How to make DIY lunchables (better than the box)

Tools you’ll need

• — Bento-style lunchbox with compartments
• — Small round cookie cutter (optional)

Materials

• Crackers (Ritz, Triscuit, or whole-grain rounds)
  6–8
• Sliced deli ham or turkey
  4 slices
• Sliced cheese (cheddar or provolone)
  4 slices
• Grapes, berries, or cucumber slices
  1/2 cup
• A small sweet treat

  Mini cookie, dark chocolate square, etc.
  1

Step by step

1. 01

   Stack the meat and cheese

   Lay the deli slices flat and use a round cookie cutter (or a glass) to cut into circles that match your crackers. Saves the trimmings for tomorrow.

2. 02

   Load the compartments

   Crackers in the biggest section, meat circles in one small one, cheese in another, fruit/veg in the last. Keep them separate so crackers stay crisp.

3. 03

   Add the treat

   One small sweet thing. The whole appeal of a lunchable is feeling like a treat — don’t skip it.

Mistakes to avoid

• Pre-stacking the crackers — they go soft by lunchtime
• Using deli meat that’s too wet (oven-roasted turkey can be soggy — pat dry first)
• Forgetting to freeze a small ice pack if the lunchbox sits in a warm classroom

If you can’t drill, cut, or paint…

• Pizza version: mini bagels, marinara cup, mozzarella, pepperoni
• Sweet version: graham crackers, peanut butter, banana slices, mini chocolate chips
• Veggie version: pita rounds, hummus, cheese, cucumber, cherry tomatoes

Shopping list

• Bentgo Kids or PlanetBox lunchbox
• Round cookie/biscuit cutter set
• Reusable silicone food cups