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AlaskaParent.com fall 2025 alaska parent 37Yummie Preschool Lunch Bag with Allergy Alert Cards$20; Urbaninfant.comContigo Autospout Straw Water Bottle$16.99; Fredmeyer.comPRE-BAG SNACKSKids are natural snackers so we keep a snack drawer full of grab-and-go items like prebagged fruits and veggies, cut-up cheese, and yogurt. We also keep a kitchen drawer full of granola bars, pre-portioned dry cereal, pretzels, crackers, etc., giving kids the option to help themselves without asking a parent to pour, scoop or chop. When prepping for the week, we also fill small containers with ranch dressing, hummus, or ketchup as needed. PICK A CONSISTENT TIME TO PACK LUNCHMy kids are early risers, so it works for them to make their lunches in the morning and put them right into their backpacks. If your children often rush in the morning, perhaps making lunches in the evening (after practice or dinner) would work better. Whatever is decided, set a consistent time and stick to it. It is beneficial for everyone to have a routine.PROVIDE A VARIETY OF CONTAINERSThere are so many fun lunchbox accessories available. We use a thermos to keep mac and cheese warm, bento boxes with separate compartments, screw-on lid containers for easy opening and closing, and reusable zipper snack bags to help with portion control. Lunch box-sized ice packs are also a good idea. Just remind the kids to put them back in the freezer when they get home so they%u2019re frozen in the morning.PLAN LEFTOVERSWho doesn%u2019t love a meal that is ready to go? We often cook extra meat or used leftovers from restaurants so that lunch is easy to put together. My kids love to grab leftover grilled chicken to dip in ketchup or ranch dressing. Leftover pizza, pasta, and even breakfast items like pancakes with Nutella are a big hit.While I don%u2019t remember exactly what my daughter made for herself on the first day of school, I do remember how proud she was that she did it herself. Making her lunch not only gave my daughter the ability to make her own decisions, but it also taught her life skills about nutrition, responsibility, and time management.Bento Kids Lunch Box$29.99; Bentgo.comFlat Lunch Bag 5-Pack$22.99; Rezip.comFreezable Lunch Sack$21.99; Packit.com12 oz Icon Kids Insulated Food Jar$22.99; Thermos.com