14 Simple and Creative Lunches Just in Time For Class to Start

POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Now that the new school year is fast approaching, there are a million details on your mind. Your to-do list covers everything from back-to-school supply shopping to arranging this year's carpool — but now there is one chore you can check off: figuring out what's for lunch. Leave basic sandwiches behind and throw together these easy lunch ideas that are picky-eater approved. Check out these 14 back-to-school lunch ideas that are out of the box . . . er, make that brown bag.

01
Mummy's Pot Noodles
Annabel Karmel

Mummy's Pot Noodles

If your little one loves to eat ramen at home, they'll love this quick and easy do-it-yourself ramen recipe.

02
Meat and Cheese Wraps
POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry

Meat and Cheese Wraps

Instead of a sandwich, wrap turkey or roast beef around pieces of string cheese. These little bites will make for fun finger food your kids will love come lunchtime. Source: Instagram user sodamndomestic

03
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Does your little one love mac and cheese? This cauliflower mac is a delicious lunch treat everyone will gobble up.

04
Kid-Friendly Sushi
POPSUGAR Studios

Kid-Friendly Sushi

Kid-friendly sushi is a great way to convince your kids to chow down on a mix of healthy veggies.

05
Homemade Hot Pockets
Say Yes

Homemade Hot Pockets

A simple batch of homemade hot pockets can fuel a number lunches. Simply make a batch, freeze 'em, and heat them individually before packing them each morning!

06
Salmon Quesadilla
POPSUGAR Studios

Salmon Quesadilla

Skip a typical bagel, and whip up a healthy and yummy smoked salmon and cream cheese quesadilla. Feel free to sub in more traditional meat and cheese options for picky eaters too.

07
Egg Fried Rice
Annabel Karmel

Egg Fried Rice

No kid will resist eating veggies if they are mixed into a delicious batch of egg fried rice.

08
Assorted Dippers
POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry

Assorted Dippers

Kids will love the chance to make lunch fun with this dipping mashup. If nut butters aren't allowed at school, swap for yogurt or hummus instead. Source: Instagram user followinginmyshoes

09
Beef and Noodle Stir-Fry
Annabel Karmel

Beef and Noodle Stir-Fry

This quick and simple beef stir-fry is an all-in-one lunch that is an easy way to sneak in extra veggies for your little one.

10
Bento Box Rolls
Handmade Charlotte

Bento Box Rolls

Your ordinary wrap can easily be transformed into a fun piece of "sushi" with a little imagination. These meat and veggie wraps are cut into small pieces and packed with chopsticks to easily transform into "sushi"!

11
Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

If you like packing leftovers, this chicken spaghetti casserole is a kid-friendly pick.

12
Snack Skewers
POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry

Snack Skewers

Meat and veggie skewers are a playful swap for a typical sandwich. You can also swap savory bites for sweet fruits instead; just make sure the kids are old enough to handle the small skewers. Source: Instagram user nourish_and_move

13
Turkey Tacos
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Turkey Tacos

Use leftovers to throw together these turkey and cheese tacos with a little bit of avocado or mild salsa. Or, if it isn't too messy, pack ingredients and let your chef-in-the-making assemble the tacos on their own.

14
Baked Orange Chicken Meatballs
Just a Taste

Baked Orange Chicken Meatballs

Pull out a Thermos and fill it up with these baked orange chicken meatballs. They're a fun alternative to traditional Italian meatballs, and they're guaranteed to be gobbled up!

15
POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry