesome ideas!❤

[@KristinStepp]

❤️❤️

[@kristennelson2480]

Omg juice spaghetti!!! I have never seen anyone make it before but I grew up on it and all my friends loved it I still eat it constantly to this day at 42…. tomato juice noodles a little bit of butter salt and pepper….ill take it over a steak sometimes…..another staple of as Cincinnati chili which is chili (typically canned unless we have leftover chili) over spaghetti with shredded cheese and either green onion or regular onion on top 🙃

[@sedonavaldez6480]

Love your videos Kristin!

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@susanb5058]

You’re such a good Mom!

[@samanthapallum6894]

I was also raised on “macaroni & tomatoes “ and now as an adult people say they have NEVER seen it! Love to see things my dad used to make us siblings

[@lauraragsdale4494]

I love those dole drink mixes. Another new favorite of mine is Nature’s twist lemonade and strawberry lemonade from Sam’s club. Sugar free!

[@_Jay1410]

Try flour tortillas with Nutella heat it a little then add strawberries it’s so good oh with a side of whipped cream 😊

[@KristinStepp]

That sounds really good!

[@karishatavendale6703]

I love these so much , wish we could get some of the snacks here in New Zealand

[@yoashleydawn]

We do the macaroni and tomatoes too! We use diced tomatoes and a TON of pepper!

[@KristinStepp]

I love extra pepper on mine! 😍

[@KristinStepp]

I love extra pepper on mine! 😍

[@leahgreene8569]

Love these!!!!! Yay❤

[@KristinStepp]

❤️

[@thatpreppinmamalife3406]

Can definitely tell you're a fellow Kentuckian! Love macaroni and tomato!

[@julielewis7463]

Have you tried English muffins for a mini pizza? They are so good! My kids enjoy them!

[@hannahkayee831]

Had to comment. Macaroni and tomato juice I grew up on and still make it. My dad growing up added butter and celery powder or celery salt soooo good! ❤❤❤

[@charlottehetherington8720]

These all look like great ideas I'm going to try some of these

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!

[@fadingdandelion4792]

Mac and tomato sauce is one of my fav. Cheap filling yummy

[@AlexaIoana]

I love your videos because I never know what I want to eat so it helps to see what you make for your family ❤❤ Hello from Romania! Also, little fun fact: Naan means bread, so there is no need to say Naan Bread. It blew my mind when I learned

[@zanderfisch9385]

Wenn you worried about, you should smash the grapes or cut it in quarters. A half grape is still round and could stuck. (Sorry for my bad english, hope you understand what i say)

[@wendyshamel3301]

You are creative with the lunch.

[@katherineolguin9232]

Im going to try the strawberry's and fruit dip. ❤❤❤ Thank you

[@MichelleGissara]

Great video! Do they eat their nuggets without sauce? I like dipping my nugs.

[@celestemariscal4360]

as a pre-k teacher …I need these ideas for myself 😂

[@Letsgoshoppingbestie]

The pizzas look sooo good! I always do pizza toast in the air fryer 😋

[@karryroerish]

I'm not sure if you've made it before for hubby or not but I made a grinder sandwich the other day for work and I highly recommend.. it was so delicious.. so much that it's what I'm having for lunch tomorrow and I can't wait!!

[@KristinStepp]

I did once but it’s been a long time, we LOVED them!!

[@tracyhankin4247]

You a leftie Kristin? My son is too. There is something special about left-handed people. ❤

[@nicoleanime400]

Ooh dye free drink mix! My daughter is allergic to red dye gets a horrible full body rash and finding fun testy drink mixes without it can be a bit difficult

[@Bellanewmoon21]

I have not heard of cheesecake mix from Philadelphia but now that is on my list.

[@SoTired083]

Where do you buy the Dole water mix? I've never seen those and I think my kids would like that.

[@KristinStepp]

Walmart!

[@itsjustme.7059]

I love macaroni with tomato juice. Yummy!

[@katherineolguin9232]

I love your kids names.❤❤❤

[@shawncooper7086]

My parents had nine kids and we all were homeschool by our dad. We all are half Mennonite and half English. As a Mennonite we only go up to 8th grade. We did have some English lessons like reading and writing and math then we had some Mennonite lessons like Mennonite history and how to take care of farm animals and all of us girls learn how to cook and bake and sewing and make homemade clothing and canning. Our dad is a Mennonite with four full time jobs one is our father and our homeschool teacher and working for the highway department and a full time volunteer firefighter chief.our mom is English and she had three full time jobs as our mom and cook and head nurse for the ICU and the head nurse for the whole hospital and head nurse for the emergency room. We live in the Mennonite farm and we took care of all the farm animals my five brothers would do plowing the field and planting all the fresh fruit and vegetables and milking all the cows and goats when all of us girls would feed all the farm animals and go get all the chicken and ducks and turkeys and goose and Swans eggs that they lay.

[@YdnickniL]

Always curious why folks add salt in their boiling pasta. My family doesn't. I thought maybe it flavored it but in my opinion no. Input?

[@angelamcpherson8283]

I would eat all of this. I have never had tomatoes and macaroni but I will try. I love tomatoes.

[@apriltownsend8463]

Do you ever buy the little like 10oz waters? That's what usually comes in the sub sandwich Lunchable kits is a little water with a drink packet

[@KristinStepp]

Sometimes I do, they are perfect for lunchboxes!

[@katieduffin2339]

Do your kids also get a meal at school? Or are they just not big eaters?

[@KristinStepp]

They have the option to get a school lunch if they want

[@giax2031]

Do you let the pizza cool completely before you pack it?

[@KristinStepp]

No

[@eloradanan9310]

Thank you for making normal lunches that aren’t going to cost me an arm and a leg lol

[@urfavISLANDGIRL]

First love you Kristin ❤❤

[@KristinStepp]

❤️❤️

[@dustiemccabe9054]

Walmart does have the Bare chicken bites but it’s a smaller bag.

[@nancyfarkas3592]

Have you tried the sumo oranges? They are expensive but delicious!

[@KristinStepp]

I haven’t!

[@natashachesney178]

I love macaroni and tomato! I grew up on it too and. still it eat!

[@lauraragsdale4494]

I love your videos!

[@lindahughes530]

Good job Mom ❤️

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you! 💕

[@MaritaCovarrubias01]

I choked on a grape when I was 12 years old. I’ll keep cutting my kids’ grapes for now.

[@KristinStepp]

Oh goodness that is scary!

[@darbibrumbaugh9956]

Could you film meal prep videos when you get a chance?

[@jazminmartinez123]

What school do they go to

[@lucindawinehouse2002]

What is your accent ? It sounds so interesting

[@katerynakateryna5970]

I love your videos ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!! 💕

[@verniciasmith6372]

Great video ❤

[@KristinStepp]

Thank you!!

[@verniciasmith6372]

@@KristinStepp Yw!

[@yaricontreras3063]

Thanks for sharing ❤