The morning rush is not a fun one. Everyone scrambling for breakfast, shoes, backpacks and inevitably someone forgets to brush their teeth, amiright? It’s not the best time to discover all the fruit has gone bad and you’re out of bread. Dangit.

Luckily, these lunch suggestions can be packed the night before to make the mornings a little less hectic. Always heavy on the fruits and veggies, alternating sweet and savory, and above all, they are simple. No cookie cutters necessary! (Although, that can be fun if you’ve got the time.)

1. Chicken salad with carrot sticks, blueberries, crackers, and chocolate chips. Chicken salad made easy: use shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with Greek yogurt, diced celery, and raisins.
2. Sliced Morning Rounds with cubed cheddar, chicken sausage, sliced bell pepper and cauliflower, and hummus for dipping.
3. Pepperoni and Mozzarella kabobs, a Morning Round cut into strips, marinara sauce for dipping, and raspberries and bunny cookies for dessert.
4. Almond butter and jelly tortilla rollup with strawberries, blueberries, and applesauce with a side of granola.

Try re-inventing the plain old sandwich with flatbread and cream cheese, sprouts or cucumber, and turkey! We also like Greek yogurt topped with a teaspoon of jelly.

As a rule of thumb, having a variety of colors in their lunchbox is always a good sign! I love knowing I am sending my kids off with a lunch that will not only taste yummy but get them through the second half of their day while they’re busy working their bodies and minds. And if all else fails, there’s no shame in throwing in a pb&j and some string cheese. 😉

What are your favorite lunch ideas to send with your kids?