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This post is sponsored by Cerebelly, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.

5 Target Must-Haves That Will Simplify School Lunches

written by STEPH ALLEVA CORNELL

The Everymom’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love.

school lunch cerebelly snacks"
school lunch cerebelly snacks
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell
Source: Steph Alleva Cornell

When our toddler started preschool this year, I anticipated there would be lots of big changes our entire family would have to adjust to—like the huge shift of not seeing him for hours at a time. However, I did not anticipate how all of the seemingly small and insignificant changes would cause equal amounts of stress. You really don’t realize how tightly wound up you are until your spouse asks you to pack your kid’s school lunch for the next morning. As simple as it sounds, it truly feels like the literal last thing on earth you want to do at the end of a chaotic day. 

The first two weeks of packing school lunches were cute at first with the little dino-shaped sandwiches and perfectly cut strawberries. Then it became the task we desperately tried to evade through an aggressive game of rock paper scissors. It became such a nuisance that we decided to brainstorm ways to make lunches less of a debacle. Thankfully our local Target came to the rescue with a few products that simplifies our evening to-do list significantly. Here are my top 5 school lunch essentials from Target.

 

 

1. Easy to pack brain food

This one is a no-brainer. Our kids need lunches that are vitamin and nutrient-packed, yet are easy to pack—and there’s really only one kids food brand that accomplishes both. Cerebelly, the first and only science-backed, cognitive development focused kids food brand delivers whole food nutrition. Plus, their ingredients contain 16 essential nutrients that are ideal for a LO’s healthy brain development. Their snack bars come in multiple flavors but the Organic Blueberry Banana Sweet Potato flavor is his fave. 

Another hack I love is adding Cerebelly’s Bone Broth pouch into dinner’s like mac and cheese and using leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s a genius way to get more protein into my very anti-protein toddler’s diet along with their 16 brain supporting nutrients. Essentially, I can always use Cerebelly for his school lunches and not feel an ounce of mom guilt. I know it’s good for him, and it makes my life so much easier when deciding what to feed him everyday. The pouches and snack bars are easy to find in Target’s baby food aisle and are a staple in our drive-up orders.

school lunch items cerebelly
Target | Cerebelly
Smart Snack Bars

Cerebelly is crafted from whole foods, focuses on organic, veggie-first, no added sugar ingredients, and proudly honors its Clean Label Project®️ Purity Award.

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school lunch items cerebelly
Target | Cerebelly
Bone Broth Pouch

Cerebelly is crafted from whole foods, focuses on organic, veggie-first, no added sugar ingredients, and proudly honors its Clean Label Project®️ Purity Award.

Shop now

 

2. Pre-organized lunch boxes

Bento boxes are a game changer. The convenient compartments predetermine his portion sizes, and the less thinking I have to do before bed, the better. They also keep all his food neat and separated, so I don’t have to individually bag any of his food. I also appreciate the straightforward nature of a bento box—you see a space, you fill it, and you’re done. 

school lunch items lunchbox
Target | Bentgo
Kids' Chill Lunch Box

This bento box is leak proof and includes an ice pack that is neatly tucked underneath the food tray for extra convenience.

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school lunch items lunchbox
Target | Cat & Jack
Lunch Box and Bag Set with Utensils

Utensils are included in this lunch bag and bento box set, which is also convenient.

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3. Reliable containers

Thermoses are great for sealing up messy foods that would otherwise create a headache. They also provide you with an easier way to pack leftovers from dinner, which is a tired mom’s saving grace. 

school lunch items thermos
Target | Thermos
10z Food Jar with Spoon

We love how this 10oz Thermos is perfect for small hands and that it includes a foldable spoon that can be stored inside the lid.

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4. Baking tools for creativity

I know that cutting our kid’s food into cutesy shapes is super low priority when we’re just trying to wrap up our day, but it is something small that most littles appreciate. Packing fruit in baking cups and using cookie cutters on sandwiches can expedite the whole process and spruce up an otherwise boring meal.

school lunch items cupcake holders
Target | OXO
Baking Cups

These cute and colorful baking cups are ideal for packing small snacks and fruit.

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school lunch items sandwich cutter
Target | R&M International
Dinosaur Cookie Stamper Set

These cut and stamp food simultaneously so your LO will be amazed by the cool dino design of their sandwiches.

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5. Sentimental notes

Regardless of being totally illiterate, my son still adamantly requests a handwritten note packed into every single lunch. I feel for the teacher that is forced to read them, but it really is adorable when he runs out with his note in hand and a smile on his face at pickup. 

school lunch items notes
Target | Inkings Paperie
Scratch Off Kindness Mini Notes

These scratch off notes add a little fun to your LO's school messages.

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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Cerebelly, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board. We only recommend products we genuinely love.