Even though we homeschool and I work from home teaching art classes,we still pack lunches.
Why? Because it helps us stay organized, eat healthier, and avoid those dreaded mid-afternoon hunger crashes that hit hard when the day gets away from you.
This post was originally one of the most popular on my previous blog, so I’m bringing it over here where it belongs! Art and fun food go together right? Lunchbox packing is still a big part of our rhythm, and I’m always on the lookout for fun and functional ways to make my life easier as a mom and an entrepreneur.
My Funtainer Obsession (and How It Started)
I first discovered the Funtainer while watching a binge of lunchbox videos on YouTube—don’t judge me, I was deep in lunchbox inspiration mode.
But honestly, I’ve always had a thing for school lunches. It all started when I made little Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle sandwiches for my son back in Pre-K. I was that mom, living her Pinterest dream.
Then came Kindergarten, where my creativity hit a wall because his school literally fed them five times a day (😩). My lunchbox era was paused—but not forgotten.
Why We’re Back to Packing
Now that we’re back in our own rhythm with homeschooling, I want my sons to have options—and presentation still matters! That’s why I’m slowly building lunchbox ideas piece by piece.
The Funtainer has been a game changer. It keeps food warm for up to 5 hours and cold for 7—which means real variety, real balance, and a lot less stress for me during prep time. He can bring leftovers now, which is huge!
A Little Nostalgia
I still remember being so excited on a second-grade field trip because my mom packed me hot dogs. But by lunchtime, they were cold… and kind of weird. 😅 (No shade, Mom—I love you!)
That memory sticks with me, and now I get to give my sons those same “special lunch” moments—but with better insulation. 😄
This Week’s Lunch Plan
Here’s what I’ve got lined up for this week—realistic, fun, and familiar:
Monday: Chicken nuggets + waffle fries (yes, with saved Chick-fil-A sauces—no judgment zone)
Tuesday: My famous homemade Macaroni & Cheese
Wednesday: He’ll probably want Mac & Cheese again (can’t blame him)
Thursday: He’ll ask for Mac & Cheese, but I’ll be sneaky and give him a warm turkey BLT—cut to fit inside the Funtainer
Friday: It’s a half-day, so we’ll stick to a few light snacks
Sides & Snacks:
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Yogurt
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Apple sauce
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Strawberries
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String or cubed cheese
(Still working on sneaking in more veggies—he’s not the smoothie lover his brother is, but we’re getting there!) -
Bonus: Funtainer Picks
The Funtainer comes in super cute designs—including styles your little fashionista or dinosaur-lover will adore. I’ve been eyeing a few to add to our collection.
Thanks for reading! Whether you homeschool, pack lunches for school, or just want to simplify midday meals, I hope this gives you some fun ideas and a little permission to get excited about lunchboxes again.
Love,
Johnni