Bento Boxes

Bento boxes are a fun way to put together your kids' lunches. You can do themed bento's or just have fun finding cute ways to get them to eat their lunch. I've been making bento's for my 6 year old lunch since school started and she loves them! Check back here often for looks at my new bento's, tools, tips and links!

The box


This is your main container, there can be other containers that fit within it but this is the main one. I have used several different ones starting with a rubbermaid takealong square sandwich sized box, to an old fashioned Tupperware sandwich sized box to my newest find a fit & fresh lunch pod. Basically it needs to be big enough to fit your items in it. I found that a deep one is best. The lunch pod I just got is about 2" deep.

Additional containers. This can get tricky depending on what size your main box is. I have found that baby food containers work well as they are already small portions. Condiment containers work well too. This past week at Big Lots I found some condiment containers with lids, they hold about 2 oz and are a perfect fit for the new box.


Some other fun "containers" I have used include mini cupcake papers, mini cupcake silicone molds, gumball machine containers, easter eggs, or anything else small that you can find.


I always include a napkin and this is where is can get really fun too. Drink napkins, the little square cocktail ones are perfect and boy can you find them for any occasion! Have fun with this.

Picks are another fun thing to play with in your bentos. Toothpicks that is. I have used regular picks to hold different cubed cheeses together, or slightly longer hors d'oeuvres picks. I've also use cocktail forks. It's getting to be the holidays so there should be some really cute ones hitting the markets soon, or shop a specialty store like party city or even bed bath and beyond.

Cookie cutters!!! There are so many things you can do with these, from using plain round ones to make your own "lunchables" ham and cheese slices to flower cut outs in sandwiches or star shaped cheeses. Let your imagination go wild!!!

Teddy Bear Bento
"Orange" Bento
Bento Boxes of the past