Bento boxes launched into the mainstream parental canon in the 2010s. For those unfamiliar, bento boxes are lunch foods cut or designed to look like shapes or animals. They can be for anyone, adults or kids, but it seemed that some parents turned bento box creation into an art. They became and still are popular on Instagram. The world was both amazed and intimidated by the fishes, bear faces and other designs. To many, it just seemed like another way to make busy, less creative parents seem inadequate but it’s really just about fun. And regardless of whether parents choose to actually try their hand at one, it’s hard to argue they’re not cool to look at. At the end of the day bento boxes are works of yummy art.
Bento boxes are a year-round activity. Whether it’s for lunch at home or at school, any seasonal lunch is welcome to be turned into a creation. Examples of said bento creations can be sandwiches cut into shapes with fruit making the face. Or, it can be as simple as a pretty rainbow made out of fruits and veggies. One thing that makes these lunches easier to create is the box they are placed in. They’re the kinds that give each food its own little section. Here’s the thing: It can make food fun and more appetizing for kids to eat. But it can also make food more fun for adults, too. Being an adult doesn’t automatically mean loving veggies. Doing something creative can fix this, or even create an activity for moms and kids to do and enjoy together! But as we said, they’re fine to just want to look at, too. If mamas ever want to try, though, we found a few that are quite appetizing.
Simple Sandwich & Fruit Box
The beauty of this box is in its simplicity. Fresh ingredients and a nice half-sandwich make for a balanced meal for kids or parents.
All Red Box
This box has delicious cherry tomatoes and a sweet assortment of red fruits. It's a creative way to get those colorful veggies in. And if this tastes half as good as it looks, then it is a go from us.
Oats & Carrots Box
This box is both hearty and nutritious with its combination of flavors. It is easy to make and the presentation looks nice without having to put in too much effort.
Pink Mouse Box
This box is absolutely adorable and one that kids will love. It has healthy ingredients, including rice, to get those grains in.
Sandwich & Fruit Box
This box plays on both colors and shapes. With its veggies, fruits, and sandwich, this will work for anyone who has a sweet tooth, but also wants to feel full.
Salmon & Sushi Box
This Japanese-inspired box has salmon, tempura, and sushi. This will inspire anyone who is looking for a protein-packed lunch.
Wizard Box
This Harry Potter-inspired box is an amazing meal for moms and kids alike. Inspire one's inner wizard with this box packed with fresh ingredients like noodles, cheese, and a sandwich.
Healthy Variety Box
Boxes aren't always about the cool shapes. One thing that many people enjoy in a meal is simply having a variety of flavors. This box achieves that and has the added benefit of including some clean eating options.
Adorable Panda Box
This box is just plain adorable. Kids will love it as it balances out the veggies with plenty of sweet fruits. Just use blueberries for the panda eyes.
Veggie Rice & Fruit Snack Box
This would work as a small lunch or snack and is reminiscent of Lunchables. The rice and veggie blend looks delicious.
Cute Pig Box
Oink! This box is super cute and has a nice blend of protein and sugar. Pickier kids will love the ham and cheese and "safe" fruits.
Swimming Fish Box
This box is all about balance. The sandwiches can have protein, there are fruits, vegetables, and a sweet treat for dessert. Kids will also look forward to eating the little fish-shaped bites.
Smiley Face Sweet Box
This box will help satisfy a sweet tooth with natural sugars. Kids and moms alike will love the look and the taste. Plus, the yogurt can be made fun to eat for with a smiley face.
Bunny Box
This box is a win-win. Kids will love the adorable bunny and moms will love the healthy ingredients. Having a bunny box is a way to incorporate a hard-boiled egg.
Smiley Rice Box
Rice is much easier to eat when it's in a shape. Kids will love the smiley faces and sweet taste of the kiwis.
Super Smash Box
Kids who love the Super Smash Bros. will beg for this box over and over. It is a fun box that doesn't require hard-to-find ingredients: Apples, a hard-boiled egg, bread, and cheese will do.
Rice Duck Box
This box gives a chance for some of the less artsy folks to still create a cute-looking lunch, but also one that is adult. This design is simple, but looks great.
Wrap Box
Wraps deserve some lunch love, too. This box nicely covers the protein, fruits, and vegetables and the box helps display all of the colors.
Sweet Treats Box
This box has oranges, mini sandwiches, vanilla Greek yogurt, celery, and ranch dressing. This would work well for even picky kids.
Hummus & Pita Box
Protein doesn't have to come from meat. This hummus and pita box has crunchy vegetables and nicely incorporates eggs. It is simple and almost everything in it is "dip-able."
