School packed lunch

paulamathers · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 2:52 pm Post subject: School packed lunch

Hi Everyone

My little Keri starts school this September, and i'd like to make her lunch times more interesting than just the regular sandwiches, fruit and a yogurt. Bearing in mind they don't get to keep their lunch anywhere chilled, please could I have some suggestions on what I could give her to take. Thank you xx

guido · Site Admin Joined: Oct 18, 2004 Posts: 376 Location: Italy

I call me out of this.. LOL
What I would do is try to involve her in chooising of the meal.
Being part of the process of lunch preparation, most likely wont result in a comeback home rejected meal.
Another thing I'd suggest is to buy a little thermos.
In winter, when it's cold and rainy, having something warm can be the key.
Here in Italy, Barilla have made a pasta called "piccoline" (little little). It's usual pasta shape but smaller size. Kids seems to like it a lot.
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paulamathers · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject:

we have those, ragu or dolmio make a kiddie pasta, kiddie meatballs etc. I never thought of that, it's definitely worth a thought. I'm having to stay away from tomato based stuff at the moment though, so might have to make my own sauces for her if she likes the idea.

Kate · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

I've had years of packed lunch experience. We have small ice packs here filled with a jell that freezes. I always pack one with Erica's lunch. A frozen juice box also works.
I make little cups of jello with fruit, or pudding and often Erica takes a salad. Wrap sandwiches are a good change. Crackers with meat and cheese slices cut to fit is another idea. Guido is so right about something hot.
Write little notes or draw cute pictures if she can't read and tuck them some where unexpected. Erica always loved that.
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paulamathers · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject:

i asked Keri about pasta and stuff warm in a flask and she did like the idea, so ill definitely try that. i havent seen any freezer gel packs, but will keep my eyes open for them. i thought about freezing her juice to keep things cool too, thats a good idea.
I like the idea of little notes, thats very cute Smile

thank you for the ideas Smile

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Kate · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 8:53 pm Post subject:

If you can't find the ice packs I will send a couple. Many lunch boxes here have a place to put the ice pack. The brand names here are Polar Packs and Igloo. Check on Amazon UK.

Since Erica didn't read well due to her learning problems, I would draw pictures of a fun after school activity or a heart with our initials etc. She loved the stick figures I drew.
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paulamathers · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 9:52 pm Post subject:

i havent seen lunch boxes here with spaces for ice packs, its a really good idea tho! i will check amazon and see what i can find, they're usually the best place for things.
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Kate · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 6:08 am Post subject:

This is a cute one Paula.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fairy-Chest-Lunch-Drinks-Bottle/dp/B0014FJ90C/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=toys&qid=1211259874&sr=8-4
I looked for ice packs and they do have them. http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_k_h_b_cs/203-0174947-1137518?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Ice+packs&x=0&y=0
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A closed mouth gathers no feet.

paulamathers · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:35 am Post subject:

that's cute. They have a dora one on the same page too which she would love. i'll have a look in the summer holidays. im glad they have the ice packs, ill definitely order some. will be great for keeping her drinks cool in her back pack too when we go for walks and bike rides. Thanks for finding those for me xxxx
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paulamathers · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 3:37 pm Post subject:

ok, i've ordered Keri some ice gel pack thingys and a thermos kids food flask thingy from Amazon.co.uk. I shall review them once they've arrived...

The ice packs, although were really cheap at just over £2 for 3 had a massive delivery cost of over £4!! Such a rip off! I'm not at all impressed. If I see them in Tesco this weekend, I'll be annoyed!! Very Happy

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